alligator rivers region advisory committee meeting 36 · arrac36 meeting summary page 3 of 15 1...

Alligator Rivers Region Advisory Committee

Meeting 36

Meeting Summary

8 September 2011

ARRAC36 Meeting Summary of 15

Alligator Rivers Region Advisory Committee Agenda – 36th Meeting

Agenda Item

10:00am Meeting Start 1 Welcome 2 Apologies and Observers 3 Draft Minutes – ARRAC35 4 Actions Arising – ARRAC35 5 Energy Resources of Australia Ltd Report 6 Supervising Scientist Report 7 NT Department of Resources Report 8 Member Reports

8.1 Uranium Equities Ltd 8.2 Cameco Pty Ltd 8.3 AREVA NC Australia Pty Ltd

8.4 Northern Land Council 8.5 Environment Centre NT

8.6 Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency

8.7 Australian Government - Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism

8.8 Parks Australia 8.9 NT Department of Health

8.10 NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport

8.11 West Arnhem Shire Council 8.12 Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation

9 Other Business 10 Next Meeting


1 Welcome Mr Hughes welcomed attendees to the 36th meeting of the Alligator Rivers Region Advisory Committee and provided a safety briefing. As the Chair was again unable to attend the meeting it was proposed that Prof Peter Johnston act as Chair subject to the approval of members. This was agreed unanimously and Prof Johnston formally opened the meeting. Members agreed to bring the GAC agenda item forward in order to allow Mr O’Brien to leave the meeting early to attend another function.

2 Apologies and Attendance Prof Johnston noted apologies received from the following members:

Apologies – Members Prof Charles Webb Chair Mr Matt Darcey NT Government - Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sports Mr Alister Trier Representing the Office of the Administrator of the Northern Territory Mr Russell Ball NT Government - Department of Resources Mr Xavier Schobben NT Government - Department of Health Mr Michael Sheldrick Australian Government - Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism Dr Howard Smith Northern Land Council Mr Peter Cochrane Australian Government - Parks Australia Division Prof Johnston noted the attendance of the following members, deputy members and observers:

Attendance Ms Sharon Paulka per Uranium Equities Ltd Mr Alan Hughes Supervising Scientist Division Ms Cat Beaton Environment Centre of the Northern Territory Mr Dan Janney Energy Resources of Australia Ltd Mr Todd Simms Energy Resources of Australia Ltd Ms Natasha Spark Energy Resources of Australia Ltd Mr Philippe Portella AREVA NC Australia Pty Ltd Mr Steve Baldwin West Arnhem Shire Council Prof Peter Johnston Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency Ms Gillian Jan Representing the Office of the Administrator of the Northern Territory Mr Justin O’Brien Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation Mr Geoff Kyle Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation Mr Adam Thompson Northern Land Council Ms Damien Ewington Cameco Australia Pty Ltd Mr Daryl Entriken Cameco Australia Pty Ltd Mr Peter Waggitt NT Government - Department of Resources Mr Mike Welch NT Government - Department of Resources Mr Russell Robinson NT Government – Department of Health Mr Nic Crowther Australian Government - Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism Ms Emma Dasey Australian Government - Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism Ms Anna Morgan Australian Government – Parks Australia Ms Jane Coram Geoscience Australia Ms Lucy Lytton Geoscience Australia Mr Aden McKay Geoscience Australia Dr Rick van Dam Supervising Scientist Division Ms Alison Frostick Supervising Scientist Division Ms Michele Bush Supervising Scientist Division Mr Keith Tayler Supervising Scientist Division Mr Liam Curtis Supervising Scientist Division Ms Christy Davies Supervising Scientist Division Mr Jonathan Taylor Supervising Scientist Division Mr Sean Fagan Supervising Scientist Division Mr Mark Ellis Supervising Scientist Division Mr James Mathews Supervising Scientist Division Mr Scott Parker Supervising Scientist Division (Secretary)


3 Draft minutes – ARRAC35 The ARRAC35 minutes were approved with the following change requested by Mr Robinson:

Page 2 - change “NT Government - Department of Health and Families”.

4 Actions arising – ARRAC35 Prof Johnston noted status of the following action item from ARRAC35. Item Action Status Carried forward from ARRAC33 Nil ARRAC35: 1 Mr Crowther to provide copies of the DVD

developed by the Indigenous Working Group to GAC.

Completed – DVD sent to ECNT and GAC

5 ERA Reports

Business performance and developments – Ranger (Mr Simms) Mr Simms provided a presentation on business performance and developments at Ranger over the reporting period. Key points raised by Mr Simms are summarised below. • Taking into account one-off grade inventory adjustment of $99m based on results from drilling of

stockpiles, underlying earnings for ERA were $22m - results were impacted by suspension of processing from late January 2011 to mid June 2011 following above average rainfall during the wet season;

• ERA believes uranium market outlook in longer term remains positive despite some repositioning in relation to nuclear energy;

• a Business Review has identified cost savings of $150m over next 3.5 years - $60m targeted by end of 2012;

• ERA Board and NT Government have approved construction of the Ranger 3 Deeps exploration decline - ERA believes there is significant upside potential with this development and preparation work has commenced with a decision whether to proceed with underground mining expected in 2014-15;

