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Mining Operations Plan
Namoi Mining Pty Ltd

ABN: 24 071 158 373
Mining Operations Plan for the Sunnyside Coal Mine, via Gunnedah
Prepared by Namoi Mining Pty. Ltd

in conjunction with
R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED
Namoi Mining Pty Ltd

ABN: 24 071 158 373
Mining Operations Plan for the Sunnyside Coal Mine, via Gunnedah
Prepared by: Namoi Mining Pty Ltd ABN: 24 071 158 373 PO Box 2440 BRISBANE QLD 4006 In Conjunction with: R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited Geological & Environmental Consultants ABN: 31 002 033 712 Brooklyn Office: 1st Floor, 12 Dangar Road PO Box 239 BROOKLYN NSW 2083 Telephone: (02) 9985 8511 Facsimile: (02) 9985 8208 Email: admin@rwcorkery.com Ref No. 675/04 Orange Office: Suite 15, 256 Anson Street ORANGE NSW 2800 Telephone: (02) 6362 5411 Facsimile: (02) 6361 3622 Email: mail@rwcorkery.com
Telephone: (07) 3000 5693 Facsimile: (07) 3000 5699 Email: dwest@whitehaven.net.au
R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED
NAMOI MINING PTY LTD Sunnyside Coal Mine Report No. 675/04
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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Copyright
Name of mine Mining Titles/Leases
Sunnyside Cut Coal Mine
MOP Commencement Date Name of leaseholder Namoi Mining Pty Ltd
MOP Completion date (nominal)
Name of mine operator (if different) Reporting Officer Title Signature Date / /
This Copyright is included for the protection of this document
COPYRIGHT
Namoi Mining Pty Ltd 2008 And R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited 2008 All intellectual property and copyright reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, 1968, no part of this report may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or adapted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited.
MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Statutory Declaration
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STATUTORY DECLARATION New South Wales STATUTORY DECLARATION OATHS ACT, 1900 EIGHTH SCHEDULE I, _________________, of ______________, in the State of New South Wales, solemnly and sincerely declare as follows. 1. 2. 3. I am the duly appointed _________________ for the Sunnyside Cut Coal Mine. I am authorised to make this Declaration on behalf of the Lease Holder, Namoi Mining Pty Ltd, A.B.N 24 071 158 373. All works and activities described in the Mining Operations Plan to which this declaration is attached comply with the conditions of the title of the mining lease (or mining leases) shown in the Mining Operations Plan, and with the conditions of the Project Approval and all other relevant Government Agency approvals and licences granted in respect of them. I confirm that all of the works and activities referred to in the previous paragraph lie wholly within the area shown in the Mining Operations Plan and that the tenements (mining leases, colliery holdings, land ownership) details of those tenements are correct.
4.
And I make this solemn Declaration, conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the provisions of the Oaths Act, 1900. Subscribed and Declared at Gunnedah in the State of New South Wales this ... day of...in the year . (sgd) ... before me (sgd) ...Justice of the Peace
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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Glossary of Acronyms
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS
adb AEMR AHIMS SCM CL CHPP DECC (EPA) DECC (NPWS) air dried basis Annual Environmental Management Report Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System Sunnyside Coal Mine Coal Lease Coal Handling and Preparation Plant Department of Environment and Climate Change (Environment Protection Authority) Department of Environment and Climate Change (National Parks and Wildlife Service) Department of Water and Energy Department of Planning Department of Primary Industries - Mineral Resources Environmental Assessment Exploration Licence Hargroves Grindability Index Mine Design Guideline Mine Lease Application Mining Lease Mining Operations Plan Material Safety Data Sheet Newcastle Coal Industry Group Noise Monitoring Program Namoi Mining Pty Ltd Pulverised Coal Injection Peak Vector Sum Port Waratah Coal Services Soil Mapping Unit Site Water Management Plan Whitehaven Coal Mining Pty Ltd
DWE DoP DPI-MR EA EL HGI MDG MLA ML MOP MSDS NCIG NMP NMPL PCI PVS PWCS SMU SWMP WCM
MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Preamble
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Preamble
1. Plans 1 to 7 prepared for this Mining Operations Plan (MOP) have been prepared at both A3 size page and A0/A1 size page scales. For reasons of practicality, this document includes the A3 size plans, with the A0/A1 size plans presented within a separate document entitled Mining Operations Plan Plans 1 to 7, A0/A1 size. 2. This MOP has been submitted prior to the granting of a mining lease and as such, reference is made only to the mining lease application, MLA 321. 3. Provision has been made for the later insertion of a range of management plans as appendices to this MOP. These plans will be inserted following confirmation of their approval from the respective approval bodies.
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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN
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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Contents
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CONTENTS
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Statutory Declaration ......................................... iii Glossary of Acronyms .......................................iv Preamble .....................................................v Foreword ....................................................xi SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 HISTORY AND CONTEXT OF OPERATIONS........................................1-1 1.1.1 History of Operations ................1-1 1.1.2 Development of the Sunnyside Coal Mine Project .......................................1-1 1.1.3 Context of Operations ...............1-2 1.1.3.1 The Operating Company................... 1-2 1.1.3.2 The Mining Lease and Associated Developments ........... 1-3 PROPOSED AND FUTURE OPERATIONS........................................1-3 1.2.1 Proposed Operations ................1-3 1.2.2 Life of Mine ...............................1-6 1.2.3 Future Operations .....................1-6 CONSENTS, LEASES AND LICENCES .............................................1-6 MINE CONTACTS..................................1-8 MINE GEOLOGY ...................................1-9 1.5.1 Regional Geology .....................1-9 1.5.2 Local Geology .........................1-11 1.5.2.1 Structure.................. 1-11 1.5.2.2 Overburden Lithologies ............... 1-11 1.5.2.3 Coal Geology .......... 1-14 1.5.2.4 Recoverable Reserves and Coal Quality ............ 1-14 LAND OWNERSHIP.............................1-16 1.6.1 Mine Site and Surrounding Properties................................1-16 1.6.2 Surrounding Residences ........1-16 1.6.3 Road Access...........................1-17 CONSULTATION, MANAGEMENT AND DOCUMENT PREPARATION..............1-17 1.7.1 Consultation ............................1-17 1.7.2 Environmental Management Plans .................1-17 1.7.3 Document Preparation ............1-18 3.3
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SECTION 2: PRE-MOP ENVIRONMENT 2.1 2.2 2.3 INTRODUCTION....................................2-1 TOPOGRAPHY......................................2-1 DRAINAGE AND FLOODING................2-2 2.3.1 Drainage ...................................2-2 2.3.2 Flooding ....................................2-4 WATER RESOURCES ..........................2-4 2.4.1 Surface Water...........................2-4 2.4.2 Groundwater .............................2-4 2.4.3 Water Use and Availability........2-6 SOILS AND LAND CAPABILITY ...........2-6 2.5.1 Soils ..........................................2-6 2.5.2 Land Capability .........................2-6 FLORA AND FAUNA .............................2-9 2.6.1 Flora..........................................2-9 2.6.2 Fauna......................................2-12 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE....................2-12 BUILDINGS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES ...........................................2-12
2.4
2.5
2.6
1.2
2.7 2.8
1.3 1.4 1.5
SECTION 3: PROPOSED MINING 3.1 3.2 EXPLORATION......................................3-1 LAND PREPARATION...........................3-1 3.2.1 Introduction ...............................3-1 3.2.2 Soil Removal.............................3-1 3.2.2.1 Introduction ............... 3-1 3.2.2.2 Soil Categorisation........... 3-3 3.2.2.3 Soil Erodibility and Erosion Potential .................... 3-3 3.2.2.4 Soil Stripping and Stockpiling Methods .................... 3-3 3.2.2.5 Soil Inventory ............ 3-7 3.2.2.5 Workforce Awareness and Responsibility............ 3-7 CONSTRUCTION ..................................3-8 3.3.1 Introduction ...............................3-8 3.3.2 Mine Entrance and Access Road .........................................3-8 3.3.3 Site Facilities Area ....................3-9 3.3.4 Coal Handling and Processing Area .......................3-9 3.3.5 Internal Haul Roads ................3-10
1.6
1.7
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CONTENTS
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3.3.6 3.3.7 3.4 Coocooboonah Lane Realignment................................ 3-10 Water Management Structures ............................... 3-11 4.3 4.4 4.5
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REHABILITATION STATUS AT THE END OF MOP TERM .....................4-2 BUILDINGS ............................................4-3 REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED LAND ................................4-3 4.5.1 Introduction ...............................4-3 4.5.2 Rehabilitation Procedures.........4-3 4.5.2.1 Overburden Emplacements and Open Cut Area........................... 4-3 4.5.2.2 Water Management Structures.................. 4-6 4.5.2.3 Soil Stockpiles........... 4-6 4.5.3 Summary of Proposed Rehabilitation ............................4-6 WATER MANAGEMENT (REHABILITATED LAND) ......................4-7 OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE.................4-8 MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE .....................................4-8 REHABILITATION TRIALS AND RESEARCH ...........................................4-9
