ABx Bald Hill Development Proposal

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A wholly owned subsidiary of Australian Bauxite Limited (ASX: ABX)
Development Proposal and Environmental

Management Plan
Bald Hill Bauxite Project
ABx 4 Pty Ltd

ACN 141 724 281
Level 2 131 Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000
P: +61 2 9251 7177 F: +61 2 9251 7500
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Table of Contents
Foreword .................................................................................................................. i
Executive Summary .................................................................................................... iii
Glossary ................................................................................................................. vii
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................1
1.1 The proposal .............................................................................................. 1
1.2 The proponent ........................................................................................... 1
1.3 Proposal background .................................................................................... 2
1.4 Other proposals in the region ......................................................................... 5
1.5 Applicable legislation and guidelines ................................................................ 5
1.6 Consultation .............................................................................................. 9
2. Proposal Description ........................................................................................... 10
2.1 Proposal outline......................................................................................... 10
2.2 Off-site infrastructure ................................................................................. 31
2.3 Technical and management alternatives ........................................................... 31
3. Existing Environment .......................................................................................... 32
3.1 Planning aspects ........................................................................................ 32
3.2 Environmental aspects ................................................................................. 39
3.3 Socio-economic aspects ............................................................................... 66
3.4 Alternative sites ........................................................................................ 76
4. Potential effects and their management .................................................................. 77
4.1 Air emissions............................................................................................. 77
4.2 Liquid waste ............................................................................................. 81
4.3 Groundwater ............................................................................................ 85
4.4 Noise emissions ......................................................................................... 86
4.5 Solid and controlled waste ............................................................................ 91
4.6 Dangerous goods and environmentally hazardous materials .................................... 92
4.7 Biodiversity and natural values: flora and vegetation communities........................... 92
4.8 Marine and coastal ..................................................................................... 97
4.9 Greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances .............................................. 97
4.10 Heritage ................................................................................................ 100
4.11 Land use and development ......................................................................... 102
4.12 Visual effects .......................................................................................... 103
4.13 Socio-economic issues ............................................................................... 111
4.14 Health and safety issues ............................................................................. 112
4.15 Hazard analysis and risk assessment .............................................................. 112
4.16 Fire risk ................................................................................................. 113
4.17 Infrastructure and off-site ancillary facilities ................................................... 116
4.18 Hydrology and Final Land Form .................................................................... 116
4.19 Environmental management systems ............................................................. 118
4.20 Cumulative and interactive effects ............................................................... 119
4.21 Traffic impacts ........................................................................................ 119
4.22 Erosion and Sediment Loss .......................................................................... 122
4.23 Dryland Salinity ....................................................................................... 126
5. Monitoring and review ........................................................................................ 128
6. Decommissioning and rehabilitation ....................................................................... 128
7. Commitments summary ...................................................................................... 129
8. Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 133
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923

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Index of Tables
Table 1: Bald Hill Bauxite Project entities and their statutory responsibilities .............................2
Table 2: Project summary ........................................................................................... 10
Table 3: Pit names, surface areas and resource tonnage ...................................................... 15
Table 4: Detailed extraction sequence for mining operations ............................................... 19
Table 5: Simplified extraction sequence .......................................................................... 19
Table 6: Truck movements per day both ways estimated for each year of operations ................... 21
Table 7: Benefits and problems with possible haulage routes ................................................ 23
Table 8: Rehabilitation sequence for individual pits in first year of production (all units in ha) ....... 27
Table 9: Rehabilitation sequence for individual pits in second year of production (all units in ha) ......... 27
Table 10: Disturbance areas ......................................................................................... 29
Table 11: Standards which apply to extractive industries ..................................................... 33
Table 12: Summary of soil tests for particle distribution and Emerson Class .............................. 44
Table 13 : Rainfall and temperature statistics (Ross station) ................................................. 46
Table 14: Vegetation communities mapped during the field survey by North Barker 2013 .............. 49
Table 15: Threatened flora species recorded within 5km of the BHBP site from the current study and
previous observations................................................................................................. 51
Table 16: Threatened fauna based on habitat and geographical range ..................................... 56
Table 17: Historic site significance assessment summary ...................................................... 62
Table 18: Levels of salinity as defined by Grice, 1995 ......................................................... 62
Table 19: Priority groundwater flow systems in the Northern Midlands, 2005 ............................. 63
Table 20: Downhole average major element material chemical analyses (%) .............................. 65
Table 21: Downhole average minor element material chemical analyses (%) .............................. 65
Table 22: Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of Campbell Town & Northern Midlands ...... 69
Table 23: Summarised unattended noise monitoring results (day and night median calculated to the
Quarry Code of Practise time period) ............................................................................. 87
Table 24: Locations which are predicted to exceed DSG Traffic Noise Management Guidelines due to
road haulage noise .................................................................................................... 88
Table 25: Locations which are predicted to exceed the NSW Roads Policy for road haulage noise .... 89
Table 26: Estimated carbon dioxide emissions ................................................................. 99
Table 27: Estimated carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption ................................... 99
Table 28: Summary of approximate traffic volumes including miscellaneous truck and light vehicles
.......................................................................................................................... 121
Table 29: Summary of commitments ............................................................................. 129
Index of Figures
Figure 1: Regional location of Bald Hill Bauxite Project .........................................................3

Figure 2: Site landscape and vegetation characteristics .........................................................4
Figure 3: Bald Hill Bauxite Project lease area (205 ha in area – red outlines) and current extent of
bauxite resources (25 ha in area – yellow outlines) ............................................................. 11
Figure 4: Location of the Bald Hill Bauxite Project ............................................................. 13
Figure 5: Aerial photo of the mining lease application area and surrounds including current title
boundaries at time of publication .................................................................................. 14
Figure 6: Proposed mining sequence ............................................................................... 18
Figure 7: Production sequence: resource pits to be excavated in Years 1 to 5 ............................ 20
Figure 8: Preferred transport route to the Midland Highway .................................................. 24
Figure 9: Transport route from Bald Hill Bauxite Project to Port of Launceston (Bell Bay) ............. 25
Figure 10: The Midlands Water Scheme - Irrigation – red box indicates location of project area ...... 35
Figure 11: Listed geoconservation values in the vicinity of the proposed mine lease .................... 41
Figure 12: Regional distribution of the Macquarie River Valley sandsheets and the location of the Bald
Hill Bauxite Project ................................................................................................... 42
Figure 13: Land systems encountered within the BHBP region................................................ 45
Figure 14: Ross wind rose diagrams at 3pm and 9am. .......................................................... 47
Figure 15: TasVeg mapped native vegetation communities in the vicinity of the BHBP area ........... 48
Figure 16: Mapping from field survey showing actual distribution of threatened species from North
Barker field survey .................................................................................................... 50
Figure 17: Potential surface water flow in the BHBP area ..................................................... 58

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Figure 18: Drainage plan to control surface water flows in the BHBP area during operations .......... 59
Figure 19: Location of cultural heritage sites identified during site survey and their relationship to
mining operation ...................................................................................................... 61
Figure 20: Distribution of priority groundwater flow systems in the Campbell Town area .............. 64
Figure 21: Nearest residential properties and 3km distance line from proposed pits .................... 79
Figure 22: Resource and infrastructure areas relative to vegetation communities mapped by North
Barker 2013 ............................................................................................................. 94
Figure 23: Locations of photography showing view points and directions ................................. 104
Figure 24: Photography of views from public spaces towards mine areas ................................. 109
Figure 25: Photography from Macquarie Rd towards JB1 (West Pit) ........................................ 110
Figure 26: Dolerite outcrop, showing it is already raised naturally relative to surrounding farmland 117
Figure 27: Photography of soil profiles in the BHBP area ..................................................... 123
Appendix A Mine Plan Layouts – Construction, Year 1, 2, 3, 4-5

Appendix B Traffic Impact Assessment
Appendix C Building Elevations
Appendix D Detailed Administration & Parking Layout
Appendix E North Barker - Flora/Fauna Report
Appendix F CHMA Heritage Report
Appendix G Preliminary Hazard/Risk Assessment
Appendix H Decommissioning & Rehabilitation Plan
Appendix I Environmental Noise Assessment
Appendix J Soil sizing and dispersion analyses
Appendix K Wastewater test work on bulk sampling

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Foreword
This Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan (DPEMP) has been
prepared to support a development application by Australian Bauxite Limited to the
Northern Midlands Council.
The application is for the development and operation of a bauxite mine, located 6 km
northwest of Campbell Town in the northern midlands of Tasmania.
The proposed mine will be located on freehold land which has been heavily grazed, on
the properties of Meadowbank and Rosedale. Australian Bauxite Limited has applied for
a mining lease with Mineral Resources Tasmania (mining lease application number MLA
1961P/M).
The purpose of this DPEMP is to provide:

x Supporting documentation to the development application to the Northern
Midlands Council
x A basis for Northern Midlands Council and the Board of the Environment Protection
Authority to consider the planning and environmental aspects of the proposal under
the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 and the Environmental Management
and Pollution Control Act 1994
x A basis for the conditions under which any approval can be given
x A source of information for interested individuals and groups to gain an
understanding of the proposal.
The DPEMP has been prepared according to the Board of the Environment Protection
Authority’s (EPA) General Guidelines for the preparation of a Development Proposal
and Environmental Management Plan for Level 2 activities and ‘called in’ activities,
February 2013 and the EPA’s Bald Hill Bauxite Project – Macquarie Road, Campbell
Town DPEMP Guidelines, 19th June.
The DPEMP guidelines were developed by the Board of the EPA based on the
information supplied by the proponent in a Notice of Intent (NOI) submitted 10 May
2013 in accordance with the Board of the EPA NOI guidelines and the requirements of
section 27B of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
A referral to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and

Communities (DSEWPC) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) was not considered warranted as there is no likelihood of
significant impacts on any Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES).
The EPA’s DPEMP guidelines were issued to Australian Bauxite Limited on 19th June
2013.
The development application will be advertised by the Northern Midlands Council in

relevant newspaper(s) and the DPEMP will be available for public scrutiny at:
x Northern Midlands Council offices in Longford;
x Service Tasmania, 134 Macquarie Street, Hobart; and,
x The Environment Protection Authority’s internet site:
www.epa.tas.gov.au\regulation\assessments-in-progress
For a period of 28 days following the formal newspaper advertisement of the
application any member of the public may submit a representation on the proposal,
describing their comments and/or objections.
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 i

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Representations must be in writing and lodged within the statutory period with:
The General Manager

Northern Midlands Council
PO Box 156
Longford TAS 7301
Council will consider the development application in accordance with its obligations
under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 and the Environmental
Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
Because the proposed activity is deemed a Level 2 activity under Schedule 2 of the
Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994, the Board of the
Environment Protection Authority (the Board) will assess the potential environmental
impacts and impose conditions for the proposed activity in accordance with the
Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994. The EPA has advised that
the assessment will be undertaken as a class 2B.
The environmental conditions from the Board’s assessment will be forwarded to the
Northern Midlands Council for inclusion in the permit, if and when Council approves the
proposed activity.
Any persons who made written representations on the proposal will be notified of the
decision.
Persons aggrieved by a decision to approve the development, or by the conditions or

restrictions of the permit, may appeal to the Resource Management and Planning
Appeal Tribunal (the Tribunal). The applicant, Australian Bauxite, may also appeal a
refusal of the proposal or the conditions or restrictions imposed.
Appeals must be lodged in writing within 14 days of notification. The Tribunal will
hear appeals and either confirm, overturn or modify the decision and/or the permit
conditions and restrictions.
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 ii

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Executive Summary
Australian Bauxite Limited (ABx) is proposing to develop a bauxite mine located
approximately 6 km northwest of Campbell Town in north central Tasmania. The Bald
Hill bauxite deposit lies within granted Mining Lease ML1961 held 50% by ABXTasML1
Pty Ltd and 50% by XBXTasML1 Pty Ltd, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ABx4 Pty Ltd
which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABx.
The project area sits on grazing land between Macquarie Road and the Midland
Highway and is also within 6 km of the main Hobart to Bell Bay railway line.
The resource occurs at the top of a 3.5 km long NW-trending ridge line as a series of 13
surface deposits of low grade to moderate grade bauxite lying beneath a thin soil cover
that ranges in depth from 25 cm to nil. The deposits are underlain by ferruginous clay
derived from weathering of volcanics of Tertiary age (20 to 40 Ma).
The resource is estimated to be around 1.5 million tonnes of bauxite in-ground with an
average density of 2 t/m3.
The mine will provide approximately 45 direct jobs for 4 to 5 years, producing and
exporting 0.3 to 0.5 million tonnes of bauxite per year. The prosperity of the region is
lower than the national average. This proposed development will assist the region to
diversify its economic base and up to 180 new direct and indirect jobs could be created
in the Campbell Town – Bell Bay corridor if this new export business succeeds.
Mining will be by traditional truck-and-shovel quarrying methods or by surface miners

that cut through the rock. Run-of-Mine bauxite will be screened and rinsed with water
sprays to remove dust for transport and export of the coarse fraction and sale of the
fines locally. All water will be contained on site by a series of controlled drains and
sedimentation dams which will be cleaned-out when two-thirds full. No water run-off
will report to the Elizabeth River to the south of the project area.
The maximum depth of excavation in the mine is expected to be 3 to 6 m, with an

average depth of 3.8 m. There will be no conventional open pit mine, no shafts, nor
waste rock dumps or permanent tailings dams. As the resource will be easily won by
dozer ripping and excavators, there will be no need for blasting.
The Mining Lease area is cleared and the area to be disturbed is grazing pasture with
very few trees, little or no native vegetation and no fauna other than sheep.
The area will be mined in 25 m wide panels along the length of each resource deposit
using excavators and trucks or surface miners. As mining progresses along the panel,
clearing of soil and pasture will commence in the next panel, with all material cleared
immediately and spread across recently mined and recontoured areas so that
revegetation will progress alongside and close behind each panel being actively mined.
The extent of exposed bare land will be kept to a minimum at any one time, thereby
reducing the already low risk of surface erosion.
The mined ore will be screened on site to recover the bauxite as a clean coarse gravel
which will be loaded onto trailer trucks and transported east along the Macquarie Road
to either a rail loading facility north of Campbell Town or directly to the Port of
Launceston at Bell Bay along the Midland Highway where it will be loaded and shipped
to alumina refinery customers in Australia, China and/or India.
Operation of both the rail loading and shiploading facilities are separate projects by
others. If product transport is required before the rail loading facility becomes
available, product will be trucked to Bell Bay during daylight hours.
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 iii

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Any material rejected from the screening plant will be sold locally or placed back in
the mined out areas prior to being deep ripped, recontoured, covered with topsoil and
revegetated so that no waste rock will be generated. Screening and wet-rinsing will be
undertaken with all fines collected and sold or returned to the pits so that there will
be no need for a permanent tailings dam.
Like other quarries in the district, the mine will have basic support infrastructure
including parking, workshops, offices, ablutions, potable and non-potable water tanks,
diesel powered generators, storage buildings and areas, and re-fuelling zones. All
buildings will be temporary and transportable after the project is completed.
The Mining Lease covers 205 hectares of cleared grazing land that is a small portion of
two private farms in the Northern Midlands Council area. There are land compensation
agreements with the two landholders which grant access for mining.
Mining will disturb 22 hectares and the total land disturbance area is 40.5 hectares.
The project is a discretionary use under the Northern Midlands Interim Planning
Scheme 2013 and a permit from Council is required. The mine will lie within the Rural
Resource zone and will be consistent with the provisions of the Scheme.
The purpose of the Rural Resource zoning is to provide for:

x Sustainable use or development of resources for agriculture, aquaculture, forestry,
mining and other primary industries, including opportunities for resource
processing.
x Other use or development that does not constrain or conflict with resource
development uses.
x Economic development that is compatible with primary industry, environmental
and landscape values.
x Tourism-related use and development where the sustainable development of rural
resources will not be compromised.
After the proposed extraction of bauxite and rehabilitation of the disturbed areas, the
final landform will allow a return to sustainable agriculture, its current use.
The mineral extraction will contribute toward the economic development of the region
in a manner that is compatible with existing environmental, landscape and primary
industry values. Operations will not impact significantly on the landscape values and
rehabilitation of the site with time will remove evidence of mineral extraction. The
proposed development will not have any impact upon tourism-related use and
development of any other rural resources.
In accordance with Land Zoning and Planning Control 26.1.6 Desired Future Character
Statements, the location and topography of the site means that visual impacts will be
minimal. The nature and scale of the operation will be in keeping with a rural landscape.
Potential impacts on natural values have been assessed and there will be no significant
impacts, as follows.
Geoconservation: A portion of the West Pit (JB1) resource area is listed as a

geoconservation feature, and is approximately 0.023% of the Macquarie River Valley
Sandsheets area, which are aeolian sands common in the northern midlands. This
listing does not represent statutory protection and degradation is considered to be
already significant. Thus the impact is negligible and no significant loss of
geoconservation values is expected to arise from the bauxite extraction.
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 iv

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Flora: Three degraded versions of TASVEG vegetation communities are present in the
area: remnants of Midlands Woodland Complex, remnants of Lowland Grassland
Complex and Agricultural Land which covers the majority of the land area and 100% of
the land that is proposed to be disturbed.
Grassland communities in the project area do not meet the criteria for Commonwealth
listed threatened Lowland Grasslands of Tasmania on at least two threshold criteria:
x the prominent component (20-50%) of all patches is gorse weed; and,
x most patches are less than 1 ha.
Given the degraded nature of the site, and given that all disturbance will be conducted
on the cleared Agricultural Land, it is considered unlikely that any threatened species
will be significantly impacted.
Fauna: Expert survey results confirm that the site is unlikely to be part of the current
range of the Tasmanian devil. Similarly, no evidence of masked owls was found. The area
is not considered to be a core range for the spotted-tailed quoll and no evidence of use of
the proposed mine site by spotted-tailed quolls has been found.
The field surveys found no fauna species listed under the Tasmanian Threatened
Species Protection Act 1995 or the Commonwealth Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 within the Bald Hill Mining Lease area and there is
very limited potential habitat for threatened fauna within the mine lease.
Groundwater was not encountered in any drill holes, which tested the mine areas and
up to 250 m outside the proposed mine areas. The water table will therefore not be
disrupted by the proposed mining.
Surface water flows will not be significantly changed. Mine drainage will be directed
into a natural catchment/sedimentation dam in the southwest of the Mining Lease,
adjacent to Macquarie Road where water will be harvested for rinsing and dedusting the
bauxite product prior to transporting it to Bell Bay. Any overflow will be rare and will
discharge into the landholder’s large water dam and will be monitored for water quality.
There will be no water discharges from the mine to any open creek systems. The
drainage plan is designed to ensure no release of mine or screen water into the
westernmost catchment area which drains into creeks leading southwards into
Elizabeth River which is a tributary to Macquarie River.
A range of proven mitigation and management strategies will be employed to manage

erosion potential and sediment loss to the creek systems, including progressively
rehabilitating the areas as soon as possible to reduce exposure of bare ground, staged
clearing of land in preparation for mining, and using cut-off drains, sediment basins,
silt fences, rubble drains, hay bales and temporary sandbagging to manage and control
any sediment laden run-off as required.
This Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan (“DPEMP”) has been
prepared according to the Board of the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) General
Guidelines for the preparation of a Development Proposal and Environmental Management
Plan for Level 2 activities and ‘called in’ activities, February 2013 and the EPA’s Bald Hill
Bauxite Project – Macquarie Road, Campbell Town DPEMP Guidelines, 19th June.
The DPEMP guidelines were developed by the Board of the EPA based on the
information supplied by the proponent in a Notice of Intent (NOI) submitted 10 May
2013 in accordance with the Board of the EPA NOI guidelines and the requirements of
section 27B of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
The DPEMP identifies and assesses potential impacts associated with the proposed project.
Specific commitments contained in the DPEMP demonstrate that appropriate operational
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 v

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and management measures will be in place to minimise any potential impacts and to
minimise any risks to the environment and human health. With these measures in place,
there are no significant risks of significant residual environmental impacts.
The DPEMP demonstrates that the proposal will be compliant with Tasmanian and
Commonwealth policies, legislation and regulations.
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 vi

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Glossary
Mining is a highly regulated and technology-driven activity, leading to many acronyms
and technical terms as follows (with apologies to readers):
ABx Australian Bauxite Limited ACN 139 494 885. Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW 2000. Telephone: 02 9251 7177 Fax: 02 9251 7500
Email: corporate@australianbauxite.com.au
ABx4 ABx4 Pty Ltd, ACN 141 724 281 a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABx holding
Tasmanian tenements
AHPA Aboriginal Heritage Protection Act/bill 2013
AHT Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania
Air Quality EPP Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004
Al203 Total aluminium oxide (alumina) in the bauxite. Is contained in clay

minerals and gibbsite.
AMD Acid Mine Drainage
ANZECC The Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council
ARA Aboriginal Relics Act 1975
ATSIHPA Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection

Act 1984.
Avl Al203 Available alumina product when leached in caustic soda at 143 degrees C in
an alumina refinery. Is all contained in the hydrous alumina mineral called
gibbsite which dissolves in caustic soda at above 120 degrees C.
Bauxite The ore of alumina and aluminium comprising hydrated oxides of

aluminium (gibbsite), silica (clay) and iron (rust minerals hematite and
goethite), all of which are the most commonly-occurring elements.
Bauxite is typically a 3m thick layer occurring below a thin layer of low-
fertility soil, is chemically inert, dry, sterile and free of heavy metals and
salts. It is also used to build roads in Tasmania because of its stability and
inert composition. The bauxite layer is free-draining with no connection to
the water table and is usually infertile due to its high permeability and low
clay content.
BPESC Best practice erosion and sediment control under IECA Guidelines
BHBP Bald Hill Bauxite Project
Coastal Policy State Coastal Policy 1996
DGA Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2010
dB(A) A-weighted decibels – a measure of loudness to the human ear
DGR Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulations 2010
DSG Department of State Growth (incorporating the former DIER)
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 vii

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DO Dissolved oxygen
DPEMP Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan (this

document)
DPIPWE Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
DRP Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan
DSO Direct Shipping Bauxite requiring only mining and sizing for export.
EC Electrical conductivity or a measurement of how much electric current can

pass through a water sample. Fresh water has a low EC because it is salt-
free. EC is a measure of total salts, both 'good' salts for the irrigator like
nitrate and potassium and 'bad' salts like sodium chloride.
Eh Chemical potential to be reduced – the opposite of oxidation.
EL Exploration Licence as granted in accordance with the Mineral Resources

Development Act 1995.
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EO Entrained oxygen
EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999
EMPCA Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
EMPCN Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Miscellaneous Noise)

2004
EMPCW Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste Management)

Regs 2010
EU LCA European Life Cycle Assessment Dataset
Fe203 Iron oxide with iron in its ferric or oxidised state, usually contained in
hematite or goethite minerals.
FPA Forest Practices Act 1985
FPP Forest Practices Plan required under the Forest Practices Act 1985. Mining
operations are excluded from this requirement where a LUPAA permit is in
place
GAV General Access Vehicle Trucks
GFS Groundwater Flow System
GST Goods and Services Tax
Ha or ha Hectares. 1 Ha = 10,000 square metres = 2.4710538 acres
HCHA Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995
IECA International Erosion Control Association
kph kilometres per hour
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 viii

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LA Litter Act 2007
LOI Loss on ignition is mainly water and trace volatiles contained within
minerals. To measure LOI, some bauxite is totally dried, pulverised and
placed in a crucible then heated in a furnace at above 1,000 degrees C.
LOI is the weight lost by this extreme heating (ie. “ignition”) which breaks
down the mineral crystals and allows the release of volatiles.
LPV Low profile vehicles
LUPAA Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993
MLA Mining Lease (Application) as applied for in accordance with the Mineral
Resources Development Act 1995.
MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance
MRDA Mineral Resources Development Act 1995
MRT Mineral Resources Tasmania
NCA Nature Conservation Act 2002
NEPC National Environment Protection Council
NEPCA National Environment Protection Council (Tasmania) Act 1995
NEPM NEPM Ambient Air Quality 1998 obligations to NEPC under NEPCA
NGER National Greenhouse & Energy Reporting System Calculator
NMIPS North Midlands Interim Planning Scheme 2013
PAL Policy State Policy on Protection of Agricultural Land 2009
PEV Protected Environmental Values
pH A measure of the acidity or alkalinity. Acids have a pH less than 7 and

alkalis have a pH greater than 7.
PP Perambulation permits for those wanting to perambulate in Tasmania
PPE Personal protection equipment
RMPS Tasmanian Resource Management and Planning System
ROM Run-of-Mine. Raw bauxite of all grades as extracted from the pits.
Rx Si02 Reactive silica when leached in caustic soda at 143 degrees C at an alumina
refinery. It is all contained in clay minerals kaolinite and halloysite.
Si02 Total silica in the bauxite – can be clay and quartz minerals
SPAP Social Performance Action Plan
SPPA State Policies and Projects Act 1993
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 ix

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TasVeg Department of Primary Industries and Water. TASVEG Version 2_0_Released

Feb 2009. Tasmanian Vegetation Monitoring and Mapping Program,
Resource Management and Conservation Division
T Metric tonnes
TBxO Tasmanian Bauxite (Operations) Pty Ltd, the proposed operating company
TEMPC Tasmanian Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste

Management) Regulations 2000
THC Tasmanian Heritage Council
TIA Traffic Impact Assessment
TiO2 Total titania or titanium oxide in the bauxite, usually contained in anatase
or weathered ilmenite minerals.
TML Transport Moisture Limit: the safe moisture level for shipping bulk
materials like bauxite (varies with ore types, grainsizes etc)
Tpa Tonnes per annum (tonnes per year)
TQCP Tasmanian Quarry Code of Practice 1999
TSPA Threatened Species Protection Act 1995
Weed Act Weed Management Act 1999, replacing Noxious Weeds Act 1964
WHS Act Work and Health Safety Act 2012 replacing the Workplace Health and
Safety Act 1995.
WMA Water Management Act 1999
WMA Water Management Regulations 2009 (3 sets of regulations)
WMR Waste Management Regulations under section 102 of the EMPCA
Water Quality Policy State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 x

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1. Introduction
1.1 The proposal
Australian Bauxite Limited (ABx, ACN 139 494 885) is proposing to develop a bauxite
mine off Macquarie Road, west of Campbell Town in the northern midlands of Tasmania
(Figure 1). Bauxite is the ore which can be refined into alumina in an alumina refinery
which is electro-smelted to make aluminium in an aluminium smelter.
The project, named the Bald Hill Bauxite Project (BHBP), proposes to excavate a thin
layer of bauxite rock that lies at surface, screen it to size and ship it via Bell Bay Port to
alumina refineries in China and possibly within Australia. There is no alumina refinery in
Tasmania and the Tasmanian bauxite resources are insufficient in volume and grade for
there ever to be one. Consequently, export is the only viable business strategy.
This proposed activity is covered under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995
and a Mining Lease Application (MLA) has been made (application number ML1961P/M).
The Bald Hill Bauxite Project is situated within granted exploration licence (EL7/2010)
held by ABx4 Pty Ltd (ACN 141 724 281), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABx.
1.2 The proponent

Australian Bauxite Limited is a publicly listed exploration company and was listed on
the ASX (ASX code: ABX) on 24 December 2009. ABx discovered and holds the core of
the Eastern Australian Bauxite Province. It has 42 bauxite tenements, covering
6,800 km2 in Queensland, NSW and Tasmania. ABx4 is a wholly owned subsidiary of ABx
that holds all of ABx’s Tasmanian exploration tenements.
ABx’s policy is to operate only where welcomed and strive to restore the land to at
least as good as ABx found it and better in many instances. Bald Hill is ABx’s first
project and it plans to deliver on ABx’s policy and build a new Tasmanian business.
Relevant company contact details are:

Leon Hawker
Chief Operating Officer
Australian Bauxite Limited Level 2
131 Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9251 7177 Fax: 02 9251 7500
Email: lhawker@australianbauxite.com.au
ABx4 has established two new companies, ABxTasML1 Pty Ltd (ACN 163 413 232) and
XBxTasML1 Pty Ltd (ACN 163 413 821) to jointly hold the mining lease. Should a
customer company elect to proceed with a Joint Venture for the project, it may take
ownership of all or part of XBxTasML1.
The project operator is expected to be Tasmanian Bauxite (Operations) Pty Ltd and
marketing will be managed by Tasmanian Bauxite (Marketing) Pty Ltd. Both these
companies have yet to be formed.
For the purposes of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994
(EMPCA), the entity responsible for the mining operations will be Tasmanian Bauxite
(Operations) Pty Ltd (TBxO).
Table 1 shows the proposed statutory responsibilities for each company.
Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 1

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Table 1: Bald Hill Bauxite Project entities and their statutory responsibilities
Responsibility Company
Exploration Licence holder ABx4 Pty Ltd (ABx4, ACN 141 724 281)
ABx4 Ultimate Holding Company Australian Bauxite Limited (ABx, ACN 141 724 281)
Joint venture partner None at this time.
ABx4 owned mine lease joint holding company ABxTasML1 Pty Ltd (ACN 163 413 232)
ABx4 owned mine lease joint holding company XBxTasML1 Pty Ltd (ACN 163 413 821)
Mining lease applicant ABx4 Pty Ltd
Lease holder ABxTasML1 (50%) and XBxTasML1 (50%)
Capital confirmation ABxTasML1 & XBxTasML1
Mining bond ABx4 Pty Ltd on behalf of ABxTasML1 & XBxTasML1
Mine operator Tasmanian Bauxite (Operations) Pty Ltd
Planning & environmental permit application ABx4 Pty Ltd
Permit responsible person Tasmanian Bauxite (Operations) Pty Ltd
1.3 Proposal background

The proposed mine will be located on heavily grazed farming land in the Northern
Midlands region of Tasmania. As shown by the photographs in Figure 2, the land is
highly modified and there is virtually no residual natural vegetation or habitat within or
surrounding the area that would be disturbed by the mining.
There is no credible likelihood of significant impacts on Matters of National Environmental

Significance (MNES) and a referral to the Commonwealth under the Environment Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is therefore not considered to be
warranted (see section 3.2.8 and 3.2.9) and has not been made.
The rehabilitation of four trial pit areas that were excavated in mid 2013 to depths
exceeding 5 metres has been successful, confirming that with appropriate environmental
management procedures the proposed operations can be successfully rehabilitated.
A mining lease (ML 1961P/M) has been granted by Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT)
and a Security Deposit of $435,000 and a Public Liability Insurance Policy for $20
million has been lodged with MRT in accordance with the Mineral Resources
Development Act 1995 and regulations pertaining to Mining Lease grants.

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Figure 1: Regional location of Bald Hill Bauxite Project

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Access point (view north) View east to bauxite ridgeline Typical bauxite capped hillock Bauxite ridgeline (view south)
Bauxite ridgeline (view south) Bauxite ridgeline (view south) Bauxite ridgeline (view west) Looking south to farm dam
Bauxite ridgeline (view north) Bauxite ridgeline (view north) Bauxite ridgeline (view north east) Bauxite ridgeline (view east to highway)
Figure 2: Site landscape and vegetation characteristics

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1.4 Other proposals in the region

At the time of writing there are three other existing mining leases in the district as
follows:
ML 1053P/M – construction minerals, 266 ha, stone, Nubrick Pty Ltd
ML1941 P/M – construction minerals, 16 Ha, sand, Taylor G.A
ML 1711 and 1953 P/M – 11 and 2 Ha, sand, Prospect Timber and Landscape supplies.
1.5 Applicable legislation and guidelines

1.5.1 State legislation and regulations
The Tasmanian Resource Management and Planning System (RMPS) was established to
achieve sustainable outcomes from the use and development of the State’s natural and
physical resources. Several pieces of legislation embody the aims of the RMPS.
Within the context of this development proposal, there are a number of applicable
statutes:
x Mineral Resources Development Act 1995
x State Policies and Projects Act 1993
x Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993
x Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
These are briefly outlined below.
Mineral Resources Development Act 1995

This Act governs the management of Tasmania’s mineral resources, including the issue of
mining leases.
State Policies and Projects Act 1993

The State Policies and Projects Act 1993 establishes the process to put in place State
Policies under the Resource Management and Planning System of Tasmania. State
Policies seek to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach and incorporate the
minimum amount of regulation necessary to achieve their objectives of managing natural
resources. State Policies are implemented through their integration into Local
Government Planning Schemes.
Currently there are three State Policies:

x State Coastal Policy 1996 (Coastal Policy)
x State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997 (Water Quality Policy)
x State Policy on Protection of Agricultural Land 2009 (PAL Policy).
State Coastal Policy 1996 (Coastal Policy)

The purpose of the State Coastal Policy 1996 is to implement the sustainable
development objectives of the RMPS in Tasmania’s coastal areas and is applicable to all
Tasmanian State waters and land (excepting Macquarie Island) within one kilometre
inland of the high-water mark.
The Coastal Policy is not applicable to any part of this proposal as no part of the site is
within one kilometre of the high-water mark.