• decision by the ERA board to not proceed with the Heap Leach Facility; • rehabilitation provision for Ranger increased from $314m to $550m (net present cost); • $40m is to be invested in exploration drilling in the Ranger Project Area and also additional significant

investment in water management; and • ERA is well advanced on assessing and developing a long term funding plan. Mr Simms advised that as a result of comprehensive drilling, ERA has developed extensive knowledge of the stockpiles and further work will be carried out to investigate other solutions to economically process low grade stockpiles. He noted that as a consequence of the reserve reclassification, Ranger Project Area mineral resources (excluding reserves) have increased from 109 to 116 kilotonnes uranium oxide. Mr Simms stated that ERA believes there is further exploration potential within the Ranger 3 Deeps mineral deposit and the currently known mineral deposit is one of the most significant uranium deposits recently discovered. He noted that proposed exploration decline will enable ERA to undertake precision drilling across a number of highly prospective target areas. Mr Simms advised that ERA is ready to commence preparatory works on the exploration decline and, based on current estimates, drilling could commence in mid-2013, with a feasibility study being completed by 2014 and mining potentially commencing by late 2015. Mr Simms advised that previous drilling in the Ranger Project Area indicates the area is highly prospective for high grade uranium but much of this drilling was relatively shallow. He advised that ERA intends to undertake deeper drilling to target similar deposits to Ranger 3 Deeps. Mr Simms noted that the Georgetown deep structural target has been identified as a potential source of high grade ore.


In relation to safety performance, Ms Simms advised that ERA is targeting a zero injury rate at Ranger and significant progress has been made to date with a current injury performance this year of 0.43. He noted that all injuries were minor and avoidable (e.g. cuts). Mr Simms noted that lost time injury frequency rate for the year is currently zero which is good result. He advised that it had been 280 days since the last lost time injury and 114 days since last recordable injury on site. This places ERA in the top quartile of the Rio Group for safety performance for July. Mr Simms advised that, as at 31 July 2011, ERA had 560 employees and 83 long term contractors (22% of which were female). This included 96 Indigenous employees and long term contractors compared to 81 in 2010 (15.5% of direct workforce). He noted that ERA remains focused on reducing contractors on site. Mr Simms noted there has been a significant decrease in the number of environmental incidents on site over the past few months. He advised that ERA had also recently undertaken a full scale business resilience exercise which had involved a simulated truck accident and fire/chemical spill. He noted that the exercise was completed safely and was independently assessed as being highly successful.

Water Management (Mr Clark) Mr Clark provided a presentation on water management arrangements at Ranger during the reporting period. He advised the next key dates were 26 September 2011 (Ranger Wet Season report due), 01 October 2011 (Ranger 2011-12 Water Management Plan due) and 31 October 2011 (Forecast practical completion of RL58m TSF crest). Mr Clark advised that the 2010-11 wet season rainfall total for Ranger of 2427mm was the third largest on record, while rainfall totals for Jabiluka were below average. Mr Clark advised that ERA implemented a number of process water management initiatives approved by the regulator during the wet season which included use of available storage within the TSF between RL52.5m and RL53m, use of available storage within Pit#1 between RL14m and RL15m (SLB), and storage of pond water treatment plant brines within RP2. He noted that ERA also had an engineered contingency pumping system available for transferring process water from the TSF to Pit#3 in the event the MOL was to be exceeded. He noted that ERA had also explored a number of other options including storage in Pit#1 to a level below surrounding groundwater levels (end of wet season) and wet season HDS operation (no decision received from MTC prior to end of wet season). Mr Clark advised that all process water was contained in the approved storages and there was no risk to the environment. He stated that ERA greatly appreciated the support received from stakeholders during this period. Mr Clark outlined the various water management improvements ERA has implemented which include: • Targeting a 150ML reduction per wet season from Pit#1 catchment area now reporting to RP2 instead of

Pit#1; • Targeting 500ML per annum diversion from scrubber and WTP backwash now reporting to RP2 instead of

TSF; • RP1 water quality improvements including the interception trench and increased RP1 inputs (~ 500ML

released but limited to prevent EC limit at 009 being exceeded); • Establishment of 13 continuous real-time monitoring sites within Magela and Gulungul Creeks, Coonjimba

Billabong and Georgetown Billabong (usually 2 week delay due to QAQC; greater resolution so can now detect sources of EC plumes in system);

• Installation of 80 additional groundwater bores consistent with recommendations of the Weaver Report – ERA committed to implementing all of the recommendations from the report; resources in the groundwater monitoring team increased;

• construction of a run off collection sump along west TSF perimeter road with diversion to RP2; and • commissioned the review of the Gulungul Creek catchment (by Dr Chris leGras) which will feed into the

surface water review. Mr Clark noted that, if ERA hadn’t implemented the first two measures, the water management situation at Ranger during the last wet season would have been significantly more problematic.


