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Alligator Rivers Region Advisory Committee

Meeting 40

Meeting Summary

5 September 2013

Agenda

1 Welcome2 Apologies and Observers3 ARRAC39 Meeting Summary and Actions4 Governance/Appointments5 Energy Resources of Australia Ltd Report6 Supervising Scientist Report7 NT Department of Mines and Energy Report8 Member Reports8.1 Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation 8.2 Northern Land Council 8.3 Environment Centre NT 8.4 Cameco Australia Pty Ltd8.5 NT Environment Protection Authority 8.6 NT Department of Health 8.7 Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency 8.8 Australian Government - Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism 8.9 Australian Government - Parks Australia 8.10 Uranium Equities Ltd8.11 Afmeco Mining and Exploration Pty Ltd / Areva Group8.12 West Arnhem Shire Council

9 Other Business9 Next Meeting

ARRAC40 Meeting Summary of 13

1 WELCOMEThe Chair (Professor Webb) welcomed members and observers to the meeting. Professor Webb acknowledged the Mirrar people as the traditional custodians of the Ranger area. Mr McAllister provided a facilities and safety briefing.

2 APOLOGIES AND ATTENDANCEApologies from the following members were noted.

Members OrganisationPeter Johnston Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety AgencyJoe Potter Afmeco Mining and Exploration Pty Ltd (AREVA Group)Michael Sheldrick Australian Government - Department of Resources, Energy and TourismXavier Schobben Northern Territory Government - Department of HealthBill Freeland Northern Territory Government – Environment Protection AuthorityRussell Ball Northern Territory Government - Department of Mines and EnergyTodd Simms Energy Resources of Australia LtdMelissa Taylor Uranium Equities Limited Justin O’Brien Gundjeihmi Aboriginal CorporationPeter Cochrane Australian Government – Parks AustraliaAnna Morgan Australian Government – Parks Australia

The attendance of the following members and observers was also noted.

Members/Deputy members OrganisationCharles Webb Independent ChairDamien Ewington Cameco Australia Pty LtdTim Eckersley Energy Resources of Australia LtdRob Law Environment Centre Northern TerritoryLauren Mellor Environment Centre Northern TerritoryGillian Jan Representing the Office of the Administrator of the Northern TerritoryMelanie Impey Gundjeihmi Aboriginal CorporationAdam Thompson Northern Land CouncilRichard O’Brien Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety AgencyVirginia Leitch Australian Government – Department of Resources, Energy and TourismPeter Waggitt Northern Territory Government - Department of Mines and EnergyJean-Pierre Issaverdis Australian Government – Parks Australia Richard McAllister Supervising Scientist DivisionObservers OrganisationKeith Tayler Supervising Scientist DivisionAlly Sinclair Supervising Scientist DivisionScott Parker Supervising Scientist DivisionJosh Bean Supervising Scientist DivisionSean Fagan Supervising Scientist DivisionShannon Traut Supervising Scientist DivisionCarolyn Lord Supervising Scientist DivisionMichelle Bush Energy Resources of Australia LtdBrooke Cawood Northern Territory Government - Department of Mines and EnergyAngus Cole Australian Government – Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism

3 DRAFT ARRAC39 MEETING SUMMARY AND ACTIONS ARISINGThe draft ARRAC39 meeting summary was approved as tabled. The status of the following ARRAC39 actions was noted.

ARRAC39: 1 - ERA to provide further details and data on potential radiological exposure (annual dose) to workers associated with underground mining at Ranger. Mr Eckersley referred to a summary table from the scoping document for Ranger 3 Deeps Project. It was noted that the underground development team has


been grouped based on their expected Maximum Annual Effective Dose (MAED). It was noted that offsiders have the highest estimated MAED of 5.3 mSv while truck drivers have the lowest at 1.9 mSv.

ARRAC39: 2 - SSD to show relevant statutory limits for contaminants in monitoring result graphs used in future presentations and reports to ARRAC. Complete.

ARRAC39: 4 - ARRAC Secretariat to seek ERA assistance with arranging a mine tour of Ranger Mine prior to the next ARRAC meeting. Complete.