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State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997 (Water Quality Policy)

The purpose of the Water Quality Policy is to achieve the sustainable management of
Tasmania’s surface water and groundwater resources by protecting or enhancing their
qualities while allowing for sustainable development in accordance with the objectives
of the RMPS.
A full description of erosion and sediment control measures which will be applied to
ensure compliance with the Water Quality Policy are provided in sections 3.2.11, 4.2,
4.3, 4.18 and 4.22.
State Policy on Protection of Agricultural Land 2009 (PAL Policy)

The purpose of the PAL Policy is to “conserve and protect agricultural land so that it
remains available for the sustainable development of agriculture, recognising the
particular importance of prime agricultural land”. The main objective of the PAL Policy
is to ensure that the productive capacity of agricultural land is appropriately recognised
and protected in the use and development of agricultural land.
The PAL Policy focuses on protecting prime agricultural land (land capability classes 1, 2
and 3) from conversion to non-agricultural uses or from being fettered from being used
for agricultural activities.
The land on which the project will be developed is class 5 land. There is no prime
agricultural land in the area of the proposed mine development.
Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA)

Under LUPAA, Councils are required to administer the development and use of land
within their municipal boundary. The assessment of development and use is undertaken
in accordance with the relevant planning scheme(s).
The project is a discretionary use under the Northern Midlands Interim Planning Scheme
2013 and a permit from Council is required. If Council approves the application, they
may include conditions of approval relating to planning aspects and they must also
include any environmental conditions specified by the Board of the Environment
Protection Authority under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act
1994 (see below).
Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA)

The project is a level 2 activity under Schedule 2 of the Environmental Management and
Pollution Control Act 1994 and a Development Proposal and Environmental Management
Plan (DPEMP) will be submitted to Environment Protection Authority for assessment and
approval.
This DPEMP describes in detail how the potential environmental impacts of the mining
proposal will be managed and mitigated. Approval under this Act will establish the
environmental operating permit and conditions for the mine.
Other state legislation applicable to the project

Cultural Heritage
Aboriginal Relics Act 1975
It is recognised that all registered and unregistered Tasmanian Aboriginal sites are
protected by the State Aboriginal Relics Act 1975 and the Commonwealth Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984.

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Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995

The purpose of the Act is to promote the identification, assessment, protection and
conservation of places having historic cultural heritage significance and to establish the
Tasmanian Heritage Council.
Environmental
Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Miscellaneous Noise) 2004
The purpose of these regulations is to define the operating conditions for
‘neighbourhood’ noise sources such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, power tools, heat
pumps, car and building alarms, off-road vehicles and mobile machinery. In general the
Regulations are implemented by local government and Tasmania Police
Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste Management) Regulations

2010
These regulations are used to regulate the management of controlled waste and some
aspects of the disposal of general waste within Tasmania. Controlled waste is the most
hazardous category of waste and requires special management. General waste is less
hazardous.
The Waste Management Regulations were made under section 102 of the Environmental
Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA).
National Environment Protection Council (Tasmania) Act 1995

The NEPCA mirrors corresponding legislation made by the Commonwealth and other
States and Territories. This legislation collectively provides the basic framework for the
development of national environmental standards in Australia.
NEPM Ambient Air Quality 1998

The NEPM was made with the desired outcome of ambient air quality that allows for the
adequate protection of human health and well-being. The Measure requires each
participating jurisdiction to submit to NEPC a plan setting out how the jurisdiction
proposes to monitor air quality for the purposes of the Measure. This Measure
established a set of Standards and Goals for six air pollutants, and outlined the methods
by which these pollutants are to be measured, assessed and reported.
Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004

This is also known as the Air Quality EPP and provides a framework for the management
and regulation of point and diffuse sources of emissions to air for pollutants with the
potential to cause environmental harm. The EPP was developed to help regulatory
authorities and industry maintain and improve Tasmania’s air quality.
Weed Management Act 1999

The Weed Management Act 1999 replaced the Noxious Weeds Act 1964 and provides for
the development of a management plan for a specific weed prior to its proclamation as a
‘noxious weed’. This is essential if the proclamation of a weed is to result in its long
term management.
The objectives of the Act further the objectives of the resource management and
planning system (RMPS) of Tasmania and, provides for the control and eradication of
weeds having regard to the need to:
x minimise the deleterious effects of weeds on the sustainability of Tasmania’s
productive capacity and natural ecosystems
x promote a strategic and sustainable approach to weed management
x encourage community involvement in weed management
x promote the sharing of responsibility for weed management between the different
spheres of government, natural resource managers, the community and industry in
Tasmania.

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Hazardous substances
Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2010
The Dangerous Goods Act 2010 regulates the transportation of Dangerous Goods by road
and rail in Tasmania, in order to promote public safety and protect property and the
environment.
Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulations 2010

Where quantities transported by road exceed:
x 500 litres or kilograms for a container Class 2-9
x 3000 litres for an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container for Class 2-9 where not filled or
emptied on the vehicle)
x Risk category 2 of the Australian Explosives Code for Class 1 (Explosives)
Both the driver and the vehicle must be licensed to transport Dangerous Goods.
Work Health and Safety Act 2012

The Work and Health Safety Act 2012 mirrors the provisions of the national model WHS
Act and replaces the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995. It is designed to secure the
health, safety and welfare of persons at work and for related purposes.
Water Management
Water Management Act 1999
The Water Management Act 1999 provides for the management of Tasmania’s freshwater
resources.
In particular the Act is to provide for the use and management of freshwater resources in
Tasmania having regard to the need to:
x Promote sustainable use and facilitate economic development of water resources
x Recognise and foster the significant social and economic benefits resulting from the
sustainable use and development of water resources for the generation of hydro-
electricity and for the supply of water for human consumption and commercial
activities dependent on water
x Maintain ecological processes and genetic diversity for aquatic and riparian
ecosystems
x Provide for the fair, orderly and efficient allocation of water resources to meet the
community’s needs
x Increase the community’s understanding of aquatic ecosystems and the need to use
and manage water in a sustainable and cost-efficient manner
x Encourage community involvement in water resources management.
Water Management Regulations 2009

There are three separate sets of regulations under the Water Management Act 1999.
Only one is relevant to this project, the Water Management Regulations 2009, which sets
limits on the taking of water for specific uses and set fees for water licences. They also
cover the requirements for well drillers' licences, and set fines for contravention of, or
failure to comply with, any regulations.
Forestry
Forest Practices Act 1985
For many activities a Forest Practices Plan (FPP) is required under the Forest Practices
Act 1985 where the clearing of forest is in excess of 1 hectare or 100 tonnes of timber
(in areas of ‘vulnerable land’ these thresholds are lower). However, mining operations
are explicitly excluded from this requirement where a LUPAA permit is in place, which
will be the case for this project.

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Nature Conservation
Threatened Species Protection Act 1995
The Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 is designed to provide for the protection
and management of threatened native flora and fauna and to enable and promote the
conservation of native flora and fauna.
Nature Conservation Act 2002

This Act makes provision with respect to the conservation and protection of the fauna,
flora and geological diversity of the State, to provide for the declaration of national
parks and other reserved land and for related purposes.
Solid Waste
Litter Act 2007
The Litter Act 2007 is Tasmania’s key litter legislation, providing strong anti-littering
provisions to:
x prohibit the deposition of litter in the environment
x regulate the distribution of materials that may become litter
x protect and enhance the quality of the natural and urban Tasmanian environments.
1.5.2 Local government

The proposed development is located within the boundaries of the Northern Midlands
Municipality. The proposed use and development within the municipality will be assessed
in accordance with the Northern Midlands Interim Planning Scheme 2013.
Northern Midlands Interim Planning Scheme 2013

The proposed development is within the rural resource zone. The use class is extractive
industry, which is discretionary within the rural resource zones. Development approval
from Council is required.
Refer to section 3.1.3 for information on the key planning aspects of the project.
1.6 Consultation
ABx has undertaken consultation with key stakeholders, including:
x Quorn Hall and Meadowbank property owner
x Rosedale property owner
x Northern Midlands Council
x State and Federal Members of Parliament
x State Government Departments
Department of State Growth (including Mineral Resources Tasmania)
Environmental Protection Authority
x State Authorities
Tasrail
Tasports
Forestry Tasmania
x Other organisations
Australian Workers Union
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association.
x Residents of West Street in Campbell Town and the general community.

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2. Proposal Description
2.1 Proposal outline
Australian Bauxite Limited (ABx) is proposing to develop a bauxite mine straddling the
boundary of the Meadowbank and Rosedale properties, off Macquarie Road, west of
Campbell Town in the northern midlands (Figure 1 and Figure 4).
The project is called the Bald Hill Bauxite Project (BHBP) and is summarised in Table 2.
It will involve campaign mining of a thin layer of bauxite rock that lies at the surface,
screening some of it to improve grade and trucking it to the Port of Launceston (Bell
Bay) for shipping to alumina refineries in China and possibly within Australia.
Table 2: Project summary
Aspect Description
Life of project Approximately 5 years
Resource Bauxite
Mining method Shallow surface excavation
Mine operation 12 hour day shifts, 365 days per year
Average depth of extraction 3.5 m to 4 m, averaging 3.8 m
Depth to water table Not encountered
Total area of disturbance 22 ha mining; 40.5 ha total
Maximum disturbed area at any time 22 ha (12 ha infrastructure, 10 ha pits)
Total mined tonnage Approximately 1.5 to 2 million tonnes
Total waste material Approximately 400,000 tonnes
Average production rates Approximately 0.4 million tonnes/year
Maximum production rates 0.55 million tonnes per year or
0.275 million cubic metres per year
Construction duration 1 to 2 months
Commencement of production December 2014 to March 2015
Tasmanian Bauxite (Operations) Pty Ltd (TBxO) will be the entity responsible for the
mining operations to mine approximately 1.5 to 2 million tonnes of bauxite ore over
approximately 5 years from the project. Mining will be done during daylight hours.
There are 12 bauxite surface deposits which cap the hillocks of an undulating ridgeline
running for approximately 2.8 km in a north westerly direction from Macquarie Road and
an isolated deposit (JB1) south of Macquarie Road (Figure 1). The average thickness of
the deposits is approximately 3.5 to 4 m. The resource distribution leads to a number of
small pits as shown in Figure 3 which have different grades of available alumina (Avl
Al203), reactive silica (Rx Si02) and iron content (Fe203) which results in it being necessary
to mine several ore zones simultaneously in order to screen and blend to achieve the
required shipping grade.
The bauxite will be mined by excavating along a series of shallow faces which is
currently planned to move west to east across the top of the hillocks to minimise visual
impact and noise. The excavation will lower the height of the hillocks by approximately
3.5 to 4 m with a maximum of 6m. However, the general form of the hillocks will be
retained. Ongoing rehabilitation will be carried out to retain a free-draining profile prior
to replacing topsoil on the disturbed areas and completing the rehabilitation. There will
be no remaining waste rock dump or tailings dam.
Some sections of the ore body, mainly from deeper layers will be of sufficient quality to
be trucked directly to port, without upgrading by screening – called “DSO” bauxite.
In other areas, the bauxite, mainly from the shallow layers, may require upgrading by
screening before being trucked to the Port of Launceston for loading onto ships.

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Figure 3: Bald Hill Bauxite Project lease area (205 ha in area – red outlines) and current extent of
bauxite resources (25 ha in area – yellow outlines)

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2.1.1 General description

This section provides a description of the setting, the construction, commissioning,
operational and decommissioning phases.
Setting
The project area is located off Macquarie Road approximately 6 km northwest of
Campbell Town in the Northern Midlands area of Tasmania.
Figure 3 and Figure 4 show the local setting of the mine. Road access from the Midland
Highway is via West Street and Macquarie Road.
The site’s landscape and vegetation characteristics were shown in site photography in
Figure 2. As is evident from these photos, the vegetation is highly modified by more than
a century of farming.
The bauxite generally occurs to depths of less than 6m beneath 0.05 to 0.25 m of a
residual soil which will be preserved and reinstated in the areas mined.
Soil fertility in bauxite areas is low because bauxite is naturally leached of nutrient and
chemically inert – one reason that bauxite is widely used for road building. The land has
limited cropping value and is suitable mainly for grazing in its current state. Some parts
of the mining lease have been cropped, with variable success.
In non-bauxite areas nearby, irrigation cropping is being conducted (see irrigation circles
in Figure 3) and will be left untouched. Operations are limited to areas within a buffer
zone inside the Mining Lease boundary and will not encroach onto existing pivot-
irrigation cropping areas. Entry onto the cropping land is not planned for any reason,
but in accordance with company policy, can only occur with Landowner’s consent.
Scattered outcrops of dolerite occur within the lease and, due to their rocky nature
these have not been ploughed and therefore contain some residual tree and shrub
vegetation, which is not present outside the outcrops. These dolerite outcrops are
clearly identifiable in Figure 3 as unploughed dark zones within the mining lease.
Being dolerite with no bauxite, these dolerite outcrop areas will be left largely
unaffected by the project activities. The dolerite outcrops are located at sufficient
distance from the bauxite pit areas to be unaffected by the lowering of the land by
bauxite extraction. Most of the bauxite sits at a higher elevation than the dolerite
outcrops so that perching of dolerite outcrops will not occur as a result of operations.
Groundwater Setting
Bauxite is a dry rock unit, being highly permeable and unable to hold water. The
bauxite horizon sits along a ridge line, considerably above the water table. No
groundwater was encountered in the drillholes across the mining area.
Mining bauxite has no impact on the water table or any groundwater.
Mine Type
The planned bauxite mining operation is a shallow quarrying operation and simple
screening process, similar to bauxite quarrying that has been done for more than a
century in this part of Tasmania for road and railway construction. Experienced
Tasmanian contractors will be carrying out the extraction, screening and rehabilitation
activities, using the same high standards used for government projects in recent years.

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Figure 4: Location of the Bald Hill Bauxite Project

(Nearest residences are in West Street of Campbell Town & at Merton Vale, south of the project.)

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Figure 5: Aerial photo of the mining lease application area and surrounds including current title
boundaries at time of publication

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Resource identification
ABx explores for bauxite by first identifying areas with suitable geology and geophysical
patterns to have potential for bauxite. These areas are then screened for socio-
environmental suitability and access to infrastructure. Exploration licences are then
applied for over the areas with potentially viable bauxite resources.
Exploration licence applications are reviewed by Mineral Resources Tasmania and certain
land types are excluded from the exploration licences and known sensitive areas are
highlighted on the Exploration Licence maps.
Once exploration licenses are granted, exploration commences with simple mapping on
foot and rock-chip sampling to identify prospective areas.
The following approvals are needed before more intensive exploration can commence:
1. landholder access agreements
2. environmental clearances, identifying any potentially sensitive issues
3. approvals of proposed work programs by all affected landholders and all relevant
government authorities, mainly the MRT.
Reconnaissance drill testing of prospective areas is carried out using a small (12 t) truck-
mounted reverse-circulation aircore drilling rig to test the depth, distribution, thickness
and qualities of the bauxite deposits. Holes are 100 mm in diameter and typically 10 m
to 12 m deep. Holes are filled and rehabilitated immediately so that within days, they
cannot be located again. ABx has a 100% record of landholder approval of drill hole
rehabilitation.
Following drilling, samples from any potential bauxite zones are sent to ALS Laboratories
in Brisbane for complex bauxite assays.
The current extent of the resource for this Bald Hill Bauxite Project is shown in Figure 3
above. The deposits located north of Macquarie Road are numbered RD1 to RD4 and MB1
to MB6 and one deposit southwest of Macquarie Road is referred to as JB1. Further detail
of the individual pits listed north to south is included in Table 3. The resource surface
areas total 25.1 Ha but only 22 Ha of the resource area is expected to be mined because
thin, low grade areas will be left unmined. Additional low-grade interburden will be
mined and screened or cast aside in-pit.
Table 3: Pit names, surface areas and resource tonnage
Contained
Surface area Surface Area
Pit Resource
(m2) (Ha)
(T)
RD1 14,278 1.43 89,000
RD2 15,966 1.60 54,000
RD3 North 1,7991 1.80 60,000
RD3 Central 15,336 1.53 144,000
RD3 South 9,303 0.93 42,000
RD4 8,928 0.89 26,000
MB1 4,349 0.43 17,000
MB2 21,323 2.13 130,000
MB3 17,915 1.79 132,000
MB4 73,874 7.39 504,000
MB5 22,038 2.20 121,000
MB6 9,695 0.97 64,000
JB1 20,118 2.01 124,000

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Grade Control
Mining will be based on grade control by either close spaced drilling or in-pit grade
control sampling so as to identify variations in bauxite grades both laterally and
vertically and to identify thin layers of interburden. Grade control will guide mine
planning by engineers and geologists for efficient daily operations.
Clearing and Site Preparation

The granted mining lease area is 205 ha. The likely total disturbed land over the life of
the project, including pit areas, roads, buildings, screens, stockpiles and silt control
dams, is 40.4 ha which is 20% of the project area mining lease.
The project is a surface quarrying activity and will be carried out by Tasmanian quarry
operators with expertise in quarrying and rehabilitation of similar material.
Rehabilitation will be carried out progressively during mining with a maximum annual
disturbance footprint approximately 22 ha of which approximately 5.1 ha is stockpiles,
6.3 ha is roads, and 0.27 ha is administration/ablution and workshop pads and 10.3 ha is
working pits.
Topsoils in the bauxite resource areas are thin to non-existent (0.05 to 0.25 m) but, where
present, they will be collected by surface miner, loader, excavator or scraper and
stockpiled so as to preserve seeds and nutrients to assist future rehabilitation of the site
(further detailed in Appendix H). In places, overburden of low-grade bauxite exist up to
1.5 m thick – this will be treated as waste or upgraded to bauxite grade by screening.
Excavation
The resource occurs in discrete zones immediately below the topsoil (which is absent in
places) along the ridge line of the Bald Hill project area. The average resource thickness
is 3.8 m with a maximum thickness of 6 m. Mining with surface miners would be in 30 m
wide panels, cut in a series of small benches of 0.25 m to 0.5 m depth, dependent on
grade control requirements. Mining would advance west to east across the ridge line to
minimise visual impacts. Pit floors would slope gently to controlled drainage channels at
the sides of the access roads.
All material will be excavated based on grade control to optimise blending and
stockpiling strategies. Mining will be done in thin benches and small panels to minimise
contamination of the bauxite product by interburden and waste.
Test pits excavated in mid 2013 indicated a small quantity of free dig material. The
majority of the bauxite is a hard rock unit. To remove and/or reduce the need for
blasting, ABx plans to use either surface miners or dozer ripping and large excavators to
excavate the bauxite. Both methods should break the bauxite sufficiently so that
crushing of oversize rock should only be required to be done infrequently in campaigns.
Surface miners are the same machines that are used for road maintenance to remove old
bitumen layers from roads including in urban areas. They are powerful cutting machines
suited to cutting hard, dry rock units.
Run-of mine (ROM) material may be screened within the pit limits when possible
(generally in the larger pits) minimising haulage and using the reject material,
overburden and interburden to construct the final landform profile prior to replacement
of topsoil horizons and revegetation.
Sequence and method

Mining of the resource will commence during the construction of infrastructure,
including the access road, haul road, lay down area, stockpile areas (topsoil and
product), sedimentation basins, office and ablutions block. Some waste will be used on
the roads and stockpile bases in the few places where fill may be needed.

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First sites to be excavated will be MB1, MB2 and JB1 (see Figure 3 and Figure 7) which
are near infrastructure. During this period, access roads, stockpiles, mobile screening
plants and other associated infrastructure will be established in the main mine area.
The anticipated mine life is approximately five years.
Construction of mine access roads and stockpile areas will be carried out with excavators
or surface miners which will remove soil horizons and profile mine roads, stockpile
areas, workshop and amenity areas. Soil stockpiles will be placed adjacent to any
disturbed earthworks such as mining areas, catchment dams or used as silt catchment
contours along mine roads. All soil horizons will be stockpiled appropriately to allow
prompt reinstatement of soils – see further details in Appendix H.
Several pits will be active at any one time to allow blending to saleable product grade.
Campaign mining at the most suitable times of the year can avoid high rainfall periods.
Pits will generally have truck access at both ends for entry and exit but with no
uncontrolled water flowing into or out of the shallow pit. The depth of cut plus
temporary barriers will contain the likely 1-in-20 year storm. The pit floor will be sloped
to direct rain water towards a sump at one end of the panel for removal from the pit to
planned in-ground or temporary above-ground tanks, thus allowing operations to
continue once the weather allows. The high permeability of bauxite means very little
water will accumulate for long.
The length of each panel depends on the resource shape, and will range from 50 m to
300 m, varying to suit grade control procedures. A schematic of the proposed mining
method using a surface miner is shown below in Figure 6. Traditional quarrying with
excavators will follow a similar sequence.
Reject material from screening may be sent off-site for further processing, sold as
quarry material, if suitable, or returned to the pits as part of final landform profiling and
rehabilitation.
Table 4 outlines the sequence of mining operations, which is summarised in Figure 7

below. Mining will essentially be completed after year 4 but there is likely to be a small
amount of mining in year 5 also as part of the site rehabilitation.
Where possible the clearing and construction of haul roads and access roads to ore
bodies will be of a progressive nature in order to minimise disturbance and allow
rehabilitation to follow as closely on completion of ore body extraction as possible.
The major ore bodies will be mined in years 2 and 3, allowing monitoring of the
completed rehabilitation over the largest areas to be done while there is still mining and
rehabilitation activity on the Bald Hill Project site during years 4 and 5.

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Schematic of the variations with layered ore Schematic of grade variations
Normal surface miner panel sequence Selective piling various grade material for loading
Completion of pit ready for shaping, soil reinstatement and

Selective loading of materials
rehabilitation
Figure 6: Proposed mining sequence
Mine Haulage/Processing/Screening
Mined material will be transported to central run-of-mine (ROM) stockpiles, using 35 t
haul trucks. Oversized material will be broken to the required size in campaigns using a
rock breaker attached to an excavator and screened as required.
Subject to final mine design, a single haul road is planned to run obliquely down the
western side of the deposit to a central stockpile area. Haul trucks will dump the ore
onto one of two ROM pads which will be further blended and/or screened and stored in
haulage stockpiles for transport offsite.
Bauxite from JB1 is expected to be DSO ore and therefore may be loaded directly into
trucks untreated other than sizing. Lower grade material will be screened to upgrade it to
saleable grades.
Product Moisture and Dust

All product must be dried to a suitably low level of free moisture for safe shipping (termed
the “transport moisture limit” or “TML”).
TML is more easily managed with coarse-sized product that has had the moisture-retaining
fine fractions removed.

4
Dust generation during transport of the product is minimised by screening-out the fines
and by wet-spraying the coarse-sized product.
Table 4: Detailed extraction sequence for mining operations
Timing Estimated Estimated Area

Extraction
Pit ID Tonnage Tonnage Disturbed
Sequence
Year Year Quarter Mined Product (Hectares)
1 2015 1 1 JB1 62,000 46,500 1.07

1 2015 1 2 JB1 62,000 46,500 1.07
1 2015 2 3 MB1 17,000 12,750 0.38
1 2015 2 4 MB2/West 65,000 48,750 1.00
1 2015 3 5 MB2/East 65,000 48,750 1.00
1 2015 4 5 MB4/Nth 172,000 129,000 1.52
1 2015 Subtotal 2015 443,000 332,250 6.04
2 2016 1 5 MB4/East 96,000 72,000 0.85

2 2016 2 6 MB4/Centre 118,000 88,500 0.81
2 2016 3 6 MB4/West 118,000 88,500 0.81
2 2016 4 6 MB3 132,000 99,000 1.88
2 2016 Subtotal 2016 464,000 348,000 4.35
3 2017 1 7 RD3 Sth/East 12,000 9,000 0.24

3 2017 1 7 RD3 Sth/West 30,000 22,500 0.59
3 2017 1 7 RD3 Cent/Sth 38,000 28,500 0.75
3 2017 1,2 7 RD3 Cent/Nth 76,000 57,000 1.50
3 2017 2 7 RD3 Nth 60,000 45,000 1.18
3 2017 2 8 RD4/East 16,000 12,000 0.50
3 2017 2 8 RD4/West 10,000 7,500 0.40
3 2017 3 9 MB5/Nth 84,000 63,000 1.53
3 2017 4 9 MB5/Sth 37,000 27,750 0.67
3 2017 Subtotal 2017 363,000 272,250 7.36
4 2018 1 9 MB6/Nth 32,000 24,000 0.49

4 2018 2 9 MB6/Sth 32,000 24,000 0.49
4 2018 3 10 RD1 89,000 66,750 1.40
4 2018 3,4 10 RD2 54,000 40,500 1.60
4 2018 Subtotal 2018 207,000 155,250 3.97
TOTALS 1,477,000 1,107,750 21.7
Table 5: Simplified extraction sequence
Extraction Tonnage of Area Disturbed

Production Year Tonnage Mined
Sequence Product (Ha)
1 (2015) 1 -4 443,000 332,250 6.0

2 (2016) 5-6 464,000 348,000 4.3
3 (2017) 7-9 363,000 272,250 7.4
4 (2018) 9 - 10 207,000 155,250 4.0
Total 1,477,000 1,107,750 21.7
Year 5 Final rehabilitation & regrowth monitoring

4
Figure 7: Production sequence: resource pits to be excavated in Years 1 to 5

4
Transport
Haulage will be limited to 14 hours per day (06:00 to 20:00 hours). Transport will either
be by road using an experienced Tasmanian trucking contractor or by truck to a rail
siding for railing with TasRail. Dust control measures apply to both alternatives.
Road Transport Option

Material will be loaded onto road haul trucks from product stockpiles for cartage to the Port
of Launceston at Bell Bay. Several cartage options have been considered based on the
vehicle capacities. As the project will be ramping up to full production in years 2 and 3 and
then a further 2 years of ramping down, haulage will vary from year to year (see Table 6).
The way product is carted and stored will impact haulage strategy. For example if material is
carried in a tipping trailer such as an articulated B-Double road truck, the bauxite would need
to be stored in stockpiles for truck loading/unloading at the rail siding or at the Port.
Significantly more can be carted per load but it will require double handling/stockpiling at
unloading. Road construction requirements also vary with truck-types and sizes.
Table 6: Truck movements per day both ways estimated for each year of operations
For large articulated trucks (B-Double) or General Access Vehicle Trucks (GAV) assuming 75%
screening yield of final product
Estimated B-Double truck GAV truck

Year Product movements movements
Tonnage to & fro per day to & fro per day
1 (2015) 332,250 53 76
2 (2016) 348,000 55 80
3 (2017) 272,250 43 63
4 (2018) 155,250 25 36
A number of haulage options have been identified and these are listed below and the
benefits and difficulties with each option are summarised in Table 7.
Option 1: Macquarie Rd - West St – Midland Highway – Bell Bay

Trucks would travel east on Macquarie Road and turn into West Street, then north onto
the Midland Highway. Empty trucks would return by the same route.
The transport route to the Midland Highway is shown in Figure 8 and the full route to the
Port of Launceston (Bell Bay) in Figure 9.
Option 2: Macquarie Rd - West St – Midland Highway – Conara Rail Siding

Option 2 would utilise the same road as option 1 but trucks (carrying half height containers)
will transport to the existing Conara rail siding. The containers could be stored at the siding
and transferred to rail for further transport to the Port of Launceston.
Option 3: Northern private road across Meadowbank Property to Midland Highway

A road fit for purpose could be developed from the northern end of the tenement
directly east where it would meet the Midland Highway. This would require a significant
development at the junction with the Midland Highway where it would be entering
traffic flow travelling at 110 km/h.

4
Option 4: Southern private road across Meadowbank Property to Midland Highway

A road fit for purpose could be developed from the southern end of the tenement
roughly east (following the southern side of the irrigation areas) where it would meet
the Midland Highway. This would require development at the junction with the Midland
Highway where it would be entering traffic. The speed at this site may possibly be
reduced from 110 km/h to 80 km/h with minimal impact on the existing traffic flow,
which would result in less significant junction development required.
Option 5: Circular/one way traffic movement utilising a private access road and the
existing road network
Option 5 would utilise a one way road from the northern end of the tenement directly
east towards the midland highway where trucks will join the traffic travelling north
within the 110 km/h zone. Returning trucks would travel further down the road to West
St then Macquarie Rd and access site from Macquarie Rd.
Option 6: Private road across three properties to Conara Rail Siding

This option would require the establishment of a single lane road with numerous passing
lanes suitable for the chosen truck type (B-double or Low Profile Vehicle Trucks “LPV”)
to Conara. The material could then be transferred to rail or stay on trucks for haulage
via the Midland Highway to the Port of Launceston.
Option 7: Macquarie Rd – Midland Highway

Option 7 would take the same initial route as option 1; however travel directly to the
Midlands Highway along the continuation of Macquarie Rd called Pedder Street without
turning onto West St. Trucks could turn left onto Midland Highway at the junction with
Pedder Street.
ABx has recommended to TasRail that this route be considered for a railing option using
existing TasRail sidings (see below).
New Option: Macquarie Rd – West St – Midland Highway – Right Turn to Rail Line
TasRail, after extensive consultation with other government agencies, has recently made
a proposal to haul the bauxite in small containers using small rigid body trucks to a
temporary stockpile site adjacent to the rail line located to the north of Campbell Town
for loading onto train wagons for delivery to Bell Bay Port.
This option would involve a right-turn off Midland Highway and would need careful safety
procedures.
Note that ABx has requested TasRail to reconsider an option of hauling via small trucks
directly along Macquarie Rd, continuing straight ahead on Pedder St, across Midland
Highway within Campbell Town (after stopping at a stop sign) and straight ahead to the
old rail siding at East St.

4
Table 7: Benefits and problems with possible haulage routes
Benefits Difficulties
Option 1 x Using existing road network x Potential noise issues for residents on
x Trucks entering Midland Highway in West St
slow (60 kph) speed zone
Option 2 x Using existing road network x Potential noise issues for residents on
x Trucks entering Midland Highway in West St
slow (60 kph) speed zone x Stockpiling/double handling of
x Significantly less trucks on the major material at Conara and Port
road network
Option 3 x No Council roads required x Trucks entering the highway at 110
x No public/tourist vehicle interaction kph zone
until the Midland Highway x Large alterations to the intersection
due to the high speed
x Not DSG’s preferred option
Option 4 x No Council roads required x Haul road would be convoluted to
x No public/tourist vehicle interaction avoid irrigation areas
until the Midland Highway
Option 5 x Returning trucks crossing the Midland x 2 roads required – private and council
Highway traffic in 60 kph zone
x Reduced noise impact on West St
residents
Option 6 x No interaction between haul trucks and x Expense of building a new road
public traffic
x No use of council roads
Option 7 x West St not required x Potential noise impact on Macquarie
x Macquarie Road pavement better Road residences
condition to cater for trucks
x Intersection with Macquarie Road and
Midland Highway at 60 kph zone and
required less widening
x Possible continuation eastwards of
Midland Highway to an old Rail Siding
where TasRail could load bauxite
Option 1 has been deemed to be the most cost efficient and least disruptive transport
route and general access vehicles will most probably be used, especially in the initial 9
months when lower tonnages will be transported.
As production from Bald Hill Bauxite Project expands and as other production emerges
from other bauxite projects elsewhere in Tasmania, B-double trucks and rail-transport
should transport increasing proportions of total bauxite tonnages.

4
Figure 8: Preferred transport route to the Midland Highway

4
Figure 9: Transport route from Bald Hill Bauxite Project to Port of Launceston (Bell Bay)

4
Noise
The project is in an isolated location. The nearest residence is Rosedale, 2.5 km away
from the main site and 1.5 km from West Pit. There are also no sensitive land users close
to the mine site. Consequently, no special noise mitigation measures are necessary,
other than best practice.
Mine operational noise will be mitigated by the use of vehicles appropriate for the task,
all properly maintained and fitted with the manufacturers’ recommended noise control
equipment. Screening of ore may be required.
Truck noise will be mitigated by keeping trucks on the western side of the ridgeline,
below the working bench. Location of the plant and stockpile site below the ridge line in
a topographic hollow near the midpoint of the bauxite ridge should also ameliorate noise
creation from loading activities. Further noise buffers could be created if and as
necessary with strategically placed temporary topsoil stockpiles.
Transport of the material from site will go past a small number of residences in West
Street before entering the Midland Highway. Transport hours from site will be restricted
to a 14 hour day to reduce the potential impact on residences.
Drainage and erosion control

Most bauxite is a dry, shallow gravel layer on ridge tops, well above the water table.
Thus the water that must be controlled is rainwater or dust suppression water.
The main resource site will be managed so as to minimise potential egress of surface
runoff from mining areas prior to rehabilitation by designing the progression of the
excavation to slope towards the excavated face. This, in conjunction with suitable
erosion control measures and sediment traps to monitor and divert surface runoff to
sumps and sedimentation dams, will minimise the risk of surface runoff entering the
local watercourses.
West Pit (JB1 – see Figure 7) will be provided with a berm of soil horizons and
supplemented with temporary barriers around the mining areas if required to prevent
egress of surface runoff. The berm will comprise soil awaiting replacement on excavated
area as part of the rehabilitation program. Additional mitigation may be necessary,
dependant on the final profile of the base of bauxite horizon.
Dust
There is a potential to generate dust during excavation, loading, and screening. Water
from the main sedimentation dam which will capture runoff from the stockpile and
amenities areas will be used for dust suppression on the roads, stockpiles areas and
mining operations. If sufficient water is not available from this source it will be piped
from a landholder’s existing large dam supply.
Waste disposal
All non-ore grade material mined, including overburden, interburden and sub-grade
reject material will be temporarily stockpiled and possibly sold for road construction
purposes locally and/or returned to the mining areas as part of the continuous
rehabilitation program to produce a free draining final profile. Only the export tonnage
will be transported to Bell Bay.
All on-site screening plant, mining and loading equipment will be mobile and amenities
and sheds (storage, fuel and workshops) will be portable. All putrescible waste materials
created will be transported to an approved off site waste disposal facility.
Sewage will be collected in a tank for regular removal by a licensed contractor to the
Campbell Town waste water treatment plant with the approval of Council.