Mr Clark presented a summary of the wet season water quality results for Magela, Gulungul and Swift Creeks. He noted that filterable uranium, manganese, turbidity and pH results (measured in-situ) downstream in Magela Creek were all well below focus limits except for EC which showed some variation. Filterable uranium and EC (in-situ) in Gulungul Creek were both below focus limits. Filtered uranium, nitrate, magnesium, sulphate, EC and pH results in Swift Creek were also all below limits (although magnesium levels increased in July in line with expected recessional flow effects. Results of continuous monitoring of EC at MG009 and MCUS showed some elevated levels in the East, Centre and West stations during mid January associated with the Djalkmara LAA and a significant rainfall event. Mr Clark advised that the RP1 interception trench constructed in 2010 to capture seepage and reduce EC levels in RP1 has resulted in significant water quality improvements. Mr Clark advised the TSF free process water level was RL52.49m as at 1 September 2011 compared to the wet season maximum of RL52.90m. The free process water level in Pit#1 was at RL13.75m. He noted the current pond water inventory (RP2 and Pit#3) of 3023ML was high due to a combination of the previous large wet season and improvements in the management of the TSF, Pit#1 and RP1 catchments. Mr Clark advised the current water level in RP1 was RL15.12m with an inventory of 306ML and EC of 291uS/cm. He noted the significant improvement in the water quality had allowed a higher than usual volume to be discharged from RP1. He noted the Pond water treatment plant (WTP1) and the two osmoflow pond water treatment plants (WTP2 and WTP3) had also performed well. Mr Clark outlined the status of the TSF RL58m construction project which is required to allow time for the brine concentrator to come online and for Pit#3 to be ready to hold process water. He noted the risks to the successful completion of the project include safety performance, contractor retention, early rains impacting clay placement and schedule compliance for material placement. Mr Clark also advised the status of the TSF groundwater monitoring bore network and the results of the brine concentrator pilot project (expected to be constructed onsite and commissioned by late 2013). Mr Clark stated that the water quality in Magela and Gulungul Creeks over the 2010-11 wet season demonstrated that the aquatic environment has remained protected from mining activities. He noted that ERA had met all statutory monitoring requirements of the Authorisations as well as all statutory water quality objectives during the 2010-11 wet season as per the approved water quality monitoring program. He stated that ERA will continue to undertake water management initiatives and programs to drive continuous improvement across its operation and to improve its understanding of potential impacts from mining activities. He also stated that ERA has also expanded its data reporting to MTC, including continuous EC data, which is providing greater transparency.

Discussion

Mr Kyle stated that, while ERA has stated that the ultimate contingency during the last wet season was for process water to be pumped into Pit#3, ERA had advised the regulator it really did not want to do this and had applied to deliberately exceed the seepage barrier and thus run the serious risk of releasing process water to external aquifers. He asked why ERA nominated pumping to Pit#3 as a contingency when they clearly didn’t want to do this. Mr Clark advised that the ultimate contingency of pumping water to Pit#3 had been in place but if triggered, would have resulted in a significant increase in the process water inventory at the mine site. He noted this additional process water would not have been able to be treated until 2015. He added that if the contingency had been triggered, ERA would have kept the water level below groundwater level to minimise potential impacts on groundwater surrounding Pit#1. Mr Kyle commented that despite positive commitments made by ERA in relation to the Weaver Report, many of the recommendations remain unimplemented. He expressed concern that ERA had applied for a further rise in the MOL without waiting for the results of the review or analysis of data from the additional bores. Mr Clark advised that installing bores was one of a number of recommendations from the Report which ERA is currently implementing. Mr Kyle noted the recommended additional bores would provide the empirical data


required to address some of the identified knowledge gaps so it is not clear why ERA is continuing without this information. Mr Clark noted that the existing bores are providing a useful level of data. Mr Robinson asked if ERA’s continuous monitoring is just measuring EC and Mr Clark advised that temperature and other parameters were also being measured. Ms Beaton asked if the water level in the TSF varied over time and Mr Clark advised that there were minor fluctuations in the water level due to the effects of wave action. Mr Robinson asked about the status of the brine permeate toxicity work and Mr Clark advised the 4th trial on ecotoxicological data would be completed by next week. Mr O’Brien asked if ERA was considering any other options for disposal of brine and Mr Clark advised that ERA was looking at a crystalliser, deep well injection of brine in Pit#1 or Pit#3, as well as a number of other options. Mr Thompson noted that on the slide showing compliance against conditions there was an item that wasn’t met. Mr Clark advised this was in relation to water quality only. Mr Thompson requested that this be made clearer. Mr O’Brien asked if there were any other implications arising from the leGras report and Mr Clark advised that the report was currently being reviewed by Ms Iles.

6 Supervising Scientist Division Report

Supervision and Assessment (Mr Tayler) Mr Tayler provided a presentation covering the outcomes of SSD audit and inspection activities during the reporting period March – August 2011 (1 x Audit and 5 x Routine Periodical Inspections (RPI) at Ranger and 1 x Audit and 1 x RPI at Jabiluka). Mr Tayler noted that RPIs usually involve following up on incidents, inspection of areas under development at the site, routine inspection of site infrastructure and review of outstanding audit findings. Audits are conducted annually and involve a structured review of compliance and target selected aspects of the mine operations on a rotational basis. Mr Tayler advised that the Audit grading system used is the same as that used by the NT Government. Ranger Mr Tayler advised as of the 2011 Audit there remained one outstanding non-conformance from the May 2010 Audit which relates to the management of controlled vehicles at the mine site. This was upgraded to a Category 1 non-conformance at the 2011 audit and in response ERA is installing an electronic vehicle access system. He noted this would continue to be tracked through the RPI and MTC processes. Mr Tayler stated that all other non-conformances from the May 2010 Audit have been closed out. Mr Tayler advised that the Audit conducted in May 2011 tested 80 commitments drawn from the Ranger Authorisation (Schedules 5, 6 & 7 and Annex C), the 2004 Potable water incident recommendations and the 2004 Compressed air contamination incident recommendations. He advised that the audit findings included four Category 2 non-conformances (Process water capacity, Induction records, Discriminator calibration, Clearance of controlled area vehicles) and three Conditional (Landfill management, Process water inventory reduction, Potable water system non-return valves). Jabiluka Mr Tayler advised that the RPI at Jabiluka conducted in August 2011 primary focused on the interim water management pond, hardstand and vent raise. He noted the Audit conducted in May 2010 had looked at the Jabiluka Authorisation and tested 22 commitments resulting in one conditional finding related to rehabilitation in Mine Valley. Upcoming Audits and Inspections Mr Tayler advised future audit and RPI activity was planned for Cameco (September 2011), Alligator Energy (September 2011), UEQ Nabarlek (October 2011), UXA Resources (October 2011) South Alligator Valley (September 2011).