4 GOVERNANCE/APPOINTMENTS (MR PARKER)Mr Parker advised that the following members and deputy members were appointed by the Australian Government Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Water on 31 July 2013.

Member Dr Bill FREELAND Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority Member Mr Tim ECKERSLEY Energy Resources of Australia LtdMember Mr Scott PERKINS Administrator of the Northern TerritoryMember Mr Adam THOMPSON Northern Land CouncilMember Mr Rob LAW Environment Centre NTDeputy Member Mr Paul PURDON Northern Territory Environment Protection AuthorityDeputy Member Ms Lauren MELLOR Environment Centre NTDeputy Member Mr Greg McDONALD Northern Land CouncilDeputy Member Ms Melanie IMPEY Gundjeihmi Aboriginal CorporationDeputy Member Mr Chris DILLON Cameco Australia Pty Ltd

5 ERA REPORTBUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENTS – RANGER (MR ECKERSLEY)

Mr Eckersley acknowledged the Mirrar as the Traditional Owners of the land on which Ranger is located and provided the ERA update report covering Ranger operations, developments and safety performance.

Safety and Environment performance – ERA is continuing its strong focus on safety and achieved an All Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR) of 0.42 (12 month rolling average). A new record for number of days without recordable injury of 188 was achieved on 7th August. Two recordable injuries were recorded during the period (a finger crush injury and a thumb laceration). Both staff made a full recovery and returned to duties. There were no critical environmental incidents during the period and no environmental incidents reported in April.

General – Results in the first half of 2013 included a strong plant performance with 1847t U3O8 being produced from processing low grade ore and a net loss of $54M (balanced by significant depreciation off sets). Brine Concentrator performance testing is underway with handover imminent. The R3D exploration decline is currently about 1382m from the surface. Water management continues to be a key priority and pre wet season planning is well underway. Backfill of Pit#3 is on track for completion in 2014.

Brine Concentrator – The construction phase of the facility has been completed and commissioning activities are ongoing. It was noted the brine concentrator is a critical component for the eventual rehabilitation of the Ranger mine site. The formal opening of the facility is scheduled for 19 September 2013. The first distillate from the plant has been produced (20 August) and the performance testing period has commenced. There have been a number of minor technical issues experienced (e.g. balancing fans, vibration) but these are to be expected given the size and complexity of the plant. The brine concentrator is currently producing 130 t per hour. Concurrent sampling of distillate has commenced with duplicate samples being sent to separate labs (ERA and NTEL) for analysis. Mr Eckersley noted that early indications are that the plant is operating as expected.


Pit#1 Rehabilitation – The preload of rock fill in Pit#1 has been approved but the final height of consolidation is still to be determined. The preload will assist with model validation and enable a better understanding of how closely current models are representing reality. ERA is strongly committed to determining a final consolidation level which is acceptable to stakeholders. Contractors are arriving on site next week so works can be completed prior to wet season. If successful, Pit#1 will change from a process water catchment to a pond water catchment. It was noted that this project marks the beginning of a broader scale rehabilitation approach across the site.

Jabiluka pond rehabilitation – The Jabiluka water management pond is being rehabilitated in accordance with the agreed approach. The pond has been dewatered and the liner has been removed and will be placed in Pit#1. The banks will be collapsed and used as final cover material. It is expected works will be completed in mid October so that revegetation can commence. The bores in Mine valley are being sequentially cut off below ground and closed out.

R3Deeps exploration – The R3D decline is currently close to 1400 m in length and approximately 300m below ground level. The first 7 of approx 300 holes have been drilled. Initial drilling results are consistent with expectations. The EIS is currently being drafted and should be completed by 2014. A social impact assessment is also being undertaken as required under the EIS guidelines.

DISCUSSION

Mr Law asked when the Ranger 3 Deeps EIS is expected to be finalised and Mr Eckersley indicated the draft EIS should be completed by Q1 or Q2 2014. Mr Law asked Ms Leitch if ECNT could be provided with a copy of the independent assessment report for the Ranger Annual Plan of Rehabilitation No.38. Ms Leitch noted the report is not a public document, but assured Mr Law that the Plan has been subject to detailed assessment and scrutiny by relevant stakeholders.