MINING................................................ 3-11 3.4.1 Mine Layout and Design Criteria.................................... 3-11 3.4.2 Mining Sequence ................... 3-12 3.4.2.1 Open Cut Area ........ 3-12 3.4.2.2 Overburden Emplacements ........ 3-12 3.4.3 Mining Methods and Procedures ............................. 3-14 3.4.4 Blasting................................... 3-14 3.4.4.1 Introduction.............. 3-14 3.4.4.2 Blasting Criteria ....... 3-15 3.4.4.3 Blasting Controls and Safeguards ....... 3-16 3.4.4.4 Blast Notification and Inspections ....... 3-16 3.4.4.5 Blast Monitoring and Inspections ....... 3-17 3.4.5 Equipment .............................. 3-17 3.4.6 Hours of Operation................. 3-18 3.4.7 Workforce Awareness and Responsibility ......................... 3-19 COAL PROCESSING.......................... 3-20 WASTE MANAGEMENT ..................... 3-21 3.6.1 Introduction ............................ 3-21 3.6.2 Non-production Waste ........... 3-21 3.6.2.1 Domestic-type Wastes and Routine Maintenance Consumables .......... 3-21 3.6.2.2 Fencing Materials.................. 3-21 3.6.2.3 Oils and Grease ...... 3-22 3.6.2.4 Sewage ................... 3-22 3.6.3 Overburden ............................ 3-22 ROM COAL AND PRODUCT STOCKPILES ...................................... 3-23 WATER MANAGEMENT..................... 3-23 HAZARDOUS AND EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS ........................................ 3-25
4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9
3.5 3.6
4.10 REHABILITATION SECURITY FOR THE SUNNYSIDE COAL MINE ......................................................4-9 SECTION 5: FINAL REHABILITATION 5.1 5.2 REHABILITATED AREAS AND FINAL FEATURES .................................5-1 FINAL LANDFORM AND LAND USE ........................................................5-1 5.2.1 Final Landform ..........................5-1 5.2.2 Decommissioning Activities ....................................5-2 5.2.3 Final Land Capability ................5-3 5.2.4 Final Land Use..........................5-4 REMAINING FEATURES.......................5-5
3.7 3.8 3.9
5.3 5.4
SECTION 4: PROPOSED REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES 4.1 4.2 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION .................................. 4-1 REHABILITATION STATUS AT MOP COMMENCEMENT...................... 4-2
REHABILITATION PLANNING CRITERIA...............................................5-5 SECTION 6: ENVIRONMENTAL AND REHABILITATION RISK IDENTIFICATION 6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK IDENTIFICATION MATRIX ....................6-1
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CONTENTS
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SECTION 7: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS AND MONITORING 7.1 7.2 INTRODUCTION....................................7-1 AIR POLLUTION ....................................7-1 7.2.1 Environmental Management Controls...............7-1 7.2.2 Monitoring .................................7-3 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL..............................................7-4 7.3.1 Environmental Management Controls...............7-4 7.3.2 Monitoring .................................7-4 SURFACE WATER POLLUTION...........7-4 7.4.1 Environmental Management Controls...............7-4 7.4.2 Monitoring .................................7-5 GROUNDWATER POLLUTION.............7-5 7.5.1 Environmental Management Controls...............7-5 7.5.2 Monitoring .................................7-5 CONTAMINATED OR POLLUTED LAND..................................7-5 THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA ...................................................7-5 WEEDS ..................................................7-7 7.8.1 Environmental Management Controls...............7-7 7.8.2 Monitoring .................................7-7 OPERATIONAL NOISE .........................7-7 7.9.1 Environmental Management Controls...............7-7 7.9.2 Monitoring .................................7-8
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7.16 HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATION ...............................7-12 7.16.1 Environmental Management Controls ............7-12 7.16.2 Monitoring ...............................7-12 7.17 METHANE VENTILATION...................7-12 7.18 PUBLIC SAFETY .................................7-13 7.18.1 Environmental Management Controls ............7-13 7.18.2 Monitoring ...............................7-14 SECTION 8: PLANS Plan 1 Plan 2 Plan 3 Plan 4 Plan 5 Plan 6 Plan 7 Mine and Context ......................8-3 Pre MOP Environment ..............8-5 Proposed Land Preparation ......8-7 Proposed Mining Activities ........8-9 Proposed Rehabilitation ..........8-11 Final Rehabilitation for Lease Relinquishment .......................8-13 Sections...................................8-15
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6 7.7 7.8
SECTION 9: REFERENCES APPENDICES Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Appendix 5 Appendix 6 Appendix 7 FIGURES Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 Figure 1.3 Figure 1.4 Figure 1.5 Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 Figure 2.3 Figure 3.1 Mining Operations of WCM within the Gunnedah Basin .......1-4 Regional Geology....................1-10 Surface Geology, EL 5183 & the Sunnyside Deposit ............1-12 Regional Stratigraphy, Gunnedah Basin .....................1-13 Coal Seam Stratigraphy ..........1-15 Mine Site Catchments ...............2-3 Soil Mapping Units ....................2-7 Land Capability Classes..........2-10 Mining Sequence ......................3-2 Aboriginal and Cultural Heritage Management Plan ... A1-1 Air Quality Monitoring Program.................................. A2-1 Noise Monitoring Program ..... A3-1 Blasting Monitoring Program.. A4-1 Site Water Management Plan A5-1 Environmental Management Strategy .................................. A6-1 Waste Management Plan....... A7-1
7.9
7.10 BLASTING..............................................7-9 7.10.1 Environmental Management Controls...............7-9 7.10.2 Monitoring .................................7-9 7.11 VISUAL AMENITY AND STRAY LIGHT .....................................................7-9 7.11.1 Environmental Management Controls...............7-9 7.11.2 Monitoring ...............................7-10 7.12 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE....................7-10 7.13 SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION ........7-10 7.13.1 Environmental Management Controls.............7-10 7.13.2 Monitoring ...............................7-11 7.14 BUSHFIRE ...........................................7-11 7.15 MINE SUBSIDENCE ............................7-12
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CONTENTS
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TABLES Table 1.1 Current Approvals and Licences.................................... 1-7 Table 1.2 Management Plans, Strategies and Programs.......... 1-8 Table 1.3 Recoverable Coal Quantities and Typical ROM Coal Quality..................................... 1-14 Table 1.4 Typical Coal Quality................ 1-16 Table 1.5 Proximity of Non-Project Related Residences Surrounding the Mine Site ...... 1-16 Table 2.1 Catchments of the Sunnyside Coal Mine and Surrounds......... 2-2 Table 2.2 Existing Dam Capacities........... 2-2 Table 2.3 Summary of Soil Mapping Units within the Mine Site ......... 2-8 Table 2.4 Land Capability Class Descriptions .............................. 2-8 Table 2.5 Fauna Species Recorded ....... 2-12 Table 3.1 Soil Stripping Suitability and Procedures ............................... 3-5 Table 3.2 Inventory of Soil Volumes to be Removed from Areas to be Disturbed ............................. 3-6 Table 3.3 Soil Balance.............................. 3-6 Table 3.4 Accountable Positions and Tasks (Soil Stripping and Stockpiling) ............................... 3-7 Table 3.5 Initial Production and Overburden Schedule............. 3-12 Table 3.6 Typical Blast Design Parameters ............................. 3-15 Table 3.7 Blast Monitoring ...................... 3-17 Table 3.8 Mining Equipment Fleet.......... 3-18 Table 3.9 Hours of Operation ................. 3-18 Table 3.10 Accountable Positions and Tasks (Mining) ........................ 3-19 Table 4.1 Pasture Species Seed Mix ....... 4-5 Table 4.2 Tree Species Suitable for Revegetation Activities ............. 4-6 Table 4.3 Summary of Proposed Rehabilitation ............................ 4-7 Table 6.1 Qualitative Likelihood Rating .... 6-1 Table 6.2 Qualitative Consequence Rating ....................................... 6-2 Table 6.3 Environmental Risk Rating ....... 6-2 Table 6.4 Analysis of Residual Risk ......... 6-3 Table 7.1
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Bushfire Hazard Activities and Controls ............................7-11
MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Foreword
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FOREWORD
MOP SCOPE AND FORMAT
Scope This Mining Operations Plan (MOP) is the first MOP document submitted for the Sunnyside Coal Mine and has been prepared by Namoi Mining Pty. Ltd. (NMPL) in conjunction with R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited. This MOP is applicable for a period of 7 years, until September 2015. Preparation of this MOP has been undertaken in accordance with the anticipated requirements of the mining lease and Project Approval (PA 06_0308), and the final Statement of Commitments accompanying the project approval. The MOP incorporates the construction phase, initial mine development, subsequent mining activities and final rehabilitation of the mine. The contents of this MOP: provide relevant information on the mining, processing and rehabilitation operations necessary for compliance with the collective conditions imposed upon the mining development by PA 06_0308 and the Statement of Commitments attached to the Project Approval as Appendix 3; and reflect The Guidelines to the Mining, Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Process prepared by the DPI-MR (the Guidelines - Ref:EDG03 MREMP guide V3.doc). This MOP focuses upon the activities / operations within the mining lease. Details relating to the construction of the coal transport route between the mine site and the Whitehaven CHPP and Rail Loading Facility are separately described in Section 3 of this MOP. A Mine Closure Strategy and Closure Plan is required to be prepared at least 2 years prior to mine closure. Based on the projected 4 year life of the Sunnyside Coal Mine, it is likely that these documents will be prepared mid term of the proposed mine life. Consequently, this MOP includes a description of the final rehabilitation activities and treatment of the final void in detail. The specific details of mine closure, which reflect the approved strategy, are to be included in a Mine Closure Strategy and Closure Plan which will to be submitted to DPI-MR 2 years prior to mine closure. The Mine Closure Strategy and Closure Plan will describe the proposed rehabilitation techniques and methodologies for the closure of the mine and relinquishment of the mining lease.