Discussion Prof Johnston asked if permanent solutions had been identified to prevent a reoccurrence of previous incidents involving the movement of controlled vehicles offsite. Mr Tayler advised that ERA has proposed an


electronic vehicle tracking system as the main remedial action. Mr Simms noted that, as human error had been identified as the primary cause of the previous incident, the key improvement will involve the installation of electronic processes to minimise the potential for human error in the future. He advised that further training of relevant staff was also proposed along with installation of a new vehicle wash down area. Prof Johnston expressed concern that these measures may not be rigorous enough given the potential risks another control systems failure may pose to human health and the environment. Mr Simms noted this was why further training would be provided to staff in the gatehouse and other staff with responsibility for the control of mine vehicles along with the other measures. Prof Johnston noted that the previous incidents involving vehicles had raised significant stakeholder concerns so it is unfortunate the issue has still not yet been properly resolved. Mr Tayler agreed and advised that SSD was keen for ERA to implement the proposed remedial measures as soon as possible.

Supervising Scientist Division Monitoring (Ms Frostick) Ms Frostick provided a presentation on the results of Ranger and Jabiluka offsite surface water quality monitoring during the reporting period. No bioaccumulation results were presented as collection of these data is carried out in October. Ms Frostick outlined the various chemical, biological and radiological (atmospheric) monitoring carried out by SSD in the Magela, Gulungul and Ngarradj Creeks. It was noted that total rainfall during the 2010-11 wet season had been well above average. Key points were as follows: Water quality monitoring Magela Creek - Ms Frostick stated that overall, the water quality as measured by EC in Magela Creek for the 2010-11 wet season was comparable to results from previous wet seasons which indicates that the aquatic environment in the creek has remained protected from mining activities. She noted that number and magnitude of the EC peaks seen during last wet season was less than the previous 3 years. She advised that uuranium levels remained relatively low during the wet season with levels during the last two EC peaks reaching a maximum of approximately 1 ug/l of total uranium. Ms Frostick advised that a high manganese value was recorded at the end of March which related to a quality control sample and was believed to be a result of dust accumulation within the autosampler. She noted that a manual grab sample taken at the same time had returned a total manganese value of 7.4 µg/l, with a filterable component of 3.9 µg/l. She advised that investigations are underway to determine the contribution of dust to autosampler results, and into methods to reduce its effect. Ms Frostick advised that magnesium sulfate is the driver of much of the electrical conductivity in the creeks and mine waters and, as expected, the magnesium and sulfate concentrations closely follow the continuous monitoring EC trace. The wet season median differences from 2001 to 2011 were close to zero, indicating that the majority of 226Ra levels at both sites in Magela Creek are due to the natural occurrence of radium in the environment. Gulungul Creek- Ms Frostick advised that overall, the water quality measured in Gulungul Creek for the 2010-11 wet season was comparable to results from previous wet seasons which indicated that the aquatic environment in the creek remained protected from mining activities. She noted that magnesium and sulphate were generally low but increased during the flush phase of the wet season as expected. Manganese levels were also relatively low apart from higher levels associated with EC peaks which suggested greater contributions from groundwater. Ngarradj – Ms Frostick advised that EC concentration was higher at the start of the wet season due to stagnant ponds, and then fell and remained very low. Biological Monitoring Snail egg production


Magela – Ms Frostick advised that the 2011 data continue the trend of higher downstream egg production seen in 2010. Detailed analyses are in progress to examine the possible causes of any recent trends towards higher downstream egg production in Magela Creek. Gulungul – Ms Frostick advised that data show snail egg production at the downstream site was higher than at the upstream site in 2010-11 whereas egg production had been higher upstream the previous wet season. She advised the higher variability of egg production in Gulungul Creek, compared with that in Magela Creek appears to be associated with similar and higher (natural) variability in water quality observed between sites and between years in Gulungul Creek compared with water quality variation in Magela Creek. Ms Frostick noted the dataset for Gulungul is currently too small to attribute any mine-related cause of the significant difference in between-site egg production observed between 2010 and 2011.