6 SUPERVISING SCIENTIST DIVISION REPORT SUPERVISION AND ASSESSMENT (MR TAYLER/MS SINCLAIR)

Mr Tayler presented the SSD ARRAC40 Supervision and Assessment report.

INSPECTIONS AND AUDITS

Mr Tayler advised that supervisory activity since last meeting included the Ranger and Jabiluka annual audits, five Regular Periodic Inspections (RPI) at Ranger, one RPI at Jabiluka and an inspection of Nabarlek. Activities proposed for September 2013 include audits of Cameco (King River Camp) and Alligator Energy (Myra Camp). It was also noted that UXA is in receivership so no longer operating but SSD will inspect their site to assess the status of rehabilitation work.

The Ranger Environmental Audit conducted in May 2013 focused on 109 commitments taken from the Ranger Water Management Plan 2012-2013, the R3D Exploration Decline Application, R3D Water Management Plan and R3D Radiation Management Plan. It was noted that all findings from the Ranger 2012 audit had been closed out through the RPI process. The results of the 2013 audit included one Category 2 non-conformance related to reporting of water quality guideline exceedances and 12 observations, but no significant environmental issues had been identified.

The 2013 Jabiluka Environmental Audit focused on 22 commitments taken from the Jabiluka Authorisation. The Category 2 finding from the 2012 audit was closed out as a result of the timely submittal of the Jabiluka Plan of Rehabilitation. There was one conditional finding carried forward from the 2012 audit related to the remediation of bores in Mine Valley. It was noted that this had been delayed due to the length of time taken to gain approval from the Aboriginal Protection Authority.


The Jabiluka RPI conducted in July 2013 had focused on the Interim Water Management Pond dewatering and rehabilitation operation. It was noted that the rehabilitation works had included smoothing of stockpiles and the upgrading of the access road.

The Nabarlek MTC met on 22 July 2013. No exploration work is planned for 2013 but UEL rehabilitation work over the 2012-13 wet season included the planting of 2750 tubestock and two weed spraying campaigns. It was noted that good progress was being made in relation to weed management but UEL will need to continue spraying to keep weeds under control.

MONITORING

Ms Sinclair provided an update on the results of SSD monitoring during the reporting period. It was noted that rainfall during the 2012-13 wet season was below average resulting in less than average flows in Magela and Gulungul Creeks.

MAGELA CREEK

Continuous EC – EC remained well below action levels and low compared to previous years.

Continuous EC and grab samples – There was very good agreement between stakeholder (DME/ERA) EC samples and SSD continuous monitoring results both upstream and downstream during the period.

Continuous Turbidity – There were 2 events where downstream turbidity levels rose above guidelines. It was noted that the event on 17 January most likely resulted from localised rainfall events and not the Pit#3 levee. The event on 31 March was associated with a very large rainfall event and most likely resulted from flushing due to the low flow levels in the creek.

U concentration – Uranium concentrations were extremely low compared to the ecotoxicologically derived limit value of 6ug/L. There was only one result above focus reported by ERA which was from the upstream site and therefore not mine derived.

Mn concentration - The maximum manganese concentration of 9.9 μg/L occurred in early April following a large rainfall event. This value is below the Action trigger value of 11 μg/L. Mn trigger values only apply when flow is above 5 cumecs.

Mg concentration – Magnesium and sulfate concentrations measured during 2012–13 were low reflecting the low level of mine site inputs to the creek. Automatic samples were not triggered for any EC peaks during the 2012–13 wet season as the EC did not exceed the 42 μS/cm (corresponding to 3 mg/L magnesium) chronic exposure guideline.

Radium 226 – Radium levels were within historic range. The difference between upstream and downstream results was close to zero. There were no triggered samples as EC levels didn’t rise above the limit.

In-situ Snail egg production – Both decreases and increases in snail egg production were observed with increasing electrical conductivity (EC) over the range 10–30 µS/cm. The lower Magela and higher Gulungul downstream egg production, compared to respective upstream sites, reflects the inhibitory and enhanced effects respectively, associated with the different water temperature regimes in each of the creeks.