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Document Format The format of this document adheres to that suggested in the Guidelines. Section 1: Summarises the background to mine development; outlines the objectives and scope of operations identified in the MOP; lists all consents, leases and licences held or required and the relevant mine contacts; describes mine geology and land ownership, and summarises the consultation undertaken with the local community and government agencies. Describes the significant features of the pre-MOP environment including topography, water resources, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. Describes in detail the proposed activities during the term of the MOP. Activities described include exploration, land preparation, construction, mining, processing, waste, water and hazardous materials management. Describes in detail the rehabilitation activities proposed during the term of the MOP including stakeholder consultation, rehabilitation procedures, building demolition, water management on rehabilitated lands, and any planned rehabilitation trials and/or research. Describes the intended rehabilitation outcomes for the mine site and the proposed planning criteria to be used. Provides a matrix for assessing environmental risk associated with the proposed activities and identifies those activities with the greatest associated risk. Documents how environmental management and performance will be managed for each of the environmental risks listed in Section 6. Presents the various plans referred to throughout this MOP. Presents the references for the information and data sources.
Section 2: Section 3:
Section 4:
Section 5: Section 6: Section 7: Section 8: Section 9:
The MOP contains a range of support documentation in the form of appendices which will be progressively added to this document once they become available and / or are approved by the respective approval bodies. In accordance with the Guidelines, seven plans have been prepared to illustrate elements of the pre-MOP environment, construction, land preparation, mining and rehabilitation activities. These plans, located at the rear of the MOP as Section 8, are as follows. Plan 1: Plan 2: Mine and Context presenting the context and surrounding features of the mine. Pre-MOP Environment presenting the status of the mine site at the commencement of the MOP term.
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Plan 3:
Proposed Land Preparation presenting all areas to be cleared of vegetation and stripped of soil during the MOP term. This Plan includes soil test pit locations, vegetation stacking areas and soil stockpile locations. Proposed Mining Activities presenting the status of mining activities at the nominal Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and end of mine life. Proposed Rehabilitation presenting the proposed status of annual progress of rehabilitation to the end of mine life. Final Rehabilitation for Lease Relinquishment presenting the anticipated final landform at the cessation of mining and lease relinquishment. Sections presenting selected sections through the mine to describe the vertical extent of mining, overburden emplacement and rehabilitation activities for the term of this MOP.
Plan 4: Plan 5: Plan 6: Plan 7:
As noted in the Preamble, the plans are provided as A3 size plans within this document, however, a separate document to this MOP provides these at A0/A1 size and scale. Additional figures have been provided throughout this MOP to assist in presenting the information required in the MOP. The Plans and Figures were prepared using and/or based on detailed information supplied by NMPL and R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited. MMG Civil Pty. Ltd. of Singleton prepared the mine design, scheduling overburden emplacement and development studies.
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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 1 Introduction
1-1
Section 1: INTRODUCTION
Section 1 Introduction
1.1
1.1.1
HISTORY AND CONTEXT OF OPERATIONS

History of Operations
No mining operations have previously been undertaken on the mining lease (MLA 321 and commonly referred to throughout this document as the mine site), the site of the new Sunnyside Coal Mine (the mine).
1.1.2
Development of the Sunnyside Coal Mine Project
This sub-section provides some background to the development of the Sunnyside mine. The area now known as EL5183 was previously held as an Authorisation (A139), by the former owners of the Gunnedah Colliery. Four cored drillholes were drilled near the Hoskissons Seam subcrop in 1979-80. In 1982-83, 17 partially cored holes and 17 open holes were drilled, and ground magnetics and resistivity surveys were carried out. This work was reported in a Gollin Wallsend Coal Company report submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources, entitled Authorisation 139: Report to Accompany Renewal Application (Cox, 1984). In the 1984 report, an Indicated in-situ open cut resource at (linear) overburden to coal ratios of less than 10:1 was estimated at 32 million tonnes of thermal coal. Indicative washed coal quality for the entire seam, with an average thickness of 7.22, was estimated for floats RD 1.60 (air dried): Yield 71.7%, Ash 15.8%, Total Sulphur 0.34%, Specific Energy 27.1MJ/kg. Down-dip underground resources of 9.1 million tonnes of coking coal and 20.4 million tonnes of thermal coal in the basal 2.4m of the Hoskissons Seam were classified as Indicated but were based on only two drillholes. In 1997, a staged exploration program was devised for the northern open cut area of EL 5183. Stage 1, comprised up to 20 wireline logged open holes. The objective of Stage 1 was to infill the 1982-83 drilling in the potential open cut zone, bringing drillhole spacing down to 500m x 250m. Provision was made to proceed to loxline definition drilling, and to take one or two cores if results were encouraging.
1-2
The first stage of drilling comprised 19 holes (R5001-5010, R5012, and R5014 to 5020) and was completed in 1997. Although the southern part of the potential open cut resource was severely affected by near surface or subcropping igneous rock, a 1.5km2 area in the north appeared free of igneous activity and relatively shallow oxidation depths of around 30m to 35m were indicated. The second stage of drilling involved loxline drilling (R5021 - R5046) which identified a zone of deep weathering, probably structurally controlled, between the 500 metre spaced Stage 1 drilling. The target area remained open to the north and an infill open hole (R5011) and two cored holes (DDH505 & 506) were completed. Exploration drilling between 2005 and 2008 involved exploration of the coal resources in the Hoskissons Seam and the Melvilles Seam in the Sunnyside resources area in the southern part of EL5183 and the adjacent CL 701. During this period, over 5 000m of openhole and partially cored drilling was completed in the Sunnyside Series of drillholes from SUNN-01 to SUNN-85. Studies undertaken by Whitehaven Coal Mining Pty Ltd on behalf of NMPL during 2005 determined that sufficient coal resources were available within the MLA area to support the development of a small scale open cut coal mine of limited life. A conceptual open cut mine plan was developed and presented to the DPI-MR during October 2006, and WCM commenced the preparations of an Environmental Assessment for the development of the Sunnyside Coal Mine with the intention of seeking project approval from the Minister for Planning and commencing open cut mining operations by October 2008. Since submission of the Environmental Assessment, further loxline, structural definition and geohydrological drilling (totalling approximately 2000m) has been completed to refine the sequential design of the mine and allow for the preparation of annual mine plans for this MOP (see Plan 4). 1.1.3
1.1.3.1
Context of Operations
The Operating Company
The operating company for the Sunnyside Coal Mine is Namoi Mining Pty Ltd (NMPL). NMPL is the registered licence holder of EL 5831 and lease holder of MLA 321. NMPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Whitehaven Coal Mining Pty Ltd (WCM). WCM was initially a private company which was initially formed in 1999 to explore and potentially develop the coal resources in the Gunnedah Basin and, specifically, in the Boggabri area. The Company was restructured and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX Code : WHC) in June 2007. WCM and its subsidiary companies have been at the forefront of the re-invigoration of the coal industry in the Gunnedah basin and currently operates, or manages the following mines. Whitehaven Canyon Coal Mine (100%). Werris Creek Coal Mine (100%). Tarrawonga Coal Mine (70%, in a joint venture with Idemitsu Boggabri Coal). Narrabri Coal Mine (92.5%, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Narrabri Coal Pty. Ltd.). Rocglen Coal Mine (100%).