Macroinvertebrates Ms Frostick noted there was a sharp rise in dissimilarity between the upstream and downstream sites in Gulungul Creek observed in the 2010-11 wet season. A multivariate ordination was undertaken to determine whether the upstream and/or downstream Gulungul communities have changed compared to other sites over time. This had shown that the Gulungul upstream site differs from communities at other sites and there has always been a greater proportion of ‘flow-dependant’ taxa at the Gulungul upstream site. Ms Frostick noted the abundances of these taxa at the upstream site in 2011 were unusually high compared to previous years and were about three times the abundances observed at the downstream site in 2011. She noted however that dissimilarity values are sensitive to taxa abundances. Ms Frostick advised the habitat and flow conditions prevailing at the upstream Gulungul site in 2011 have yet to be examined closely to better interpret these results.

Fish Community Assessment Ms Frostick advised the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity values for community structure of fish in Mudginberri (‘exposed’) and Sandy (‘control’) Billabongs show that there were relatively low abundances of rainbowfish in Mudginberri Billabong in 2011, with well-above annual discharge in Magela Creek. She suggested the reduced rainbowfish abundances after larger wet season flows may indicate greater upstream migration of rainbowfish past Mudginberri Billabong, which may have reduced the concentration of fish in Mudginberri Billabong during the recessional flow period. Ms Frostick advised that monitoring of fish communities in shallow billabongs has usually been conducted every other year with the last assessment in May 2009. She noted that the 2011 sampling was postponed to dedicate staff resources towards intensive sampling of other biota (phytoplankton, zooplankton and macroinvertebrate communities) in these shallow billabong habitats.

Atmospheric Radiological Monitoring Ms Frostick advised that both ERA and SSD monitor the two airborne pathways (1) Radioactivity trapped in or on dust (or long lived alpha activity, LLAA) and (2) Radon decay products (RDP). The main areas of habitation in the vicinity of Ranger and Jabiluka are Jabiru, Mudginberri and Jabiru East, and consequently SSD monitoring focuses on these three population centres. Ms Frostick advised that Radon decay product (RDP) and long lived alpha activity (LLAA) data measured at Jabiru and Jabiru East, and a comparison with quarterly ERA data from January 2005 up to March 2011, display the expected seasonal trend with higher values during the dry and lower values during the wet season. She noted higher RDP concentrations are normally expected in the dry season due to dryer soils allowing greater permeation of radon into the atmosphere, and that LLAA concentrations also tend to be higher due to the dustier conditions during the dry season. Ms Frostick noted that the generally higher LLAA concentrations measured by ERA in Jabiru East are due to the different sampling locations (SSD Field Station and Airport dirt car park, respectively). Ms Frostick advised that the average airborne radionuclide concentrations measured in 2010 at Mudginberri would translate into an annual total effective dose, including natural background, of 0.23 mSv from RDP and ~0.011 mSv from LLAA. She stated that only a very small fraction of these doses would be due to mine-derived radionuclides.


Future monitoring work Ms Frostick advised that future SSD monitoring work will include: • completion of magnesium pulse exposure ecotoxicological tests; • preparation of a framework for applying pulse exposure limits; • trialling the pulse exposure framework against 2011-12 wet season continuous monitoring data; and • the review of water quality guidelines over the next 1-2 years. Discussion Prof Johnston noted there is significant stakeholder interest in the pulse exposure framework which has already been considered by ARRTC. Dr van Dam noted the concept had been presented to and endorsed by ARRTC. Prof Johnston stated as the framework is being developed with stakeholder expectations in mind, he is concerned that it may be implemented without adequate scientific review. Dr van Dam noted Prof Johnston’s concerns but advised that SSD would ensure that the framework will be subject to an appropriate and adequate level of scientific peer review. Prof Johnston indicated he was concerned that stakeholders may believe the framework was a proven approach and could be implemented immediately. Mr Hughes advised that this was the reason for the current timeframe of 2 years – the proposed trial will provide the necessary data that will be used to inform development of the limit. He noted that while there is a tool in place which addresses some stakeholder concerns, this has no formal role in statutory terms. Prof Johnston noted that GAC has requested that real time event based monitoring to be used as part of the statutory regulatory process. Mr Kyle advised that GAC strongly supports this, but only after appropriate scientific review; he accepted this will take time. Mr Robinson asked how the radium levels detected via monitoring were determined to be natural and not mine related. Ms Frostick advised that the levels of radium measured upstream and downstream are similar and that if there was a mine influence this difference would be greater. Mr Hughes noted that radium levels actually increase as you go upstream.

7 NT Department of Resources report (Mr Welch) Mr Welch provided a presentation on the NT Statutory Monitoring Report (#62) detailing regulatory actions undertaken by DoR during the reporting period. Mr Welch made the following key points. Minesite Technical Committees (MTC) exist for each uranium mine in the Alligator Rivers Region and comprise representatives from DoR, SSD, NLC and the relevant operators (DRET is also involved in the Ranger MTC). MTCs provide a forum for discussion of issues such as water management; environmental monitoring programs and reports; rehabilitation; applications and approvals. Ranger and Jabiluka MTCs meet at two month intervals (or more often if required) and the Nabarlek MTC meets at least annually. There were 2 normal meetings of the Ranger and the Jabiluka MTCs in this reporting period, and one special MTC on water management for Ranger. Changes to Authorisations – there were no changes to the Ranger, Jabiluka or Nabarlek Authorisations during the reporting period. Proposals and approvals –the MTC considered a number of proposals over the reporting period. Proposals for Ranger included: • Optimisation of radiation and atmospheric monitoring – currently being considered for approval

(Authorisation amendment) • Ranger 3 deeps exploration decline – approved August 2011 • TSF crest raise to RL 58.0m – ERA scheduled completion by end of October 2011 • Clay borrow for crest raise – approved June 2011 The MMP for Nabarlek was approved in July 2011. There were no proposals for Jabiluka. Environmental and Safety Incidents – there were 28 environmental and 8 safety related incidents at Ranger during the reporting period. There were no incidents recorded for Jabiluka and Nabarlek.