Macro-invertebrates – Only samples from Magela and Gulungul Creeks from the 2012–13 wet season were available for analysis prior to this meeting. Without comparable data from the two control streams, it is not possible to run the full ANOVA testing for 2013. Instead, a modified ANOVA model was run examining just the exposed creeks, Magela and Gulungul, to determine if any change in these streams has occurred. The ANOVA showed no significant change from the before (pre 2012–13) to after (2012–13) periods and this was


consistent between both streams. These results confirm that the dissimilarity values for 2013 for both Magela and Gulungul Creeks do not differ from previous years.

Channel billabongs – The 2013 results continue to support previous suggestions that reduced Rainbowfish abundances occur after larger wet season rainfalls as a consequence of the more extensive upstream migration of Rainbowfish past Mudginberri Billabong in response to high stream flows. This has the effect of reducing the concentration of fish in the billabong during the recessional flow period. Conversely, years of below average rainfall, such as 2012–13, have the potential to reduce upstream migration of Rainbowfish, resulting in above average counts.

GULUNGUL CREEK

Overall, the water quality measured in Gulungul Creek for the 2012–13 wet season showed greater fluctuation in EC at the upstream monitoring site compared to previous wet seasons. This was due to very low overall rainfall and the effects from small scale rain events within the Gulungul catchment area, which resulted in localised surface runoff and influx of solutes into the creek. The results for the downstream monitoring site are comparable to previous years and indicate that, based on water quality, the aquatic environment in the creek has remained protected from mining activities.

Continuous EC – There were 2 main events recorded during the period. The EC event on 9 April coincided with a localised rainfall event. EC at the downstream monitoring site peaked at 45 µS/cm and remained above 42 µS/cm for a period of 5 hours. Under the SSD ecotoxicology magnesium pulse framework, a 5 hour pulse duration would have an EC limit value of 581 µS/cm, thus with a peak of 45 µS/cm the downstream aquatic ecosystem was very unlikely to have been impacted by this event. Another localised rainfall event on 22 May flushed solutes into the creek resulting in a non-mine derived EC peak of 113 µS/cm at the upstream monitoring site. These solutes were washed down the creek and progressively diluted producing a peak of 46 µS/cm at the downstream monitoring site. The EC at the downstream monitoring site remained above 42 µS/cm for a period of 3.3 hours. Under the SSD ecotoxicology electrical conductivity-magnesium pulse framework, a 3.3 hour pulse duration would have an EC limit value of 1140 µS/cm, thus with a peak of 46 µS/cm, the downstream aquatic ecosystem was very unlikely to have been impacted by this natural event.

EC and grab samples – There has been good conformity between SSD continuous monitoring and stakeholder grab sample results, with slightly more variability in downstream results.

Continuous Turbidity – All peaks recorded were higher at upstream sites typical of smaller catchments. There was good conformity between SSD and stakeholder results.

U concentration – Uranium concentrations were very low compared to specified limits. The three results above focus limits were all upstream.

Mn concentration – Manganese concentrations were generally below the Magela Creek Focus level. The highest recorded concentration was 22 μg/L at the upstream monitoring site on 11 February 2013.

Mg concentrations – Magnesium concentrations closely followed the EC continuous monitoring trace. The highest recorded concentration was 9.3 mg/L which occurred upstream of the minesite at GCUS on 22 May 2013. At the downstream monitoring site the concentrations of magnesium remained below 2.6 mg/L throughout the wet season.

Sulfate – Sulfate concentrations were generally low. The highest concentrations of 5 mg/L were observed at GCDS on 9 April 2013. The higher downstream results may be due to the black soils in lower catchment

NGARRADJ


Overall, the water quality measured in Swift Creek (Ngarradj) for the 2012–13 wet season is comparable with previous wet seasons and does not show a detectible effect from the discharge of the IWMP.

Continuous EC and grab samples – continuous monitoring occurred from 17 January to 12 June. Results from grab samples followed trend in continuous monitoring results.

Continuous Turbidity – A number of gaps in data resulted from periods when the sonde was exposed and from intermittent issues with the telemetry.

ATMOSPHERIC RADIOLOGICAL MONITORING

SSD radiological monitoring sites are located at the Jabiru water tower and Four Gates Road.