1-3
1.1.3.2
The Mining Lease and Associated Developments
The mine site (MLA 321) covers an area of 233.4ha, approximately 15km west of Gunnedah and 2km north of the now closed Gunnedah Colliery, No.5 Entry. The boundaries and boundary coordinates of the mine site are presented on Plan 1. The mine site area (MLA 321), adjoins the southern portion of EL 5183 and the northern portion of CL 701 both held by NMPL (see Plan 1). The mine site is located approximately 2km north of the Oxley Highway. In order to facilitate road haulage operations of Sunnyside coal products to the Whitehaven Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP and Rail Loading Facility, it is intended that a purpose built road will be constructed between the mine site and the Oxley Highway, parallel to the existing Coocooboonah Lane (see Plan 1). Figure 1.1 presents the Sunnyside mine site (MLA 321) within the context of WCMs existing or proposed operations and/or leases elsewhere in the Gunnedah Basin. The development of the Sunnyside open cut will maintain a 20m offset from the ML boundary as well as ensuring a minimum 40m barrier from the former Gunnedah Colliery No.5 Underground workings to the east of the lease.
1.2
1.2.1
PROPOSED AND FUTURE OPERATIONS

Proposed Operations
This MOP covers the following principal site establishment and mining activities/operations. Site Establishment - Establishment of offices, workshop and amenities. - Construction of internal vehicular and haul truck access roads and ramps. - Construction of a coal transport route from the mine entrance across and parallel to Coocooboonah Lane through to the intersection with the Oxley Highway, the main transport route to the Whitehaven CHPP and Rail Loading Facility. - Establishment of the Start-up Pit. - Construction of ROM Coal Crushing and Stockpile Facility. - Establishment of a compliant fuel and lube storage facility. - Establishment of all water management structures in accordance with the Site Water Management Plan.
1-5
- Construction of visual bunds adjacent to the northern (and eastern) boundaries of the mine site. - Topsoil removal and designated stockpiling of the material/s taken from within the footprints of all haul roads, access roads, ROM stockpile and out-of-pit emplacement. - Establishment of diesel-fueled electric generators for the workshop and crushing plant. Mining - Mining by conventional drill and blast and haulback and terrace mining methods, although this will be subject to review on the basis of changing economic and technological circumstances. - Placement of overburden and interburden materials from the open cut area to a combination of out-of-pit and in-pit overburden emplacements. - On-site crushing and temporary stockpiling of the mined coal within a defined coal processing area southwest of the open cut area. - Acceptance and placement of back-loaded reject material from the Whitehaven CHPP for placement in the mined out areas of the mine. - Progressive shaping and rehabilitation of the mine area and other areas of disturbance. - Coal mining by open cut methods over an area of approximately 35.9ha within the mine site (referred to as the open cut area1) to produce approximately 3.5Mt of medium to high ash, low sulphur, ROM thermal coal from a multipass ply mining operation within the Hoskissons Seam. Additional activities will also take place within the mining lease that are not directly related to mining operations. These activities will include: - fence removal; - new fence establishment; - relocation of Sunnyside residence to site facilities area; - removal of internal power line; - establishment of hard stand for equipment construction; - connection of site services (power, phone, water); and - modification to existing site water storages.
The open cut area represents an area where, under current economic circumstances, it is considered viable to mine the coal by open cut methods.
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1.2.2
Life of Mine
Based on an average production rate of 0.8Mtpa, the mine life will be approximately 5 years. The estimated mine life is, however, based on current world coal prices and demand, both of which are factors beyond NMPLs control. Changes to either or both of these factors could potentially see the planned mine life increase or decrease. In any event, Project Approval is being sought for a maximum of 1Mtpa. Any changes to the projected mine life will be presented in the relevant Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR) or subsequent MOP(s). 1.2.3 Future Operations
Whilst the mine has an intended operational life of approximately 4 years, further reserves definition exploration within MLA 321 and the adjoining EL 5183 may reveal further economic mineable open cut reserves. Development of these incremental reserves would be subject to an environmental impact assessment and a new MOP. Current exploration activity has identified additional satellite reserves to the northwest and southeast of the mine site. Development of these areas would maximize resource recovery in the area, with additional exploration activity over the life of the Sunnyside Coal Mine to further confirm mineable reserves. Any additional mineable reserves may allow for the continued utilisation of infrastructure on the Sunnyside site for extraction of those reserves at identified satellite deposits. Depending on the progress of mining, processing and rehabilitation of the proposed mine as outlined in this MOP, the only operations likely to be undertaken by NMPL after 2015 (ie. following the term of this MOP) on the mine site will include the final closure and decommissioning of all plant (fixed and mobile) and successful completion of all rehabilitation activities. If required, these activities will be detailed in a new MOP covering the period 2015 onwards.
1.3
CONSENTS, LEASES AND LICENCES
Table 1.1 presents the approvals and licences held for the Sunnyside Coal Mine at the time of lodgement of this MOP. An Environment Protection Licence (to be issued by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (Environment Protection Authority (DECC (EPA)) and water licence(s) (to be issued by the Department of Water and Energy (DWE)) will also be required for the development and operation of the mine. A copy of each licence will be forwarded to DPI-MR as they are obtained and details of each provided in the initial AEMR for the mine.
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Table 1.1 Current Approvals and Licences Issuing / Responsible Authority Department of Primary Industries Mineral Resources Type of Lease, Licence, Approval Exploration Licence EL 5183 Date of Issue 23 Dec 1996 Expiry Comments
22 Dec. 2010
Consolidated Coal Lease CCL 701 Mining Lease (MLA 321) Minister for Planning Project Approval PA06_0308
16 March 1989 Pending
Incorporating an area to be excised for a Mining Lease in respect of MLA 321 and CCL 701. DPI MR Renewal pending
Expiry is 7 years after the commencement of the approval.
Department of Water Water Access Licence (under Water Management and Energy Act, 2000) Water Licence (under Water Act, 1912) Department of Environment Protection Environment and Licence Climate Change Gunnedah Shire Development/Building Council Approvals
For mining operation to 1.0Mtpa Mine Surface Facilities and construction of coal haulage road offsite, parallel to Coocooboonah Lane through to the Oxley Highway
Project Approval PA 06_0308 requires the preparation and lodgement of eight separate management plans, strategies and programs (for the approval of the Director-General of the Department of Planning). Table 1.2 lists these plans, strategies and programs along with the required approval information. A copy of each plan will be forwarded to DPI-MR (electronically) following their approval from the respective approval agency(ies). NMPL will insert each of the approved management plans within the MOP appendices.
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Table 1.2 Management Plans, Strategies and Programs

Title Environmental Management Strategy Environmental Monitoring Program Water Management Plan incorporating: - a Site Water Balance; - an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan; - a Surface Water Monitoring Program; - a Groundwater Monitoring Program; and - a Groundwater Contingency Plan. Noise Monitoring Program Project Approval Condition (PA 06_0308) Prior to commencement of construction activities Schedule 5, Condition 1 (not including the road construction activities external to MLA 321). Within 6 months of project approval Schedule 5, Condition 2 Prior to commencement of construction activities Schedule 3, Conditions 22 (not including the road construction activities to 27 external to MLA 321) To be submitted by:
Waste Management Plan Blasting Monitoring Program Air Quality Monitoring Program
- Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan Mine Closure Plan Energy Savings Action Plan Construction Traffic Management Plan
Prior to carrying out any development on site (not including the road construction activities external to MLA 321). Prior to the commencement of construction activities. Prior to any blasting Prior to commencement of construction activities (not including the road construction activities external to MLA 321). st Prior to 31 March 2009 Prior to commencement of construction activities (not including the road construction activities external to MLA 321) At least 2 years prior to cessation of mining Within 3 months of project approval To GSC and RTA only, prior to any development of site.
Schedule 3, Condition 9
Schedule 3, Condition 42 Schedule 3, Condition 17 Schedule 3, Condition 19
Schedule 3, Conditions 29 Schedule 3, Condition 32
Schedule 3, Condition 30 Schedule 3, Conditions 41 Schedule 3, Condition 35
The status of these plans, strategies and programs will be presented in the initial AEMR prepared for the mine.