Statutory reporting compliance – ERA complied with statutory reporting requirements during the period by submitting the Radiation & Atmospheric Monitoring Data Summary Report: Q1 2011 and the Quarterly water quality data report for Ranger and the Quarterly water quality data report for Jabiluka. UEL also complied by submitting the 2011 Mining Management Plan. Surface water check monitoring at Ranger and Jabiluka – the surface water monitoring program includes 5 statutory sites at Ranger and 4 at Jabiluka. DoR monitoring was conducted concurrently with ERA at Jabiluka in March and Ranger in April 2011. The results showed good conformity in general, but some discrepancies were evident in relation to field parameters. Groundwater check monitoring at Ranger – the groundwater monitoring program comprises 21 bores (4 statutory and 17 operational). DoR conducted monitoring in March 2011. Sampling split into two events one in dry season and one in wet season. Mr Welch presented data from the following four (non statutory) bores located to the north, south and west of the TSF.

RN23566 –is a 6m deep bore about 700m to the west of the TSF. Degradation in water quality in this bore was first observed by DoR in March 2010, with increases in EC and Mn, U, Mg and SO4 concentrations and a decreasing trend in pH. This trend has continued through the reporting period. ERA commenced monitoring this bore in 2010 and their data shows reasonable conformity with DoR. RN23568 –is a 5m deep bore about 400m south of the TSF. DoR observed a substantial increase in EC and concentrations of Mg and SO4 in March 2009. EC appears to have stabilised (but has not improved) while pH appears to be continuing to decrease. The high Mn and U levels observed in March 2010 have not been observed since while Mg and SO4 levels appear to be continuing to increase. ERA commenced monitoring this bore in 2010 and their data shows reasonable conformity with the DoR data. ERA conducted an investigation into this bore & RN 23566 during reporting period – MTC received a report and investigations into soil contamination are ongoing. RN23556 – is a 5m deep bore about 350m NW of the TSF wall and no changes in water quality have been observed to date. Generally good conformance between data sets, except for DoR EC measurements are about 25% higher and uranium substantially higher than ERA’s, although concentrations are still relatively low. OB112D –is a 20m deep bore located about 500m SW of the TSF. This bore was installed in late 2009. ERA and DoR commenced monitoring in 2010 and there has been good conformity between DoR and ERA data for all parameters.

Groundwater check monitoring at Jabiluka – Monitoring program includes 6 bores; 3 statutory (Authorisation) and 3 not monitored by ERA. DoR monitoring of the 6 bores conducted June 2011 and ERA sampled 6 weeks later

JDGB4S - is a 16m deep bore, about 200m E of the Jabiluka fenced area. DoR EC readings are consistently about 20% higher than ERA. Bore pH levels are seasonally variable. Good conformance for Mg, SO4 and Mn during reporting period but DoR has substantially lower U concentrations. JDGB4D - is a 55m deep bore adjacent to the JDGB45 and differences in EC and pH between ERA and DoR similar to the previous bore. There was reasonable conformity for Mg and SO4 but some discrepancies with U and Mn. JDGB7 - is a 10m deep bore approximately 50m SW of the water management pond. There is relatively good conformance between DoR and ERA data for all parameters, except U, which is present at relatively low concentrations.


Mr Welch advised in summary that there is generally a reasonable degree of conformity between ERA and DoR groundwater monitoring data. He added that, while there are no clear trends with discrepancies, DoR will continue to investigate options for addressing these, including harmonising calibration standards. He also noted that water quality issues with shallow bores appear to be related to historical runoff from the TSF walls but DoR will keep these under review through the MTC. Discussion Prof Johnston noted that a number of bores around the TSF appear to indicate decreasing water quality (e.g. 23551). Mr Welch advised that DoR has experienced some issues with sampling this bore and previous sampling during the wet season had occurred when the bore was surrounded water which may have affected the results. Prof Johnston also noted that bore 23562 north of Pit#3 also appears to indicate a changing trend and ERA had reported on this bore last wet season. Mr Hughes noted that this bore was actually located in the cone of depression surrounding Pit#3.

8 Member Reports

8.1 Uranium Equities Ltd (Ms Paulka) Ms Paulka provided an update report on behalf of Uranium Equities Ltd. Ms Paula advised that she is now consulting to UEL mainly on radiation issues. She advised that there has been no significant change in operations since last meeting which still comprises three main projects: Nabarlek ML, Headwaters Project and West Arnhem JV (with Cameco Pty Ltd as the operator). Ms Paulka made the following key points: Safety and Environment – no safety or environmental incidents recorded since last meeting. Exploration - a total of 52 holes have been drilled at Nabarlek and the drillers left the site two weeks ago. Sampling work is ongoing and rehabilitation works should commence in the next 1-2 weeks. Focus is on the Boomerang section with RC holes and drilling looking for uranium at depth and following up on various other targets. UEL had planned to drill 6 diamond holes at the Headwaters Project but this didn’t occur due to problems with the helicopter. A drive-in trip was undertaken for reconnaissance and rock chip sampling. Drilling was still planned but probably won’t happen this late in the dry season. Rehabilitation - there has been no active rehabilitation works at Nabarlek since last meeting. The initial groundwater review has been completed and all data collated into single geo-referenced database. An initial report is being prepared. Work is ongoing on developing new closure criteria for the site with an initial focus on vegetation given current issues with revegetation and weed management. These are expected to be available by October. A review of vegetation monitoring techniques has been completed and currently progressing previous technique developed by ERISS on the site. A vegetation consultant from CDU is being engaged. Erosion at the old sewage works was a concern but mitigation works were effective. The chemical treatments of the significant Para Grass infestation in the Plant runoff pond area have been highly successful.