Radon monitoring – The quarterly average results reflect the typical wet-dry seasonal trend, with higher concentrations occurring in the dry season and lower concentrations occurring in the wet season. The total annual effective dose from radon progeny in air, which includes contribution from natural background, has been estimated to be 0.386 mSv at Jabiru town and 0.372 mSv at Mudginberri.

Long Lived Alpha Activity (LLAA) monitoring – Results were consistent with the general trend for LLAA radionuclide concentrations to be higher during the dry season and lower in the wet season. This is due to rainfall suppression of dust generation during the wet season.

DISCUSSION

Professor Webb noted this is the first time that a significant difference between egg production upstream and downstream has been measured and asked what the possible causal factors may be. It was noted that the new snail culturing regime could be a contributing factor. Ms Sinclair advised that SSD is currently researching the impact of husbandry on snail egg production. Professor Webb asked if eggs are counted in-situ or in the lab and Mr McAllister advised that the snail eggs are exposed in-situ but counted in the lab. Professor Webb asked what the most likely reason might be for downstream egg production being higher than upstream and asked if this suggests there may be other mine related factors affecting downstream egg production. Mr Tayler noted Dr Humphrey’s comments in the SSD ARRAC40 report related to variation observed in previous years. He also noted that snail egg production is influenced by water temperature and responses are not uniform. It was noted that EC can also be a mild stimulant. Mr Tayler advised that two different sized tanks are currently being used to grow the snails and snails from the larger tank generally produce more eggs so there is a complicated relationship between husbandry and egg production. It was also noted that stream temperatures were higher during the 2012-13 wet season due to lower flows. Dr Bartolo suggested it may be useful for Dr Humphrey to provide further information on his analyses and this was agreed.

ARRAC40:1 - ARRAC requested that Dr Humphrey provide a presentation to next meeting on the possible causal factors influencing egg production at the upstream and downstream monitoring sites in Magela and Gulungul Creeks.

Dr O’Brien asked what the expected temperature profile is for a “normal” wet season in these creeks. Mr McAllister advised that Magela and Gulungul Creek catchments are quite different but water temperature in both systems would be expected to be similar. Dr O’Brien noted this removes a potential major variable.

7 NT DEPARTMENT OF MINES AND ENERGY REPORT (MR WAGGITT)Mr Waggitt provided an update report on behalf of DME.

Minesite Technical Committees (MTC) – there were four Ranger and Jabiluka MTC meetings, and one Nabarlek MTC, held during the reporting period. Minutes of these meetings are presented in the DME ARRAC40 report.


Changes to Authorisations - Ranger Authorisation 0108-15 was varied to change the requirements for transferring extracted water from Magela Creek to RP2. Changes under Schedule 7.8 also included an interim minimum Magela Creek flow stipulation of 5 cumecs and to allow transfer of water to the Pond Water System and RP1 instead of restricting it to RP2. There were no changes to the Jabiluka and Nabarlek Authorisations.

Major events – major milestones at Ranger during the reporting period included the completion of mining in Pit#3 in late November and commencement of backfilling; approval to extend the Ranger 3 Deeps decline to a maximum length of 3000m; commencement of stage 2 of the Pit#1 remediation works involving the placement of a pre-load rock layer (2.5m) to activate the 7499 installed wicks; and the start of commissioning of the brine concentrator.

Proposals and approvals – Key proposals and approvals for Ranger for the period included the extension to the exploration decline, installation of a ventilation shaft and acquisition of a bulk sample for test work purposes, Pit#1 closure – Stage 2 (preload placement) and the 2013 ERA Surface Exploration Program. The only proposal for Jabiluka was the application to decommission and remove the Interim Water Management Pond and associated infrastructure including construction and revegetation of a final landform. There were no major proposals or approvals for Nabarlek.

Environmental Incidents – there were 15 environmental incidents reported for Ranger and nil for Jabiluka and Nabarlek. Further information is provided in the DME ARRAC40 report.

Statutory Reporting compliance – Reports received for Ranger during the period included the Quarterly water quality data submission, Annual Radiation and Atmospheric Monitoring Interpretive Report, Ranger Mining Management Plan and the Ranger Wet Season Report. For Jabiluka, the 2012-13 Jabiluka Wet Season Report and the Quarterly water quality data submission were received.