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Rehabilitation and Revegetation

Rehabilitation of mined-out Pits including replacement of soil horizons and revegetation
will be progressive following mining operations. A detailed program is shown for year 1
in Table 8 and year 2 in Table 9.
Reject material from screening that is unsold will be returned to the pits and used to re-
profile the disturbed area into a stable final land form. Soil horizons from adjacent
mining panels and previously stockpiled material will then be replaced onto the final
land form. Erosion controls, such as minor contour banks, will be strategically placed in
order to reduce any potential for soil erosion. As part of the land access agreement with
the relevant landholder, ABx has agreed to leave a 1 ha site on top of the ridge in the
northwest corner of the Mining Lease flattened, ready for construction of a pressure
dam, by the landholder, for the landholder’s irrigation operations.
Table 8: Rehabilitation sequence for individual pits in first year of production (all units in ha)
Year 1
st nd
1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter
Extraction sequence 1 2 3 3&4 4 5 5 5 5 5
MB1 &
MB2 MB2 MB2 MB2 MB4 MB4
Pit ID JB1 JB1 MB1 MB2
West East East East Nth Nth
West
New Mining
1.07 1.07 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.51 0.51
Disturbance
Cumulative mining
1.07 2.14 2.60 3.06 3.52 3.85 4.19 4.52 5.03 5.53
disturbance
New Rehabilitation
0.54 1.07 0.77 0.46 0.46 0.40 0.33
Individual pits
Cumulative
0.54 1.61 2.37 2.83 3.29 3.69 4.02
Rehabilitation
Net disturbed area
requiring 1.07 2.14 2.60 2.53 1.92 1.48 1.36 1.23 1.34 1.51
rehabilitation
Table 9: Rehabilitation sequence for individual pits in second year of production (all units in ha)
Year 2
st nd
1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter
Extraction sequence 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
MB4 MB4
MB4 MB4
MB4 MB4 East MB4 West MB4
Pit ID West West MB3 MB3 MB3
East East & Centre & West
& MB3 & MB3
Centre Centre
New Mining
0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40
Disturbance
Cumulative mining
6.44 6.83 7.23 7.62 8.02 8.41 8.81 9.20 9.60 9.99 10.39
disturbance
New Rehabilitation
0.42 0.51 0.51 0.45 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40
Individual pits
Cumulative
4.77 5.28 5.79 6.24 6.63 7.03 7.42 7.82 8.22 8.61 9.01
Rehabilitation
Net disturbed area
requiring 1.66 1.55 1.44 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38
rehabilitation

4
Mining infrastructure and equipment

All screening plant and building infrastructure will be mobile and will be contained
within the mine lease.
Infrastructure requirements will include:

x Access and egress from Macquarie Road
x Site office, amenities building with ablutions and weighbridge
x Workshop/lay down area
x Haul road
x Stockpiles (vegetation/topsoil, run-of-mine ore, oversize)
x Plant area
x Run-off and silt catchment dams
x Fuel storage site
x Wash loop.
Mining equipment will include conventional haul trucks and excavators that are proven in
similar working environments, the likely equipment required would be:
x 1 x Surface Miner
x 35 tonne excavator
x 2 x 25 tonne loaders
x Cat 1400 grader or equivalent
x 1 x service truck
x 3 x light vehicles
x Track mounted screening plant
x 4 x lighting plants
x 2 x diesel generators – admin and ablutions
x 3 x haul trucks
x Road haulage vehicles.
Energy requirements
As all administration buildings and plant equipment will be mobile, no permanent power
supply will be required. Two diesel generators will be used to provide power for all
needs. Grid electricity is available along Macquarie Rd should it be needed for screening
and water pumping.
Production Capacity
Predicted production rates are 1,500-3,000 tonnes per day and 300,000 to 550,000 tonnes
mined per year. Screening yield of saleable product is expected to average 75%.
Disturbance footprint
The proposed mining and associated infrastructure (including the access road) will require
an active footprint of approximately 22 ha of grazing land (12 ha infrastructure, 10 ha
working pits) at any point in time and 40 ha over the five year operating period. A small
number of solitary, old and largely decrepit pine and eucalypt trees (see Figure 2 for
typical examples) will be removed in the process. The aerial photo in Figure 3 shows how
few trees will be lost (in the order of 20-30 living and 10-15 dead).

4
Table 10 summarises the disturbance and hence rehabilitation requirements. Note that
some of these areas (eg. access road, sediment basins) may not be removed on the
completion of mining if the landowner prefers that they be left. Pit resource areas total
25.1 Ha. Allowing for non-mining of subgrade thin areas, the mining disturbance area is
expected to total 22 Ha. Approximately one third of the roads are upgrades of existing
farm tracks and the landholders have indicated they want the upgrades to remain after
the project ceases. Therefore, 40.4Ha is considered a maximum estimate disturbance
area.
Table 10: Disturbance areas

Cumulative Area
Component
(ha)
North pit (RD1, RD2, RD3, RD4) 8.2
South pit (MB1,MB2, MB3, MB4, MB5, MB6) 14.9
West pit (JB1) 2.0
Office, parking and ablutions pad and laydown area 0.25
Stockpile 5.1
Roads 6.3
Others including sumps and sediment basins 3.63
Totals 40.4
Personnel
The project workforce will be accommodated in Campbell Town and sourced, where
possible, locally. Rosters are planned to be day shifts only, 12 hours in length, every day
of the year.
Full time employees’ roles on site will include:

x Site manager
x Maintenance/mobile plant personnel
x Machine operators
x Geologist and/or grade control personnel
x Contract truck drivers.
The total on-site staff numbers are expected to be 11.
Other personnel will not be on site full time but will attend as necessary, and will
include:
x Geological personnel
x Engineering personnel (supervision and audit)
x Environmental personnel
x Management and administration personnel.
x Marketing.
These personnel will total 10.
Transport of ore to port will be by a road haulage contracting company, possibly in

conjunction with the existing rail network. These transport personnel will total 14.
Port stockpiling, ship loading and related documentation and administration will employ
approximately 7 personnel.

4
2.1.2 Construction
Construction and site preparation activities will include the development of the
infrastructure areas and associated buildings, roads and equipment (see Appendix A).
Site preparation works

The expected site preparation and construction works are summarised as follows:
x Existing roads and tracks will be used where possible to access the mine site.
x Construction will commence with the infrastructure area and part of the ore haulage
road.
x The vegetation and topsoil within the footprint of the infrastructure areas will be
removed and stockpiled or windrowed in accordance with a Construction
Environmental Management Plan.
x Vegetation clearance will be undertaken sequentially as described in section 2.1.1
Clearing and Site Preparation
x The vegetation and topsoil will be stockpiled for future rehabilitation works.
x A suite of erosion mitigation measures, appropriate for the encountered materials,
to control and manage erosion and sediment transport arising from construction
activities will be implemented, which are described in detail in section 4.22.
Plant hygiene measures

Plant hygiene measures will be implemented to prevent the introduction and/or spread
of introduced plant species, weeds, pests and diseases during the preparation and
construction of the mine site. These plant hygiene measures will include:
x Weed and disease hygiene wash down procedures will be undertaken for equipment
entering and leaving the site from outside the project area.
x The wash down procedures will be instigated in accordance with Appendix 5 (Washing
down) of the Phytophthora cinnamomi Management Guidelines produced by DPIPWE1.
x Any material required from outside the lease area will be from a supplier certified to
be free of Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Construction materials
The current project design requires the following material and project resources:
x Materials for internal infrastructure road construction
x Foundations for administration and ablution blocks.
The equipment expected to be used for the construction phase of the project are
outlined below (however, contractors may use different but equivalent vehicles):
x Surface miner
x Graders
x Water truck
x Excavators
x Loaders
x Dump trucks
x Rollers (including vibrating).
The proposed development activities will be undertaken during daylight hours.
1
Rudman T., 2005, Interim Phytophthora cinnamomi. Management Guidelines. Nature Conservation Report
05/7, Biodiversity Conservation Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart.
4
Timing
Depending on the approvals timeframe, the infrastructure construction and excavation
commencement is planned for the third quarter of 2014.
2.1.3 Commissioning
The initial construction will require the establishment of the access roads and stockpile
infrastructure, development of the shallow mining operations and installation of a
mobile screening plant.
Once this infrastructure is in place, operations will be able to commence. The

commissioning requirements will be minimal and limited to the mobile screening plant,
and erosion and sediment controls.
2.1.4 Decommissioning
As all equipment and buildings will be portable, only minimal decommissioning will be
required in order to demobilise and relocate the elements to another site.
2.1.5 Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation will be ongoing during the life of the operations. As pits, or portions of
them where possible, are completed the areas will be re-profiled to form a free draining
surface, covered with topsoil which has been stockpiled and where possible mulched
with slashings from cleared vegetation. Further details are provided in the
Decommissioning and rehabilitation plan – Appendix H.
2.2 Off-site infrastructure

All mine infrastructure will be on-site.
The only off site infrastructure for the project will be at the Port of Launceston, Bell
Bay. Macquarie Road, West Road and the Midland Highway will be used for the transport
of product to the port. A traffic impact assessment has been carried out (Appendix B)
and its findings are described in Section 4.21. Upgrades to the junctions of the mine
access road and Macquarie Road, Macquarie Road and West Street, and West Street and
the Midland Highway will be necessary.
No upgrades at the port requiring planning approval as part of this proposal are
necessary.
The power supply for the mine site will be from diesel generators on-site and no
transmission lines are required.
Sewage and waste will be taken off-site for disposal at municipal facilities and there are
no requirements for any extension or upgrades of those facilities.
Water for dust suppression will be sourced on site from the decant of sedimentation
basins which will be constructed for the mining operations and/or piped onto site from a
landholders large private dam if and as required. Potable water will be transported onto
site via tanker and stored in holding tanks, which could be supplemented by building
roof runoff collection.
2.3 Technical and management alternatives

The locations of mine pits are necessarily determined by the resource and there is no
flexibility in locations. The extent of resource removed and hence size of the pits will be
determined by cut-off grades.
There is flexibility in the location of support infrastructure and the optimal location has
been selected. The infrastructure will be located on the western side of the ridge line
4
and will not be visible from Campbell Town or from the Midland Highway. The site also
takes advantage of local terrain for site drainage and the construction of sedimentation
basins.
3. Existing Environment
3.1 Planning aspects
3.1.1 Location
The project is located in the Northern Midlands Council area, approximately 6 km north-
west of Campbell Town. Refer to section 1.1 and Figure 1 for location details.
3.1.2 Land tenure

The resource and mining lease lie on freehold land, on the properties of Meadowbank
and Rosedale. Title boundaries were shown earlier in Figure 5, and property details are
provided in the table below.
Property Rosedale Meadowbank

Property ID 6207803 2701038
Title Ref 102134/1 129859/1
LPI 4300142 FRT82
3.1.3 Land zoning and planning controls

The area is zoned Rural Resource, and the purpose of this zoning is to provide for:
x The sustainable use or development of resources for agriculture, aquaculture,
forestry, mining and other primary industries, including opportunities for resource
processing.
x Other use or development that does not constrain or conflict with resource
development uses.
x Economic development that is compatible with primary industry, environmental and
landscape values.
x Tourism-related use and development where the sustainable development of rural
resources will not be compromised.
After the proposed extraction of bauxite ore bodies and following rehabilitation of the
disturbed areas the final land landform will allow a return to sustainable agriculture its
current use.
The mineral extraction will contribute toward the economic development of the region
in a manner that is compatible with existing environmental, landscape and primary
industry values. Operations will not impact on the landscape values and rehabilitation of
the site with time will remove evidence of mineral extraction. The proposed
development will not have any impact upon tourism-related use and development of any
other rural resources.
Land Zoning and Planning control 26.1.6 Desired Future Character Statements
The visual impacts of use and development within the rural landscape are to be
minimised such that the effect is not obtrusive.

4
Response
Section 4.12 (Visual effects) of this document outlines the existing conditions, potential
effects and any avoidance or mitigation measures. In this instance due to the location and
topography of the site any visual impacts will be minimal. The nature and scale of the
operation are considered to be in keeping with a typical rural landscape.
3.1.4 Proposed Use

The use and development proposed is Extractive Industries and the standards which
apply are shown in Table 11.
Table 11: Standards which apply to extractive industries

Discretionary uses if not a single dwelling
Performance Criteria Response
P1.1 It must be demonstrated that the use is The proposed development (extractive industries) is
consistent with local area objectives for the a primary industry. Mining is a principal activity
provision of non-primary industry uses in the within the Zone Purpose.
zone, if applicable; and
P1.2 Business and professional services and general
retail and hire must not exceed a combined
gross floor area of 250m2over the site.
P2.1 Utilities, extractive industries and controlled Not applicable, the development is not located on
environment agriculture located on prime Prime Agricultural land.
agricultural land must demonstrate that the:
i) amount of land alienated/converted is
minimised; and
ii) location is reasonably required for
operational efficiency; and
P2.2 Uses other than utilities, extractive industries
or controlled environment agriculture located
on prime agricultural land, must demonstrate
that the conversion of prime agricultural land
to that use will result in a significant benefit
to the region having regard to the economic,
social and environmental costs and benefits.
P3 The conversion of non-prime agricultural to Most bauxite is a dry, shallow horizon on ridge tops.
non-agricultural use must demonstrate that: Only those areas that either contain resource or are
a) the amount of land converted is minimised absolutely necessary for support infrastructure will
having regard to: be removed from agricultural production.
i) existing use and development on the Importantly, the development will be completed
land; and within 5 years. All infrastructure areas will be
ii) surrounding use and development; and rehabilitated as per the land owner’s direction.
iii) topographical constraints; or For the resource areas, topsoil (where present, as it
is thin to non-existent in many parts) will be
b) the site is practically incapable of supporting
collected by loader/excavator or scraper and
an agricultural use or being included with
initially stockpiled so as to preserve seeds and
other land for agricultural or other primary
nutrients to assist future rehabilitation of the site.
industry use, due to factors such as:
Once a pit area has been completed and ready for
i) limitations created by any existing use rehabilitation, the topsoil will be sourced from
and/or development surrounding the stockpiles and from soils collected from adjacent
site; and new pit areas. This will retain soil viability, prevent
ii) topographical features; and weed dispersal, maintain endemic species to the
iii) poor capability of the land for primary area and return the land to agricultural use as
industry; or quickly as practicable. If successful, land quality
may improve to some extent, in part because of the
c) the location of the use on the site is
reasonably required for operational efficiency. removal of the bauxite soils, which are nutrient
poor.

4
Discretionary uses if not a single dwelling

P4 It must demonstrated that: This DPEMP outlines in detail the development’s
a) emissions are not likely to cause an environmental performance.
environmental nuisance; and See previous section (response P3).
b) primary industry uses will not be unreasonably See the TIA in Appendix B.
confined or restrained from conducting normal
operations; and
c) the capacity of the local road network can
accommodate the traffic generated by the
use.
P5 It must be demonstrated that the visual Please refer to Section 4.12 – visual effects.
appearance of the use is consistent with the
local area having regard to:
a) the impacts on skylines and ridgelines; and
b) visibility from public roads; and
c) the visual impacts of storage of materials or
equipment; and
d) the visual impacts of vegetation clearance or
retention; and
e) the desired future character statements.
Building Location and Appearance

Acceptable Solutions Response
A1 Building height must not exceed: The elevations in Appendix C demonstrate all
a) 8m for dwellings; or building heights meet the acceptable solution (8
metres maximum)
b) 12m for other purposes.
A2 Buildings must be set back a minimum of: All buildings are set back greater than 50 metres.
a) 50m where a non-sensitive use or extension No sensitive uses are proposed.
to existing sensitive use buildings is proposed;
or
b) 200m where a sensitive use is proposed; or
c) the same as existing for replacement of an
existing dwelling.
Irrigation Districts
P1 Non-agricultural uses within an irrigation The site is just within the northern boundary of
district proclaimed under Part 9 of the Water the irrigable district serviced by the Midlands
Management Act 1999 must demonstrate that Irrigation Scheme, as can be seen in Figure 10.
the current and future irrigation potential of The mining operations will not prevent the current
the land is not unreasonably reduced having and future potential for the remainder of the
regard to: agricultural land to be irrigated. The disturbance
a) the location and amount of land to be used; area at any one time is intended to be kept below
and 25 ha, which is minimal when viewed in context of
b) the operational practicalities of irrigation the irrigation district. The activity is expected to
systems as they relate to the land; and be limited to 5 years. After this time period, the
land will potentially be able to be used for
c) any management or conservation plans for the
agricultural purposes (where in the past there has
land.
been limitations due to the nature of the resource)
and therefore will be no impact upon the potential
for irrigation.

4
Figure 10: The Midlands Water Scheme - Irrigation – red box indicates location of project area

4
3.1.5 Codes
E1.0 Bushfire-Prone Areas Code
Not applicable as the development is not subdivision of land or the construction of
habitable buildings; and the use is not a vulnerable use (as per E1.5.1 of the Scheme) or
hazardous use (as per E1.5.2 of the Scheme).
E2.0 Potentially Contaminated Land Code

Not applicable as no sensitive uses are proposed.
E3.0 Landslip Code

Not applicable as there are no known historical or recent landslips within the project
area.
E4.0 Road and Railway Assets Code

See attached TIA (Appendix B) for details.
E5.0 Flood Prone Areas Code

The nearby Elizabeth River is located at approximately 190-200 mASL. The pit areas are
located at 240-230 mASL and the infrastructure area is approximately 220 mASL. Putting
the majority of the BHBP significantly higher than the majority of infrastructure in
Campbell Town.
The BHBP is not considered to be at risk of flooding in a 1 in 100 year flood as it would
require raising the level of the water more than 30m across an extremely large area of
flat floodplain. Also due to the small footprint of the area, the catchment is such that it
would not collect enough water to present a risk to downstream infrastructure in an
extreme rain event either.
Also, BHBP intends to work on a campaign basis and if significant events were predicted
then production could and would be halted until the event has passed.
E6.0 Car Parking and Sustainable Transport Code

E6.6.1 Car Parking Numbers
A1 The number of car parking spaces Total on site staff numbers are expected to be 11 –
must not be less than the Table E6.1 requires 1 space be provided per 2
employees for extractive industry. This results in
requirements of:
the requirement of 5.5, (rounded to 6) car parking
a) Table E6.1; or spaces. 18 spaces are provided and the acceptable
b) a parking precinct plan contained in Table solution is met.
E6.6: Precinct Parking Plans.
E6.6.2 Bicycle Parking Numbers

A1.1 Permanently accessible bicycle parking Total on site staff numbers are expected to be 11 –
or storage spaces must be provided either on the Table E6.1 requires 1 bicycle parking space per 10
site or within 50m of the site in accordance with employees.
the requirements of Table E6.1; or
There will be provision for 1 permanently
A1.2 The number of spaces must be in accessible bicycle park.
accordance with a parking precinct plan
contained in Table E6.6: Precinct Parking Plans. The Acceptable Solution is met in accordance with
Table E6.6.
E6.6.3 Taxi Drop-off and Pickup

Not required

4
E6.6.4 Motorbike Parking Provisions

Not required
E6.7.1 Construction of Car Parking Spaces and Access Strips

P1 All car parking, access strips The car parking, access strips and manoeuvring
manoeuvring and circulation spaces areas will not be sealed. As the site in not within
an urban area and in consideration of the type of
must be readily identifiable and
activity proposed, gravel surfaces are proposed.
constructed to ensure that they are useable in all These surfaces will be usable in all weather
weather conditions. conditions.
E6.7.2 Design and Layout of Car Parking

P1 The location of car parking and The car parking area will be setback approximately
manoeuvring spaces must not be 500m from the road and will not be visible due to a
rise in the topography of the land between
detrimental to the streetscape or the
Macquarie Road and the car parking location. As
amenity of the surrounding areas, the site is not within an urban area, there will be
having regard to: no disruption to streetscape or amenity as a result.
a) the layout of the site and the location

of existing buildings; and
b) views into the site from the road and
adjoining public spaces; and
c) the ability to access the site and the
rear of buildings; and
d) the layout of car parking in the
vicinity; and
e) the level of landscaping proposed for the car
parking.
P2 Car parking and manoeuvring space As stated above, the car parking spaces will be
must: constructed to a standard appropriate to the use of
the site with adequate turning and manoeuvrable
a) be convenient, safe and efficient to
areas. The car parking layout can be viewed at
use having regard to matters such as Appendix D.
slope, dimensions, layout and the
expected number and type of
vehicles; and
b) provide adequate space to turn within
the site unless reversing from the site
would not adversely affect the safety
and convenience of users and
passing traffic.
E6.7.3 Car Parking Access, Safety and Security

Not applicable
E6.7.4 Parking for Persons with a Disability

Not applicable
E6.7.6 Loading and Unloading of Vehicles, Drop-off and Pickup

Not applicable
E7.0 Scenic Management Code

Not applicable as the proposed development is not within the scenic management tourist
road corridor or a local scenic management area.

4
E8.0 Biodiversity Code

E8.6.1 Habitat and Vegetation Management
Acceptable Solution Response
A1.1 Clearance or disturbance of priority The access road to the southern resource area
habitat is in accordance with a certified intercepts (covering approximately 2300 m2) an
area mapped within the planning scheme as
Forest Practices Plan or;
priority habitat. The vegetation field survey
A1.2 Development does not clear or disturb mapped this area as Agricultural Land (FAG).
native vegetation within areas There is no native vegetation within the areas
identified as priority habitat. mapped as priority habitat that correspond with
proposed infrastructure.
A2 Clearance or disturbance of native Section 4 of the Forest practices Regulations 2007
vegetation is in accordance with a certified describes circumstances in which a forest practice
Forest Practices Plan. plan is not required. This includes (at Section 4(i)
the clearance of vegetation in the course of
mineral exploration and mining activities. All
vegetation clearance will be undertaken in
accordance with the Forestry Practices Act 1985
and the Regulations.
P2 Clearance or disturbance of native Notwithstanding the previous discussion, the
vegetation must be consistent with the vegetation clearance proposed also meets the
performance measures as described below.
purpose of this Code and not unduly
The site is located within largely-cleared dry-
compromise the representation of
sclerophyll woodland now dominated primarily by
species or vegetation communities of agricultural grasses. This is typical of much low
significance in the bioregion having lying farmland within the Northern Midlands
regard to the: Council in the Northern Midlands bioregion. The
a) quality and extent of the vegetation or surrounding area includes extensive agricultural
land, remnants of native grassland and eucalypt
habitat affected by the proposal, forest, and areas of weeds.
including the maintenance of species The vegetation assessment, undertaken by North
diversity and its value as a wildlife Barker Ecosystem Services and contained in
corridor; and Appendix E, indicates the following vegetation will
b) means of removal; and need to be cleared to facilitate the development:
c) value of riparian vegetation in Vegetation Type Area (HA)
protecting habitat values; and Agricultural land (FAG) 35.7
d) impacts of siting of development
Plantations for silviculture (FPL) 0.162
(including effluent disposal) and
vegetation clearance or excavations, in proximity Bursaria – Acacia woodland and 0.914
to habitat or vegetation; scrub (NBA)
and The location of the proposed site infrastructure
e) need for and adequacy of proposed and resource areas in relation to the vegetation
communities can be seen in Figure 15.
vegetation or habitat management;
and There will be no vegetation communities of
national (Environment Protection and Biodiversity
f) conservation outcomes and long-term Conservation Act 1999) or State (Nature
security of any offset in accordance Conservation Act 2002) significance cleared to
with the General Offset Principles for facilitate the development. The small scattered
the RMPS, Department of Primary remnants of Midlands woodland complex (DMW),
threatened under the Nature Conservation Act
Industries, Parks, Water and 2002, is of very low quality, less than 0.5 ha in size
Environment. and not impacted by the proposed development.
A significant number of introduced plants were
identified on the site but only two declared weed
species were recorded: Ulex europaeus (gorse) and
Marrubium vulgare (horehound).
The vegetation on the site is predominantly
Agricultural Land (FAG) and therefore offers no
wildlife corridors, is not riparian vegetation and
offers little habitat for native fauna.

4
E9.0 Water Quality Code

Not applicable as this development is a Level 2 activity. The Board of the Environment
Protection Authority will assess water quality as per the General Guidelines for the
preparation of a Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan found on
the EPAs website and also the DPEMP Project Specific Guidelines.
E10.0 Recreation and Open Space Code

Not applicable, the development does not involve subdivision and is located in the Rural
Resource Zone.
E11.0 Environmental Impacts and Attenuation Code

Not applicable as this development is a Level 2 activity. The Board of the Environment
Protection Authority will assess water quality as per the General Guidelines for the
preparation of a Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan found on
the EPAs website and also the DPEMP Project Specific Guidelines.
E12.0 Airports Impact Management Code

Not applicable, as the development is not within Australian noise exposure forecast
contours.
E13.0 Local Historic Heritage Code

Not applicable as the subject properties are not listed as a Local Heritage Place in Table
E13.1 or identified as being of Archaeological Significance in Table E13.3.
E15.0 Signs Code

Not applicable, as no signs are proposed as part of this application.
F1.0 Translink Specific Area Plan

Not applicable, as the development is not located in this special area.
F2.0 Heritage Precincts Specific Area Plan

Not applicable, as the development is not located in this special area.
3.2 Environmental aspects

3.2.1 Topography
The mining resource occupies a low lying, undulating lenticular ridgeline which is
oriented approximately NW-SE. Mining infrastructure will be located on the flatter areas
on the western side of the ridge.
3.2.2 Geology
Bauxite has historically been identified in northern Tasmania 2 and further explored by
several companies including CRA Exploration and Alcoa during the 1960’s and 1970’s in
various regions associated with Tertiary volcanics in ancient, low-relief plains
representing the final stage of fluvial erosion during times of extended tectonic stability,
preserved as plateaus.
The bauxite formed in the low lying valley regions of central Tasmania between two
large dolerite plateaus. Within this valley, volcanics, sediments and some dolerite has
been lateritised with the source rock for the bauxite thought to be older mafic volcanics.
2
Owen, H.B., 1954. Bauxites in Australia, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics. Bulletin No.
24.
4
The Bald Hill Bauxite deposit is located on elevated areas within the Tertiary basin
associated with tertiary basalts. In the Bald Hill deposit, thin caprock layers of harder,
iron-rich bauxite material cap the resource in places with underlying friable bauxite and
variable amounts of clay with a bottom layer of harder bauxite that tends to be best
grade. Total bauxite layer thickness is 2 to 4.5 m and the bedrock underneath the
bauxite is typically clay-altered volcanic rock.
3.2.3 Geoconservation
A portion of the West Pit (JB1) resource area is listed on the Tasmanian geoconservation
database as a geoconservation feature (Figure 11). The feature shown on this map is the
Macquarie River Valley Sandsheets, which are aeolian sands common in the northern
midlands between Campbell Town and Cressy.
Although this listing does not provide statutory protection, any potential loss of these
values must be considered.
Potential threats to this type of feature as identified by the Natural Values Atlas 3 include
concealment by development, ground disturbance on a commercial and/or industrial
scale, and substantial vegetation disturbance. The management goal for these is
primarily to maintain current form integrity. Degradation is considered to be already
significant and the conservation value is “threatened”.
As shown by Figure 12 the distribution of the Macquarie River Valley Sandsheets is an

extensive area, covering approximately 17,900 ha. The area over which the mining lease
occurs (Figure 11) includes approximately 4 ha of Macquarie River Valley Sandsheet,
which is approximately 0.023% of the total extent of the Sandsheet. Of this, a much
smaller area of approximately 1.45 ha is intersected and may be disturbed by the actual
pit resource. Thus the impact is negligible and no significant loss of geoconservation
values is expected to arise from the bauxite extraction.
Geological surface mapping carried out by ABx personnel suggests that the surface
expression of this feature is even less than that mapped.
3
DPIPWE, website viewed June 2013 https://www.naturalvaluesatlas.tas.gov.au/pls/apex/f?p=200:60:
3493410069739519::NO:RP,60:P60_GEOSITE_ID:2249.
4
Figure 11: Listed geoconservation values in the vicinity of the proposed mine lease

4
Figure 12: Regional distribution of the Macquarie River Valley sandsheets and the location of the
Bald Hill Bauxite Project

4
3.2.4 Land systems

Two land systems are mapped within the BHBP area (Figure 13) and described below.
Land System 298133 Morningside

This land system covers a very small portion of the project area in the far northern
extent of the North Pit area and part of the West Pit. The land system is described as
low hills and associated flats with localised outcrops of dolerite and extensive areas of
quaternary sands, clays and gravels. The characteristics of this land system include:
x Low rocky dolerite crests containing shallow (0.45 m) duplex soil with sandy clay
loam at the surface over dark yellowish brown medium clay.
x The well drained flats contain duplex soil up to 1 m deep over a brown sandy clay
with dark yellowish brown mottle.
x Sandy slopes have a complex soil with very dark brown to dark greyish brown silty
clay loam over a dark yellowish brown sand.
x Sandy flats contain deep (>1.4 m) uniform dark sand.
x Drainage flats have a deep uniform (>1.4 m) uniform dark brown clay.
Native vegetation has been extensively cleared for grazing and cropping and sheet, rill
and gully erosion are major hazards on the sandy component whilst water logging and
flooding can be associated with the drainage flats.
Land System 282133 Campbell Town

This land system covers the majority of the project area as shown in Figure 13. The land
system is described as low basalt hills and extensive undulating flats containing the
following characteristics:
x Stony crests with shallow (0.5 m) duplex clay loam soil over dark brown or yellowish
clay which may support open woodland vegetation.
x Lower slopes and flats contain deep (>1.4 m) duplex sandy loam to clay loam soil
over yellowish brown sandy clay, with common lateritic gravels.
x Drainage lines and slopes contain deep (>1.4 m) gradational soil from light clay at
the surface to very dark grey/brown heavy clay.
Sheet and rill erosion can occur on crests and slopes, and gully erosion, flooding and
water logging may potentially occur on the flats and drainage lines. The area has been
extensively used for cropping and grazing.
3.2.5 Soils
Soils found on the BHBP area have been tested for particle size variations and potential
dispersivity, these results are summarised below in Table 12 and details are included in
Appendix J. Testing for sedimentation behaviour is reported in Appendix K.
These indicate that the majority of the material found on site has an extremely low
dispersion and very quickly flocculate without the aid of additives. This is probably due
to the bauxite creation process which has strongly depleted soils and bauxite of silica-
rich fine clays. The residual soil minerals tend to be slightly alkaline which readily
precipitate in meteoric waters.
The particle size distribution is variable throughout the project area ranging from 5-95%
of material >500 μm, and 4-81% of material <63 μm.