1.4
MINE CONTACTS
Company personnel responsible for operational and environmental performance at the Sunnyside Coal Mine and their relevant contacts are as follows. General Manager Operations Casper Dieben - Whitehaven Coal Mining Pty Ltd, retains overall responsibility for all aspects of the mines operations. (Contact: 07 3000 5632 / 0407 123 958). Manager Mining Engineering Paul Hensley responsible for all statutory compliance and safety performance for all activities and performance at the mine. Project Manager Colin Hulm, responsible for the coordination and management of all activities and operations on the mine site.
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The nominated Environmental Officer for the mine will be Danny Young, Group Environmental Manager, Whitehaven Coal Mining Pty Ltd (Contact: 02 6749 7700 / 0427 497 710). Mining operations at the mine will be undertaken by NMPL. Selected activities may, however, be variously contracted out such as blasting and explosives handling. The DPI-MR will be duly notified of any contractor operations in due course and prior to commencement of operations.
1.5
1.5.1
MINE GEOLOGY
Regional Geology
The regional geology is shown in Figure 1.2. Regionally, the Sunnyside Mine site lies in the Mullaley sub-basin of the central Gunnedah Coalfield, with the proposed extraction of the Hoskissons Seam from the Late Permian Hoskissons Coal Member of the Black Jack Formation. Three main coal seams occur beneath the Mine site, namely in descending order, the Wondobah (Breeza) Seam, the main Hoskissons Seam, and the underlying Upper and Lower Melville Seam, which only sub-crop to the east of the mine site. The Lower Melville Seam subcrops beneath Quaternary alluvium in the Coocooboonah Creek valley floor, whilst the Hoskissons Seam sub-crops under primarily transported colluvial cover on the eastern flanks of Coocooboonah Creek. The strata have an average dip of 3 to 5 to the southwest. The depth of weathering extends approximately 30m below surface, with the depth to the top of the Hoskissons Seam extending up to approximately 65m below surface in the open cut pit area. Non coal lithologies are mainly lithic conglomerates, sandstones and siltstones. Several tuffaceous claystone bands are present in the upper part of the Hoskissons Seam and minor carbonaceous and thin coal beds occur between and above the Hoskissons and Wondobah Seams. The surface geology is shown on Figure 1.3. It shows the north-west trending subcrop of the Late Permian Black Jack Group, with the overlying Triassic Digby and Napperby Formations and areas of Mesozoic volcanic rocks to the west and the underlying Late Permian Millie Group to the east. The regional stratigraphy and coal seam nomenclature for the Gunnedah Basin is summarised in the Figure 1.4.
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1.5.2
1.5.2.1
Local Geology
Structure
The coal resource on the Sunnyside property is separated from the Gunnedah Coal Mine No 5 Entry underground workings by a zone of faulting and intrusive volcanic activity. Aeromagnetic surveys undertaken by the Department of Mineral Resources during the 1990s, and more recently by SRK Consultants for NMPL, show a number of northeast-trending lineaments across the northern half of EL 5183. Drilling during 1997 delineated up to four northeast-trending faults across the northern half of the EL. A similar northeast-trending fault / dyke structure occurs in the vicinity of the northern boundary of MLA 321. Previous drilling indicated a major igneous body overlying the Hoskissons Seam near the subcrop to the north and northwest of the mine site within the central EL area. This was confirmed during both the 1997 and 2005 drilling programs. Beneath this igneous body, the coal is invariably destroyed by heating or at least badly heat affected. Numerous thinner intrusions, which are probably dykes with perhaps some minor sills within the Hoskissons Seam itself, were intersected. These are more concentrated to the north. The coal within the proposed open cut area is comparatively free of igneous sills except for the southeastern and northwestern fringe areas where heat-affected coal occurs.
1.5.2.2 Overburden Lithologies
The overburden above the Hoskissons Seam of the mine comprises a deeply weathered section of interbedded claystone, siltstone, sandstone, conglomerate, tuffaceous claystone and occasional soft, weathered to strong tuffs as sills either within the or above the Hoskissons Seam. The depth of weathering is generally between 25m and 40m across the extent of the open cut area with localised deepening to in excess of 40m in association with intrusive dykes and faulting. A thin soil layer is underlain by between 4m and 14m of variously clay and weathered clayey siltstones which are variably stained yellow, to orange and reddish brown by secondary iron oxides. The Hoskissons Seam floor lithology tends to vary across the open cut area from interbedded siltstone- sandstone to mudstone-siltstone and is relatively soft to medium strong. The open pit area will not be overly affected by groundwater inflows other than very minor nuisance seepage. The Hoskissons Seam is in fact the main confined aquifer in the geological sequence. Due to relative level considerations, no old underground pit water inflows from the former Gunnedah Colliery, No.5 entry workings are expected to seep from the south (up dip) into the open pit area despite its proximity.
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1.5.2.3
Coal Geology
Five plies have been identified in the Hoskissons Seam in the Gunnedah area. They are referred to as Plies A to E, based on stone bands and coal quality. A description of the general coal seam stratigraphy follows (refer to Figure 1.5). Section A-B comprises the lower ash basal part of the seam, up to the first stone band. Zone AB is generally 2.5m to 4.0m thick. The "working section" of Cox (1984) correlates with the 2.4m section mined in No 4 entry at that time. It is the only coal with coking characteristics in the Hoskissons Seam. It thins to the north and is less than 1.6m thick in the north of EL5183. Section C is a heavily banded ply in the central part of the seam, and varies from 1.4m to 3.1m thick. Section D-E is the coal section above the highest significant stone band in the seam. Although there are no bands in the zone it does have a high inherent ash and no swelling characteristics. It is usually 1.0m to 2.1m thick. The roof of the Hoskissons Seam is a carbonaceous mudstone with occasional sandstone bands, and the immediate floor is a siltstone or silty sandstone.
1.5.2.4
Recoverable Reserves and Coal Quality
Table 1.3 presents a summary of the results of the modelling by WCM in June 2008 for potential recoverable coal quantities and estimated coal quality from sampling and analyses of recent 100mm diam. bore cores.
Table 1.3 Recoverable Coal Quantities and Typical ROM Coal Quality
Coal Seam Recoverable Coal (t) 3.5 million In-situ Relative Density 1.59 Inherent Moisture (%) adb 2.5 Ash Content (%) adb 8.0 - 22.0 Volatile Matter (%) adb 22.0 - 27.0 Total Sulphur (%) adb 0.38 - 0.40 Calorific Value (kcal/kg) adb 5000 - 7000
Hoskissons Seam
Typical export product coal specifications for a PCI product and thermal coal are shown in Table 1.4. An analysis of the coal quality information presented in Table 1.4 indicates that the expected thermal coal quality will be higher in ash than the typical export thermal coal specification. Sunnyside thermal coal is intended to be blended, unwashed, with other WCM coal products either at the Gunnedah CHPP & Rail Loading Facility or at the Port of Newcastle ship loading/assemblage stockpile facility at PWCS or NCIG after 2010.
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Table 1.4 Typical Coal Quality

Total Moisture (adb) Proximate Analysis (adb) Inherent Moisture Ash Volatile Matter Fixed Carbon Total Sulphur (adb) Calorific Value (adb) HGI Phosphorus in Coal (db) Ash Fusion Temp (C Red. Atmos.) Initial Deformation Hemispherical Flow Thermal Product 11.0% 2.5% 22.0% 26.7% 48.8% 0.4% 5840 kcal/kg 24.45 GJ/tonne 45 - 48 <0.005% 1 470 >1 560 >1 560
1.6
1.6.1
LAND OWNERSHIP
Mine Site and Surrounding Properties
NMPL and WCM own the property of Sunnyside which encompasses the area within MLA 321. NMPL and WCM also now owns the property Werona and is currently negotiating on the purchase of Lilydale. The property of Plain View, northeast of the mine site, whilst owned by C.J. Howarth, is project related due to the lease of land accommodating the coal transport route parallel to Coocooboonah Lane. Plan 1 presents the ownership details within and immediately surrounding the mine site. 1.6.2 Surrounding Residences
Plan 1 also shows the locations of 18 residences surrounding the mine site. The distances from those closest non-project related residences to the areas of activity planned for the term of this MOP are listed in Table 1.5. Of those residences on properties not owned by NMPL/WCM, Lilydale would be the closest to open-cut activities.