Surface water check monitoring: Ranger and Jabiluka – The DME check monitoring program involves grab sampling at five statutory surface water sites at Ranger and Jabiluka. No surface water samples were collected at Jabiluka this period due to dry conditions. DME conducted concurrent sampling at the five Ranger check monitoring sites with ERA on 29 April 2013 and the results showed reasonable conformity (i.e. within 10%) but there were some notable discrepancies with field parameters.

Groundwater check monitoring: Ranger – The DME groundwater check monitoring program includes 21 bores: 4 statutory (Authorisation) and 17 operational. DME monitoring was conducted in March 2013 – only 3 bores were monitored within 1-2 days: RN23568, OB116S and OB116D. None of the statutory bores were monitored.

RN23568 - There was poor conformance in EC results which is thought to be due to differences in sampling methodology. There was also poor conformance in Mg and sulfate results. DME is investigating this further.

OB116D – There was poor conformance in the Mg results but the pH results were reasonably conformant. The ERA concentration for dissolved Mg was the lowest on record and substantially lower than DME concentration. The DME concentration was similar to the overall trend. DME SO4 results were greater than ERA, however concentrations were still very low. The low Mg concentration for ERA appears to be an anomaly. There were also substantial differences between the results for dissolved U, Mg and SO4, (with ERA data recording lower filtered levels than DME). DME is currently investigating possible causes. Dr O’Brien asked what level of uncertainties are attached to the results (i.e. the error bars) and Mr Waggitt advised he didn’t have that information.

RN23566 – This bore is not showing an improving trend in ground water quality after the surface water capture was implemented around the TSF as is the case with RN23568. EC results indicate a significant increasing trend.


Mr Waggitt noted the comparison of DME and ERA results from the March 2013 sampling event for groundwater monitoring has revealed large discrepancies. Given this, DME will be reviewing procedures for:

Groundwater sampling (to ensure that samples being collected are representative of the aquifer and that these notes are included in the quarterly data submissions);

Field filtering & acidification;

Potential for sample contamination;

Accuracy of field meters and calibration frequency; and

Quality control procedures (number of blanks/duplicates for checking quality of data).

Discussion

Professor Webb noted the ongoing lack of conformity between ERA and DME monitoring results is of increasing concern. Mr Eckersley asked if ERA and DME are sampling at the same time and Mr Waggitt stated this is the aim but is not always possible. He suggested the main issues are procedural in nature. Mr Eckersley asked if there is any consistency in the variability in the results. Mr Tayler noted that some variance in results is to be expected and, even if DME did five days of sampling, it is unlikely there would be a high degree of conformance in the results. Mr Waggitt advised that investigations into the potential factors causing the observed lack of conformity are ongoing. Mr Tayler also noted that SSD inter-lab comparisons indicate that results for the same sample from different labs can be quite different. Mr Waggitt agreed the ongoing lack of conformity is of concern but noted the levels being measured are still very low and do not pose any threat to the environment. Professor Webb suggested the key issue is more about the level of overall confidence that can be attached to other more environmentally significant monitoring results. Mr Tayler noted the key point of monitoring at this scale is to identify trends rather than the absolute values involved. Mr Waggitt noted that the age of some of the bores may also be a factor.

ARRAC40:2 - ARRAC requested DME to report back on the outcomes of current investigations into potential factors contributing to the ongoing lack of conformity between ERA and DME surface and groundwater monitoring results.

Professor Webb asked DME to ensure that trigger levels are shown on graphs presented to ARRAC in the future. Ms Mellor asked whether the MTC approval was for 30,000 t or 10,000 t bulk sample as part of the Ranger 3 Deeps exploration project. Mr Eckersley advised that the initial 30,000 t bulk sample was modified to 10,000 t as it is now proposed to run the sample through the radiometric sorting machine. Mr McAllister confirmed the MTC approval was for a 10,000 t bulk sample. Mr Law asked whether the MTC approval for ERA to extract water from Magela Creek was volumetric and subject to any other conditions. Mr McAllister noted the existing authorisation allows ERA to extract up to 25000 m3 water per day but does not stipulate a minimum flow requirement. SSD had therefore proposed that any extraction be subject to a minimum stream flow condition of 5 cumecs. Mr Tayler advised that the most that ERA has been able to extract in a 24 hours period to date is 8,000 m3.