4
Table 12: Summary of soil tests for particle distribution and Emerson Class
Emerson
Location Description % >500μm % >125μm % <63μm
Class*
BHBP-SL001 South Pit area, Haul Road Dry brown fine bauxite sand with minor bauxite gravel, no plasticity. 35 44 51 6
BHBP-SL002 Central Pit area Dry red/brown fine bauxite sand and gravel, no plasticity. 60 68 29 6-8
BHBP-SL003 Southern Stockpile Moist red/brown fine bauxite sand and gravel, no plasticity. 32 38 58 6-8
BHBP-SL004 Northern Stockpile Dry brown/red and grey fine bauxite sand with minor coarse bauxite gravel and 33 43 52 6-8
inorganic clay, minor plasticity.
BHBP-SL005 Northern Pit area Thin layer of moist brown fine bauxite sand and gravel on top of bauxite hard cap, 65 78 19 6-8
no plasticity.
BHBP-SL006 Site Office Mostly dry red/brown fine grained inorganic clay, soft and plastic. 6 15 81 6-8
BHNP1-CS05 North Pit Hard red/yellow volcanic textures, some large nodular clay mineral lenses. Variable 95 96 4 6-8
colour though consistent texture.
BHNP1-CS01 North Pit Decomposed/transported bauxite in mud matrix, some pisolitic clasts (5-10 mm) 30 35 64 6
Haematitic banding.
BHSP1-CS05 South Pit 1 Massive grey gibbsitic bauxite. Bands of grey/pink and white vuggy hard cemented 84 85 19 6-8
bauxite with abundant gibbsite blebs layered with friable gritty bands of brown
friable partially bauxitised volcanics.
BHSP1-CS01 South Pit 1 Conglomerated Bauxite. Bauxite Clasts (2 mm-15 mm) 50% in fine matrix. Clasts 95 96 4 6-8
are red and grey hard cemented vuggy (1 mm-5 mm) bauxite. Matrix Supported.
Matrix is fine and gritty.
BHSP2-CS01 South Pit 2 Decomposed bauxite, Friable clay with lumps of semi hard vuggy bauxite. 22 24 75 3
BHSP2-CS06 South Pit 2 Semi-hard Red bauxite, Fine grained with less bleb and cracks of white and yellow 34 36 63 6-8
bauxite (1 mm-20 mm) 10% and Friable
* Emerson Class is a measure of the dispersive characteristics of a soil when exposed to water. Class 1, 2 or 3 can require an Erosion & Sediment Control (ESC) procedure.
The only Class 3 sample is decomposed bauxite naturally occurring at the planned South Pit 2 and will be removed by mining.

Figure 13: Land systems encountered within the BHBP region

3.2.6 Land capability
The land on which the mine will be located is mapped as Class 5 agricultural land.
Class 5 land is4: Land with light to moderate limitations to pastoral use. This land is
unsuitable for cropping, although some areas on less severe slopes may be cultivated
for pasture establishment or renewal. The effects of limitations on the grazing
potential may be reduced by applying appropriate soil conservation measures and land
management practices.
The historical and current use of the land is consistent with this classification. To our
understanding it has only ever been used for grazing. Irrigated cropping (e.g. poppies)
is occurring on the flats to the east of the ridge but these areas will not be impacted
by the proposal.
3.2.7 Climate
The closest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) station is located at Ross (The Boulevards).
This site is approximately 11 km due south of the mine site at an altitude of 186 m.
The BHBP area ranges from 200 to 245 mASL.
Table 13 shows the monthly and annual rain and temperature statistics over a 20 year
observations period for the Ross station.
Table 13 : Rainfall and temperature statistics (Ross station)
Statistic Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Rainfall
Decile 1 (mm) 14.3 12.6 5.2 13.4 9.1 16.8 21.5 13.5 23.0 19.1 20.8 11.5 354.4
Mean (mm) 45.2 39.3 35.5 37.3 29.7 40.7 38.0 48.3 54.6 41.7 48.6 39.0 497.9
Decile 5 (mm) 36.7 37.7 30.7 38.8 24.8 36.2 36.2 41.4 50.2 39.8 42.3 32.4 492.2
Decile 9 (mm) 85.4 66.7 68.2 61.6 52.4 77.2 57.0 86.8 85.2 79.0 86.2 72.2 614.0
Temperature
Mean maximum (°C) 24.5 24.1 21.6 17.5 14.3 11.7 11.2 12.6 14.4 17.0 20.0 22.6 17.6
Mean minimum (°C) 10.6 10.6 7.9 5.7 3.3 1.7 1.4 2.4 3.7 4.8 6.8 8.5 5.6
Pan evaporation
Mean daily (mm) 6.8 5.8 4.4 2.5 1.4 1.1 1.1 1.8 2.6 3.6 4.9 6.1 3.5
The predominant winds at the Ross meteorological station are northerly (Figure 14).
Ross is 13 km south of the mine site. Secondary winds are southerly and there is a
smaller westerly component. However, the wind data for Campbell Town weather
station 1972-1988 showed a strong secondary wind to the northwest – see section 4.1.3
and Figure 21 below.
Conditions are likely to be similar at the mine site.
The potential air impacts of dust and noise from BHBP activities are therefore mainly
to the south and east of Bald Hill. The Midland Highway runs northwards from BHBP
and Campbell Town is some 4 km to the southeast of BHBP. ABx has undertaken to
suppress dust at all times but especially when winds blow strongly from the northwest.
4
Grose, C.J. & Moreton, R.M. (1996) Land capability Survey of Tasmania – South Esk Report. Department of
Primary industries and Fisheries.
Figure 14: Ross wind rose diagrams at 3pm and 9am.
3.2.8 Flora
An initial flora assessment has been carried out by pitt&sherry and Philip Milner (Philip
Milner Landscape Consultant Pty Ltd) including examinations of the State (Natural
Values Atlas5) and Commonwealth (Protected Matters Search Tool 6) environmental
databases. The Natural Values Atlas database was examined for records of threatened
species of flora and fauna known to occur within a 5 km radius of the location. Data
sourced included the vegetation types and plant communities, the occurrence of any
threatened vegetation communities, the recorded locations of any threatened species
of plants and threatened fauna known or expected to occur in the vicinity.
Pre-exploration drilling ground surveys of flora and fauna values have been undertaken
by Philip Milner (14 October 2010 and 7 March 2013). Milner recommended that a
follow-up survey be undertaken if a mining lease is proposed. That additional survey
work was carried out by North Barker Ecosystem Services in April and May 2013. Follow
up spring surveys were carried out in October 2013.
Copies of field survey reports are provided in Appendix E summarised below.
Threatened vegetation communities

TASVEG_2_0 mapping indicates significant patches of threatened vegetation type
Midlands Woodland Complex (DMW) as shown in Figure 13. However, field surveying
was not consistent with this, establishing that the extent of this community is far less
extensive than mapped. Three TASVEG vegetation communities are present in the area
as shown in Table 14 and Table 15.
5
Natural Values Atlas Report, (viewed June 2013), DPIPWE.
6
EPBC Protected Matters Report (viewed June 2013) Commonwealth of Australia.
Figure 15: TasVeg mapped native vegetation communities in the vicinity of the BHBP area

Table 14: Vegetation communities mapped during the field survey by North Barker 2013
TasVeg
Vegetation community Extent in study area
code
Small scattered remnants across the area. Vast

Midlands Woodland Complex DMW majority of trees stand over pasture with only very
small remnants of degraded native understory
Two small areas in the west and southwest
quadrants of the 1 km radius search area. It is
Lowland Grassland Complex GCL
sufficiently degraded by weed invasion to be
excluded as an EPBC grassland
Agricultural Land FAG Majority of land falls within this vegetation code
An adjustment to the western lease boundary subsequent to the field survey means
that there is a small area of grassland that falls outside the detailed field mapping
reported by North Barker in Appendix E (shown in Figure 16). The TasVeg mapping
shows a small patch of GCL in this area. Like other GCL patches, this is degraded and
North Barker have advised7 that this GCL would have a low to moderate probability of
supporting Scleranthus and or Stipa spp and there would be only a remote likelihood of
any other threatened species persisting.
The Midlands Woodland Complex (DMW) is listed as threatened under the Tasmanian
Nature Conservation Act 2002. The DMW community comprises the woodland species of
Eucalyptus ovata forest and woodland (DOV), E. viminalis grassy forest and woodland
(DVG) and E. pauciflora forest and woodland on dolerite (DPD) at altitudes less than
300 m on dolerite8. This community mainly occurs in the Northern Midlands region.
Due to the intensive agriculture that has occurred over the site for many decades, the
Midlands Woodlands Complex on the project site is in a remnant form only, limited to
scattered occasional trees. Some of these have a localised skirt of remnant grasses at
the base of the trunk, probably as a result of farm ploughing avoiding the shallow root
area. All the trees are mature; some are in decline and a few are dead standing trees.
The TASVEG_2_0 benchmark for this community includes: a 10% canopy cover, 200 m of
logs per hectare, 80% organic litter cover and an understorey of grasses, shrubs, herbs
and orchids, sedges and rushes, mosses and lichens. These benchmarks are not satisfied
in the project area. However, these areas will not be cleared during mining operations
(see Figure 13).
There are a number of dolerite outcrops where vegetation is more intact due to the
outcrops preventing ploughing. They are, however, accessible to stock and have been
grazed, although not to the intensity of surrounding areas. Gorse has invaded these
outcrops.
The main species of remnant tree on the site are white gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) and
minor snow gum (E. pauciflora). Regrowth within the sparse canopy includes E.
viminalis and E. pauciflora, Acacia dealbata, A. mearnsii and Bursaria spinosa. Other
large trees in the area are introduced pines.
7
Pers comm., Phil Barker (NBES), 11.09.2014
8
TASVEG Benchmark for Vegetation Condition Assessment version 2.0
Figure 16: Mapping from field survey showing actual distribution of threatened species from North
Barker field survey

Sparsely wooded vegetation communities can also include high quality lowland native
grassland communities and detailed surveys were carried out on the denser areas of
grassland to test for these. Small patches of Themeda triandra occur in the study area
and these were specifically examined against the criteria for lowland native grasslands
of Tasmania (GTL). They fail to meet the EPBC criteria, which include: >1ha, ≥50% of
the cover, species richness requirements, tree/shrub cover requirements and <20%
perennial non-native species cover (further detail in Appendix E).
The grassland communities present in the project area do not meet the threshold
criteria for the Commonwealth listed threatened vegetation community Lowland
Grasslands of Tasmania. In particular, the vegetation fails at least the following two
threshold criteria:
x the prominent component (20-50%) of all patches is gorse
x most patches are less than 1ha.
Threatened flora species

Previous surveys in the broader region have noted a variety of species of threatened
flora recorded in the area. Table 15 includes previously noted species and their
potential to occur on the site, and their ecological preferences.
Table 15 indicates that two flora species listed under the Tasmanian Threatened
Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA), knotty speargrass (Austrostipa nodosa) and
spreading knawel (Scleranthus fasciculatus) where observed on the site. Three species
are considered to have a moderate probability of occurring on site. Stackhousia
subterraneum (TSPA endangered) and Triptilodiscous pygmaeus (TSPA vulnerable) both
have a large number of occurrences in the area according the NVA and have suitable
habitat on the site.
These species can only be satisfactorily surveyed for during spring/summer flowering
periods. Austrostipa scabra subs. falcata (TSPA rare) occupies a similar niche and often
co-occurs with A. nodosa, which was observed on site, and is also most easily observed
within the summer period of seed development.
There are eleven other threatened species which are considered to have a low to
moderate chance of occurring on the site and have not been sighted. These are all
spring/summer flowering annuals and perennials or summer flowering grasses which
can only be satisfactorily surveyed during the warmer seasons.
Table 15: Threatened flora species recorded within 5km of the BHBP site from the current
study and previous observations
State/ Potential Local observations &

Species
Commonwealth to occur ecological preferences9,10
Present on site
Around 70 plants were recorded on site, exclusively
Austrostipa within cleared agricultural land. The vegetation
nodosa Rare/ surveys occurred outside of the summer period in
Present
knotty - which the species is most conspicuous and
speargrass identifiable, thus the total observation number may
be an underestimate.
Scleranthus
fasciculatus Vulnerable/
Present Observed in a DMW remnant on a dolerite outcrop.
spreading -
knawel
9
Jones, D., Wapstra, H., Tonelli, P. and Harris, S., 1999, The Orchids of Tasmania. Melbourne University Press.
10
Lazarus, E., Lawrence, N., and Potts, W., 2003, Threatened Flora of Tasmania CD. Department of Primary
Industries, Water & Environment, Hobart
Species
Previously recorded from within 5 km of the site
Occurs in moist depressions in areas with little
above-ground competition. Four records on the NVA
Aphelia gracilis Rare/ within 5 km.
Low
slender fanwort - Suitable landscape position has been converted to
pasture, not possible to observe outside of its
spring/summer annual growth period.
Asperula
scoparia subsp. Two records on the NVA within 5 km.
Rare/
scoparia Low Remnant habitat is suitable but limited in extent.
-
prickly Not observed and unlikely to be overlooked.
woodruff
Austrostipa Occurs in grassland and grassy woodland. Two
bigeniculata Rare/ Low – records on the NVA within 5 km. Remnant habitat is
double jointed - moderate suitable but limited in extent. Most easily surveyed
spear grass during the summer flowering period.
Austrostipa Occupies a similar niche and often co-occurs with A.
scabra Rare/ Moderate nodosa, which was recorded on site. Ten records on
rough spear - - High the NVA within 5 km. Most easily observed during
grass the summer flowering period.
Occurs in grassland and grassy woodland. Twelve
Caesia records on the NVA within 5 km. Remnant habitat on
Rare/ Low –
calliantha site is suitable but limited in extent. Only easily
- moderate
blue grasslily observed during the spring/summer flowering
period.
Caladenia Occurs in grassy forest and woodland on sandy soils.

anthracina Endangered/ Five records on the NVA within 5 km. Intolerant of
CRITICALLY Very low grazing so low possibility of persisting in remnants
blacktip spider ENDANGERED within a matrix of agricultural land, such as the
orchid BHBP site.
Calocephalus Occurs in grassland and grassy woodland. Five
lacteus Rare/ Low – records on the NVA within 5 km. Remnant habitat on
milky beauty - moderate site is suitable but limited in extent. Most easily
heads surveyed during the summer flowering period.
Carex Occurs in moist grassland and riparian flats. Eight

Rare/ records on the NVA within 5 km. Limited suitable
tasmanica Very low
- habitat present. Not observed and unlikely to have
curly sedge been overlooked.
Colobanthus Occurs in open sites in grassy habitat on basalt and

curtisiae Rare/ adjacent sands. Three records on the NVA within 5
Moderate km. Can persist in grazed remnants. Survey occurred
grassland cup VULNERABLE outside of spring/summer flower period when the
flower species is most conspicuous.
Cryptandra Three records on the NVA within 5 km. Remnant

amara Endangered/ habitat is suitable but limited in extent. Surveys
Very low occurred at the beginning of the flowering period
pretty - but species was not observed and is unlikely to have
pearlflower been overlooked.
Cynoglossum Occurs in sandy soils in grassy woodland and very

australe Rare/ dry dolerite soils on open ground. One record on the
Low NVA within 5 km. Suitable habitat is present but the
austral hounds - species was not observed and unlikely to have been
tongue overlooked.

Species
Dianella
amoena Occurs in grasslands on fertile soils. Twenty-six
Rare/ records on the NVA within 5 km. A highly distinctive
grassland Low
ENDANGERED species unlikely to have been overlooked other than
flaxlily
were burnt.
Glycine Vulnerable/ Occurs in grassland on fertile soils. Fourteen records

latrobeana Low on the NVA within 5 km. Intolerant of grazing and
clover glycine VULNERABLE thus unlikely to persist within the remnants on site.
Haloragis Occurs in moist drainage lines in grassland and

heterophylla Rare/ grassy woodland. Twenty-four records on the NVA
Low
variable - within 5 km. Limited suitable habitat present and
raspwort not easily overlooked.
Hypoxis
vaginata var. Occurs in moist grassland, with one record on the
Rare/ Low – NVA within 5 km. Limited suitable habitat present,
vaginata
- moderate but not possible to observe outside of its
sheathing spring/summer annual growth period.
yellow star
Isoetopsis Three records on the NVA within 5 km. Habitat on

Vulnerable/ Low – site is suitable but small in extent. The species
gramnifolia
- moderate cannot be observed outside of its spring/summer
grass cushion annual growth period.
Lepidium Limited suitable habitat present. Palatable to stock
hyssopifolium Endangered/ and thus unlikely to persist on such a property with
Low
basalt pepper- ENDANGERED evidence of grazing and agriculture. No records
cress within 5 km.
Leucochrysum Occurs on basalt soils in grassland. Four records on
albicans var. the NVA within 5 km. Remnant habitat on site is
Endangered/
tricolour Low marginally suitable but limited in extent. Only easily
ENDANGERED observed during the spring/summer flowering
grassland paper
daisy period.
Leucopogon
virgatus var. Occurs in heathy and grassy forest on sand. One
Rare/ record on the NVA within 5 km. Not observed,
brevifolius Very low
- unlikely to be overlooked, and very limited suitable
short-leaf habitat present.
beard heath
Myriophyllum
integrifolium Vulnerable/ Occurs in muddy swampy soils and wet land
Very low margins. Two records on the NVA within 5 km. No
tiny water - suitable habitat present.
milfoil
Occurs in grassy forest and woodland on sandy soil.
Prasophyllum One record (from 1999) on the NVA within 5 km.
incorrectum Endangered/ Limited suitable habitat present and possibly
Very low
golfers leek ENDANGERED eliminated from potential sites by habitat
orchid degradation, grazing and fertilizer application.
Surveys occurred outside of flowering period.
Occurs in grassland on moist sandy soil. One record
Prasophyllum (2008) on the NVA within 5 km. Limited suitable
olidum Endangered/
habitat present and possibly eliminated from
CRITICALLY Very low
pungent leek potential sites by habitat degradation, grazing and
ENDANGERED
orchid fertilizer application. Surveys occurred outside of
flowering period.

Species
Occurs in grassland on loamy soils. One record
Prasophyllum (1996) on the NVA within 5 km. Limited suitable
tunbridgense Endangered/ habitat present and possibly eliminated from
Very low
Tunbridge leek ENDANGERED potential sites by habitat degradation, grazing and
orchid fertilizer application. Surveys occurred outside of
flowering period.
Pterostylis Occurs in grasslands and grassy woodlands on fertile

Endangered/ soils. Remnant habitat is suitable but limited in
commutata
CRITICALLY Very low extent. No records within 5 km and currently known
midland only from Tunbridge and Ross. Surveys however
ENDANGERED
greenhood occurred outside of flowering period.
Pterostylis Occurs in grasslands and grassy woodlands on fertile
Endangered/
wapstrarum soils. Remnant habitat is suitable but limited in
CRITICALLY Very low
fleshy extent. No records within 5 km. Surveys however
ENDANGERED occurred outside of flowering period.
greenhood
Occurs in grassland on fertile soils, particularly
Pterostylis basalt. Eleven records on the NVA within 5 km.
ziegeleri Vulnerable/ Remnant suitable habitat present but possibly
Low
grassland ENDANGERED eliminated from potential sites by habitat
greenhood degradation, grazing and fertilizer application.
Surveys occurred outside of flowering period.
Pultenaea Occurs in grassy habitat on sandy soils. Two records
prostrata Vulnerable Very low on the NVA within 5 km. Limited suitable habitat
silky bushpea present. Unlikely to have been overlooked.
Limited suitable habitat present. Surveys occurred
Rytidosperma late in the species’ growing period, but foliage is
popinensis Rare/ generally distinctive and easily spotted. Species is
Low
roadside ENDANGERED likely to be delisted at the national level in line with
wallabygrass its recent down listing in Tasmania. No records
within 5 km.
Scleranthus Occurs in grassland on basalt. Three records on the
Vulnerable/
diander Low NVA within 5 km. Remnant habitat is suitable but
- limited in extent. Unlikely to have been overlooked.
tufted knawel
Senecio Occurs in grassy woodland and forest. One record on

squarrosus the NVA within 5 km. Limited suitable habitat
Rare/ - Low
present. Most abundant after fires. Not easily
leafy groundsel observable outside of warm season growth period.
Stackhousia Occurs in grassland and grassy woodland often on
subterraneum Endangered/ sandy soils. 43 records on the NVA within 5 km. Most
Moderate
grassland - easily observable within its spring/summer flowering
candles period.
Triptilodiscus Occurs in grassland on fertile soils, particularly

Vulnerable/ basalt. 29 records on the NVA within 5 km. Not
pygmaeus Moderate
- observable outside of spring/summer flowering
dwarf sunray period.
Velleia Occurs on fertile soils in grassy forest and

Vulnerable/ woodlands. Four records on the NVA within 5 km.
paradoxa Low
- Remnant habitat is suitable but limited in extent.
spur velleia Not likely to be overlooked.
Remnant habitat is suitable, but the distinctive
Vittadinia species is still actively growing and flowering
burbidgeae Rare/ Low – elsewhere in the northern midlands and is thus
smooth New - moderate unlikely to have been overlooked. Can however have
Holland daisy large spatial variations in its distribution between
years. Seven records on the NVA within 5 km.

Species
Vittadinia Occurs in grasslands and grassy woodlands on fertile
cuneata var. soils. Remnant habitat is suitable but limited in
Rare/ Low –
cuneata extent. Not easily observable outside of
- moderate
fuzzy New spring/summer flowering period. Three records on
Holland daisy the NVA within 5 km.
Vittadinia Occurs in grasslands and grassy woodlands on fertile

gracilis soils. Remnant habitat is suitable but limited in
Low –
Rare/ - extent. Not easily observable outside of
woolly New moderate
spring/summer flowering period. Ten records on the
Holland daisy NVA within 5 km.
Xerochrysum
bicolor Rare/ Historical records only in the region (four from 1984
Very low within 5 km), possibly erroneous. Generally a
east coast - species of coastal cliffs.
everlasting
For completeness, a spring flora survey was undertaken in October and November
2013, covering the disturbance area and surrounding footprint. No new species were
identified.
Given the degraded nature of the site, it is considered unlikely that any threatened
species will be significantly impacted.
As shown on Figure 16, the only threatened species within the infrastructure footprint
is Scleranthus fasciculatus. North Barker (2013) found 5 plants of this species within
pit MB1. A permit to take will be obtained for the removal of these individuals before
clearing for that pit is undertaken.
3.2.9 Fauna
Table 16 shows fauna species of conservation significance observed during the site
survey and additional threatened fauna that could potentially occur in the broad
vicinity of the site, based on habitat preferences and geographical range.
The site is considered to be unsuitable for Tasmanian devil dens. This, in conjunction
with recent and old animal carcasses, suggests the Tasmanian devil has not been
present on the site for some time and thus it is not part of a current range of the
species.
Targeted spotlight and callback surveys were carried out for masked owls but no
animals were observed nor were any characteristic regurgitated pellets at the base of
trees; see Appendix E for further details.
The area is not considered to be a core range for the spotted-tailed quoll. The tree
hollows and hollow logs could be used for denning opportunities and suitable prey
would exist in the area which would suggest the site may be a regularly used part of a
territory. However, it is not likely that the site supports part of what could be
considered to be an important population according to the definition provided under
the EPBC Act.

Table 16: Threatened fauna based on habitat and geographical range
Status
Chance of
Species (State/ Comments
occurrence
Commonwealth)
Apus pacificus An aerial insectivore that would only fly over the
-/
Fork-tailed Very low site if present, but is more likely to be observed
Migratory further north in Tasmania.
Swift
Foraging: Requires large sheltered trees for nesting and is
Aquila audax PRESENT
subsp. fleayi Endangered/ highly sensitive to disturbance during the
breeding season. No suitable nesting habitat
Wedge-tailed ENDANGERED present on site and no known nests within 5 km.
Eagle Nesting:
None Habitat suitable for occasional foraging only.
Requires a mosaic of forest and open areas for

Moderate foraging and large old-growth hollow-bearing
Tyto foraging
novaehollandiae trees for nesting. Several old-growth trees with
Endangered/
castanops viable hollows for masked owl nests are found on
VULNERABLE
Nesting: site and the species has been previously observed
Masked Owl within 5 km (one record only). Our targeted
LOW
surveys however, yielded no observations on site.
Mammals
The site is not located within what is considered to
be the core range of this species and only one
observation record previously existed from within 5
Foraging: km. However, the individual killed on Macquarie
Dasyurus PRESENT Road on the night of the spotlight survey would
maculatus Rare/ almost certainly use the site for foraging. The
Spotted-tailed VULNERABLE presence of tree hollows, occasional hollow logs, and
Quoll Denning: an abundance of suitable prey, suggests that the
LOW property could be a regularly used part of a territory
but is less likely to be preferred by a female for a
den due to the exposure of the trees and the
predominance of possums and starlings on the site.
Foraging: One public record within 5 km in the past 10

Sarcophilus Low years, as well as 5 previous records within the
Endangered/ past 40 years. Habitat on site is suitable for
harrisii
ENDANGERED foraging only, although the presence of several
Tasmanian Devil Denning: wallaby carcasses on site indicates that devils are
None presently not scavenging on the property.
Reptiles
Pseudemoia Occurs in Poa tussock grassland and Themeda

pagenstecheri Vulnerable/ grassland without trees. Suitable habitat on site
Very low
- is very marginal, being compromised both
Tussock Skink spatially and floristically. No records within 5km.
The field surveys found no fauna species listed under the Tasmanian Threatened
Species Conservation Act 1995 or the Commonwealth Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 within the BHBP lease area.
There is very limited potential habitat for threatened fauna within the mine lease.
Patches of gorse could provide cover for a ground dwelling species such as the eastern-
barred bandicoot and the dolerite outcrops could provide habitat for small reptiles or
ground invertebrates. A few of the remnant old-growth paddock trees contain hollows
which may be potential nest sites but there is very little surrounding vegetation and
the habitat is considered marginal at best.
3.2.10 Weeds and plant diseases

A significant number of introduced plants occur on the project site but only two
“declared weeds” were noted during the survey: gorse (Ulex europaeus) is well

established on the uncultivated areas of the site and horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
occurs sparingly.
The Bald Hill Project falls within a Zone B municipality for gorse management 11. Zone
B municipalities follow a containment management objective. These areas have some
problematic infestations but no formal plan or allocated resources to undertake active
eradication. The ongoing prevention of the spread of weeds from existing infestations
into areas currently free of gorse is the default management plan.
There was no symptomatic field evidence of the root pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi.
ABx has a policy to neither transport nor purchase exogenous soils so as to avoid the
risk of introducing weeds and plant diseases. ABx also washes all field vehicles before
moving from one property to the next so as to avoid spreading seeds and plant disease.
ABx employs drilling and earth moving contractors that are experienced in these issues
and who work with rural landholders in their normal course of business so as to ensure
that the importance of these issues is part of their corporate culture.
These land care policies will continue to be developed and apply throughout all
production stages as well.
3.2.11 Surface water drainage and groundwater

There are no permanent water bodies or streams within or in the vicinity of the project
site (Figure 17), other than a farm dam near (approximately 350 m) West Pit (JB1).
Surface water is limited to localised incidental rain runoff. Median rainfall for the area
is approximately 500 mm per year (Table 13). Soil is routinely dry, particularly those of
the bauxite resource, which holds water poorly.
Groundwater has not been encountered in any of the 227 drill holes which ranged from
7-12 m from ground surface and were drilled in both summer and winter months. These
holes tested the mine areas and up to 250 m outside the proposed mine areas.
The areas to be mined are at the ridge-tops, some 12 to 20 m above the break-of-
slope. Mining depths will average 3.8 m and the ridge-top will be lowered in the mined
areas by a maximum of 3.8 m, minus a swell factor when subgrade reject bauxite rock
is replaced in the voids.
Therefore, there is no chance of the water table being intercepted or disrupted by the
proposed mining. Similarly, surface water flows will not be significantly changed.
The proposed drainage plan is shown in Figure 18. In summary, the strategy is to
gently slope the pit floors into sumps that will self-drain naturally through the bauxite
layer until the lowermost bench where any water build-up will be pumped out into the
controlled drains along the access roads.
All drainage of the mine operations area will lead to a natural catchment/sedimentation
dam in the southwest of the Mining Lease, adjacent to Macquarie Road where water will
be harvested for screening of the bauxite. Any overflow will be rare and will discharge
into the landholder’s large water dam and will be monitored for water quality.
The drainage plan is designed to ensure no release of mine or screen water into the
westernmost catchment area which drains into creeks leading southwards into
Elizabeth River which is a tributary to Macquarie River.
11
DPIPWE 2012 – Gorse Weed Management Plan
Figure 17: Potential surface water flow in the BHBP area

536,000 mE
537,000 mE
538,000 mE
RD1
RD2
RD3
Nth
RD3 Cent N
RD3 Sth
R 250m
RD4
D
Water controls & water-harvesting

sedimentation dams as needed
MB1
MB2
Flat dry areas for MB3

safe processing Main sedimentation dam
& access
MB4
Western
watershed
MB5
M
MB6
JB1
Elizabeth River
Legend
Western watershed: Drainage to east of this line flows to the Main Water discharge from pits: Pits will self-drain through permeable
Sedimentation Dam which may overflow rarely into the large landholder dam. bauxite layer. Sump overflow will be pumped into roadside drains
Drainage to west is prevented because it could flow into Elizabeth River
Bauxite Pit outlines
Temporary bund wall for Main Sedimentation Dam
Flat dry areas: Areas outside of bauxite pit areas and drainage gullies
Water flow controls: barriers or small sedimentation dams to control water that are suitable for safe processing, stockpiling and safe truck entry
flow and erosion down the central gully creek line. Operators may harvest from and exit onto Macquarie Road
water for dust management from these and the Main Sedimentation Dam
Mining Lease Boundary
Mine access roads with roadside drains
Figure 18: Drainage plan to control surface water flows in the BHBP area during operations

3.2.12 Natural processes
There are no significant active natural processes within or in the vicinity of the lease.
The terrain and soil is very stable and has been subjected to intensive grazing for more
than 100 years.
3.2.13 Conservation reserves

There are no conservation reserves within or in the vicinity of the lease.
3.2.14 Wilderness areas

There are no wilderness areas within or in the vicinity of the lease.
3.2.15 Aboriginal cultural heritage

Numerous archaeological heritage surveys have been carried out within the Campbell
Town area for previous development applications by others. These have identified a
number of isolated artefacts and artefact scatters throughout the landscape but
particularly focused along creek lines, rivers and lagoons.
An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Desktop Assessment of the site was submitted to

Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT) on 9 May 2013. AHT advised (23/5/2013) that a
field assessment was required.
An Aboriginal cultural heritage survey and assessment was undertaken by Cultural

Heritage Management Australia 12 on the BHBP area (see Appendix F).
There are no previously recorded Aboriginal heritage sites registered on the Tasmanian
Aboriginal Site Index (TASI) within the project area. Predictive modelling suggests that
the likely areas for Aboriginal sites to occur in the region would be along the margins
of the Elizabeth River and tributary creek lines.
Approximately 14.25 km of survey transects were walked within the bounds of the
study area with an average surface visibility of 26%. During the site survey, one
artefact scatter site was discovered on the fringe of the West Pit area.
The report from this field survey was submitted to AHT and they have confirmed that it
covers the required information.
3.2.16 Historic cultural heritage

Cultural Heritage Management Australia also undertook a desktop study and site survey
for European cultural heritage sites (see Appendix F for details).
In summary, no European heritage listed sites occur within the project area.
During site surveys seven European heritage sites where identified, all of low to
moderate scientific, aesthetic, historical and social significance, as shown in Figure 19
and Table 17. The landholder has explained that some of the rock features listed are
recent expressions of European culture, being piles of rocks, including lumps of bauxite
and dolerite that he has cleared from paddocks in the last decade or so. He has
expressed a willingness to remove them but these are not located on proposed bauxite
pit areas and should not be affected.
Recommendations of the report included that further advice should be taken from
Tasmanian Heritage prior to impact on sites ABM 2, 3, 7 and 8. However, given the
location of these sites, none are expected to be impacted during mining operations.
12
O’Sullivan, R., 2013, Bald Hill Bauxite Mine Proposals at Campbell Town, Central Midlands, Tasmania,
Unpublished report for Australian Bauxite Pty Ltd, Cultural Heritage Management Australia.
Figure 19: Location of historic heritage sites identified during site survey and their relationship to
mining operation

Table 17: Historic site significance assessment summary
Scientific Aesthetic Historical Social

Site Site Type
Significance Significance Significance Significance
Historic house
ABM 2 Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
ruins
Historic
ABM 3 Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
outbuilding ruins
ABM 4 Timber Felling Low Low Moderate Low
Dam and Water
ABM 5 Low Low Low Low
Trough
ABM 6 Windbreak Low Moderate Low Low
Stone boundary
ABM 7 Moderate Moderate – Low Moderate – High Low
line
Stone boundary
ABM 8 Moderate Moderate – Low Moderate – High Low
line
3.2.17 Dryland Salinity

Salinity is a relatively small problem in Tasmania in comparison to some mainland
states. However, research indicates that it is increasing. Primary salinity occurs
naturally in some areas of Tasmania. Secondary salinity, which can be exacerbated by
human activity, occurs as a result of changes in groundwater movement. Changes can
be brought about through vegetation clearance and greater surface water infiltration
then accumulation of this water in the down slope valleys, bringing the water table
closer to the surface. The salts within the underlying materials are also moved during
this process and they can then accumulate in the surface soils during evaporation. This
can result in a change to the vegetation types and if it is allowed to continue to
extreme levels plant growth ceases and the soils become “scalded”, resulting in
further soil degradation through compaction and/or erosion.
Based on the district wide nature of the salinity distribution in Tasmania, Grice 13
defined three levels of salinity as shown in Table 18.
Table 18: Levels of salinity as defined by Grice, 1995
Nil No obvious visual signs

Plant and tree vigour is reduced, no salt sensitive species, bare patches in
Moderate
pasture usually less than one square metre.
Extensive areas of bare ground and possibly salt crusts, trees dead or dying –
Severe
only salt tolerant species present.
Some parts of the Campbell Town area, particularly the land system
298133_Morningside (see section 3.2.4 for further location details), have been
identified as being at severe salinity risk 14.
Further studies in 2005 (Hocking et al15) identified a Groundwater Flow System (GFS)
approach to salinity classification which was applied to the Northern Midlands municipality.
This used geological and geomorphological information to understand the landscape and
groundwater interactions, which can inform groundwater and salinity issues.
13
Grice, M.S., 1995, Assessment of soil and land degradation on private freehold land in Tasmania, DPIPWE,
Hobart.
14
Bastick, C., and Walker, M., 2000, Extent and impacts of Dryland Salinity in Tasmania, Project 1A, Volume
1, DPIPWE.
15
Hocking, M., Bastick, C., Dyson, P. and Lynch, S., 2005, Understanding groundwater flow systems and
processes causing salinity in the Northern Midlands.
Thirteen GFS were defined, five of which were identified as the highest priority in
terms of salinity management; these are shown in Table 19.
Table 19: Priority groundwater flow systems in the Northern Midlands, 2005
1. Deeply weathered sediments GFS

2. Local scale GFS in alluvial plans and slopes
3. Local scale GFS in current floodplain
4. Local/intermediate scale fractured basalt GFS
5. Local scale GFS in dunes
The project falls within three of these priority categories (Figure 20). The majority
being within the deeply weathered sediments GFS, and only minor portions included in
the fractured basalt GFS and current floodplain GFS.
Deep weathering often results in the development of kaolinite (white clay) which is
generally high in salt stores. Exposure of these clays can lead to an increase in the
salinity of groundwater.
However, kaolinite clay is a widespread mineral and varies in salt content from place
to place. The kaolinite within the porous, permeable bauxite zones has undergone
leaching by heavy rainfall and high groundwater flow rates for millions of years during
the bauxite formation process, and tend to be lower in salts than in areas of clay
accumulation, like beneath heavy soils.
The formation of bauxite is essentially a clay-removal process and bauxite must be low
in clay to be saleable. Saleable bauxite must also be relatively free of sodium-salts.
The salt content of bauxite areas and surrounding areas are further assessed
quantitatively below, based on 671 chemical analyses of drill hole samples from 150
holes.
During exploration and resource definition, the area to be excavated plus surrounding
areas up to 250 m has been drilled by 227 holes totalling 1,896 m. From this, 671
samples from 650 m of interest from 150 drill holes have been chemically analysed by
NATA-registered ALS Laboratories in Brisbane, QLD.
To avoid bias towards bauxite material (the majority of the data), results are grouped
into 3:
1. Ore;
2. Waste zones inside the pit areas to be excavated; and,
3. Ordinary non-pit material in holes drilled outside the pit areas.
Summaries are shown in Table 20 and Table 21 below.