Table 1.5 Proximity of Non-Project Related Residences Surrounding the Mine Site
Residence Name Illili Innisvale Ivanhoe Ferndale Plain View Woodlawn Lilydale Distance (m) from Mine Site Boundary 900 1200 1320 1400 1700 2730 1300 Distance to ROM Area (m) 1760 2770 2170 1890 2200 2770 2130 Distance to Open Cut (m) 2450 1660 1900 2500 1800 3360 1300
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1.6.3
Road Access
The mine site does not encompass any public road reserves although operation of the mine will involve the re-alignment of a section of the existing Coocooboonah Lane between the mine site entrance (off set by 100m from existing Coocooboonah Lane) and the Oxley Highway intersection. The road construction program will involve the re-alignment of approximately 450m of pavement which will be bitumen sealed. This initiative has been undertaken to avoid the use of existing Coocooboonah Lane as part of the coal transport route and thus the need to remove many Koala habitat eucalypt trees growing close to the verge of the existing Coocooboonah Lane. The construction of the re-aligned section of Coocooboonah Lane will include the reestablishment of entrances to two affected properties, namely Plain View and Lilydale.
1.7
1.7.1
CONSULTATION, MANAGEMENT AND DOCUMENT PREPARATION

Consultation
NMPL and/or its representatives have consulted with the following government agencies during the preparation of the MOP and associated environmental management / monitoring plans. Department of Primary Industries - Mineral Resources. Department of Environment and Climate Change. Department of Water and Energy.
1.7.2
Environmental Management Plans
A number of the Environmental Management Plans and Monitoring Programs that will be required by the Department of Planning have been (or are being) prepared in conjunction with the following specialist environmental consultants. Carbon Based Environmental Site Water Management Plan, Noise Monitoring Program, Air Quality Monitoring Program, Blasting Monitoring Program. Geoterra Site Water Management Plan (Groundwater) The management plans have been (or are being) prepared in consultation with relevant government agencies nominated in the Project Approval. A copy of each plan will be forwarded electronically to DPI-MR following their approval from the respective agency(ies). NMPL will insert each of the approved management plans within the MOP appendices.
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1.7.3
Document Preparation
The preparation of this document has been managed by Mr. David West, B.App.Sc (App. Geology), Grad. Dip. Eng. Geol., General Manager Technical Services with Whitehaven Coal Mining, with assistance provided by Mr. Rob Corkery M.Appl.Sc., B.Sc (Hons), Principal of R.W. Corkery & Co Pty. Ltd. This Company assisted with the compilation of the figures and plans for the document and the copying / assembly of the final document. Mine planning and operational information was provided by Mr Brian Francis of MMG Civil Pty Ltd while Mr. Chris Burgess (General Manager New Projects with WCM), Mr. Casper Dieben (General Manager, Operations with WCM) and Mr. Danny Young (Group Environmental Manager with WCM) provided further technical information on the operation of the mine and assisted with finalising the document.
MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 2 Pre-MOP Environment
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Section 2: PRE-MOP ENVIRONMENT
Section 2 Pre-MOP Environment

2.1 INTRODUCTION
The following sub-sections describe elements of the existing environment within and surrounding the Sunnyside mine site. Particular emphasis is placed on those elements that will be affected during the life of the Sunnyside Coal Mine. Plan 2 presents the pre-MOP environment, ie. the status of the mine site at the commencement of the MOP.
2.2
TOPOGRAPHY
The regional topography is shown on Plan 2. MLA 321 lies within the Namoi River Basin in an area representative of the transition from the higher broken country to the northeast and south associated with the Nandewar, Great Dividing and Liverpool Ranges and the open plains to the west in the Wee Waa and Coonamble areas. Natural slopes within the region range from less than 1 along the flood plains of the Namoi River to in excess of 25 within areas of Wondobah State Forest and in excess of 45 on the slopes of Blackjack and King Jack Mountains southeast of the mine site. The local topography within the vicinity of the mine site is shown on Plan 2. The mine site is located on the lower slopes at the edge of the Coocooboonah Creek valley and extends upslope to an escarpment zone. To the north of the mine site, the valley widens to ultimately form part of the Namoi River floodplain (Plan 2). Elevations within the local area range from approximately 544m AHD at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and 428m AHD on the hill above the open cut pit to approximately 310m AHD to the immediate north of the Sunnyside property. Plan 2 also shows the tributaries to Coocooboonah Creek. Coocooboonah Creek Tributary 1 is the main catchment that flows through the mine site. It has a number of minor diversions associated with soil conservation structures. However, general flow is towards the northwest corner of the Sunnyside property. All project disturbance activity occurs within this tributary. Water from Coocooboonah Creek Tributary 2 does not enter the mine site. It is directed by soil conservation structures to join Tributary 1 immediately outside the northwestern boundary of the property.
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2.3
2.3.1
DRAINAGE AND FLOODING

Drainage
The Sunnyside property is located within a distinct catchment area of approximately 376ha about 15km west of Gunnedah. The majority of the surface water runoff on the Sunnyside property flows northwards across the mine site. It then flows into Coocooboonah Creek which flows northwest within a constructed waterway paralleling Coocooboonah Lane. From there, it flows into Rock Well Creek then into Native Cat Creek which continues to flow northwest for 6km. Runoff then heads northwards within Collygra Creek where it flows across a floodplain area before flowing into the Namoi River some 25km north of the Mine site. The remainder of the propertys surface water flows south into Coocooboonah Creek ultimately flowing into the Namoi River to the north. The property can be divided into four separate sub-catchments with these described in Table 2.1 and presented on Figure 2.1.
Table 2.1 Catchments of the Sunnyside Coal Mine and Surrounds Catchment Approximate No. Area (ha) 1 170* Description of Catchment This western catchment generally flows northwards within the Mine site then north into Coocooboonah Creek. Includes DW1 and DW2 Catchments. This eastern catchment generally flows northwards within the Mine site then north into Coocooboonah Creek. This catchment flows southwards across the Oxley highway into Coocooboonah Creek south of the Mine site. This small catchment generally falls westwards and then south into Coocooboonah Creek south of the Mine site.
2 3 4 Total
131 54 21 376ha
* Catchment 1 includes 61ha of clean water catchment and 42ha and 67ha of dirty water catchment in Areas DW1 and DW2 respectively (Figure 2.1). Source: Modified after Soil Conservation Service (2007) Table 1
Four substantial farm dams already occur within the mine site with their approximate capacities listed in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2 Existing Dam Capacities Dam Number 1 2 3 4 Total
* To be removed
Capacity 3 (m ) 500 2 000 2 000 1 000 5 500
2-4
The combined capacity of existing water storages on the mine site is approximately 5 500m3. Throughout the life of the mine, one of these dams (Dam 2) would be removed as it is within the overburden emplacement footprint area. There would be approximately 3 500m3 or 3.5ML of water storage retained and available for use after both the open cut area and overburden emplacement are at their fullest extents. The harvestable right capacity for the NMPL owned Sunnyside property is 26.32MLpa. The maximum harvestable rights dam capacity (MHRDC) was determined using the DNR publication titled Rural Production and Water Sharing Landholders Information Package. The MHRDC is 26.32ML, so there is potential to store, through the construction of additional dams, an additional 22.82ML on the mine site which can be used for any purpose, i.e. 26.32ML less 3.5ML. The maximum harvestable right does not include storages that are to be used for environmental purposes. For the Sunnyside Coal Mine, environmental purposes include the capture of predominantly dirty or sediment-laden water. The water within those storages will be used for dust suppression and watering rehabilitated areas, if required. 2.3.2 Flooding
Water that flows from southeast to northwest along Coocooboonah Creek has potential to interfere with the transportation of coal from the mine site to the Whitehaven CHPP and Rail Loading Facility. Coocooboonah Creek is ephemeral and, based on anecdotal evidence, only flows after rainfall events and may flow for approximately two days after a large rainfall event that occurs over its entire catchment. NMPL will construct the coal transport route at the existing ground level and, wherever necessary, construct concrete causeways to cross any gullies. This type of construction will not inhibit the overland flow of water and thus would not impact on localised flooding of the area.
2.4
2.4.1
WATER RESOURCES
Surface Water
Much of the surface water flowing across the mine site and surrounding landholdings is directed to and held in agricultural dams of various sizes. In discussions with surrounding landowners, and from recent representative sampling of surface water, the quality surface runoff is and has been historically suitable for stock watering and irrigation purposes. 2.4.2 Groundwater
Drilling and monitoring of eight piezometers and 15 coal exploration bores within EL 5183 and in the vicinity of the mine site along with assessment and field confirmation of 20 privately operated bores within 3km of the proposed mine, indicate very low groundwater yields (<0.63L/sec).