8.2 Cameco Australia Pty Ltd (Mr Entriken) Mr Entriken provided a presentation on behalf of Cameco Australia Pty Ltd. He advised that Mr Damien Ewington has replaced Ms Jenifer Parks as Regional Manager – Australia (following her resignation) and has been nominated as the new Cameco member on ARRAC. Mr Ewington was previously a member of ARRAC. Mr Entriken made the following key points: Safety and Environment - one of the two medical treatment injuries reported, and the only first aid injury for the period, involved injury to fingers. The other medical treatment injury was identified as Rhabdomylosis following a blood clot in the worker’s arm. Both of the medical treatment injuries became Restricted Work Day Injuries. There is no trend in the six near misses reported which included fume inhalation, a slip, muscle soreness, a bogged truck and collusion between a horse and car. The only environmental incident recorded was a very minor spill near the Nabarlek airport apron which was cleaned up.


Exploration - Cameco exploration activities during the period to 22 August 2011 in Northwest Arnhem Land included 5,710m in a total of 22 Diamond Drill holes at King River, Nabarlek and Wellington Range, and two months of ground based gravity survey at Wellington Range. Current outstanding exploration activities include 5,000m in 17 Diamond Drill Holes, 3–4 weeks of ground based gravity survey at Nabarlek and one week helicopter supported mapping and sampling at Mount Howship. Exploration activities are expected to start winding down by mid-October 2011. Cultural and environmental management – A heritage survey for King River, Wellington Range and Nabarlek was completed in July. A Weed Management Plan was reviewed by Weed Branch of NT government DNRETAS in March and an inspection of current work sites and rehabilitated areas in July had not discovered any weed infestations. NT government Department of Health visited King River Camp in August and conducted an Australian Food Safety Assessment and environmental health inspection. The sites had also been visited by NLC and traditional owners.

8.3 AREVA Australia Pty Ltd (Mr Portella) Mr Portella provided a brief report on behalf of AREVA Australia Pty Ltd. He noted the decision by the World Heritage Committee on 27 June 2011 to extend the Kakadu World Heritage Area to include the Koongarra Project Area. Mr Portella advised that Areva Australia Pty Ltd is continuing to negotiate with relevant Aboriginal groups regarding access to exploration leases.

8.4 Northern Land Council (Mr Thompson) Mr Thompson provided a brief report on behalf of NLC. He advised NLC has noted increased activity by Cameco Australia Pty Ltd in the north of the Alligator Rivers Region and the Council is working to engage relevant Aboriginal groups to encourage them to become more involved in inspections and rehabilitation efforts.

8.5 Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation (Mr Kyle/Mr O’Brien) Mr O’Brien tabled a paper and addressed the meeting on behalf of GAC. Key points raised by Mr O’Brien are summarised below. ERA announced on 4 August 2011 that it would not proceed with the proposed heap leach project due to cost factors and a lack of stakeholder support. GAC had welcomed this decision publically and hopes it augurs well for ERA to continue to build and concrete its relationship with the community and continue listening to stakeholders. The decision represents a genuine development in the partnership and provides a sound basis for future decision making. At the same time, ERA also announced it would proceed with the Ranger 3 Deeps project. While the future of this project is still subject to ongoing political and legal discussions, unless ERA can conclude mining within in the remaining time left on the Section 44 under the Atomic Energy Act, the project will be in trouble. There are also a range of issues that would need to be addressed including groundwater management and impacts. GAC is looking to have further discussions with ERA in the context of the new Ranger mining agreement (Section 44 etc). There will be a complex suite of agreements hopefully being resolved in next few months. While there is such uncertainty, it would be best for ERA to engage with stakeholders in a serious way. There is a need for the Closure Working Group to meet more formally after MTC meetings. Pit#3 is close to end of life and there is a historical view to see closure and rehabilitation as something that happens after mining. GAC wishes to see rehabilitation more integrated into current operational mine planning processes. The TSF lift is well underway and the application to change the MOL is also being progressed. It is important to note that the Ranger Authorisation has provisions that require ERA have sufficient knowledge prior to start of wet season every year. It would be difficult to meet that deadline given timelines around approval process. ERA has stated they wish to move beyond compliance to best practice however we are still relying on weekly grab samples during wet season to determine whether mine has impact on environment. It beggars belief that


we still rely on such imprecise means of assessing potential impacts on Kakadu National Park. Note work is continuing on the potential integration of real time monitoring as a part of the statutory regulatory regime. However GAC would like to see greater progress in this work. For this reason GAC supports SSD being actively involved in the Surface Water Management Group which will is expected to meet in the next few weeks. GAC would like to see further consideration of the ToR and scope of the surface water review and ideally modelled on the groundwater review by URS. GAC is committed to having open minds and looks forward to robust discussion. GAC welcomes this as sign of ongoing strengthening of the relationship and partnering in the protection of the Park. Mr Kyle advised that the Mirrar were asked by Geoffrey Lee to accompany him to the 35th session of the World Heritage Committee held in June this year. A small delegation attended the session at which WHC decided to extend the Kakadu World Heritage Area to include the Koongarra Project Area. Discussion Prof Johnston stated he was pleased to see the current good level of dialogue between GAC, ERA and other stakeholders about the current and future operational development of Ranger. He noted that water management is a critical ongoing issue of concern and welcomed the cooperative approach proposed for addressing this.