8 STAKEHOLDER REPORTS8.1 GUNDJEIHMI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION (MR O’BRIEN)

Nil to report.

8.2 NORTHERN LAND COUNCIL (MR THOMPSON)

Mr Thompson provided an update report on behalf of NLC. He advised that, since last ARRAC, NLC had convened an initial meeting with Cameco Australia Pty Ltd to discuss mining tenements in the NT. As a result


of the meeting, Traditional Owners have consented to NLC entering into negotiations with Cameco on exploration leases EL22430, EL24920 and EL26089, and to place EL24570 into moratorium. A final meeting and site survey is expected to be held next year. He also noted that a small tenement (EL 26080) west of Alligator Energy’s Myra Camp workings was also consented to. Ms Jan asked if any of these tenements are existing petroleum leases. Mr Thompson noted that most of East Arnhem Land is covered by petroleum and mining tenements, but there is very low prospectively for oil and gas explorers. Mr Thompson advised that NLC is focused on possible oil and gas exploration around Maningrida but there are no meetings on the horizon for the Alligator Rivers Region at this time.

8.3 ENVIRONMENT CENTRE NORTHERN TERRITORY (MR LAW)

Nil to report.

8.4 CAMECO AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (MR EWINGTON)

Mr Ewington provided an update report on behalf of Cameco Australia Pty Ltd.

Safety – There were 5 near misses and 2 first aid incidents during the period but nil Medical Treatment Injuries (MTI), Lost Time Injuries (LTI) or environmental incidents recorded. Cameco has adopted the corporate reporting term Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR), which is the number of all medically treatable incidents per 200,000 hrs worked. TRIR for the period was zero.

Exploration Activities – Drilling at King River commenced in July 2013 and recently concluded. A total of 4,069 m was drilled using 24 RC holes. Drilling at Wellington Range is continuing (288 m in 1 diamond drill). Ground geophysics and termite mound sampling has also been undertaken. Exploration activities will continue until October 2013.

Cultural and Heritage – Work clearance meetings were held in March and June. A heritage survey of ground disturbance was carried out in June and all staff and contractors were provided with cultural training in July. The triennial corporate audit of all Cameco operations in Australia was conducted in July. There were a number of observations which are being addressed. The annual external MMP audit is scheduled for mid-September.

Cameco has an active recycling program with all non burnable waste being transported to Darwin for recycling. Water is being recycled and reused where possible. Cameco continues to collect and record environmental data to track disturbance pre and post drilling. Radiological survey results are also being entered into the database to ensure the environment remains protected.

8.5 NT ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY (DR FREELAND - APOLOGY)

Nil to report.

8.6 NT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (MR ROBINSON - APOLOGY)

Nil to report.

8.7 AUSTRALIAN RADIATION PROTECTION AND NUCLEAR SAFETY AGENCY (PROF JOHNSTON APOLOGY)

Dr O’Brien provided an update report on behalf of ARPANSA. Dr O’Brien noted the ARPANSA Radiation Protection Series No.1 document on ionising radiation is currently being revised. The exposure draft is split into 2 parts. Part 1 is a fundamentals document with 10 basic principles. Public comment on this part closed in early August 2013. The second part deals with the draft Code of Practice on Planned Exposures. Dr O’Brien noted the general thrust of the document is moving closer to the IAEA basic safety standards. An environmental safety guide is also being developed and associated data sets are currently being tested. The National Dose Register is being expanded to include the mineral sands industry and work is proceeding


rapidly. A safety guide/Code of Practice on existing exposure situations (including legacy sites) and the establishment of an ESMP (cradle to grave planning) approach for new projects is also being developed.

8.8 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT - DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES, ENERGY AND TOURISM (MS LEITCH)

Ms Leitch provided an update report on behalf of DRET. She noted that the Uranium Council had met in June 2013 and discussed a proposed work program. It was noted that the role and responsibilities of the Council going forward will be determined following the forthcoming Federal Election.

8.9 PARKS AUSTRALIA (MR ISSAVERDIS)

Mr Issaverdis provided an update report on behalf of Parks Australia.