Figure 20: Distribution of priority groundwater flow systems in the Campbell Town area

Table 20: Downhole average major element material chemical analyses (%)
Areas outside bauxite pits Wt % Avl Al2O 3 Rx SiO 2 Al2O3 SiO 2 Fe2O 3 TiO2 LOI Clay %
Full Hole Holes Metres Assays Avg 8.69 21.06 30.12 26.00 24.77 3.07 15.03 46.80
Length 86 267.5 269 St Dev 6.86 7.18 3.91 9.08 6.35 0.66 3.13 15.95
Holes Metres Assays Avg 8.59 19.48 29.67 27.85 24.42 2.93 14.04 43.3
Outside soils
86 83.0 60 St Dev 6.69 6.11 4.37 8.97 5.90 0.52 3.51 13.6
Outside Holes Metres Assays Avg 9.24 20.69 30.52 26.11 24.45 2.96 14.98 46.0
subsoils 86 74.0 54 St Dev 7.26 7.71 4.19 9.88 7.02 0.66 3.24 17.1
Outside Holes Metres Assays Avg 8.39 22.51 30.20 24.53 25.26 3.27 15.81 50.0
bedrock 86 110.5 79 St Dev 6.69 7.26 3.27 8.30 6.17 0.70 2.45 16.1
Areas to be mined in bauxite pits Wt % Avl Al2O 3 Rx SiO 2 Al2O3 SiO 2 Fe2O 3 TiO2 LOI Clay %
Full Hole Holes Metres Assays Avg 19.84 12.73 34.71 14.50 27.01 3.46 19.44 28.28
Length 64 629.0 403 St Dev 10.64 8.37 5.34 9.65 7.00 0.84 3.68 18.60
Pit soils
36 25.0 33 St Dev 5.98 5.48 3.73 6.67 5.75 0.81 2.83 12.17
Pit Holes Metres Assays Avg 11.35 19.31 31.96 23.41 23.84 3.01 16.90 42.91
overburden 17 23.5 26 St Dev 5.95 5.38 3.62 8.25 6.25 0.62 2.52 11.95
Pit bauxite
64 209.0 224 St Dev 7.01 4.45 4.78 4.71 6.65 0.88 2.74 9.88
Pit Holes Metres Assays Avg 13.16 12.06 28.18 13.29 36.46 3.75 17.35 26.80
interburden 6 5.5 6 St Dev 1.84 5.18 4.14 5.22 10.01 0.86 0.33 11.52
Pit bedrock Holes Metres Assays Avg 9.94 20.97 31.17 22.64 25.45 3.29 16.54 46.60
(clays) 64 341.5 113 St Dev 5.35 6.64 2.82 7.32 6.91 0.68 1.82 14.76
Table 21: Downhole average minor element material chemical analyses (%)
Outside Pit Wt % CaO Cr2O 3 K2O MgO MnO Na2O P2O 5 SO3 V2O5 Zn ZrO 2
Full Hole Avg 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.21 0.04 0.12 0.08 0.22 0.06 0.00 0.04
Length St Dev 0.32 0.02 0.05 0.29 0.03 0.12 0.06 0.18 0.01 0.01 0.01
Avg 0.16 0.06 0.11 0.27 0.05 0.12 0.08 0.11 0.06 0.00 0.04
Outside soils
St Dev 0.38 0.02 0.06 0.38 0.03 0.11 0.04 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.01
Outside Avg 0.10 0.07 0.06 0.24 0.03 0.13 0.07 0.17 0.06 0.00 0.04
subsoils St Dev 0.44 0.03 0.04 0.34 0.03 0.16 0.04 0.14 0.02 0.01 0.01
Outside Avg 0.01 0.07 0.02 0.14 0.03 0.11 0.09 0.34 0.06 0.00 0.04
bedrock St Dev 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.10 0.01 0.07 0.07 0.19 0.01 0.01 0.01
In Pit Wt % CaO Cr2O 3 K2O MgO MnO Na2O P2O 5 SO3 V2O5 Zn ZrO 2
Full Hole Avg 0.01 0.07 0.02 0.12 0.03 0.06 0.06 0.38 0.06 -0.01 0.04
Length St Dev 0.04 0.02 0.03 0.06 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.16 0.02 0.01 0.01
Avg 0.09 0.07 0.08 0.20 0.03 0.08 0.06 0.16 0.06 -0.01 0.04
Pit soils
St Dev 0.06 0.01 0.04 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.08 0.01 0.01 0.01
Pit Avg 0.03 0.06 0.08 0.20 0.02 0.10 0.05 0.24 0.06 -0.01 0.04
overburden St Dev 0.03 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.11 0.01 0.00 0.01
Avg 0.00 0.07 0.01 0.10 0.03 0.05 0.05 0.41 0.07 -0.01 0.04
Pit bauxite
St Dev 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.14 0.02 0.01 0.01
Pit Avg 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.10 0.03 0.05 0.05 0.48 0.07 0.00 0.04
interburden St Dev 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.04 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.12 0.01 0.01 0.01
Pit bedrock Avg 0.00 0.07 0.02 0.10 0.02 0.08 0.08 0.44 0.06 0.00 0.04
(clays) St Dev 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.01 0.04 0.06 0.16 0.01 0.01 0.01

As shown by Table 20 and Table 21, the minor element chemistry of the ore and waste
materials is very limited, with extremely low values of all minor elements tested.
The natural sodium values from the pit areas are all substantially lower than the
natural sodium values from areas outside the pit that probably represent to normal
values for the countryside rocks, clays and soils. As is normal for bauxite, the bauxite
areas are already leached of sodium and represent no greater threat of salt release
than already exists.
The bauxite itself, plus the minor waste within the bauxite layers and the soil above
bauxite is generally much lower in sodium than the surrounding natural countryside.
Table 21 shows that the holes containing bauxite ore average 0.06% Na 2O which is
lower than the waste holes located outside the bauxite zones which average 0.12%
Na2O. However, all holes within the mining lease of the BHBP are relatively low in
sodium which is strong evidence that both the BHBP area and nearby surrounding farm
areas are relatively salt-free, probably because of the way bauxite forms by clay-
removal as discussed on page 62 and below.
Land in the general district and the land of the BHBP mining lease has been farmed for
more than 100 years which has involved application of fertilisers and other farming
chemicals. Despite this, the drillhole data presented in Table 20 and Table 21 show no
build-up of metals or salts in either the bauxite areas or surrounding waste areas.
The limited mineral chemistry of the bauxite zones and surrounding countryside arise
from the original formation of bauxite whereby all soluble elements, especially the
alkali metals and to a lesser extent, the clays (which contain 48% reactive SiO2 “Rx
SiO2” in Table 20 above) are leached out of the bauxite at a very early stage.
Any elemental compounds that exist in bauxite today are immobile under all prevailing
physico-chemical conditions. Thus the probability of any leach products forming from
bauxite is effectively zero. This is supported by the successful use of bauxite in road
construction historically in Tasmania. Also with the very low values, the ultimate
volume of sodium salt which could be potentially exposed is extremely low.
Best practice is to reinstate the soil layer to cover the disturbed areas as soon as
practicable and this should prevent undue exposure of clays.
3.3 Socio-economic aspects

Expansion of the resources industry will bring people, jobs and growth to Campbell
Town, the Northern Midlands and the Northern Region more generally.
Alongside the substantial benefits of economic development comes the challenge of

planning effectively for any social impacts as a result of the development.
This section profiles the existing social environment, with a focus on Campbell Town
and the Northern Midlands. Varying levels of detail on the township and municipality is
provided, depending on the availability of statistical information and its relevance to
assessing the socioeconomic outcomes (positive and negative) from the proposal on
those communities. Information on the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics
is based largely on data from the ABS 2011 census, unless otherwise stated. In addition
this section sets out how the project has been designed and developed to meet social
planning requirements (where they exist).
Beyond a coarse understanding of the project economics, the socioeconomic

performance of a development is often overlooked during the project development,
however ABx recognises that it is about developing and operating the project in a
manner that is attuned to community expectations and which acknowledges that
businesses have a shared responsibility with government, and more broadly society, to
help facilitate the development of strong and sustainable communities.

3.3.1 Profile
The Northern Midlands Municipal area was created following amalgamation of
Evandale, Longford, Campbell Town, Ross and part of Fingal municipalities in 1993. It
includes the towns of Campbell Town, Ross, Avoca, Longford, Perth and Evandale,
together with Western Junction Airport, and Ben Lomond National Park. It covers
approximately 5136 km2, with its boundaries extending from the coastal range in the
east to the Western Tiers.
Campbell Town is a major pastoral and tourist centre in the Northern Midlands,
originally established in 1821 by Governor Macquarie as one of the four garrison towns
and probation stations between Hobart and Launceston. The Elizabeth River, which
runs through the heart of the town, was named after Macquarie’s wife Elizabeth. The
town is within an important agricultural area and has been well known for its fine wool
production, it is also a service centre for its wider agricultural hinterland. It is 134 km
from Hobart and 68 km from Launceston.
Today the town is best known as a convenient rest stop on the journey north and south
and a central meeting place for business people who want to meet colleagues from
other parts of the State.
The original town survey established large lots and these continue to provide the basis
for the uniqueness of the town and its very rural setting where it is thought some 2000
sheep still graze around paddocks within the town boundary.
The town is split on the eastern side by the railway line, and is crossed by the
Elizabeth River. This river and its historic Red Bridge provide a valuable open space
and historic and picturesque backdrop to the town. With few exceptions the
commercial development of Campbell Town is that of a linear pattern based around a
through road.
The importance of Campbell Town as a meeting place for people located in Hobart,
Launceston or the north coast should not be underestimated. There are a number of
establishments within town that provide itinerate meeting and working spaces.
Meetings and the associated catering are now an important element in Campbell
Town’s economic base.
3.3.2 Community and Neighbourhood Facilities

Campbell Town has a number of community and neighbourhood facilities that will
support any new residents associated with the project, but also be supported by the
same residents.
Campbell Town District High School

Campbell Town has a Kinder to year 10 district high school. We understand there is
capacity within the school across all grades. The school is well located within the town
to serve the bulk of the population.
Campbell Town Health and Community Service

The town boasts a district hospital/community health service which services the rural
hinterland. The Campbell Town Health and Community Service provides a multipurpose
service comprising 6 acute care beds and 20 residential aged care beds, the service
also coordinates the delivery of a range of services to the surrounding community
including Community Nursing, Home Help/Personal Care and visiting services.

Campbell Town Early Learning Centre
The relatively new Campbell Town Early Learning Centre, run by the Northern
Children’s Network, can cater for children from 0 – 12 years old. It offers a 0 – 2 year
old room/play area and a 3 – 12 year old room/play area.
Parks and Facilities

Campbell Town has a large amount of open space and flat terrain, which encourages
activities such as walking and cycling. In addition to the children’s playground facility
at Valentine’s Park, the school has excellent outdoor play equipment.
The pony club area at the corner of Glenelg Street and King Street is the former
football ground and is currently also used by the hunt club on occasions.
The Lions Club Park provides for recreational activities such as walking, cycling and
picnic areas.
3.3.3 Census Data

In 2011 Northern Midlands had a population 16 of approximately 12,228 people, which
compares with 12,091 in 2006 and 11,650 in 2001. Campbell Town’s population in 2011
was 781 people, up from 772 in 2006 and 756 in 2001. These low population growth
rates are discussed further below in section 3.3.5.
Table 22 summarises the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of Campbell

Town and Northern Midlands.
The major employment sectors for Campbell Town are:

x Accommodation and food services – 19.93%
x Retail trade – 13.5%
x Manufacturing – 10.61%
x Public administration and safety – 9.96%
The major employment sectors for Northern Midlands are:

x Agriculture, forestry and fishing – 12.40%
x Manufacturing – 11.14%
x Retail trade – 10.68%
x Health care and social assistance – 10.48%
16
Based on usual residents
Table 22: Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of Campbell Town & Northern
Midlands
Campbell Northern
Census Characteristics
Town Midlands
Population
- Number (persons) 781 12,228
- Change 2006 – 2011 (as %) 1.16% 1.13%
- Ratio male: female 47:52 50:50
Aboriginal people
- Number (persons) 28 315
- Proportion (as %) 3.58% 2.57%
Birthplace
- Born in Australia (as %) 86.81% 87.7%
Length of residency in 2011
- one year ago (as %) 87.96% 84.64%
- five years ago (as %) 60.56% 58.78%
Age
- median age 51 43
- 14 years or less (as %) 14.72% 19.12%
- 65 years or more (as %) 25.73% 17.28%
Households
- Average household size (persons) 2.1 2.4
- Single persons (as %) 36% 25.5%
- Unoccupied dwellings (as %) 14.21% 14.5%
Income
- Median individual weekly income 371 472
- Median household weekly income 633 909
- Labour force participation of people over 48.6% 57.7%
15 years (as %)
Education
- Certificate level (as %) 18.79% 21.20%
- Diploma level (as %) 4.96% 7.28%
- Degree & Post Grad level (as %) 5.56% 8.08%
3.3.4 Socio Economic Indexes for Areas

Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) is a product developed by the ABS that ranks
areas in Australia according to relative socio-economic advantage and disadvantage.
The indexes are based on information from the Census.
The SEIFA broadly define relative socioeconomic advantage and disadvantage in terms of
people’s access to material and social resources, and their ability to participate in society.
Campbell Town is rated in the bottom 10% of National State suburbs on the Index of
Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD). This summarises variables that indicate
relative disadvantage. This index ranks areas on a continuum from most disadvantaged
to least disadvantaged. This score indicates a high proportion of relatively
disadvantaged people in the area.
However, it is important to note that the index is assigned to areas, not to individuals.
They indicate the collective socio-economic characteristics of the people living in an
area. A relatively disadvantaged area is likely to have a high proportion of relatively
disadvantaged people. However, such an area is also likely to contain some people who
are relatively advantaged.
3.3.5 Population Projections

The size and structure of our State’s population is constantly changing and difficult to
predict, however what is clear is that Campbell Town and Northern Midland’s
populations are expected to age over the coming decades. This is attributable to
increased longevity, decreases in fertility and the maturing of the “baby boomers”.
While this is not unique to Northern Midlands, its population can be expected to age
more rapidly than many jurisdictions (particularly outside of Tasmania) and Australia as
a whole. The ageing population presents a number of social and economic challenges
for all tiers of government, including:
x Changes in demand for occupations and some industries
x Declining school enrolments
x Reduction in average household size
x Changes in the needs of the community regarding transport, the built environment,
recreation and other infrastructure
x Declining labour force participation.
As the population ages there will be a shift in the communities need for social and
economic infrastructure to support these changing demands.
The Demographic Change Advisory Council (DCAC) of Tasmania has developed

population projections for Tasmania’s 29 Local Government Areas for 2007 to 2032. In
preparing these projections, all 29 local governments in Tasmania, regional bodies and
State Government departments were consulted.
By 2032 the Northern Midlands population was projected to be:

x Low growth – 11,678
x Medium growth 12,765
x High growth – 14,187.
At current levels Northern Midlands is tracking below the low growth scenario.
Projecting future populations within defined geographical boundaries is a notoriously

difficult process. The future is characterised by uncertainty and it is not possible to predict
how global, national and regional trends may affect municipal areas. Typically a range of
assumptions are made about demographic characteristics, such as; future fertility,
mortality, overseas migration and internal migration in order to project possible futures.
Importantly population projections merely illustrate the trajectory of a population

under the conditions assumed - they provide a guide for planning and possible
intervention, rather than an actual prediction of future population.
3.3.6 Strategic Planning Context

Northern Midlands Council Strategic Plan - Mapping our Direction 2007 – 2017
Strategic Plan
The 2013 revision of the Strategic Plan describes the values, strategies and policies
Council will apply to serve the best interests of the Northern Midlands.

When discussing the future the Strategic plan notes council:
x Has as a vital role to play in promoting local economic investment
x Needs to listen to its many communities
x Should recognise their strategic and competitive advantages, such as location at
the core of the state transport system, proximity to Launceston markets, labour
force and professional support.
Economic and sustainable development was listed as one of five strategic issues of
focus. In this strategic area Council is committed:
x To identify economic development opportunities in the Northern Midlands
x To strengthen and diversify the economic base.
As part of the development of their Strategic Plan each community was invited to
express its needs, hopes and frustrations through submissions and two rounds of
meetings. The Strategic Plan includes a section relative to the views and aspirations of
each of their key townships.
The section relative to Campbell Town notes:
“Campbell Town’s reducing population over the past 20 years is common to small
remote towns and difficult to reverse, but recent improvements in High Street are
evidence of resistance to decline, traffic on the highway is growing, and local effort
has improved community services in the town. Campbell Town’s best growth scenario
is for Council and community to pursue State and regional recognition and support, at
every opportunity, for the creation of a strategic role for Campbell Town as the hub
delivering commercial and community services to the central Tasmanian region.
During the strategic review process the community identified the following priorities –
Top Priority
x Solve issues related to tourism/visitation – including nomads, lighting features and
signage
x Employee shortage/vocational training in hospitality
x Water
x Parking
x Community transport
x Medical/dental facilities, related vocational training/child care/aged care
Second Priority
x Heavy vehicles/bypass – more to the point a heavy truck route through the
township
x Heritage projects
The Northern Midlands Interim Planning Scheme has the following relevant objectives:
x Encourage growth within the existing settlement pattern in the main towns of
Longford, Cressy, Perth, Evandale, Campbell Town, Ross and Avoca as the foci for
commercial, residential, industrial, community and other development (2.2.2.1
Settlement (a))
x ….selective expansion of the local economy, more employment, sustained
moderate residential growth and providing the revenue base to improve the
amenity and services residents expect. (3.1 Social and Economic Context)

x Campbell Town’s highway position and centrality to the Midlands district, and its
existing concentration of business, community, health and education services
provide a basis for Campbell Town to consolidate its role as the principal service
centre in the central Midlands.
x The challenge will be to stabilize and increase Campbell Town’s population, and
reinforce the town as the focus for service delivery. (3.2.8 District centre).
x To provide for the sustainable use or development of resources for agriculture,
aquaculture, forestry, mining and other primary industries, including
opportunities for resource processing. (26.1.1 Rural Resource Zone Purpose)
3.3.7 Consultation/Stakeholder Input

ABx acknowledges the need to develop and implement inclusive stakeholder
engagement mechanisms throughout the project life cycle and to ensure that these
engagement processes are integrated into project implementation. The improved
information sharing and collaboration by all parties facilitated by these engagement
mechanisms has played a central role in identifying innovative local responses to issues
and to advancing successful mitigation outcomes.
Meaningful engagement between the parties will also improve monitoring and
evaluation of objectives and outcomes and assist in building the community’s
confidence and trust.
3.3.8 Economic and Social Considerations

The Project is a new industry for Tasmania, which makes precisely quantifying its
beneficial attributes difficult. Importantly, this project will be a leader for subsequent
bauxite projects in the Tasmanian midlands.
The Project is a low-margin, bulk commodity business and is not a high-profit

enterprise. It will have to compete with bauxite projects from developing nations
closer to China. It is, nonetheless, potentially the beginning of a new, long-term
industry for Tasmanian midlands district that could grow into a mainstay business for
the region.
3.3.9 Employment
A total of 25 employees (comprised of 11 permanent on site plus haulage and other
contractors) are expected for the full scale operations, comprising mainly Tasmanian
residents from the midlands area and some experienced mining personnel.
The main beneficiaries are expected to be in Campbell Town and the Northern
Midlands, with some benefits flowing to Launceston.
Importantly, a successful Project is likely to be followed by the development of other

bauxite deposits in the Tasmanian Midlands, amplifying the benefits for the area
significantly.

3.3.10 Capital Costs
Current estimates of capital costs are as follows:
Capital Cost A$ million

Port loader & equipment $9.0
Port mobile equipment $2.1
Subtotal Port $11.0
Bonds & Road Access $0.8
Temporary site structures $1.8
Mine mobile equipment $2.4
Total mine capital cost $5.0
TOTAL PROJECT CAPITAL COST $16.0
* Port capital costs are for several projects, if approved over next 3 years.
Plans are to share port infrastructure with new, emerging businesses (if any).
Major capital items will not be purchased until customers show full acceptance
of Tasmanian bauxite and seek increased tonnages of bauxite.
In addition to these project capital costs, there will be approximately $3 million in

working capital as stockpiles are assembled for the first shipment and whilst awaiting
first payments.
There has been approximately $4.3 million spent on Tasmanian bauxite exploration to
date and a further $1.5 million is expected to be spent in due diligence, bulk samples
for customers and government approval processes prior to project commencement.
This brings the total project exposure to between $15 million and $20 million, the vast
majority of which is spent in Tasmania.
3.3.11 Operating Costs

Current estimates of average operating costs per tonne of bauxite Free on Board Ship
at Bell Bay are high by world standards, as follows:
Operating Cost
Mining A$/t $5.90
Dry screening 45% of ore A$/t $1.50
Truck haulage on mine A$/t $1.00
Administration A$/t $1.20
State Royalty* A$/t $0.80*
Road Haul A$/t $11.00 - $13.50
Port Costs A$/t $7.00 - $8.50
TOTALS A$/t FOB $28.40 - $32.40
* Profit-based royalty is unpredictable due to accounting uncertainties.
3.3.12 State Royalties

Tasmania’s profit-based royalties are not easily predictable before a project
commences operation because it is partly based on accounting treatments of various
costs and revenues are not precisely known in advance. However, should the maximum
production reach 0.55 million tonnes per annum, mineral royalties payable should be
between $0.25 million to $0.75 million per annum.
The income taxes of employees and ABx, the GST and other taxation revenues will be
significantly higher.

3.3.13 Discussion
Tasmania’s population demographics have been affected by the departure of young
people to other states and other countries in search of new jobs and new careers. The
local employment opportunities created by this Project will have a positive impact in
this regard, but is relatively small in its own right. Should the Project succeed and
other bauxite projects prove acceptable in Tasmania, this positive impact could grow
to be a material community benefit.
Mining workforces are typically people with young families. This will lead to increased
school-aged children in the community around Campbell Town and in turn, this may
improve the sustainability of existing social services.
Another noticeable impact of a new mine is an increase in the number of workers with
money to spend in local communities, leading to a general increase in social and
economic activity within both the local and state communities.
The mining industry not only creates mining jobs but also generates employment
indirectly by stimulating demand for goods and services. Mines require equipment,
maintenance, food and other services and often use local contractors and suppliers.
For this project this will create additional demand (and possible jobs) for
transportation and providing equipment and services to the mining industry. All
industries will create these types of spill over effects, known as multipliers. However,
for the mining sector these multiplier effects can be significant but vary depending on
the amount and type of outsourcing done. Generally the amount of indirect
employment generated by a mine exceeds its direct employment.
The ABS released regional labour market data (ABS Cat No 6291.0.55.001) for August
2013 on 19 September 2013. Compared with 12 month earlier, employment declined in
Tasmania in the year to August 2013. The Northern region recorded the largest
estimated decrease in percentage terms (down 2.3 per cent or 1 600 persons). In the
year to August 2013 the Northern region recorded an unemployment rate of 7.7 per
cent (up 1% from the previous year), with the participation rate decreasing, compared
to a year earlier.
The direct jobs created will reduce the local rate of unemployment (actual or
potential) and as a consequence there is a saving to government benefit
disbursements. This is considered important within the region, in particular at the
current time.
While modest, the project will strengthen and diversify the local and Northern
Midlands economies and grow the local and regional populations. It will support
Campbell Town’s role as a hub for delivering commercial and community services, as
many of these activities require a critical mass of residents/visitors to be sustainable
and to eventually grow.
3.3.14 Impact and Risk Assessment

The previous section discussed the social environments in which the project will
operate. The project is located in a small and well defined geographical area which is
home to a consolidated and relatively contained community, making the social impacts
and benefits simple to quantify.
An assessment of the project social impacts and benefits follows and includes an
assessment of the likelihood and significance of the impact. All impacts which are
considered probable are identified and addressed. Many of the impacts have both
positive and negative effects. The following section and table includes strategies to
monitor project effects, mitigate negative impacts and maximise positive impacts.

Key social issues include:
x Impact on the agricultural land resource, or removing land from productive use
x Increase in noise and higher levels of activity in the rural area;
x Increase in traffic volume and frequency resulting from transportation, adverse
impacts to local road pavements, increased traffic noise
x Project benefits including employment and training, local procurement, improved
social infrastructure;
These economic impacts result from pre-construction, construction and maintenance

phases.
Social Probability &

Impact/benefit Notes
Value Consequence
Population Potential increase in the Medium
impacts population of Campbell Medium
Positive Town as a direct result of
project jobs
Potential increase in the
number of young people as a
proportion of existing and
new residents due to project
employment opportunities.
Employment Creation of an additional 11 The unemployment rate in High
Positive direct jobs at site, 10 jobs Northern Tasmania is increasing Medium to High
shared with other projects relative to the same time last
in the district, 14 transport year. The 11 direct jobs and 10
jobs and 7 port jobs jobs shared with other projects in
the district, plus the 14 transport
and 7 port jobs created as a result
of this project are invaluable in
mitigating job losses elsewhere in
the region.
Local Business Indirect or flow on effects The multiplier effect of High
Positive from the direct employment construction and mining from Medium
on local spending will be local spending can be significant.
significant
Local business Draw workers from existing Unlikely, given the rising Low
Negative local industries, such as unemployment rate in Northern Low
agriculture, could cause Tasmania.
labour shortage issues
Housing and Many of the employees will 14% of the dwellings in Campbell Low
accommodation require Town are unoccupied, plus there Low
Positive housing/accommodation is also ample appropriately
located vacant land available for
further residential development as
the need arises.
Social Population increase will also While this impact will be modest Medium
infrastructure increase the sustainability of at best, it should not be Medium
Positive local social services, such as discounted. This benefit will be
the school. amplified with further mining
projects which will undoubtedly
follow from this project if
successful.
Social Increased demand on Given there are known capacity Low
infrastructure community facilities and shortfalls with many of the local Low
Negative support services community facilities and the likely
age profile of the workers
(younger than the median age
currently) this is not considered
significant
Community Increased heavy vehicle As addressed in the TIA the High
health and traffic volumes resulting volume of traffic will not effect High
safety from product transport the flow and use of the road
Negative however noise may impact the

Social Probability &
Impact/benefit Notes
Value Consequence
community for which a number of
mitigation options are provided in
section 4.4.
Lifestyle and Increased economic vitality The multiplier effect of High
community and employment security construction and mining from Medium
values local spending can be significant.
Positive
Lifestyle and Loss of amenity resulting Traffic noise may be mitigated in Medium
community from traffic noise, dust a number of ways as detailed in High
values Section 4.4 and dust emissions will
Negative be limited through mitigation
addressed in section 4.1.
Property Mining royalties Negotiations with land owners to High
owners and date have been extremely Medium
land use positive.
Positive
Property Temporary loss of access to The areas containing resource are High
owners and and use of the land for predominantly low value Low
land use primary production agricultural land – so any
Negative disruption will be negligible
3.3.15 Conclusion
The potential economic impact of the project is consistent with the development of a
robust and balanced economy. The Project will increase demand for local goods and
services, boost employment opportunities and promote employment stability in some
local industries. The Project will also diversify the local and municipal economies and
subsequently reduce dependence on accommodation and food services (Campbell
Town), and agriculture (Northern Midlands).
The potentially negative impacts (loss of amenity from traffic and noise) may be
mitigated through a number of ways including suitable driving techniques by truck
drivers and by physical measures which will be negotiated with individual property
owners prior to construction.
This project, by itself, is not highly profitable. However, this project is designed to
build a well-trained operating team from local employees and develop a successful
operating and rehabilitation system that can be applied to other small occurrences of
bauxite in northern Tasmania so as to create a growing export oriented business that
only operates where welcomed and leaves the land better than it was in as many
places as possible.
3.4 Alternative sites

ABx has a number of prospective bauxite deposits in a number of exploration licences
across the northern midlands and north of the state. These are in various stages of
exploration, with the majority much less advanced that the Bald Hill deposit.
ABx’s overall bauxite project relies on multiple sites to ensure continuity of supply to
its markets and to allow blending for grade control.
The Bald Hill deposit will be a critical and indispensable first mine in this strategy. It
contains high quality product and will have a mine life of approximately 5 years,
providing the necessary cash flow to assist with exploration and start-up costs of the
overall project. The Bald Hill site also presents no significant risk to environmental
values of consequence.
There are no suitable site alternatives. The location of the Bald Hill mine is necessarily
determined by the location of the resource.