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Six coal exploration bores drilled in, or adjacent to, the abandoned underground workings, piezometer monitoring and coal exploration records indicate the workings are mostly dry, apart from a down-thrown block faulted area located approximately 50m south of the proposed open pit area, which contains approximately 31.2ML of stored water. Assessment of water levels and remnant void space indicates there is at least 1523ML of unfilled workings in the abandoned mine, and that water levels in the underground are primarily beneath the excavated workings and lower than the basal level of the open cut outside of the isolated down-thrown block faulted section. Field and laboratory tests indicate the: Out-of-pit overburden batch test leachate results range from pH 6.97 to 8.43, with salinity ranging from 724S/cm to 2 590S/cm. No. 5 Underground water pH ranges from 6.90 to 8.10, with salinity between 3 590S/cm to 7 360S/cm; and Hoskissons Seam pH ranges from 6.62 to 7.9, with salinity between 2 260S/cm and 12 650S/cm. The open cut pit is located on the outcropping flanks of Coocooboonah Creek and would be excavated through Early Triassic overburden into the Late Permian Hoskissons Seam, with no excavation through Quaternary alluvium or any associated alluvial aquifers. The Quaternary alluvium of Coocooboonah Creek to the east and Native Cat Creek to the north can extend to at least 50m thick, whilst Rock Well Creek to the west of the mine site is recorded to have up 10m of alluvium. No registered bores extract groundwater from the Quaternary alluvium within at least 3km of the proposed mines. The Hoskissons Seam and its associated overburden and underlying formations are significantly intruded and / or contact metamorphosed by doleritic sills and dykes, which can be regionally extensive, particularly to the west, north and south of the open cut. In addition, the stratigraphy is also significantly faulted in the same areas. Two piezometers were installed to 41m below surface in the Coocooboonah Creek alluvium, three were installed to 81m below surface in the Hoskissons Seam and three were installed in the underlying Late Permian Shallow Marine Facies and Lower Delta Plain Facies to a maximum depth of 90m. Short duration pump tests and falling head tests assessed the Quaternary alluvium to have hydraulic conductivities below 5.3m/day. The Hoskissons Seam hydraulic conductivity ranged up to 4.0m/day whilst the underlying formations, excluding the Melville Seam, ranged up to 2.1m/day. Groundwater within the Hoskissons Seam is unconfined where it subcrops beneath the Coocooboonah Creek alluvium, and progressively becomes more confined towards the west (down dip) of the open cut.
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Groundwater quality of the tested overburden, Hoskissons Seam and underlying formations generally exceeded the ANZECC 2000 upland stream freshwater and 95% trigger level for freshwater species for electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, copper, zinc, and to a lesser degree, nickel and manganese. 2.4.3 Water Use and Availability
The mine site is located within an essentially dry, ephemeral first order stream catchment which drains to the north and northwest into the essentially dry, ephemeral Coocooboonah Creek. It is located within a low rainfall, high evaporation climatic regime. Of the 20 registered operating private bores within 3km of the mine site, five extract water from formations above the Hoskissons Seam, two extract from within the seam and 13 extract from lithologies beneath the Hoskissons Seam, particularly the Upper and Lower Melville Seams. All private bores have yields below 0.63L/sec, salinities between 510 10,080S/cm and near neutral pH values.
2.5
2.5.1
SOILS AND LAND CAPABILITY

Soils
Three Soil Mapping Units (SMUs) are present on and adjacent to the mine site. SMU1 SMU2 SMU3 occurs on upper slopes below the rocky scarp in the southern section of the open cut. occurs on the mid- and lower slopes over the remainder or northern section of the mine site. is associated with a small occurrence of endangered ecological community Native Vegetation on Cracking Clay Soils of the Liverpool Plains - located on the eastern end of the coal transport route on the Plain View property.
The locations of the boundaries of the three SMUs are shown in Figure 2.2. The coverage of each SMU is illustrated on Plan 2 and Table 2.3 presents a summary of the soil profiles and characteristics of the identified SMUs. 2.5.2 Land Capability
The 1: 100 000 scale Land Capability map of the Boggabri map sheet area prepared by the Soil Conservation Service shows the mine site mapped mainly as Class II (lower slopes) and Class III (mid-slopes) with an area of Class IV land associated with the scarp adjacent to the southern boundary of the open cut. The descriptions of the land capability classes on the Mine site are described in Table 2.4.
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Table 2.3 Summary of Soil Mapping Units within the Mine Site
Soil Mapping General Unit (SMU)* 1 - Upper Slopes Soil depth: 145cm deep Surface: loose to firm Stones: moderate to large amounts of large stone present, rounded/angular to 15cm Overlies: weathered rock Topsoil Texture: loam fine sandy, sandy clay to silty clay, medium to heavy clay, roots common, some rounded to angular gravel, 1 3cm pH: 6.0 - 6.5 Colour: brown/reddish brown Subsoil
Texture: gritty clay, medium to heavy clay, heavy clay, roots few to common, no lime, no manganese, some to much rounded gravel to 5cm, pH: 6.0 8.5 Colour: pinkish white, pale brown, light brownish grey, yellowish red Texture: sandy clay loam, silty Texture: clay, stones and 2 Mid - Lower Soil depth: To 290cm plus Surface: soft, loose, firm or hard clay loam, clay loam, fine sandy gravel textured, often within slopes setting, loam, light clay, light to medium up to 4 horizons often inn Stones: surface stone absent or clay, loam fine sandy, medium pockets only pH: 7.0 9.0 only some surface stone present, clay, medium to heavy clay pH: 5.0 to 6.0, occ. 7.0 Colour: shades of brown rounded or angular, 1 -15cm, Colour: brown, reddish brown, [usually <10cm] (pale brown, brown, light Overlies: yellowish red, dark reddish brown brown) or grey (light brownish grey, dark grey, light grey, pinkish grey) Soil depth: to 260cm plus Texture: heavy clay, many roots, Texture: up to 3 horizons, 3 Drainage Surface: self mulching and any small lime nodules present, medium to heavy, stones Depressions cracking, surface stone absent, no manganese, not bleached, not and gravel usually absent, some lime stains present, no mottled, moist few roots, pH: 9.0 9.5 pH: 8.0 9.5 manganese Stones: absent Colour: dark reddish brown, Colour: shades of red and Overlies: soil material, abrupt dusky red reddish brown boundary Source: Modified after GCNRC (2007a) Section 5. *See Plan 2
Cunningham (2007a) noted that it was evident that the areas delineated as Class II and Class III land had been correctly identified. However, the area of Class IV land is more correctly classed as Class VII land. Class VII land is land best protected by green timber. It generally comprises areas of steep slopes, shallow soils and/or rock outcrop. Adequate ground protection must be maintained by limiting grazing and minimising damage by fire.
Table 2.4 Land Capability Class Descriptions
Land Capability Class Class II Class III Description Land suitable for regular cultivation. Soil conservation practices such as strip cropping, conservation tillage and adequate crop rotation would be used. Land suitable for regular cultivation provided structural soil conservation works such as diversion banks together with soil conservation as in Class II are used. Land suitable for grazing with occasional cultivation and requiring soil conservation practices such as stock control, application of fertiliser and minimal cultivation for the establishment or re-establishment of permanent pasture. Land best protected by natural bush and comprises steep slopes, shallows soils and/or rock outcrop with even occasional escarpments
Class IV
Class VII
Source: Modified after GCNRC (2007a) - Section 9
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Figure 2.3 shows the boundaries of these land capability classes across the mine site.
2.6
2.6.1
FLORA AND FAUNA

Flora
A large proportion of the mine site has been cleared for grazing and cropping although some areas of remnant and re-growth native vegetation remain above the rocky escarpment to the south of the mine site. Vegetation Communities Nine vegetation communities were identified by Cunningham (2007b) within and surrounding the mine site. The nine vegetation communities are identified as: Community 1 Cleared Cropland and Pastureland; Community 2 Regenerating Grasslands; Community 3 Bare Disturbed Land with Minimal Vegetation Cover; Community 4 Whitewood Community; Community 5 Dry Scrub Community of the Rocky Scarp; Community 6 Tumbledown Gum, Wilga and White Cypress Pine Community; Community 7 White Box Community; Community 8 Bimble Box Yellow Box and White Box Woodland Community; and Community 9 Degraded Plains Grass Grassland. Community 1 identified as Cleared Cropland and Pastureland is almost completely cleared of trees and shrubs and has been cropped in the past. The Regenerating Grasslands included in Community 2 comprise land that has been cleared for grazing and cropping in the past and which is presently supporting a cover of regenerating native trees and shrub species. Community 3 appears to have been used as a gravel source in the past and is almost completely bare. The Whitewood Community identified as Community 4 is confined to a single elongated area below the rocky scarp in the central section of the Sunnyside property. Community 5, a Dry Scrub Community of the Rocky Scarp, is confined to the rocky escarpment immediately above Community 4.