8.6 Environment Centre Northern Territory (Ms Beaton) Ms Beaton advised that the ECNT deputy member, Dr Melanie Bradley, has resigned and that ECNT would be nominating her replacement once recruitment action has been finalised. Ms Beaton tabled a briefing paper prepared by ECNT in response to concerns expressed by their members regarding environmental contamination from Ranger.

8.7 Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (Prof Johnston) Prof Johnston tabled a status report from ARPANSA. He advised that the Agency and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism had established the Australian National Radiation Dose Register (ANRDR) which was officially launched in June 2011. ARPANSA is responsible for managing the Register which contains the career radiation dose history of Australian workers. Prof Johnston advised that at present the Register does not include data relating to workers in the NT due to specific legal issues which are currently being addressed by the Northern Territory government. Prof Johnston advised that there is significant interest from industry in frameworks to demonstrate how to protect the environment from radiation associated with mining activities. He noted that ARPANSA has produced a report and there is expected to be consultation as part of the preparation of a national guidance document. Prof Johnston advised that ARPANSA is maintaining links with relevant international bodies and projects to ensure the approach is reflects world’s best practice. Other work includes the establishment of a government and industry Working Group and collation of non-human biota concentration ratio data relevant to uranium mining, as well as the identification of data gaps. Prof Johnston advised that draft model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and draft model Codes of Practice for Mines had been prepared by Safe Work Australia and circulated for comment. A draft code of practice for managing Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials in mining had also been released. This report has raised some concerns within industry due to potential overlap with other documents and ARPANSA is doing a gap analysis. Prof Johnston offered to provide members an update on the situation at Fukushima.

8.8 Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (Mr Crowther) Mr Crowther provided an update on DRET uranium industry activities including consideration of various mine related development applications through the MTC. He advised that representatives from Geoscience Australia had undertaken a tour of Ranger mine the day prior to ARRAC and he thanked ERA for facilitating this. Mr Crowther advised that the latest Ranger Rehabilitation Plan (No.36) was currently being assessed by an independent assessor and the Ranger bond would be adjusted accordingly. Other items included ongoing work on a range of projects under the Uranium Industry Council, work by SSD on uranium toxicity and work by


ARPANSA on radiation effects on non-human biota (e.g. ERICA tool). Mr Crowther also advised that the Uranium Industry Council Indigenous Working Group has recently concluded its work and been disbanded.

8.9 Parks Australia (Ms Morgan) Ms Morgan tabled an update report on the South Alligator Valley rehabilitation project. She advised that the El Sherana airstrip containment was completed in October 2009 and revegetated in December 2009. Ms Morgan advised that minor surface erosion occurred during the above average 2009-10 wet season but this did not penetrate the containment’s clay liner. The gullies were remediated with local lateritic gravel and revegetated in late 2010 and a 400 metre diversion drain was constructed to divert upslope run-off water flow away from the containment. Ms Morgan advised that in August this year stockpiled gravel at the base of the containment was used to repair a number of erosion gullies which had arisen during the 2010-11 wet season. She advised that Parks Australia is seeking the advice of an erosion engineer in relation to hardening this part of the cover system against further erosion. Ms Morgan advised that the Supervising Scientist measured gamma dose rates and radon flux densities at the El Sherana airstrip site both before and one year after construction/closure of the containment. She stated that there has been no significant change in surficial radiological conditions at the site after one year, indicating that the radiological material within the containment has been effectively isolated from the environment. She noted that similar monitoring at the former trench and tailings residues sites also indicates radiological conditions no higher than background levels. Ms Morgan advised that since the completion of the containment, monitoring equipment installed at various points through the containment during its construction has been collecting data for analysis of the containment’s performance. The first report from O’Kane Consultants, of analysis of data collected between October 2009 and November 2010, indicated that the cover system appears to be performing in accordance with its design criteria. She advised ongoing stabilisation work at the site will be integrated into the KNP work plan. It was noted that ARPANSA and staff from SSD will be inspecting the site in late September 2011.

8.10 NT Department of Health (Mr Robinson) Mr Robinson advised that high level discussions within the Northern Territory government were ongoing to address the requirements of the National Dose Register.

8.11 NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport Not represented at meeting.

8.12 West Arnhem Shire Council (Mr Baldwin) Nil to report.

9 Other Business There was no other business raised.

10 Next meeting It was agreed the next meeting of ARRAC would be held in March or April 2012 in Darwin. Meeting was closed at 1.30pm. Mr Scott Parker ARRAC Secretary 08 89201122

alligator rivers region advisory committee meeting 36 · arrac36 meeting summary page 3 of 15 1...

Documents