4. Potential effects and their management
The key environmental issues for the proposed Bald Hill Bauxite project, as identified
in the Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan for ABx, Bald Hill
Bauxite Project, 201317 are:
x Traffic impacts, primarily traffic noise
x Water management, primarily erosion and sediment control
x Dryland Salinity
x Mine closure and rehabilitation – including progressive rehabilitation.
These key issues and others relevant to the project are considered in detailed in this
section.
4.1 Air emissions

Air emissions could occur during the construction and operational phases of the mine.
The primary air pollutant sources will be:

x Dust generation from clearing and preparation of the infrastructure site and mining
areas, including activities associated with movement of vehicles, machinery and
excavation, and transportation and stockpiling of soil and vegetation for
rehabilitation.
x Dust from extraction activities (including excavation, loading, transport and
handling of materials).
x Dust from the screening and from returned fines in mined areas if dry screening is
used.
x Exhaust emissions from the operation of construction, excavation and
transportation equipment.
4.1.1 Existing conditions

There are currently no known primary air pollutant sources in the area.
4.1.2 Performance requirements

Air emissions from the mining and processing operations must comply with the
following:
x Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012
x National Environment Protection Measure (Air) (NEPM)
x Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004
x Quarry Code of Practice 1999
x Environmental Management and Pollution Control 1994 environmental nuisance
provisions
x Northern Midlands Council Interim Planning Scheme 2013.
4.1.3 Potential effects

Dust can be a significant safety issue during clearing and excavation. It can hinder
visibility and reduce efficiency of operations. It is in the best operational interests of
the operator to maintain safe working conditions as this allows all equipment to work
at their most effective rate.
17
EPA, 2013, Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan for ABx, Bald Hill Bauxite Project,
Dust has the potential to cause an environmental nuisance if it is blown beyond the
boundary of the proposed construction and operational activities. It can cause
respiratory annoyance or problems, reduce visual amenity and fall out onto land or
surfaces in other ownership, with the potential to soil clean surfaces and contaminate
roof-collected water supplies. In addition to nuisance to people, dust can also fall onto
vegetation and in extreme cases retard plant growth by blocking photosynthesis.
The prevailing winds at the Bald Hill Bauxite Project site are northerly and
northwesterly, secondary winds are southerly and there is a minor westerly &
southwesterly component (see Figure 14 above for Ross weather station and Figure 21
for Campbell Town for 1972-1988 – from Bureau of Meteorology).
The closest sensitive receptors are located in Campbell Town approximately 4 to 11 km

south east and Conara 6 to 11 km to the North. The prevailing and secondary winds
are appropriately in the opposite directions.
As Figure 21 shows, two residential properties lie within 2.2 km of the active pit areas
and within 2km of the tenement boundary. The northern-most building is a shearing
shed on the northeastern side of Midland Highway and is on the northern side of the
ridge line which will be kept as a barrier to sight, sound and dust and mined only
briefly. A residence lies further north at Wanstead Park, approximately 2.4 km from
the mine areas, beyond several low ridges. The residence to the south is downwind of
operations and closest to the small JB1 pit area that will be mined-out and
rehabilitated rapidly and is much further from the processing areas.
There are a further 10 to 12 residences located between 2.75 and 3km of operations
(see Figure 21). Half are 4 to 11km downwind of operations in Campbell Town but
none are in line of sight and seven of them are on the northeastern side of the Midland
Highway.
The Bald Hill Bauxite Project must also comply with the Standard Attenuation Distances
Code, Table E11.1 of the Northern Midlands Interim Planning Scheme (2013), and are to
demonstrate compliance with either acceptable solutions or performance criteria set
out in that Code.
The following acceptable solution attenuation distances apply for dust:

x Vibratory screening – 500 m.
All acceptable solution attenuation distances are readily met by the proposed
activities. ABx has undertaken to suppress just at all times with water sprays.
Diesel exhaust fumes can also cause an environmental nuisance and, like all fossil fuel
exhausts, contribute to greenhouse gases.
Given the distances to receptors, the prevailing winds and the infrastructure in the
area, it is unlikely that dust and exhaust emissions from the activity would result in an
environmental nuisance.
Under certain weather conditions, however, such as particularly hot, dry windy
periods, if appropriate management measures are not undertaken, dust may be carried
from the site by the prevailing winds.
ABx will therefore put in place appropriate mitigation measures, described below, to
ensure that dust generated from the activity will not be carried from the proposed
mine site and become an environmental nuisance.

January 6% Calm May 20% Calm October 6% Calm
Figure 21: Nearest residential properties and 3km distance line from proposed pits
(Wind directions at Campbell Town for January, May & October are also shown)

4.1.4 Avoidance and mitigation measures
The following mitigation measures will be utilised to minimise the generation of dust
and emissions during construction and operations:
x Vegetation clearance will not be undertaken during hot, dry and windy periods.
x The construction works will be planned and supervised by a qualified engineer so
that the construction of each facility is undertaken in the most efficient and
effective manner.
x Revegetation of the mined blocks will be undertaken in a progressive manner, as
described in section 2.1.1. The extent of exposed bare land will therefore be kept
to a minimum at any one time and reducing the risk of the aeolian sediment loss.
Indeed, covering the ground and returned fines with vegetation residues and the
importation of topsoil, as described in section 2.1.1, effectively reduces wind
erosion by reducing soil drying and wind speed at ground level, and assists in
anchoring particles18.
x Most soils require at least 30% ground cover to prevent wind erosion. Where
practical a minimum of at least 50% ground cover will be maintained across a given
resource area during mining operations. Where this is unachievable, soils will be
stored in locations protected from wind and other forms of erosion and in a
configuration that keeps the soil viable during storage.
x Haul roads, ore dumps, crusher and conveyor drop points, and earth stockpiles will
be watered as necessary during hot, dry and windy conditions.
x Exhaust emissions will be minimised by ensuring that all equipment is properly
maintained and operated.
Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 1: Construction phase dust impacts will be During Relevant
minimised by watering using a road tanker as required. construction contractor
Commitment 2: The extent of exposed bare land will be kept to a Mine Manager
minimum at any one time, thereby reducing the risk of aeolian Ongoing /Relevant
sediment loss. Contractor
Mine Manager
Commitment 3: Site clearing will not take place in extremely dry
Ongoing /Relevant
and windy conditions.
Contractor
Commitment 4: All mining and processing equipment, including
Mine Manager
surface miners, trucks, excavators, screens and generators, will
Ongoing /Relevant
be operated appropriately, in accordance with design
Contractor
specifications, and regularly maintained.
Commitment 5: Haul roads, ore dumps, screening drop points, and Mine Manager
earth stockpiles will be kept watered in dry windy conditions to Ongoing /Relevant
reduce the potential for dust generation. Contractor
4.1.5 Assessment of residual effects

It is expected that, by following the above mitigation measures, dust generation and
other air emissions associated with the mining operations will be kept to a minimum.
This is also in the best interest of the mining operations providing consistent and
efficient machinery, allowing production to continue most efficiently and ensuring dust
and air emissions will not cause environmental nuisance or affect production.
Bauxite is a highly leached, oxidised and permeable dry rock unit lying at or near
surface. Whilst each deposit has its own characteristics, no notable fugitive emissions
have been recorded from bauxite mining worldwide or from bauxite quarrying in
Tasmania over many decades. During drilling of several hundred holes into the bauxite
18
Managing Natural Resources, DPIWE, viewed June 2013,
http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/webpages/tpry-5z64np?open
at Bald Hill and in many locations across Northern Tasmania, no emissions, no odours or
fluids of any kind have been noted, either from the bauxite or associated waste layers.
Bauxite is essentially sterile, heavy washed and rusted dirt that has cemented together
into a layer of porous hard rock over geological time. Some of this bauxite material is
sold as “volcanic rock” for barbecues and ornamental aggregate which is indicative of
its benign chemistry and stable form.
4.2 Liquid waste

Liquid waste is likely to be generated during the construction and operation of the
mine.
The primary sources are likely to be:

x Storage and use of fuel, oils and grease
x Sewage and waste water.
Acid mine drainage, although extremely unlikely to occur, is also considered in this
section.
Erosion, sediment loss and the potential impact of sediment laden run-off on the
drainage systems (including from return fines from the screening process) is considered
in section (2.1.1) and the final landform (4.18) and groundwater (4.3).

The relevant receptors considered in this section are the natural surface drainage
systems of the mine site, and the downstream environment.
The resource areas of the North and South Pit are not in the immediate vicinity of a
water body, however, drainage channels do ultimately lead to the Rosedale farm dam
and the Elizabeth River.
The resource in the West Pit (JB1) is immediately upslope of the nearby farm dam.
Details of the existing conditions are described in section 3.2.11 and summarised
below:
x No designated watercourses are within the local environment; all drainage is
classed as a drainage depression as there are no gravelly, pebbly, rocky or sandy
beds indicative of flowing water, no obvious gully and no short steep section of
stream bank adjacent to the watercourse bed.
x The nearest water body is the farm dam on Rosedale property 500 m to the south-
west of the working areas in the main pit area and 200 m north-west of the West
Pit, and the Elizabeth River 1.5 km away.
x The Conservation Management Priority Potential of these systems is low.

Aqueous emissions, including diffuse emissions to surface waters and groundwater,
must meet the requirements of the State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997.
The standard measures to control and manage surface water quality and sediment loads
during mine site extraction activities are outlined in the Quarry Code of Practice 1999.
However, this DPEMP has been prepared with due reference also to the International
Erosion Control Association’s 2008 Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control guidelines.

The following Protected environmental values (PEV’s) apply for the private properties
that fall within the Macquarie River catchment:
A. Protection of Aquatic Ecosystems

x Modified (not pristine) ecosystems from which edible fish area harvested
B. Recreational Water Quality and aesthetics
x Primary contact (Campbell Town weir; were most public roads cross over
rivers – not the Lake River)
x Secondary contact – paddling, boating and fishing
x Aesthetics – visual appearance being free from oil, grease floating debris,
unnatural colour, algal blooms.
C. Agricultural Water Use

x Irrigation
x Stock Watering
D. Industrial Water Supply (Hydro-Electric Power Generation)
That is, as a minimum, the water quality management strategies should provide water
of a physical and chemical nature to support a modified, but healthy aquatic
ecosystem from which edible fish may be harvested; is suitable to supply town
drinking water (subject to coarse screening plus disinfection (at Ross and Campbell
Town);that is acceptable for irrigation and stock watering; and allow people to safely
engage in primary and secondary contact recreation activities such as swimming,
paddling or fishing in aesthetically pleasing waters; and is suitable for use (following
impoundment) in the Trevallyn Power Scheme.
Water quality guidelines as described by ANZECC (2000) consider the following relevant
criteria for farm dams:
x Salinity and Sodicity
x Major ions including bicarbonate, chloride, sodium
x Heavy metals and metalloids
x Nitrogen and phosphorous
x Pesticides
x pH
x Corrosion
x Fouling
4.2.3 Discharge of wastewater to the environment

No designated and/or scheduled aqueous discharge points to watercourses will be
required for the project. The surface water management options for the pits will allow
for trapping of surface runoff and rainwater which collects in pit floors. This water will
be left to stand to allow the sediment to settle and then reused for dust control around
the site. Bauxite is free draining and also is very effective as a water filter, being
able to filter water to a potable standard. Runoff water from bauxite ore is therefore
likely to be of good quality.
The infrastructure site will have a sediment pond which will be provided with a
hydrocarbon separator to remove potential hydrocarbon contamination from the
workshop and parking areas. The sediment will be allowed to settle and in the unlikely
event that the pond overflows it will enter the natural low point in the topography
preventing any direct discharge to watercourses and allowing the water to infiltrate
and evaporate into the grazing land.

Storage and use of fuel and oils
Any loss of fuels or oils has the potential to contaminate surface water, reduce the
water quality of the drainage systems, degrade aquatic habitat and cause
reductions/loss of aquatic populations.
Loss of fuel or oil during construction and operation may occur during refuelling or
from spillage and breakdown during normal construction or operational mining
activities.
Loss of fuel or oil on flat ground away from creek systems is likely to be absorbed by
the soils and vegetation.
Sewage
Any loss of sewage effluent has the potential to contaminate surface water, reduce the
water quality of the drainage systems, degrade aquatic habitat and cause
reductions/loss of aquatic populations.
Loss of sewage effluent on flat ground away from creek systems is likely to be absorbed
by the soils and vegetation.
Acid mine drainage

Bauxite is highly weathered and thus leached of any sulphide or other potentially acid
forming minerals. Bauxite is slightly alkaline and is used in some industries to
neutralise acids or to help purify industrial water. Bauxite has been used for road
construction in Tasmania for many decades because of its inert characteristics.
Australian Bauxite used whole-rock analyses of drill samples to identify the major
constituents, as shown previously in Table 20 and relevant minor elements shown in
Table 21. The highly weathered nature of the material encountered has resulted in
very low sulphur levels in all samples, including waste rock, overburden soils and
underlying clays. Sulphur can be acid generating when present as sulphide minerals
but no sulphide minerals have been encountered. What little sulphur there is, is
present as sulphate minerals (like gypsum) which has no acid potential. Thus, the
bauxite and nearby waste rocks fall within the NAF (non acid forming) category.
x No potentially acid forming clays were identified during exploration
x No visible sulphides were encountered during logging of the test pits
x All ore samples were classified as unlikely to be acid generating
x All chemical and mineralogical results support these observations.
The potential for acid mine drainage is therefore extremely low.
Although the risk of acid drainage is very unlikely, precautionary measures will
nevertheless be implemented, as described below.

Storage and use of fuel and oils
Neither fuels nor oils will be stored in bulk on site in any permanent facility. Fuel and
oil will be brought onto the site as required in a mobile tanker and stored in an
appropriately designed and operated bunded area.

Refuelling and repairs of equipment will be undertaken on site within a designated
workshop (laydown) facility, which will be appropriately designed and bunded, and
equipped with measures to contain and clean up any spills that might occur.
The fuel storage and transport requirements of the Dangerous Substances (Safe
Handling) Act 2005 will be met. Relevant criteria are listed below and these will be
adhered to during the construction and operation phase.
x The fuel tanker will satisfy appropriate construction standards.

x The fuel tanker will be located in a bunded area with 110% capacity of the tank.
x The tanker will carry fuel clean-up equipment in case fuel spills occur during
refuelling.
x Refuelling and lubrication will be undertaken away from any freestanding water.
x Oil spill absorption materials will be used immediately for clean-up if there is a spill.
x Maintenance and repair facilities and workshop will be appropriately designed and
operated in order to contain and clean up any spills that may occur.
x Fuel clean-up equipment will be stored in readily accessible sites.
x Oil spill absorption materials will be used immediately for clean-up if there are any spills.
x If there is any residual contaminated soil evident outside the bunded area after a
spill and clean up, it will be excavated immediately and taken for disposal or
treatment at an appropriately licensed facility.
x All workers will be trained to respond to spills and leaks.
x The EPA will be notified as soon as possible of any spills.
x All equipment will be properly maintained and serviced regularly to prevent
ongoing oil or fuel leaks.
Sewage
All ablution blocks will be temporary and will contain black water storage tanks which
will be emptied or removed by a suitably qualified waste disposal contractor for
sewage disposal to the municipal wastewater treatment plant.
Acid mine drainage

While the acid mine drainage potential is considered to be extremely low, the
following precautionary measures will be implemented:
x Water collected in the sediment basins will be monitored for pH and AMD
precursors.
x An AMD contingency plan will be developed, which will incorporate dosing the
sediment basins with lime or another appropriate medium. Because any acid would
be at very low levels, if it is present at all, it will be readily managed by such an
approach.
Responsible
Commitment When
Person
During
Commitment 6: The fuel tankers used will be located in a bunded Relevant
construction
area with 110% capacity of the tanker. contractor
and operation
Commitment 7: Fuel clean-up equipment will be stored in readily
Ongoing Mine Manager
accessible sites, including the fuel tanker.
Commitment 8: In the event of a spill, appropriate absorption
materials will be used immediately, and any hydrocarbon Ongoing Mine Manager
contaminated soil will be removed and taken to an appropriate
authorised disposal or treatment facility. The Director,
Responsible
Commitment When
Person
Environment Protection Authority, will be notified as soon as
possible.
Commitment 9: All equipment will be properly maintained and
serviced regularly.
Commitment 10: Sewage will be collected in black water tanks
and intermittently removed from site by a suitably qualified waste
disposal contractor for disposal at the municipal wastewater
treatment plant.
Commitment 11: Field tests for water quality (turbidity, pH and
dissolved oxygen) will regularly be carried out on sediment basin Ongoing Mine Manager
water.
Commitment 12: The infrastructure area settlement basin will be
sampled monthly for laboratory analysis of total petroleum Ongoing Mine Manager
hydrocarbons and oil and grease.
Commitment 13: If anomalously low pH or AMD precursors are
detected, the sediment basins will be dosed with lime or similar.
4.2.6 Assessment of effects

The measures outlined above will ensure that any potential aqueous emissions during
the construction and operation phases are properly controlled, monitored and
managed, and present a negligible risk to the environment.
4.3 Groundwater
The mine does not require a large open pit and excavation will not extend into the
regional water table and therefore will not encounter any groundwater directly.
The concentration and flow of water during rain events may be altered by the landform
changes which will take place during the mining operations. Also there is potentially
an increase in the recharge due to the need to continually use water application for
dust suppression. This water will ideally be sourced from onsite sediment basins which
may result in concentration (albeit small due to the short duration of the project) of
contained materials.
4.3.1 Existing Conditions

The relevant receptor considered in this section is the groundwater quality and
quantity of the mine site.
A summary of the existing observed groundwater conditions is included in 3.2.11 and

summarised below:
x The water table has not been encountered during exploration activities and is not
expected to be encountered during mining
4.3.2 Performance Requirements

Groundwater emissions from mining must comply with the following
x State policy on Water Quality Management 1997
x Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994
x Water Management Act 1999
x Groundwater Act 1985.

4.3.3 Potential Effects
The mine is not expected to encounter groundwater and thus the potential effects are
very limited.
There is potential for surface water which has been contaminated with oil/fuel spills to
seep into the local water table. The potential effect of this is discussed in Section 4.2.
4.3.4 Avoidance and Mitigation

The mitigation measures used to protect surface waters from fuel/oil, sewage and
potentially AMD contamination will also protect groundwater. These are discussed in
detail in 4.2.5.
The following measures will be applied to protect existing groundwater quality:

x 4 – 6 groundwater monitoring bores will be installed beyond the break of slope
from the mining operations in order to monitor the existing groundwater quality
and any changes which may occur.
x Monitoring of the surface water captured on site in sediment basins will be
monitored regularly to ensure no change in the water quality occurs due to
concentration from repeated use for dust suppression.
Responsible
Commitment When
Person
Commitment 14: Monthly groundwater monitoring for pH, Eh, EC,
Prior to
DO and temperature will commence 3 months prior to Mine Manager
construction
construction and be maintained during the life of the mine.
During
Commitment 15: Monthly ongoing water quality monitoring of
construction Mine Manager
sediment basin water for pH, Eh, EC, DO and temperature.
and ongoing
4.3.5 Assessment of Effects

There is not expected to be any interaction with or impact on the groundwater in the
area due to the mining activity.
4.4 Noise emissions

Noise emissions will be associated with the construction and operation of the project
and these have potential to impact on neighbouring residential properties.
Noise emissions will result from the operation of heavy equipment, including
earthmoving equipment, generators and trucks associated with the preparation and
construction of the infrastructure site. Road noise will also be generated by product
transport off site and minimal material supplies.
During operation, noise emissions will be associated with the mining (earth moving
equipment), screening, haulage and transport of ore. Noise will also result from the
operation and running of the infrastructure area, including generators, workshop and
general mine site traffic.

The indices used to describe environmental noise include L A10, LAeq and LA90. Detailed
definitions of these and details of the noise assessment summarised below.
Ambient noise levels at the site are low as there are currently no noisy activities in the
area, apart from occasional use of machinery associated with farming and with the
Bald Hill project’s own exploration activities. The area which has the most potential to
be affected by noise associated with product transport is West Street where the
proximity to the Midland Highway suggests an already high ambient noise. In order to
quantify this unattended traffic and ambient noise monitoring was carried out in June-
July on West Street and High Street (Midland Highway). The summarised results of this
monitoring are shown in Table 23.
Table 23: Summarised unattended noise monitoring results (day and night median calculated
to the Quarry Code of Practise time period)
Midland Highway (High Street) West Street
Ambient LAeq Traffic LA10 Ambient LAeq Traffic LA10
Day Night Day Night

65 61
63 58 59 53

Noise emissions from proposed activities must comply with the following:
x Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 – environmental
nuisance
x Environment Protection Policy (noise) 2009
x The Quarry Code of Practice
x Northern Midlands Interim Planning Scheme 2013.
The closest properties to the proposed project are all within the rural zone. Under the
Northern Midlands interim Planning scheme there are no applicable noise limits in this
area.
Other guidelines which are applicable to this project due to its proximity to the
Midland Highway include:
x DSG Traffic Noise Management Guidelines (November 2011)
x NSW Road Noise Policy (March 2011).

Noise has the potential to cause environmental nuisance at residential premises and
other sensitive uses.
Ambient noise levels will be altered during both mine construction and operation.
There will be noise emissions from heavy earthmoving equipment and vehicles
associated with the commencement of construction and mining. Detailed modelling of
the potential noise and its impacts was carried out and details are included in
Appendix I and summarised below.
Operational Mining Noise Assessment

The operational noise assessment was conducted for the worst case scenario assuming
that all machinery on site is operating simultaneously.

The equipment included in this modelling were as follows:
x Excavators x 3
x Trucks x 4 (40 tonne dump truck)
x Loaders x 2
x Water truck
x Conveyor
x Screen stockpiler
x Diesel generator
Modelling indicated that none of the nearby residences are predicted to experience
noise that exceeds the levels listed in either the noise Environmental Protection Policy
of the Quarry Code of Practice. The Merton Vale property is expected to be impacted
the most however at levels that are less than background noise listed for rural areas in
AS1055.3-1997 therefore it is considered unlikely that noise will be audible at this
location.
Road Haulage
Noise modelling was also carried out for noise associated with product transport for
two haulage options:
x Scenario 1 expected in years 1,4 and 5 with production rates at 300,000 t
x Scenario 2 expected in years 2 and 3 with production rates of approximately
550,000 t.
A summary of the predicted noise levels for each scenario which exceed the DSG
Traffic Noise Assessment Guidelines Table 24 and the NSW Roads Policy are shown in
Table 25. Important to note with these tables is that the locations which are noted to
exceed the guidelines during product haulage in many cases already exceed the
guidelines prior to haulage commencing.
Table 24: Locations which are predicted to exceed DSG Traffic Noise Management Guidelines
due to road haulage noise
Scenario 1 – 300,000 Scenario 2 – 550,000

Existing Tonnes Tonnes
situation
without
mine Predicte Predicted Arithmetic
d noise Arithmetic noise Difference
LA10,18 hr Difference due to
Receiver Direction dB(A) LA10, 18hr due to mine LA10, 18hr mine
7 West St Campbell Town W 64.1 64.4 0.3 64.6 0.5
4 High St Campbell Town E 66.0 66.2 0.2 66.3 0.3
2 High St Campbell Town N 64.5 65.1 0.6 65.3 0.8
Note: the numbers in red indicate exceedence

Table 25: Locations which are predicted to exceed the NSW Roads Policy for road haulage noise
Scenario 1 – 300,000 Scenario 2 – 550,000

Existing Tonnes Tonnes
situation
without
mine Predicte Predicted Arithmetic
d noise Arithmetic noise Difference
LA10,18 hr Difference due to
Receiver Direction dB(A) LA10, 18hr due to mine LA10, 18hr mine

7 West St Campbell Town S 57.1 57.9 0.8 58.2 1.1
4 High St Campbell Town W 48.6 56.3 7.7 57.8 9.2
2 High St Campbell Town W 54.7 59.1 4.4 60.3 5.6
2 High St Campbell Town N 60.3 61.6 1.3 62.1 1.8
9 West St Campbell Town S 54.7 55.7 1 56.0 1.3
11 West St Campbell Town W 46.2 56.2 10 57.8 11.6
Note: the numbers in red indicate exceedence
In summary when the predicted road haulage noise is assessed against the DSG Traffic
Noise Management Guidelines three properties are modelled to exceed the guideline
limit of 63 dB(A) for both scenarios. However, these properties already exceed the
guideline limits due to noise generated from the Midland Highway (High Street) through
Campbell Town.
When assessed against the NSW Road Noise Policy, 5 dwellings exceed the assessment
criteria for both scenarios. Of these five properties, only 4 currently exceed this value.
The five affected dwellings are located between West Street and High Street (Midland
Highway - see Figure 21) and are modelled to experience an increase of noise ranging
from 0.6 dB(A) to a maximum at one dwelling of 11.6 dB(A) on the western property
facade. This level of increase is likely to be very noticeable by the residents and is
significant.

Exposure of personnel to high noise emissions can affect human health if appropriate
mitigation measures are not taken. The following section outlines appropriate
mitigation for noise levels on site:
x Equipment and vehicles appropriate to the required tasks will be utilised.
x All equipment and vehicles will be fitted with the manufacturer’s silencing
equipment and will be appropriately maintained.
x Screening plant will be appropriately designed, operated and maintained.
x Mandatory use of appropriate hearing protection will be required in all relevant
areas to protect the health of workers.
As there are no nearby residences or sensitive land users, no other specific measures
are required to mitigate noise levels.

Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 16: All equipment and vehicles will be fitted with Mine Manager
manufacturer’s silencing equipment, operated appropriately and Ongoing /Relevant
regularly maintained. Contractor
Mine Manager
Commitment 17: Mine planning designed to progress from west
Ongoing /Relevant
to east.
Contractor
Mine Manager
Commitment 18: Use of appropriate hearing protection
Ongoing /Relevant
equipment will be mandatory in all relevant areas.
Contractor
The significance of the effect of elevated noise may vary from person to person and
similarly the mitigation measures considered appropriate may differ from person to
person. In order to mitigate noise levels from off-site haulage a number of standard
procedures will include:
x Contract haulage vehicles will be properly maintained and fitted with appropriate
noise reduction mufflers/exhaust.
x Contract truck drivers will be inducted on “polite” traffic etiquette in order to
reduce the impact of transport noise which will include requirements for the types
of brakes to use in built up areas
x Specific options which may be feasible for private residences effected on West St
and could be negotiated with the individuals include:
Fence installation – to be effective a very long and high wall would be required
which would significantly impact the visual amenity, shade gardens and only
mitigate a small amount of noise. Thus this is not an effective option.
Architectural treatment of the houses such as double glazed window
installation – this is not considered to be an effective option for reducing truck
noise as these reduce high frequency noise but not low frequency noise which
is produced by trucks passing.
As all 5 residences are rental properties, ABx may rent the properties for the
duration of the project for use by staff and contractors if the properties were
available.
Other options may be preferred by the residents and may be negotiated prior
to commencement of construction.
Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 19: Truck drivers will be inducted on “polite driving Prior to
Mine Manager
etiquette to reduce noise produced by braking and accelerating. construction
Commitment 20: Appropriate impact mitigation or compensation
Prior to
measures will be negotiated with the residents depending on Mine Manager
construction
their individual needs.

Adherence to the mitigation measures and commitments, as outlined above, will
ensure that any noise effects from construction and operation of the mine will be kept
to acceptable levels.
Noise from off-site haulage has potential to cause irritation and annoyance for the
residences of West St and a number of mitigation options have been identified and will
be negotiated with the residents prior to construction commencing.

4.5 Solid and controlled waste
The mining development will not produce any waste rock or tailings or other material
that will require specific disposal requirements. Screened fines and low grade material
will be returned to the mined out areas (see 4.22 for management measures) or sold as
quarry material for road forming.
Other solid waste produced will be general refuse waste and mined material that is not
of sufficient grade for blending and shipment.

During exploration all general refuse and rubbish has been removed from site.

Solid and controlled waste from mine sites must comply with the following:
x Quarry Code of Practice 1999
x Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste Management)
Regulations 2010.

Waste material can cause environmental nuisance or harm if it is not contained and
disposed of appropriately.

The following mitigation measures will be undertaken:
x Any mined material that is not of sufficient grade for blending and shipment will be
placed back into the mined out panels prior to covering with topsoil and vegetation
x All waste materials will be disposed of offsite to an appropriately approved or
licensed facility, in accordance with EPA and/or Midlands Council requirements
x Rubbish bins will be provided with lids at appropriate locations around the site and
all staff will be required to avoid littering, and to collect and bin any rubbish and
litter that they observe on site
x Refuse will be periodically taken to an approved waste disposal facility.
Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 21: Rubbish bins will be provided with lids at
Mine Manager
appropriate locations around the site and all staff will be required Construction
/Relevant
to avoid littering and to collect and bin any rubbish and litter that and ongoing
Contractor
they observe on site.
Mine Manager
Commitment 22: Refuse will be periodically taken to an approved Construction
/Relevant
waste disposal facility. and ongoing
Contractor
Mine Manager
Commitment 23: Any hydrocarbon contaminated soil will be Construction
/Relevant
removed to an appropriate disposal site or treatment facility. and ongoing
Contractor
Commitment 24: Any mined material that is not of sufficient Mine Manager
grade for blending and shipment will be replaced back into the Ongoing /Relevant
mined out strips prior to cover with topsoil and vegetation. Contractor

Adherence to the commitments, as outlined above, will ensure that there will be no
adverse impacts resulting from general refuse waste from the mine site.
4.6 Dangerous goods and environmentally hazardous materials
Blasting is not planned to be carried out and no explosive materials will be stored on
site.
There will be no chemical processing of the ore, and no need for chemicals on site.
The potential effects of fuel, oil and hydrocarbons, and associated avoidance and
mitigations are covered in section 4.2.5.
4.7 Biodiversity and natural values: flora and vegetation

communities
Ground surveys of flora and fauna values have been undertaken by Philip Milner (in
October 2010 and March 2013) and North Barker Ecosystems Services (April 2013 and
May 2013).
The Milner surveys looked at flora and fauna generally. The North Barker survey
focussed specifically on potential threatened species, including examining the
grasslands against the threshold criteria of the Commonwealth listed (EPBC Act)
Lowland Grasslands of Tasmania.
Refer to sections 3.2.8 and 3.2.9 for the key findings of the surveys.

An initial flora assessment of the proposed mining area was carried out and followed up
with pre-exploration ground surveys in October 2010 and March 2013. Further field
survey work was carried out by North Barker in April and May 2013. This included
follow up targeted surveys for specific species.
The full North Barker Ecosystem Services report19 is provided in Appendix E.
The main findings of the assessment, including a description of the existing conditions,
are provided in section 3.2.8.
In summary:
x Three vegetation communities were recorded in the study area but no vegetation
communities of national (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999) or State (Nature Conservation Act 2002) significance.
x Two threatened flora species listed under the Tasmanian Threatened Species
Protection Act 1995 were recorded from the area, knotty speargrass (Austrostipa
nodosa) and spreading knawel (Scleranthus fasciculatus), but no species listed
under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were
found.
x A significant number of introduced plants were identified on the site but only two
declared weed species were recorded: Ulex europaeus (gorse) and Marrubium
vulgare (horehound).
x The level of weed infestation within the study area is considered to be moderate.
x Symptomatic evidence of Phytophthora cinnamomi was not observed within the
site.
19
North Barker Ecosystem Services, 2013, Campbell Town Bauxite Extraction – Flora and Fauna Review.
Flora and fauna management must comply with the following statutes:
x Threatened Species Protection Act 1995

x Nature Conservation Act 2002
x Forest Practices Act 1985
x Forest Practices Code 2000
x Crown Lands Act 1976
x Weed Management Act 1999.

Vegetation communities
The proposed clearance areas and the mapped vegetation communities are shown in
Figure 22. The total area to be cleared is approximately 40.4 ha.
None of the vegetation communities impacted have conservation significance.
Additional vegetation clearance will be kept to a minimum by careful mine planning.
Threatened Flora
Two flora species listed under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995
(TSPA) were observed on site, knotty speargrass and spreading knawel. A permit to
take will need to be approved before clearing of these would be possible.
However, under the continued current land use these populations would be unlikely to
persist due to the impacts of exposure, weed invasion and the effects of fertilizer.
Thus the mine project will not have a significant impact on the conservation of these
populations, nor are these occurrences critical to the survival of the species.
Also a number of threatened flora species were identified to have a moderate chance
of occurring on site. Further surveys in spring would be required to confirm if these
species are present and their locations.
Declared weeds and pathogens

The level of weed infestation within the proposed mine area is moderate as described
in section 3.2.10.
The movement of machinery and vehicles in general presents a risk of moving weeds to
other communities.
The risk of introducing weeds and/or plant diseases to the mine site is greatest during
the initial mine clearance and construction phase, when earthmoving equipment is first
brought to the site. Once the mine is operating, earthmoving will be undertaken by
the mine’s own machines, which will remain on-site, and there will be very little
requirement to bring external earthmoving equipment onto the site.
Product and worker transport will use existing formed roads and will not go off-road,
so day to day operations do not present a significant risk of moving weeds and
pathogens around the site.
During and after the proposed mining activity disturbed areas will be susceptible to
weed regeneration and/or weed invasion, and plant disease outbreak.