Groundwater monitoring - The groundwater monitoring program for the containment facility has been implemented. Trevlyn Radiation and Environment sampled 11 bores pre (November 2012) and post (May 2013) wet season. The samples were analysed for metal and radionuclide concentrations. The results from the groundwater analysis were compared to historical data held by SSD and which indicated that levels of the comparable analytes have not increased and remain within pre-containment levels.

Cover performance monitoring – O’Kanes were engaged to undertake the cover performance monitoring program. A site visit was conducted in May 2013 which indicated that the containment is consolidating and stabilising as expected. A report is due in September 2013.

Radiological monitoring – Parks engaged SSD to develop a ‘Dose Constraints Report’ which was submitted to ARPANSA in May 2013. A dose constraint level of 30 μSv per annum was proposed. ARPANSA has acknowledged receipt of the report and indicated preliminary acceptance of the proposed level. APANSA is expected to visit the site in October 2013.

Erosion management - Erosion remediation was undertaken in January 2013 and some additional works were completed in July 2013. These works included reinstating the levels that had undergone differential settling and the establishment of rock armoured runoff diversions to reduce the risk of future erosion. Some additional works were also undertaken to fill the depression areas around the monitoring stations. This area is planned to be re-vegetated during the 2013–14 wet season.

Fire and Weed management – A fire break has been established around the perimeter of the site by KNP staff to protect the rehabilitation of vegetation. KNP staff also undertake ongoing weed management.

ARPANSA license - ARPANSA amended and re-issued the facility license to the DNP on 5 April 2013. The amendment of the license included a new clause providing an extension to the annual report submittal date. The annual report was submitted to ARPANSA on 23 July 2013 and the 2013–14 licence fee was also paid.

TO consultation - KNP has formally approached NLC to assist with Traditional Owner consultations to confirm they are satisfied with the rehabilitation process, as per the requirements of the lease between the Director of National Parks and the Gunlom Land Trust. Clause 9(z) of the lease requires the environmental rehabilitation of old uranium mines scattered throughout the South Alligator Valley including Guratba (Coronation Hill) by 31 December 2015. Mr Thompson asked who Parks has contacted in NLC regarding this and Mr Issaverdis indicated he would check and advise.

8.10 URANIUM EQUITIES LTD (MS TAYLOR - APOLOGY)

Nil to report.

8.11 AFMECO MINING AND EXPLORATION PTY LTD / AREVA GROUP (MR POTTER - APOLOGY)

Nil to report.


8.12 WEST ARNHEM SHIRE COUNCIL (APOLOGY)

Nil to report.

9 OTHER BUSINESSMr Law noted recent comments by Mr Rob Atkinson on ABC Radio (Country Hour) regarding anticipated job shedding at ERA. Mr Eckersley was asked where these job losses would occur. Mr Eckersley advised that ERA has already had to downsize its staff with the majority of positions coming from operational mining areas such as drilling and blasting. He noted ERA also lost 2 staff from its Health, Safety and Environment area. Mr Eckersley advised that ERA will likely have further job losses based on operational requirements but he does not anticipate any further losses from the environment protection area. Ms Mellor asked if ERA has plans to retrain any existing staff in underground mining operations. Mr Eckersley advised that ERA is yet to make a decision on specific workforce requirements associated with potential underground mining at Ranger. He noted this will depend mainly on whether ERA opts to be an owner-miner or contracts out the mining operations.

10 NEXT MEETINGIt was agreed the next meeting of ARRAC would be held in Darwin in March or April 2014. The Secretariat will contact members regrading their availability in due course. The meeting concluded at 12.00 pm.

ARRAC Secretariat5 September 2012

ARRAC40 ACTIONSNo. Action ResponsibilityARRAC40: 1 ARRAC requested that Dr Humphrey provide a presentation to next

meeting on the possible causal factors influencing egg production at the upstream and downstream monitoring sites in Magela and Gulungul Creeks.

SSD (Dr Humphrey)

ARRAC40: 2 ARRAC requested DME to report back on the outcomes of current investigations into potential factors contributing to the ongoing lack of conformity between ERA and DME surface and groundwater monitoring results.

DME


meeting summary - alligator rivers region advisory ... · web viewalligator rivers region advisory...

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