If appropriate mitigation and management measures are not implemented there exists
a risk of the mine activities subsequently contributing to the spread of these weeds.
Figure 22: Resource and infrastructure areas relative to vegetation communities mapped by
North Barker 2013

No vegetation communities of national (Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999) or State (Nature Conservation Act 2002) significance were
found on the proposed mine site.
The following mitigation measures will be undertaken to reduce the overall impact of
the mine on vegetation:
x The mining plan, as described in section 2, ensures that rehabilitation of the mined
areas is undertaken progressively.
x The extent of clearance required for the project will be clearly defined;
appropriate measures (including marking tape, signs, site plans, site inductions and
work inspections) will be undertaken to ensure no additional clearance occurs.
x All works, vehicles and materials will be confined to the designated works areas.
x Topsoil recovered during the construction of the mine infrastructure area will be
stockpiled for future rehabilitation works. The stockpiles will be as low as
practicable, with a large surface area, and will be revegetated for erosion
protection and to assist rehabilitation on mine closure.
Responsible
Commitment When
person
Mine Manager
Commitment 25: The extent of clearance required for the Construction
/Relevant
project will be clearly defined prior to work starting. and ongoing
Contractor
Commitment 26: Appropriate measures (including marking tape,
Mine Manager
signs, site plans, site inductions, tool box talks and work Construction
/Relevant
inspections) will be undertaken to ensure that no unnecessary and ongoing
Contractor
clearance occurs.
Mine Manager
Commitment 27: All works, vehicles and materials will be Construction
/Relevant
confined to the designated works areas. and ongoing
Contractor
Threatened flora
The mitigation measures outlined above in relation to disturbance to the vegetation
communities apply to this section.
In addition to the mitigation measures outlined above, the following measures will be
undertaken to prevent unnecessary disturbance and or destruction of knotty speargrass
(Austrostipa nodosa) and spreading knawel (Scleranthus fasciculatus)
Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 28: The limits of the allowable disturbance will be During Mine Manager
marked on mine plans and in the field by flagging tape and signs construction /Relevant
were necessary. and ongoing Contractor
Commitment 29: The reason for disturbance restrictions and the
During Mine Manager
importance of staying within the limits of the disturbance
construction /Relevant
footprint will form part of employee and site visitor induction
and ongoing Contractor
information.

The spread of weeds and also plant diseases (such as – Ulex europaeus and
Phytophthora cinnamomi) is highly undesirable.

The following plant hygiene measures will be implemented during the construction and
operation of the mine in order to prevent inadvertent introduction of weeds or disease
by way of extraneous soil, mud and gravel adhered to tyres, work-boots and
equipment:
x Appropriate hygiene protocols, including washdown procedures, will be maintained
on the site during the construction and operation of the mine.
x These protocols, which will be consistent with the recommendations of the DPIPWE
Biodiversity Conservation Branch Interim Phytophthora cinnamomi Management
Guidelines, will include development of a hygiene treatment station at the entry
point to the mine site and ensure that personnel observe strict protocols in
treating boots, equipment, vehicles and machinery.
x Any gorse observed within disturbed areas during construction and operation of the
mine will be managed in cooperation with the landholder who is experienced and
qualified to manage gorse on his property. Fortunately, there is no gorse on the
area to be disturbed so this is considered to be a low risk.
x Introduction of fill or soil is not planned because it can introduce weeds and
noxious fungi. If fill or soil must be used, it must come from registered weed and
fungus-free sources.
Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 30: A Phytophthora quarantine protocol will be During Mine Manager
developed, focusing on washdown of all machinery and equipment construction /Relevant
coming onto the site from other earthwork areas. and ongoing Contractor
Commitment 31: All machinery and vehicles undertaking During Mine Manager
earthwork activities will be cleaned prior to leaving the mining construction /Relevant
lease for work at other premises. and ongoing Contractor
Commitment 32: Any areas that become infected with
During Mine Manager
Phytophthora cinnamomi will be managed in accordance with
DPIPWE ‘Interim Phytophthora cinnamomi Management
Guidelines’.
Commitment 33: Phytophthora cinnamomi signs and symptoms During Mine Manager
and the recognition of gorse and horehound will form part of construction /Relevant
employee induction information. and ongoing Contractor

Adherence to the avoidance and mitigation measures outlined above will ensure that
clearance of vegetation will be kept to a minimum.
The proposed mine will nevertheless result in the clearance of approximately 40.4 ha
of grazing land with some sparse vegetation.
This land will be rehabilitated progressively during the mining operation and will be
returned to its current use as grazing land on completion of the project, except for a
1Ha site in the northwest corner of the Mining Lease where, at the landholder’s
request, the land is to be left flattened, ready for construction of a pressure dam by
the landholder, for the landholder’s irrigation operations.
Threatened flora
The proposed mining activities will not significantly impact the local population of
knotty speargrass (Austrostipa nodosa) and spreading knawel (Scleranthus fasciculatus)
any more than the continued current use of the area as grazing land.

Adherence to the avoidance and mitigation measures outlined above will ensure that
the likely spread of weeds and disease to and from the mine site is kept to a minimum.
4.8 Marine and coastal

The proposed Bald Hill Bauxite mine is some 65 km from the nearest coastal area, the
eastern Tasmanian coast. The proposed mine development will not impact on any
marine or coastal areas.
The operations will not be affected by any marine or coastal hazards including:
x Potential tidal inundation
x Storm surge inundation or wave impacts
x Climate change induced sea level rise impacts
x Potential coastal erosion processes.
4.9 Greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances

Currently generation of greenhouse gases on the site occurs due to animals on grazing
land and burning off of irrigated land nearby and during periods of exploration activity
as a result of emissions from vehicles and drilling equipment. No ozone depleting
substances are used during exploration activities on the site.

Greenhouse gases (predominantly carbon dioxide) will be generated during the
construction phase as a result of vehicle and construction machinery emissions.
During the operational phase greenhouse gas emissions will be generated by:
x Mining machinery (excavators, dozers) and within mine transport vehicles

x Diesel powered generators
x Processing plant operations (screens)
x Ore transport offsite
x Light vehicle transport activities, both onsite and offsite.

Vegetation clearance
The development of the mine and associated infrastructure will result in the
progressive clearance of grassland from the site and removal of a small number of
already dead or dying trees.
Thus no major change in the onsite carbon inventory is expected over time, beyond
that which would have naturally occurred.
Mining
The onsite power generation, excavation and screening equipment, haulage vehicles
and equipment, and other onsite transport vehicles will emit carbon dioxide.

Offsite transport
Offsite transport of the resource will be via Macquarie Road, the Midland Highway and
the East Tamar Highway to the Port of Launceston.
Transport volumes will vary through the mine life with approximately 55 truck
movements in years 1, 4 and 5, and approximately 86 truck movements in years 2 and 3
between the mine site and Port of Launceston loading facility.
4.9.4 Avoidance and Mitigation measures

All mining equipment, machinery and vehicles will be well maintained in order to
minimise the generation of greenhouse gases.
Where possible, materials from on site will be used for the construction of the internal
infrastructure in order to minimise the need for extraction and transportation of waste
materials offsite.
No ozone depleting substances will be used or generated during construction and

operation of the mine.
Conceivably, transport of product to Bell Bay could be by rail, which could reduce
transport related greenhouse emissions. However, there would then need to be double
handling of product (from haul truck to stockpile to train), which would incur increased
emissions. Train transport is not considered to be a viable option at this time.
Responsible
Commitment When
Person
Commitment 34: All construction, mining equipment, machinery During Mine Manager
and vehicles will be appropriately maintained in order to minimise construction /Relevant
the generation of greenhouse gases. and ongoing Contractor
During Mine Manager
Commitment 35: Disturbed areas will be progressively
revegetated.
Commitment 36: Where possible onsite materials will be used for

During Mine Manager
construction of the internal infrastructure roads and hard stand to
minimise the need for extraction and transportation of offsite
material to the mine.
During Mine Manager

Commitment 37: No ozone depleting substances will be used or
generated during construction and operation of the mine.

Utilising onsite resources to the maximum extent will minimize the transport of
materials from offsite, and thereby greenhouse gas emissions.
No further reduction of greenhouse emissions for the project is practicable.
4.9.6 Estimate of greenhouse gas emissions

The estimated annual carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption of the
proposed mining operation is summarised in Table 26 and Table 27.

These estimated figures are based on the following:
x Information in the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System Calculator
x Electricity generation: generation of 250 kW 12 hours per day, 7 days per week, 52
weeks per year
x Excavation: 400,000 m3 per year, assuming that the cumulative total of
2,000,000 m3 is equally moved over each of the 5 years of mine life
x On site ore transport: 400,000 m3, assuming that the cumulative total of
2,000,000 m3 is equally moved over each of the 5 years of mine life
x Offsite product transport: 325,000 tonnes per year to the Port of Launceston,
assuming that the cumulative total of 1,625,000 m 3 is equally moved over each of
the 5 years of mine life.
Table 26: Estimated carbon dioxide emissions20 21 22

Carbon dioxide
Operation Amount Carbon factor Calculation emissions
tonnes CO2-e/yr
Electricity 0.32 kgCO2-e/kWh 250kW x 12 hr/day x 7
250kW 350
generation (NGER) days/week x 52 weeks x 0.32
0.219 kgCO2-e/m3
Excavation 400,000 m3 400,000 m3 x 0.219 87.6
(Stripple, 2001)
On site 2.78 kg CO2-e/m3
400,000 m3 400,000 m3 x 2.78 1112
transport (EU LCA dataset)
Offsite 0.000044 kg CO2-e/kg /km 325,000 t x 120 km x
325,000 t 1716
transport (EU LCA dataset) 0.000044
Total 3265.6
Table 27: Estimated carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption
Carbon dioxide emissions

kt CO2-e per year
Mining and associated activities 1.55
Offsite transport to Launceston 1.71
Total 3.26
The estimated carbon dioxide emissions are based on the following conservative
assumptions (values rounded for convenience):
x Ore production 400,000 tpa (average)
x Transport to screening plant 1 km
x Product transport to Launceston 120 km one way, 240 km return
x Product loads 40 t
x Product loads per day 27 to 44
x At 300,000 to 550,000 tpa product =~360 days transport
x At 300,000 to 550,000 tpa and 120 km to port = 39,000,000 tonne km
x Offsite transport 0.000044 kg CO2-e/kg/km; i.e. 0.044 kg CO2-e/tonne/km
x 1 kt CO2-e per year ~ 14.28 TJ of energy consumption per year.
20
NGER: National Greenhouse Accounts Factors. Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, July
2010.
21
Stripple, 2001: Life Cycle Assessment of Roads. A Pilot Study for Inventory Analysis. Second Revised
Edition. IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd, Stockholm.
22
EU LCA dataset: from SimaPro Australian and other databases

Estimate of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption
Estimated levels for the project are:
x Estimated carbon dioxide emissions: 3.26 kt CO2-e per year.
The project has a net positive greenhouse emission and energy consumption impact on
a global scale because Bald Hill Bauxite Project will supply gibbsite-rich bauxite that is
refined into alumina in low-temperature alumina refineries in simple vessels at less
than 150 degrees C, thereby reducing the production of an equivalent tonnage in high-
temperature refineries that operate at 250 to 350 degrees C and have larger
greenhouse emissions.
Aluminium production by electro-smelting alumina generates large tonnages of CO 2

emissions globally. It is a modern metal undergoing major technology and efficiency
advances, beyond the scope of this document. It is the most recycled of all metals and
its high strength-to-weight ratio is reducing the weight of road, rail and air
transportation, thereby reducing fuel consumption, dust particulates, congestion and
road-rail damage, thus saving more money and greenhouse gases than was required to
smelt the primary aluminium metal. Tasmania’s world-class wave-piercing jet cat
ships are an example of aluminium’s advantages over steel.
New generation vehicles and electric cars are increasingly made of aluminium.
Electricity transmission wires are now made of aluminium, requiring far smaller and far
fewer power poles due to lower weight and higher electrical conductivity of aluminium.
Aluminium beverage cans are now thinner and modern electronic goods are lighter,
cheaper and smaller thanks in large part to aluminium’s properties. Historians may
describe this as the aluminium & digital age, taking over from the age of steel.
Summary
Based on best estimates, it is probably the case that production of Tasmanian low-
temperature bauxite will lead to a reduction in global greenhouse gases and involve
less serious pollution than the alternatives.
However, what is certainly known is that low-temperature alumina refineries are lower
cost and lower energy producers of alumina from Tasmanian-types of bauxite, than the
high temperature alternative, all things considered.
4.10 Heritage
4.10.1 General
No heritage properties, sites and/or values as listed on the National Heritage List,
Register of the National Estate, Tasmanian Heritage Register or the Tasmanian Historic
Places Inventory exist in the area of the proposed mine.
4.10.2 Aboriginal Heritage

Aboriginal people are known to have lived in the region and the survey for this project and
previous surveys have identified sites of Aboriginal heritage significance within the region.
Existing conditions
Cultural Heritage Management Australia (CHMA) undertook a desk top assessment of
the historic heritage of the mine site in June 2013 and a field survey was undertaken
on 20th June 201323 (see Appendix F).
The report has been submitted to Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania, DPIPWE.
23
Bald Hill Bauxite Mine Cultural Heritage Assessment (CHMA) 2013

Performance requirements
The project must comply with:
x Tasmanian Aboriginal Relics Act 1975
x Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984.
Potential effects
The majority of the study area is assessed as being of low archaeological sensitivity
with no other identified Aboriginal cultural heritage constraints.
Approximately 40.4 ha will be cleared over the life of the mine.
While very unlikely, the project clearance and mining has the potential to
inadvertently destroy or damage Aboriginal cultural heritage that may exist in the
project area.
It is also possible that activities could inadvertently disrupt or destroy the identified
Aboriginal heritage site if appropriate education, avoidance and mitigation measures
are not put in place.
Avoidance and mitigation measures

The following mitigation measures will be applied:
x Mining and associated infrastructure will not be located within a 50 m radius of the
identified heritage site.
x The final mine plan will take into account the exclusion zone.
x In the event that previously unrecorded cultural material is discovered during
construction of the mine, the Unanticipated Discovery Plan (section 13.0 of the
CHMA report, Appendix F) will be followed.
Responsible
Commitment When
person
During Mine Manager
Commitment 38: Mining and associated infrastructure will not be
located within a 50 m radius of the identified site
Mine Manager
Commitment 39: The final mine plan will take into account the During
/Relevant
exclusion zone. construction
Contractor
Commitment 40: In the event that previously unrecorded cultural
During Mine Manager
material is discovered during construction of the mine, the
Unanticipated Discovery Plan (Section 13.0 of the CHMA report,
Appendix F) will be followed.
4.10.3 Historic Heritage

There are no previously identified historic heritage features within or adjacent to the
proposed mine lease area. As a precaution, CHMA undertook a desktop investigation
and field study of the area and the findings of this report are included in section
3.2.16. There are listed features located at Rosedale, approximately 2 km to the south-
west and Wanstead Park approximately 2 km to the north-east of the project site.
These will not be impacted by the proposed mine.
Potential Effects
Construction and operation of the proposed mine and associated processing facilities
will not have any impact on any listed heritage properties and/or values as no places or
sites exist in the project area that are listed on the National Heritage List, Register of

the National Estate, Tasmanian Heritage Register or the Tasmanian Historic Places
Inventory.
Seven sites of low to moderate cultural heritage significance have been identified
within the BHBP site; four of these would require further advice from Tasmanian
Heritage prior to impact. All of these sites should not be impacted by the mine
operations. One site of low significance, which would not require further studies prior
to impact, will probably be impacted by the operations. These sites are shown in
Figure 19.
Performance requirements
The project must comply with the Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995.
Avoidance and mitigation measures

ABx has designed the mine layout with as little impact as possible to the identified
heritage sites.
4.11 Land use and development

4.11.1 Existing environment
The mining lease is situated on two private land parcels PID 6207803 and 2701038.
Rehabilitation will be carried out over the whole site commencing during mining
operations as described in Section 2.1.1. The agreement with the landowner is to
return the area to grazing land on decommissioning with the final landform materially
unchanged except for a 1ha site in the northwest corner of the Mining Lease where, at
the landholder’s request, the land will be left flattened, ready for construction of a
pressure dam, by the landholder, for the landholder’s irrigation operations.
Landholders have the option to retain certain infrastructure and improvements.

The project must comply with the requirements of the Northern Midlands Interim
Planning Scheme, 2013.
A mining lease has been applied for with by Mineral Resources Development Act 1995
(MRDA) and this DPEMP addresses the approval requirements under Environmental
Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA).

The project could conflict with other land use and developments if they occurred in
the area. However, no significant other activities occur within the mine footprint other
than grazing.

No significant permanent changes will result from the proposed mining activities, other
than a lowered landform and a likely improved soil profile.
On mine closure land use will become available again for its current use which is
grazing activities.

4.12 Visual effects
The proposed mine site is located approximately 1.8 km (straight line distance) from
the Midlands Highway, on Macquarie Rd and approximately 3 km (straight line distance)
from Campbell Town.
The topography of the mine site is described in section 2.1.1 shows the local setting of
the mine.
The proposed infrastructure area will be on the western side of the high ground and
thus not visible from the Midlands Highway. It will be partially visible from Macquarie
Road where the existing traffic consists (approximately 90 vehicles per day) of local
and minor tourist traffic.
The mine excavation areas will reach the tops of the topographic highs and continue
some distance down the eastern slopes, both of which will be visible from the Midlands
Highway, albeit approximately 2 km away.
The Midland Highway, and to a lesser extent Macquarie Rd, are considered to be the
nearest receptors relevant to visual impact. The potential view points of the
operations from public spaces are shown in Figure 23 and indicative visualisations are
shown in Figure 24 and Figure 25.

Figure 23: Locations of photography showing view points and directions

A – Looking north-east towards infrastructure area – Arrow indicates location of infrastructure site.
B – Looking south-east towards MB5 indicative disturbance area shown in orange

C – Looking NNE towards infrastructure area – arrow indicates location of infrastructure area.
Views of the portable buildings and stockpiles will be seen from this location
D – Looking East towards MB5 and MB4 indicative disturbance area shown in orange

E – Looking north towards infrastructure area which will be partially visible in this location – note
marking out notice. The lowland to the left of the fence will be the main water sedimentation
dam for drainage management and water harvesting for screening.
F – Looking north along the ridgeline towards MB4 indicative clearance areas shown in orange– note
truck for scale.

G – Looking north along the ridgeline and MB4 indicative location shown in orange– note vehicle,
people and dirt pile for scale
H – Looking north-west towards MB4 indicative clearance shown in orange – note person for scale

I – Looking west from Midland highway towards MB4 indicative location shown in orange
J – Looking west from Midland Highway towards RD3 – North Pit area shown in orange
Figure 24: Photography of views from public spaces towards mine areas

A - Looking directly south towards the JB1 (West Pit) indicative location shown in orange
B – Looking south-west towards (JB1) West Pit indicative location shown in orange. The
landholder’s large private dam and grid powerlines are also shown.
Figure 25: Photography from Macquarie Rd towards JB1 (West Pit)

The project must comply with the requirements of the Northern Midlands Interim
Planning Scheme, 2013.

The Midlands Highway at its closest point is approximately 1.8 km east of the proposed
Bald Hill Bauxite mine site.
The highest point of the mine site will be approximately 250 m and topography is flat
with occasional small topographic highs (up to 240 m) between the proposed mine site
and Campbell Town and the Midlands Highway. Views from the Midlands Highway
towards the mine site are mostly not impinged by these topographic high points.
The location of the majority of the infrastructure on the western side of the topographic
high and mining activity planned to only progress a short distance down the eastern slope
will mean that the proposed Bald Hill Bauxite mine will not significantly alter the vista
from the highway, nor will it significantly degrade the visual impact.

The location of the infrastructure, the distance from the major receptors (Midland
Highway) and careful mine planning will limit the visibility of the mine areas and
infrastructure. No extra mitigation is necessary.
4.13 Socio-economic issues

The project is located in a region where farming (grazing) is the principal economic
activity. The expansion of the resources industry in the region will bring jobs, people and
growth to the area, thus will provide social and economic stimulus to the region. The
establishment and maintenance of the operation will provide jobs for local construction
contractors and will provide opportunities for others to move to the region.
The project is expected to provide significant economic and social benefits at the local
and regional levels.
The proposal should have no effect on land value in the area or the recreational use in
the surrounding region.
It is anticipated that this project will provide jobs for up to 5 years for a range of
people including:
x Full time employees’ roles on site (11)

o Site manager
o Maintenance/mobile plant personnel
o Machine operators
o Geologist and/or grade control personnel
o Contract truck drivers.
x Other personnel (10) will not be on site full time but will attend as necessary,
and will include:
o Geological personnel
o Engineering personnel (supervision and audit)
o Environmental personnel
o Management and administration personnel.
o Marketing.

Transport of ore to port will be by a road haulage contracting company, possibly in
conjunction with the existing rail network. These transport personnel will total 14.
Port stockpiling, ship loading and related documentation and administration will
employ approximately 7 personnel.
ABx recognises that the development of this project is about developing and operating
the in a manner that is attuned to community expectations and which acknowledges
that businesses have a shared responsibility with government, and more broadly
society, to help facilitate the development of strong and sustainable communities.
4.14 Health and safety issues

Safety management systems consistent with the requirements of Workplace Standards
Tasmania, and any requirements attached to the approval of the project, will be applied
during the construction and operation of the new mine and associated facilities.
Appropriate security arrangements to prevent unauthorised access to the site of the

mining and processing operations will be established.

All operations, maintenance, health and safety management on the mine site will be
compliant with the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and the Work Health and Safety
Regulations 2012 and the Mines Work Health and Safety (Supplementary
Requirements) Act 2012 and Mines Work Health and Safety Regulations
(Supplementary Requirements) 2012.

Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 41: All operations, maintenance, health and safety
management on the mine site will be compliant with the Work
During Mine Manager
Health and Safety Act 2012 and the Work Health and Safety
Regulations 2012 and Mines Work Health and Safety
(Supplementary Requirements) Act 2012 and Mines Work Health
and Safety Regulations (Supplementary Requirements) 2012.
4.15 Hazard analysis and risk assessment

The major possible hazard events identified relate to failure of the following mine features:
x Mobile Fuel storage tanker
x Power generators.
There is a risk of erosion of cleared land in preparation for mining during severe storm events.
A detailed risk/hazard assessment (as is required by Part 2, Section 4.1 of Mines work
Health and Safety (Supplementary requirements) Regulations 2012) will be undertaken
as part of the final design of the project components. A preliminary hazard risk
assessment is provided in Appendix G.

Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 42: A detailed risk/hazard assessment will be Mine Manager
Prior to
undertaken prior to commencement of construction /Relevant
construction
activities. Contractor
4.16 Fire risk

4.16.1 Potential for fire risk
Facilities will be designed in accordance with all relevant standards to ensure that fire
protection systems and equipment are installed and operational at all times. The
potential fire risks, potential onsite sources and potential onsite avoidance measures
are identified below.
Potential fire risks

x Fire originating within the operations
x Fire escaping from the operations
x Fire originating from outside the operations.
Potential onsite sources

x Electrical fire
x Explosion from fuel vapours (storage or equipment)
x Oil/fuel fire
x Dry vegetation
x Equipment exhaust on flammable material and vegetation
x Discarded cigarettes and dry vegetation
x Lightning strike
x Building fire
x Arson.

The legislative and regulatory requirements are outlined below:
x The Fire Services Act 1979
x The Work Health and Safety Act 2012
x Relevant Australian Standards
x Northern Midlands Council.

The potential fire risk associated with this proposal is considered to be low for the
following reasons:
x The land within and surrounding the lease is either grazed pasture or cropping
land, so the fuel load is very low
x There is no intention to use explosives on site
x Wildfire originating outside the site (could only have some impact on the
infrastructure area)
x The availability of water and earthmoving equipment on site will enable a rapid
and effective response in the event of fire
x Large permanent water bodies nearby ensure emergency supply in summer should
a major fire develop in the area. In addition, the agreement with a landholder
includes the maintenance of access to Elizabeth River.
4.16.4 Avoidance and mitigation

Potential onsite avoidance
x All buildings will have appropriately installed electrical equipment and have safety
earth and/or leakage detection devices
x Properly designed and ventilated oil/fuel storage tanks
x Appropriate security, fencing and site vigilance/monitoring
x Regular housekeeping, site safety audits and training exercises for all employees
x Mobile equipment to have elevated and protected exhaust systems
x Smoking to be restricted to low fire risk areas
x Smoke detectors in all buildings
x Fire alarm and appropriate extinguishers installed
x Mobile fire fighting water pump(s) to extract water from storages (e.g.
sedimentation dams and non-potable water tanks) as needed.
Mitigation measures for fire originating within the operations

x Buildings will have fire detection, alarm and appropriate fire extinguishers
x Fire/emergency action plan will be in place in consultation with local authorities,
the Tasmania Fire Service, Tasmania Police and the SES.
Mitigation measures for fire escaping from the operations

x Contain any fires onsite using generally accepted fire fighting equipment
x Have fire fighting extinguishers on mobile equipment and have a fire water supply
and fire pump(s) on site
x Maintain existing site access roads
x Maintain clear areas around the mine office, ore stockpile, crushing and screening,
re-fuelling and workshop areas
the Tasmanian Fire Service, Tasmania Police and the SES.

Mitigation measures for fire originating outside the operations
x Maintain site access roads, tracks and containment lines to acceptable standard for
fire fighting authorities to use
the Tasmanian Fire Service, Tasmania Police and the SES.
4.16.5 General Fire Mitigation measures

x Total fire ban days will be enforced on the mining lease.
x Fire weather information will be collected on a daily basis during designated fire
alert days from the Fire Weather Forecaster, Bureau of Meteorology Hobart.
x Particular vigilance will be paid to the risk of fire during designated fire alert days.
x Appropriate fire fighting equipment will be located or stored on the mining lease
during all phases from construction through to rehabilitation. This is expected to
take the form of the following
Extinguishers in all buildings, all light vehicles and all mining and transport
vehicles and equipment
The mobile tanker to be used for road watering and dust suppression will also
be available for fire fighting
Emergency powered pump will be located in the infrastructure area.
x Any fire occurring on the Mining Lease will be reported immediately to the
nominated Fire Officer or the administration office, who will be responsible for
follow-up action and reporting.
x The Tasmanian Fire Service will be notified as soon as practicable in the case of
any uncontrolled fire in any of the project facilities.
x Fire risk associated with the generation of flammable gases and with the storage of
hazardous materials onsite will be minimised through the application of
appropriate mitigation measures and as assessed for the individual project hazards
and associated risks.
x All employees and contractors will be briefed during induction on fire detection,
reporting requirements, fire prevention and the site fire management plan.
x Cleared woody vegetation at the site will not be burnt but used for windbreaks,
runoff berm supports and fauna habitat enhancement.
x All vehicles and machinery will be kept in good working order and where necessary
have spark arresters installed to minimise the potential for fires on site.
x All site staff will be trained in emergency procedures and the use of the designated
fire fighting equipment.
Responsible
Commitment When
person
Prior to Mine Manager
Commitment 43: Total fire ban days will be observed construction /Relevant
Commitment 44: Awareness of fire hazard days construction /Relevant
Commitment 45: Appropriate equipment in vehicles and
building areas
Commitment 46: Fires will be reported as soon as practical construction /Relevant

Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 47: Fire hazard and appropriate actions will be
included in site inductions
Commitment 48: Cleared vegetation will not be burned construction /Relevant
Commitment 49: Vehicles and machinery will be installed with
spark arresters where necessary
4.17 Infrastructure and off-site ancillary facilities

All mine infrastructure will be on-site. The only off-site infrastructure used will be the
Port of Launceston loading facilities, and Macquarie Road, the Midlands Highway and
the East Tamar Highway will be used for product transport.
The development of loading facilities at the Port of Launceston is being undertaken as

a separate project.
A traffic impact assessment (TIA) has been undertaken and is included in Appendix B.
Details of road upgrading required is summarised below:

x Junction of West St and Midland Highway
x Fence relocation and partial widening at the corner of West St and Macquarie Rd
x West St pavement improvement and widening.
The power supply for the mine site will be from diesel generators on-site. No off-site
power transmission infrastructure is required.
4.18 Hydrology and Final Land Form

There is a need to consider local hydrology and final landform to ensure that ponding
of water does not occur on mine closure.
Because the dolerite outcrops will not be mined but in a few dolerite areas, the nearby
bauxite will be mined, the dolerite outcrops will become slightly more perched. In the
unlikely event that this might become a problem, this perching will be softened by the
creation of bank batters leading down to the lowered surrounding ground.
The perching will lead to a loss of any overland flow that is currently entering the
outcrop vegetation. However, the impact of this is not likely to be significant. As
shown in Figure 26, the dolerite outcrops typically are already naturally higher than
the surrounding ground surface, meaning that the contribution of overland flow from
surrounding areas to their soil moisture will be small. The outcrop vegetation will
already be largely dependent on incipient rainfall for moisture and the flow of any
small contribution that overland flow will be making will be minor.

Figure 26: Dolerite outcrop, showing it is already raised naturally relative to surrounding
farmland
Bauxite occurs only on the top of the ridge and not adjacent to the dolerite. This
dolerite outcrop will be unaffected by mining.
A small amount of the resource is on the eastern side of the slope closer to, but not in
the irrigated cropping land. The resource typically pinches out to the east at least 5m
higher in RL than the cropping land and more than 30 metres west of the cropping
land. Thus only minor landform change will occur in these areas. Mine rehabilitation
will further reduce this change, producing an even/smooth topographic surface thus
not changing surface water flow.
4.18.1 Legislative and policy requirements

The following performance requirements apply:
x State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997
x Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994
x Water Management Act 1999
x Groundwater Act 1985.

A summary of existing drainage is provided in section 3.2.11.

The proposed mine operation is planned to extract a shallow surface deposit averaging
3.8 m deep at a varying altitude of approximately 240 m to 230 m above sea level.
Thus the removal of up to the top approximately 4 m will have little effect on the
overall topography of the site. That is, no hills will be removed or significantly lowered
and no significant depressions or holes will be created. Also, any infrastructure
drainage system maintained for the construction and operation of the mine will be
removed and in-filled as part of the rehabilitation of the mine. Thus there will be no

gross overall change in the topography of the area, other than a general lowering of
the ridgeline and some local changes around dolerite outcrops.

The following measures will be undertaken to ensure the hydrology of the area is not
permanently altered on closure:
x Re-profiling of the each excavation site will be carried out to ensure a free
draining surface remains on decommissioning.
x No ‘benches’ will be left around the edges of the mined out sections upslope that
may allow water to pond.
x Sediment basins will be removed once a permanent vegetative cover of disturbed
ground has become established.
Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 50: The shallow nature of the deposit should result Relevant
Ongoing
in no significant change in the topography of the area. contractor
Mine Manager
Commitment 51: No ‘benches’ will be left around the edges of the
Ongoing /Relevant
mined out sections upslope that may promote ponding of water.
Contractor
Mine Manager
Commitment 52: Drainage systems established during operations
Ongoing /Relevant
will be rehabilitated prior to mine closure.
Contractor
Commitment 53: Unless otherwise requested by the landowner, Mine Manager
sediment basins will be removed after mine closure once a Ongoing /Relevant
vegetative cover of disturbed areas has been established. Contractor

During mining operations any water which ponds within low topographic points will be
diverted to a sediment basin to allow sediment to settle and for potential reuse in the
mining operations.
On closure, there will be no accumulation of water in ponds. Works will be undertaken

to ensure a stable geomorphological system is remaining. The ramping down of
production for the final two years of the project will provide opportunity to monitor
and remediate the final land form. With only minimal disturbance over this time the
ongoing environment can then be observed ensuring that the planned rehabilitation is
successful hence assist with decommissioning of the site and final mine closure.
4.19 Environmental management systems

Operation of the mining and infrastructure facilities will be undertaken in accordance
with the mine environmental management systems that will be developed as part of
the operational requirements for the proposed mine, together with the requirements
of any Environment Protection Notice (EPN) that may be placed on the mine site by the
EPA.
Responsible
Commitment When
person
Prior to
Commitment 54: A mine Environmental Management System will
construction Mine Manager
be developed in accordance with the EPA requirements.
commencing
Commitment 55: Operation of the mine and screening plant will Mine Manager
be undertaken in accordance with the Mine Environmental Ongoing /Relevant
Management System. Contractor

4.20 Cumulative and interactive effects
There are no other known developments in the area that could combine with the mine
to create cumulative or interactive effects.
While ABx has other bauxite prospects that may progress to mining proposals, including
some in the Midlands region, they are not in the vicinity of the Bald Hill and would not
create cumulative or interactive environmental effects.
If more than one of ABx’s potential mines are operating simultaneously, there may be
some cumulative traffic on the Midland Highway but no common local roads would be
used, and traffic impacts would be limited to the highway.
4.21 Traffic impacts

During the operation of the Bald Hill Bauxite mine production will vary over the five
year mine life resulting in an expected 55 daily truck movements in years 1, 4 and 5
and approximately 86 in years 2 and 3 between the site and the Port of Launceston.
The introduction of the proposed development will constitute an increase in the truck
numbers on Macquarie Road:
x Years 1, 4, 5 = 1 truck every 15 minutes (~4 trucks per hour) in each direction
x Years 2, 3 = 1 truck every 9 minutes (~7 trucks per hour) in each direction.
In addition to the truck traffic generated by the mining operations, up to 10 light and
medium vehicle traffic movements may be generated each day through maintenance
activities, deliveries and professional staff such as geologists and the like travelling to
the site for short stay inspections
Australian Bauxite engaged pitt&sherry to undertake a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA)

for the proposed Bald Hill Bauxite mine (see Appendix B).
The objective of the TIA was to assess the proposed cartage route and to determine
the traffic impact of the cartage of product to the Midland Highway.
The TIA was prepared in accordance with the Department of State Growth (DSG)
publication Traffic Impact Assessments (TIA) Guidelines September 2007 and the
Austroads Guide to Traffic Management Part 12: Traffic Impacts of Developments.
The key findings from the TIA are summarised below.
Sight distances at intersections and along transport routes were assessed and complied
with the Austroad standards apart from at the intersection of West St and Macquarie
Rd. This would be mitigated by relocation of the fence.
The TIA also found that the impact of the increased traffic generated by the
development the surrounding road network is minimal and that traffic operations of
the surrounding road network will continue to operate at an acceptable level of
service.

Route capacity
The current traffic volumes for the preferred route are detailed in Section 3.2 of the
TIA and summarised below:
x Midland Highway is in the order of 11,000 vehicles a day (provided by DSG)
x Macquarie Road is approximately 190 vehicles and 4 trucks per day (traffic logged
for this study)
x West Street is approximately 89 vehicles and 1 truck per day (traffic logged for this
study)
Local road network

The local road network required for the preferred transport route (see section 2.1.1 for
further details) includes the Midland Highway, Macquarie Road and West Street.
The Midland Highway is a state owned Category 1 – trunk road and is a two way, two
lane road which is gazetted for high productivity vehicles. The speed limit in which the
highway is accessed is 60 kph.
Macquarie Road is a two way, two lane sealed rural road owned by the Northern
Midland Council with a speed limit of 100 km/hr and ranges from 5.4-7 m wide with
approximately 0.5 m of gravel shoulder.
West Street is a two way, two lane rural road owned by the Northern Midland Council
with a speed limit of 50 kph and ranging from 4.7-5.0 m wide.
Site access
Two access points are proposed onto Macquarie Road and the sight distances were
assessed and conform to AUSTROADS SISD requirements.
Other sight distances on the transport route were also assessed for Macquarie
Road/West Street where they were not considered adequate and would require the
movement of a fence and vegetation clearance in order to mitigate.
West Street/Midland Highway junction sight distances were assessed as adequate.
Road safety
The frequencies of historic crashes on the road indicate that there are no significant
safety problems with the existing road.
Due to the relatively low volumes of traffic which will be produced by the mining, it is
considered that the additional traffic is not expected to increase the number or
severity of crashes on the surrounding road network.
Parking assessment
The minimum requirement for parking spaces would be 1 car space per two employees
and 1 bicycle space per 10 employees. The current layout includes 18 car and 1 bicycle
spaces which will be sufficient to cover the daily regular employees and other
intermittent light vehicle requirements.
Operation
The bauxite will be mined and transported in truck and dog trailer combination type
vehicles. The mine intends to work on a campaign basis with varied production rates
throughout the year with an approximate average production of 300,000 Tpa in years 1,
4 and 5 and 550,000 Tpa in years 2 and 3.

Transport will be limited to 14 hours per day (06:00 to 20:00 hours), and may run on a
6 or 7 day basis depending on needs. Allowance has been made to avoid road haulage
during the busiest weeks of holidays over Christmas and Easter which typically involve
10 to 15 additional no-haul days. The campaign nature of the mining will allow for this
in its mine planning and day to day operations.
In order to accommodate these variations two scenarios have been identified and
assessed in the traffic impact assessment and summarised below:
x Scenario 1- 32 T average truck payload, transport 50 weeks per year, 7 days a
week
x Scenario 2 – 40 T average truck payload transport 50 weeks per year, 6 days a
week for years 1, 4 and 5, then 7 days a week for years 2 and 3.
An approximation of the likely vehicle movements per day based on the two scenarios
is included in Table 28.
Table 28: Summary of approximate traffic volumes including miscellaneous truck and light
vehicles
Traffic Generation
Scenario Scenario 1 Scenario 2

Year 1,4 & 5 Year 2 & 3 Year 1,4 & 5 Year 2 & 3
Production Years
(300,000 T ) (550,000 T) (300,000 T ) (550,000 T)
Overall Daily Trips 59 108 55 86
Total Hourly Peak

5 9 4 7
Traffic
Scenario 2 is the preferred option however both have been included for consideration
as following further mine planning minor changes may be made to the exact payload of
trucks depending on the bulk densities of the mined materials. Should the rail
transport option be adopted, trucking will be consistent with Scenario 1.
Therefore, the project is expected to create a maximum of 9 vehicles per hour more
than the current peak traffic on Macquarie Road which is considered to have a very low
impact on the operation of the road at the access points and intersections on the
transport route. The TIA also found that these volumes would not impact on the
efficiency of the Midland Highway/West Street junction and that the carrying capacity
of 762 vehicles per lane per hour on Macquarie Road greatly exceeds the expected
volumes generated by the BHBP.

The following measures will be undertaken to ensure the road network is capable of
maintaining the required standard in order to work efficiently and safely for all road
users:
x Upgrading of the West Street and Macquarie Road junction to accommodate
turning trucks and prevent future vegetation potentially impacting line of site.
x Upgrading of the junction of West Street and Midland Highway to accommodate
turning trucks and trucks entering traffic.
x Road widening and pavement improvement of West Street to allow two trucks
to pass safely.

Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 56: Upgrading of the junction of West Street and Prior to
Mine Manager
Macquarie Road will be completed prior to construction. construction
Mine Manager
Midland Highway prior to construction. construction
Commitment 58: Pavement improvements and road widening on Prior to
Mine Manager
West Street construction

Following the junction improvements and road widening on West Street/Midland
Highway and West Street/Macquarie Road the traffic generated by the project is not
expected to have an effect on the current operation of the roads on the transport
route. Should some bauxite prove dusty, covered trucks or rail wagons shall be used to
manage dust from the haulage trucks.
4.22 Erosion and Sediment Loss

There is a need to manage site runoff and erosion, and stop sediment laden water from
entering the drainage systems.
Soil erosion and sediment entrainment can ultimately lead to many different impacts.
The type of impact is influenced by the type of sediment of which there are two types:
x fines – consisting of clay sized particles and fine silt and their impact is directly
related to water turbidity which impacts the water health.
x coarse – coarse silts and sands which commonly result in social/safety problems
such as deposition in inappropriate locations resulting in possible damage or
drainage problems.
Erosion control is concentrated on preventing or minimising soil erosion and sediment

entrainment however sediment control measures concentrate on trapping the
entrained sediment to prevent it from entering the environment. Thus erosion control
must be the primary objective followed by sediment control if this is not completely
effective.
The principals of erosion and sediment control (ESC) include:

x Appropriately integrate the development into the site
x Integrate erosion and sediment control into site and construction planning
x Develop effective and flexible erosion and sediment control plans based on
anticipated soil, weather and construction conditions
x Minimise extent and duration of soil disturbance
x Control water movement through the site
x Minimise soil erosion
x Promptly stabilise disturbed areas
x Maximise sediment retention on the site
x Maintain all ESC measures in proper working order at all times
x Monitor the site and adjust the ESC practices to maintain the required
performance.

The performance requirements outlined in section 4.2.1 apply.

Erosion and sediment controls implemented at the site will be in implemented in
accordance with the International Erosion and Sediment Control Association
(Australasian branch) 2008 Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control guidelines (IESC
guidelines).

The resource areas of the Main Pit areas are not in the immediate vicinity of a
waterbody but drainage lines do ultimately lead to the nearby farm (irrigation) dam on
the Rosedale property and ultimately to the Elizabeth River (500m from the mining
lease and 800m from the proposed main disturbance footprint).
The resource in the West pit (JB1) is immediately upslope of the nearby farm dam
approximately 400 m away.
Soils on site are thin and poor quality (Figure 27) and within the infrastructure area
they are marginally thicker and similar quality, with a wide range in particle sizing,
and majority are rated 6 or 6-8 on the Emerson soil test indicating they are not
dispersive and will readily settle without the aid of flocculants.
Figure 27: Photography of soil profiles in the BHBP area

The potential for erosion and sediment loss to the natural drainage systems is
considered to be relatively low due to the naturally low rainfall in the Midlands region
of Tasmania and the lack of permanent creeks or river systems in the area.
Erosion and sediment loss can potentially occur during the preparation and
construction of the infrastructure area, and during the mining operations.
Construction and mining will create exposed surfaces that could be vulnerable to
erosion and sediment loss.
The return of fines to the mined areas could also add to the sediment runoff risk.

ABx will manage all runoff from the construction of the infrastructure area and the
ongoing mining activities. A suite of erosion and sediment control mitigation measures
will be implemented during the construction phase and followed through into the
mining phase, as described below.
These measures are conceptual at this stage and will be developed in more detail post-
approval as part of the detailed mine planning. All controls will be in accordance with
the IESC Guidelines.

The following mitigation measures to control potential erosion and sediment loss
arising from clearing and construction of the infrastructure area will be implemented:
x Minimising soil exposure during operations
- Careful mine planning
- Clear delineation of clearance areas
- Limiting surface exposure until mining is imminent
x Seasonal timing – campaign mining plan will allow for excavation to cease during
high rainfall periods as required
x Clean water diversion
- Surface water which collects within pits will be pumped to sumps for sediment
settling and water storage
- Site drainage from hard stands (ROM, screening and infrastructure) will be
diverted to sediment settling ponds to prevent fines from entering the
environment
- Water which may contain hydrocarbons (from workshop area) will be diverted
to a settling basin through a hydrocarbon separator
x Design of the infrastructure site, roads and stockpile areas will consider the
existing environment in order to place them within the existing topography without
the need for extensive land reshaping and surface modifications.
x Areas at risk of erosion will be identified prior to clearing via analysis of soil type
and particle size distribution (see section 3.2.5 for details of analyses so far)
x Erosion and sedimentation controls will be established prior to the commencement
of works.
x No clearance or construction works will be undertaken during high rainfall
conditions that may present an unacceptable risk of sediment loss to the
environment.
x Overland drainage flow from the roads and construction areas will be directed to
drains and sediment basins.
x Water diverted into the sediment basins will not be subject to contamination and
overflow will be directed into natural drainage depressions on the western side of
the resource area
x Any drains established will utilise the natural topography to reduce the need for
further ground clearance
x Silt fences in combination with up slope trenches will be used at the base (down
slope) of each cleared and mined area to stop sediment from leaving the site
during rainfall events.
x Silt fences will be installed and maintained appropriately, based on the IESC
guidelines
x The drainage system will be designed to provide adequate capacity for heavy
rainfall events, and will incorporate energy dissipation structures and erosion
control measures as necessary
x The size of the sediment basins will be based on the following equation based on
Type F basins according to the IECA 24, where the critical design parameter is the
volume and the fine grained soils are expected to readily settle without the need
for flocculants:
Vs= 10 R(Y%,5-day)CvA
24
IECA International Erosion Control Association Australasia – Best Practise Erosion and Sediment Control,
November 2008.
where Vs = settling volume
A = effective catchment area connected to the basin
R (Y%,5-day) = Y%, 5-day rainfall depth (mm)
Cv = volumetric runoff coefficient
x Temporary silt fencing will be utilised where required to prevent transport of any
eroded material.
x Stockpiled topsoil and vegetation will be managed to encourage water infiltration
and microbial activity, and prevent erosion in the period between stockpiling and
use in site rehabilitation, in accordance with the Quarry Code of Practice.
x Any area outside the footprint of the new mining and processing areas that
requires clearance to facilitate construction will be rehabilitated with stockpiled
topsoil and revegetated as soon as practicable.
x The areas disturbed will be kept to the minimum practicable level required for
construction of infrastructure areas or excavation pits.
x Exposure of bare substrate to the elements, and the corresponding erosion
potential, will be minimised by covering recently mined areas with topsoil and
vegetation as soon as possible.
x Should revegetation growth be put at risk of failure due to hot dry summer days,
water will be trucked in and sprayed to sustain the revegetation.
x The extent of land exposed to the elements will be kept to a minimum practical.
x Stockpiled topsoil will be managed to encourage water infiltration and microbial
activity, and prevent erosion in the period between stockpiling and reuse in site
rehabilitation.
x All mitigation measures will be outlined in detail in the Construction Environmental
Management Plan.
x Flocculants are not expected to be required following test work carried out on bulk
samples during 2013 indicating the rate of settling is fast and thus will not require
the assistance of flocculants; see Appendix K for further details.
The emphasis is on erosion control and prevention by minimizing the extent of land
exposed to the elements at any one time and ongoing rehabilitation as soon as
practicable. The proposed mining method including illustrative figures (Section 2.1.1)
has been designed to achieve this.
In all resources areas, targeted erosion and sediment runoff control measures will be
applied when fines are being returned from the screening process. Temporary silt
fences will be installed down gradient to allow the fines to drain without sediment
runoff and returned fines will be covered with topsoil and possibly mulch to protect
against erosion by rain and to help stabilise them.
Responsible
Commitment When
person
During Mine Manager
Commitment 59: No clearance will take place during high
rainfall events
During Mine Manager
Commitment 60: Erosion and sediment control measures will be
established prior to the commencement of works.
During Mine Manager
Commitment 61: Overland drainage flow from the infrastructure
area will be directed via a series of drains to a sediment basin.

Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 62: Temporary silt stop fencing will be utilised During Relevant
where appropriate to prevent transport of any eroded material. construction contractor
Commitment 63: All drainage systems and cut-off drains will be
Mine Manager
designed to provide adequate capacity for heavy rainfall events,
Ongoing /Relevant
and will incorporate energy dissipation structures and erosion
Contractor
control measures as necessary.
Mine Manager
Commitment 64: The extent of land exposed to the elements
Ongoing /Relevant
will be kept to a minimum practical.
Contractor
Mine Manager
Commitment 65: Revegetation will be watered in the event of
Ongoing /Relevant
excessive consecutive hot dry Summer days.
Contractor
Mine Manager
Commitment 66: Silt fences will be used at the base (down
Ongoing /Relevant
slope) of each cleared and mined area during mine operations.
Contractor
Commitment 67: Cut-off drains will be established between the Mine Manager
resource and the infrastructure area so that flow is diverted to Ongoing /Relevant
the on-line sediment basin when required. Contractor
Commitment 68: Temporary silt fences will be placed
downstream of areas where fines are being returned from the
Mine Manager
screening process to allow the fines to drain without causing
Ongoing /Relevant
significant suspended sediment loss. The fines will also be
Contractor
covered with topsoil and/or mulch to protect them from rain
erosion.

There is not expected to be any impact on the creek systems as a result of excessive
erosion and sediment loss during construction of the infrastructure area or during
mining operations.
The emphasis is on erosion control and prevention by minimizing the extent of land
exposed to the elements at any one time and the excavation and rehabilitation plan
has been designed to achieve this.
4.23 Dryland Salinity

4.23.1 Existing environment
The project area is identified as being within a Land System which could be susceptible
to salinity issues. It contains deeply weathered sediments, fractured basalt and current
floodplain which are considered high priority for regional salinity management.
There is no evidence that any salinity issues are currently occurring on the tenement
site. As described in section 3.2.17 the bauxite and material immediately surrounding
it is low in sodium. Also, the elemental compounds that exist in the bauxite are
immobile under the prevailing physico-chemical conditions thus the probability of
further leaching is extremely low.

The effects and potential to impact specifically relating to dryland salinity is not
formally regulated.

Potential water contamination from infiltration of surface water through exposed rocks
and sediments (particularly clays) may result in an increased salinity load on the
groundwater. This water can carry the salt to areas where it can reach the surface or
near surface and impact the vegetation or reach water courses where it can affect the
environs.
As discussed in 3.2.17 above, the low sodium content of the bauxites and associated
waste zones, and also the extremely low possibility of mobilising the small amounts of
contained sodium makes dryland salinity very low risk at the bald hill bauxite project.
A mass balance calculation demonstrates the low risk. If, in the near impossible
situation that 100% of the 0.06% of sodium (as Na2O) in the 1.5 million tonnes of
bauxite somehow escaped during the short time from mining to transport off site, it
would “release” 900 tonnes of sodium (as Na2O) which, if concentrated into an area
only twice the size of the pit areas, would increase the sodium content of that land
from 0.06% to 0.09% which is still significantly lower than the natural 0.12% sodium
(Na2O) levels of the farmland immediately surrounding the bauxite (see Table 21
above).
The metallurgical experience with inland bauxites mined worldwide has been that the
low levels of sodium are mainly in stable minerals (not soluble salt) in the bauxite.
Tasmanian bauxite has quite low sodium, having been washed away in the earliest
stages of bauxite formation during the prevailing hot, wet climatic conditions.

The risk of the Bald Hill Bauxite Project contributing to secondary salinity is very low,
however a suite of measures will be implemented during construction and continued
through the life of the mine in order to mitigate the risk, as described below.
x Clearing of vegetation will be kept to the minimum practicable.
x Rehabilitation and establishment of vegetation will be carried out as soon as
practicable as mined areas are completed, reducing the amount of immediate
surface water infiltration and further leaching of the surrounding materials.
x Numerous small drainage lines, settling ponds and sumps will be designed prior to
mine excavation in order to reduce the volume of water concentrations and
maintain the existing groundwater flow.
x On site water analysis from settling basins will be carried out on a routine basis to
ensure water is not saline (pH, Eh, EC, DO, colour, temperature)
x Groundwater monitoring bores will be installed (at least three months prior to
construction) on the perimeter of the mining areas prior to the commencement of
activities to provide baseline data
x Ongoing monitoring will be carried out to ensure increased infiltration does not
lead to an increased load of salinity in the local groundwater due to mining
processes.
x If changes in the groundwater do occur, advice will be taken from appropriate
independent groundwater expert consultants as to the cause, including exogenous
factors, and the appropriate response and communications with the regulatory
authorities concerned.

Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 69: Numerous small drainage lines and settling
ponds will be designed prior to mine excavation in order to
reduce the volume of water concentrations and maintain the
existing groundwater flow.
Commitment 70: On site analysis of sediment basins to monitor Ongoing-
Mine Manager
for increased pH, Eh, EC, DO and temperature. monthly
Commitment 71: Installation of groundwater bores at the break Before
Mine Manager
of slope east and west of the operations. Construction
Ongoing-
Commitment 72: Ongoing monitoring of groundwater bores Mine Manager
monthly

The nature of the bauxite and surrounding material means that the likelihood of the
operations impacting on the salinity of the local environment is extremely low. There is
a very low sodium content and the potential of mobilising the very low proportion of
salts reduces this even further. The appropriately planned and executed surface
drainage, staged rehabilitation and ongoing monitoring required to prevent erosion and
sediment loss will also mitigate the potential for impact.
5. Monitoring and review

Only a small amount of monitoring is required for groundwater and surface water.
Groundwater monitoring
4-6 groundwater bores will be installed on the break of slope below operations prior to
construction and monitored on a monthly basis at least 3 months prior to construction.
Parameters that will be tested include:
x pH, EC, TDS, TSS, colour

x Alkalinity (CO3) and HCO3), acidity
x Chloride, sulphate, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, total N, dissolved P and total P
x Metals.
Results from these will be maintained in order to monitor if changes in the

groundwater quality occur due to the mining operations.
Surface water
Surface water that is collected in settling basins will be monitored onsite for pH, EC,
Eh, DO and temperature on a monthly basis.
6. Decommissioning and rehabilitation

The decommissioning and rehabilitation plan (DRP) is a dynamic plan which changes
with the project as it progresses, as ongoing rehabilitation is completed and as new
rehabilitation needs arise.
At this stage the DRP will cover three main areas:

x West Pit
x North and South Pit
x Infrastructure area.
The DRP may change over time if the requirements and expectations of the regulators,
key stakeholders and interested parties changes or if the project changes over time.
The DRP is provided in Appendix H.
7. Commitments summary
A summary of commitments is provided in Table 29.
Table 29: Summary of commitments
Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 1: Construction phase dust impacts will be During Relevant
minimised by watering using a road tanker as required. Construction Contractor
Commitment 2: The extent of exposed bare land will be kept Mine Manager/
to a minimum at any one time, thereby reducing the risk of Ongoing Relevant
aeolian sediment loss. Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 3: Site clearing will not take place in extremely
Ongoing Relevant
dry and windy conditions.
Contractor
Commitment 4: All mining and processing equipment, including Mine Manager/
surface miners, trucks, excavators, screens and generators,
Ongoing Relevant
will be operated appropriately, in accordance with design
specifications, and regularly maintained. Contractor
Commitment 5: Haul roads, ore dumps, screening drop points, Mine Manager/
and earth stockpiles will be kept watered in dry windy Ongoing Relevant
conditions to reduce the potential for dust generation. Contractor
Commitment 6: The fuel tankers used will be located in a
bunded area with 110% capacity of the tanker.
Commitment 7: Fuel clean-up equipment will be stored in
readily accessible sites, including the fuel tanker.
Commitment 8: In the event of a spill, appropriate absorption
materials will be used immediately, and any hydrocarbon
contaminated soil will be removed and taken to an appropriate
authorised disposal or treatment facility. The Director,
Environment Protection Authority, will be notified as soon as
possible.
Commitment 9: All equipment will be properly maintained and
serviced regularly.
Commitment 10: Sewage will be collected in black water tanks
and intermittently removed from site by a suitably qualified
waste disposal contractor for disposal at the municipal
wastewater treatment plant.
Commitment 11: Field tests for water quality (turbidity, pH
and dissolved oxygen) will regularly be carried out on sediment Ongoing Mine Manager
basin water.
Commitment 12: The infrastructure area settlement basin will
be sampled monthly for laboratory analysis of total petroleum Ongoing Mine Manager
hydrocarbons and oil and grease.
Commitment 13: If anomalously low pH or AMD precursors are
detected, the sediment basins will be dosed with lime or Ongoing Mine Manager
similar.
Commitment 14: Monthly groundwater monitoring for pH, Eh,
Prior to
EC, DO and temperature will commence 3 months prior to Mine Manager
construction
construction and be maintained during the life of the mine.

Responsible
Commitment When
person
Commitment 15: Monthly ongoing water quality monitoring of
sediment basin water for pH, Eh, EC, DO and temperature.
Commitment 16: All equipment and vehicles will be fitted with Mine Manager/
manufacturer’s silencing equipment, operated appropriately Ongoing Relevant
and regularly maintained. Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 17: Mine planning designed to progress from west
Ongoing Relevant
to east.
Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 18: Use of appropriate hearing protection
Ongoing Relevant
equipment will be mandatory in all relevant areas.
Contractor
Commitment 19: Truck drivers will be inducted on “polite Mine Manager/
driving etiquette to reduce noise produced by braking and Ongoing Relevant
accelerating. Contractor
Commitment 20: Appropriate impact mitigation or
Prior to
compensation measures will be negotiated with the residents Mine Manager
construction
depending on their individual needs
Commitment 21: Rubbish bins will be provided with lids at
appropriate locations around the site and all staff will be Prior to
Mine Manager
required to avoid littering and to collect and bin any rubbish construction
and litter that they observe on site.
Mine Manager/
Commitment 22: Refuse will be periodically taken to an Construction
approved waste disposal facility. and ongoing Relevant
Contractor
Commitment 23: Any hydrocarbon contaminated soil will be Mine Relevant
removed to an appropriate disposal site or treatment facility. Manager/ Contractor
Commitment 24: Any mined material that is not of sufficient Mine Manager/
grade for blending and shipment will be replaced back into the Ongoing Relevant
mined out strips prior to cover with topsoil and vegetation. Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 25: The extent of clearance required for the Construction
project will be clearly defined prior to work starting. and ongoing Relevant
Contractor
Commitment 26: Appropriate measures (including marking Mine Manager/
tape, signs, site plans, site inductions, tool box talks and work Construction
inspections) will be undertaken to ensure that no unnecessary and ongoing Relevant
clearance occurs. Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 27: All works, vehicles and materials will be Construction
confined to the designated works areas. and ongoing Relevant
Contractor
Commitment 28: The limits of the allowable disturbance will Mine Manager/
Construction
be marked on mine plans and in the field by flagging tape and Relevant
and ongoing
signs were necessary. Contractor
Commitment 29: The reason for disturbance restrictions and Mine Manager/
the importance of staying within the limits of the disturbance Construction
footprint will form part of employee and site visitor induction and ongoing Relevant
information. Contractor
Commitment 30: A Phytophthora quarantine protocol will be Mine Manager/

Construction
developed, focusing on washdown of all machinery and Relevant
and ongoing
equipment coming onto the site from other earthwork areas. Contractor
Commitment 31: All machinery and vehicles undertaking Mine Manager/
Construction
earthwork activities will be cleaned prior to leaving the mining Relevant
and ongoing
lease for work at other premises. Contractor
Commitment 32: Any areas that become infected with Construction Mine Manager/
Phytophthora cinnamomi will be managed in accordance with and ongoing Relevant
Responsible
Commitment When
person
DPIPWE ‘Interim Phytophthora cinnamomi Management Contractor
Guidelines’.
Commitment 33: Phytophthora cinnamomi signs and symptoms Mine Manager/
Construction
and the recognition of gorse and horehound will form part of Relevant
and ongoing
employee induction information. Contractor
Commitment 34: All construction, mining equipment, Mine Manager/
Construction
machinery and vehicles will be appropriately maintained in Relevant
and ongoing
order to minimise the generation of greenhouse gases. Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 35: Disturbed areas will be progressively Construction
revegetated. and ongoing Relevant
Contractor
Commitment 36: Where possible onsite materials will be used Mine Manager/
for construction of the internal infrastructure roads and hard Construction
stand to minimise the need for extraction and transportation of and ongoing Relevant
offsite material to the mine. Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 37: No ozone depleting substances will be used or Construction
generated during construction and operation of the mine. and ongoing Relevant
Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 38: Mining and associated infrastructure will not Construction
be located within a 50 m radius of the identified site and ongoing Relevant
Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 39: The final mine plan will take into account the Construction
exclusion zone. and ongoing Relevant
Contractor
Commitment 40: In the event that previously unrecorded Mine Manager/
cultural material is discovered during construction of the mine, Construction
the Unanticipated Discovery Plan (Section 13.0 of the CHMA and ongoing Relevant
report, Appendix F) will be followed. Contractor
Commitment 41: All operations, maintenance, health and

safety management on the mine site will be compliant with the
Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and the Work Health and Mine Manager/
Construction
Safety Regulations 2012 and Mines Work Health and Safety Relevant
and ongoing
(Supplementary Requirements) Act 2012 and Mines Work Contractor
Health and Safety Regulations (Supplementary Requirements)
2012.
Prior to Mine Manager/
Commitment 42: A detailed risk/hazard assessment will be
construction Relevant
undertaken prior to commencement of construction activities.
Commitment 43: Total fire ban days will be observed construction Relevant
Commitment 44: Awareness of fire hazard days construction Relevant
Commitment 45: Appropriate equipment in vehicles and
building areas
Commitment 46: Fires will be reported as soon as practical construction Relevant
Commitment 47: Fire hazard and appropriate actions will be
included in site inductions
Commitment 48: Cleared vegetation will not be burned Prior to Mine Manager/
construction
Responsible
Commitment When
person
and ongoing Relevant
Contractor
Commitment 49: Vehicles and machinery will be installed with
spark arresters where necessary
Mine Manager/
Commitment 50: The shallow nature of the deposit should
Ongoing Relevant
result in no significant change in the topography of the area.
Contractor
Commitment 51: No ‘benches’ will be left around the edges of Mine Manager/
the mined out sections upslope that may promote ponding of Ongoing Relevant
water. Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 52: Drainage systems established during
Ongoing Relevant
operations will be rehabilitated prior to mine closure.
Contractor
Commitment 53: Unless otherwise requested by the landowner, Mine Manager/
sediment basins will be removed after mine closure once a Ongoing Relevant
vegetative cover of disturbed areas has been established. Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 54: A mine Environmental Management System Prior to
will be developed in accordance with the EPA requirements. construction Relevant
Contractor
Commitment 55: Operation of the mine and screening plant Mine Manager/
will be undertaken in accordance with the Mine Environmental Ongoing Relevant
Management System. Contractor
Mine Manager
Macquarie Road will be completed prior to construction. construction
Mine Manager
Midland Highway prior to construction. construction
Commitment 58: Pavement improvements and road widening Prior to
Mine Manager
on West Street construction
Mine Manager/
Commitment 59: No clearance will take place during high
Ongoing Relevant
rainfall events
Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 60: Erosion and sediment control measures will be
Ongoing Relevant
established prior to the commencement of works.
Contractor
Commitment 61: Overland drainage flow from the Mine Manager/
infrastructure area will be directed via a series of drains to a Ongoing Relevant
sediment basin. Contractor
Commitment 62: Temporary silt stop fencing will be utilised Mine Manager/
where appropriate to prevent transport of any eroded Ongoing Relevant
material. Contractor
Commitment 63: All drainage systems and cut-off drains will be Mine Manager/
designed to provide adequate capacity for heavy rainfall
Ongoing Relevant
events, and will incorporate energy dissipation structures and
erosion control measures as necessary. Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 64: The extent of land exposed to the elements
Ongoing Relevant
will be kept to a minimum practical.
Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 65: Revegetation will be watered in the event of
Ongoing Relevant
excessive consecutive hot dry Summer days.
Contractor
Commitment 66: Silt fences will be used at the base (down Mine Manager/
Ongoing
slope) of each cleared and mined area during mine operations. Relevant

Responsible
Commitment When
person
Contractor
Commitment 67: Cut-off drains will be established between the Mine Manager/
resource and the infrastructure area so that flow is diverted to Ongoing Relevant
the on-line sediment basin when required. Contractor
Commitment 68: Temporary silt fences will be placed
downstream of areas where fines are being returned from the Mine Manager/
screening process to allow the fines to drain without causing
Ongoing Relevant
significant suspended sediment loss. The fines will also be
covered with topsoil and/or mulch to protect them from rain Contractor
erosion.
Commitment 69: Numerous small drainage lines and settling Mine Manager/
ponds will be designed prior to mine excavation in order to
Ongoing Relevant
reduce the volume of water concentrations and maintain the
existing groundwater flow. Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 70: On site analysis of sediment basins to
Ongoing Relevant
monitor for increased pH, Eh, EC, DO and temperature.
Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 71: Installation of groundwater bores at the Prior to
break of slope east and west of the operations. construction Relevant
Contractor
Mine Manager/
Commitment 72: Ongoing monitoring of groundwater bores Ongoing Relevant
Contractor
8. Conclusion
This Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan (DPEMP) has been
developed in accordance with the EPA division’s generic guidelines and the site specific
guidelines from the Board of the Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority issued in
June 2013.
The DPEMP has identified and assessed the potential impacts associated with the
proposed project.
The specific commitments contained within the DPEMP demonstrate that appropriate
operational and management measures will be in place to minimise any potential
impacts and to minimise any risks of significant residual environmental impacts.
The DPEMP demonstrates that the proposal will be achieve best practise and be
compliant with applicable Commonwealth and Tasmanian policies, legislation and
regulations.

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4

A wholly owned subsidiary of Australian Bauxite Limited (ASX: ABX)

Development Proposal and Environmental

Bald Hill Bauxite Project

ABx 4 Pty Ltd

Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923

Figure 1: Regional location of Bald Hill Bauxite Project .........................................................3

Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923

Appendix A Mine Plan Layouts – Construction, Year 1, 2, 3, 4-5

Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923

The purpose of this DPEMP is to provide:

A referral to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and

The development application will be advertised by the Northern Midlands Council in

Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 i

The General Manager

Persons aggrieved by a decision to approve the development, or by the conditions or

Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 ii

Mining will be by traditional truck-and-shovel quarrying methods or by surface miners

The maximum depth of excavation in the mine is expected to be 3 to 6 m, with an

Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 iii

The purpose of the Rural Resource zoning is to provide for:

Geoconservation: A portion of the West Pit (JB1) resource area is listed as a

Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 iv

A range of proven mitigation and management strategies will be employed to manage

Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 v

Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 vi

AHPA Aboriginal Heritage Protection Act/bill 2013

AHT Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania

Air Quality EPP Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004

Al203 Total aluminium oxide (alumina) in the bauxite. Is contained in clay

AMD Acid Mine Drainage

ANZECC The Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council

ARA Aboriginal Relics Act 1975

ATSIHPA Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection

Bauxite The ore of alumina and aluminium comprising hydrated oxides of

BHBP Bald Hill Bauxite Project

Coastal Policy State Coastal Policy 1996

DGA Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2010

dB(A) A-weighted decibels – a measure of loudness to the human ear

DGR Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulations 2010

DSG Department of State Growth (incorporating the former DIER)

Ref: ABx Bald Hill DPEMP Final 20140923 vii

DPEMP Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan (this

DPIPWE Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

DRP Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan

EC Electrical conductivity or a measurement of how much electric current can

Eh Chemical potential to be reduced – the opposite of oxidation.

EL Exploration Licence as granted in accordance with the Mineral Resources

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

EMPCA Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.

EMPCN Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Miscellaneous Noise)

EMPCW Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste Management)

EU LCA European Life Cycle Assessment Dataset

FPA Forest Practices Act 1985

GAV General Access Vehicle Trucks

GFS Groundwater Flow System

GST Goods and Services Tax

Ha or ha Hectares. 1 Ha = 10,000 square metres = 2.4710538 acres

HCHA Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995

IECA International Erosion Control Association

kph kilometres per hour