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A Tumbledown Gum, Wilga and White Cypress Community identified as Community 6 occurs generally on ridge tops with rock outcrops and shallow soils although a variation occurs on a mid-slope area near the Oxley Highway south of Sunnyside. Community 7 is a White Box Community. This Community differs from the White Box Yellow Box Blakelys Red Gum Woodland endangered ecological community in that it has a relatively dense shrub layer present rather than having an understorey characterised generally by grass and herbaceous species with shrubs being much less prevalent. Community 8 is a Bimble Box Yellow Box White Box Woodland Community. It occurs along what appears to be a reserved road that is currently being used as a waterway to dispose of runoff water. This Community is considered to be representative of the White Box Yellow Box Blakelys Red Gum Woodland identified in the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 as an endangered ecological community. The community is also considered to be representative of the White Box Yellow Box Blakelys Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland ecological community listed as Critically Endangered in the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Community 9 is a Degraded Plains Grass Community and it occurs in a drainage depression on the eastern end of the proposed coal transport route in the Plain View property. This Community is considered to be representative of the Native Vegetation on Cracking Clay Soils of the Liverpool Plains endangered ecological community. Six of the nine communities are present on the mine site and along the haulage route and are identified on Plan 2. Notably, all vegetation clearance will be confined to only one community on the mine site, namely Cleared Cropland and Pastureland. Threatened Flora No threatened flora species have been recorded on the mine site in the past and none were recorded during field survey conducted by Cunningham. Consequently, it is concluded that there would be no adverse effect from the mining operation on the life cycle of any threatened flora species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction. Weeds A number of weed species which are listed as noxious within Gunnedah Shire have been identified within the mine site and within the corridor for the coal transport route. The weeds, which occur both in cropped areas and areas of remnant native vegetation, include: Paterson's Curse Echium plantagineum W3; and Prickly Pear Opuntia and Cylindropuntia spp. W4f1. Other Issues No areas of world heritage significance, wetlands of international significance or critical habitat occur in the mine site.
1
The weed must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed. Any biological control or other control program directed by the local control authority must be implemented.
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2.6.2
Fauna
A summary of fauna species recorded during the surveys by K. Mills and Associates (2007) across the mine site is presented in Table 2.5.
Table 2.5 Fauna Species Recorded Fauna Group Amphibians Birds Number of Species 1 1 Native 1 50 Exotic 0 1 Threatened Species 0 Speckled Warbler Grey-crowned Babbler Koala 0
Mammals Reptiles
9 10
6 10
3 0
Source: K. Mills and Associates (2007)
The remnant woodland south of the open cut is a valuable area of local habitat particularly given much of the Gunnedah landscape has been cleared. The habitat is of good quality as reflected by the diversity of fauna species recorded during the surveys and it has attributes that attract local native fauna. The area surrounding the mine site supports a viable population of Koala. The area utilized by the koalas that is a remnant woodland. Roadside eucalypt plantings would be retained and new woodland areas would be planted to form habitat corridors not previously available. A Koala Management Plan has been developed to consider the strategies to minimise all the potential threats to local Koala population and to not only protect but also enhance the local habitat.
2.7
ABORIGINAL HERITAGE
Only one Aboriginal site, in the form of an axe groove, was recorded within the mine site. A further three isolated artefact scatter sites to the south of the mine site and two adjacent to the alignment of the coal transport route east of the mine site were recorded (see Plan 2). The axe groove site whilst not within the area of disturbance, is nevertheless in the vicinity and therefore potentially subject to impacts of blasting. An Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan has been developed (refer to Appendices) to mitigate any risks of damage to the site.
2.8
BUILDINGS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
The only existing buildings / structures located on the mine site are the Sunnyside residence and the sheds/yards of this property (see Plan 1). The Sunnyside residence is serviced by an existing over head electrical line, has an established septic system and will be used as temporary site office until permanent site facilities area is established in the northern portion of the mine site. The residence will be re-located to the proposed site facilities area and used as the mine site office.
MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 3 Proposed Mining Activities
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Section 3: Proposed Mining Activities
Section 3 Proposed Mining Activities

3.1 EXPLORATION
With the exception of loxline, structural definition (for faults etc.) and coal quality touch-core drilling, no further exploration activity is planned for the term of this MOP on the mine site.
3.2
3.2.1
LAND PREPARATION
Introduction
Land preparation refers to the sequential stripping of soil prior to the removal of overburden, mining of the identified coal seams and progressive backfilling and rehabilitation of mined-out areas. It is noteworthy that no substantial native vegetation is located within the area to be disturbed. Consequently, no tree clearing will be necessary. For mine planning purposes, the areas to be cleared (and ultimately mined and rehabilitated) have been divided into five mining blocks coinciding with the Start-up Pit and nominally annual staging (up to pit completion), albeit actual yearly progression may vary throughout the term of the 7 year MOP. Figure 3.1 presents the general sequence of open cut development. As illustrated on Figure 3.1, the development of the Sunnyside Coal Mine will commence from an initial Start-up pit and generally progress in a west to east direction. Plan 3 presents the extent of land preparation during the term of this MOP. 3.2.2
3.2.2.1
Soil Removal
Introduction
The soils within the proposed areas of disturbance have been described based on:

their suitability for use as a final cover material on the post-mining landform; and the requirement for specific stripping and stockpiling or erosion control measures.
The description is based on field and laboratory examinations of key physical and chemical attributes.
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3.2.2.2
Soil Categorisation
As described in Section 2.5, three Soil Mapping Units (SMUs) have been identified over the areas to be disturbed during the life of the mine, with a basic description of each provided in Table 2.2. SMU 1 and 2 occur within the mine site area to be disturbed. SMU 3 associated with a small occurrence of endangered ecological community Native Vegetation on Cracking Clay Soils of the Liverpool Plains is located on the eastern end of the coal transport route on the Plain View property and will be subject of separate stockpiling along that route. The topsoil of all three SMUs generally exhibit pH characteristics within the acceptable range for agronomic purposes ( pH 5.0 to 9.5), although soil alkalinity tends to slightly increase with depth, with lower subsoil layers occasionally exhibiting pH levels greater than the acceptable range. The salinity of all three SMUs (measured as electrical conductivity (EC)) was established to be nonsaline.
3.2.2.3 Soil Erodibility and Erosion Potential
Field observations undertaken by GCNRC (2007) found the soils within the mine site are generally stable except for some minor areas of thin sheet erosion on the slopes and only very minor gully erosion in the drainage lines within the open cut area. Using the SOILOSS computer program, it was shown that all the soils of the mine site display only slight to moderate dispersibility and erodibility. The soils generally are well structured and will be able to stripped and re-spread without material effects to the soil structure. Notwithstanding this, NMPL will protect the soil stockpiles by way of the quick establishment of a vegetative or mulch cover of the soil stockpiles to provide the required protection.
3.2.2.4 Soil Stripping and Stockpiling Methods
Due to the generally good structure of both the topsoils and subsoils through out the area of disturbance, bulldozers and/or open-bowl scrapers will be used for soil stripping which will lift the appropriate layer and transport and place them either: directly on mined, backfilled and re-profiled areas awaiting rehabilitation. (Replacement will be undertaken in the reverse order to stripping, ie. subsoil then topsoil); or in designated topsoil and subsoil stockpile areas adjacent to the proposed areas of surface disturbance.
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Soil stripping will generally commence in those areas designated for mine infrastructure, followed by campaign stripping in advance of mining and overburden placement activities. Within the defined areas of disturbance for each soil stripping campaign, soil stripping will be undertaken in the following manner. 1. Areas of disturbance requiring soil stripping will be clearly defined. Those areas of SMU 3, within the eastern section of the re-alignment of Coocooboonah Lane will be specifically delineated and stripped in accordance with GCNRC recommendations to be included within the Scope of Works for the road construction contractor (Refer to Table 3.2. Topsoil will be stripped to a depth of approximately 15cm using the site bulldozer, or scraper, if available. The subsoil layer will be stripped to a depth of 50cm (total soil stripping depth of 65cm). There will be no requirement to stockpile the soils from the different soil mapping units separately which will be available for re-spreading as areas become available for rehabilitation. Additional subsoil to bedrock will be stripped and this material will be segregated by SMU. The higher alkalinity soils if available in any quantity, will eventually be placed over the surface of the out-of-pit overburden emplacement to provide neutralising capacity in the event pockets of acid forming rock are encountered. During the first 18 to 24 months of mine operations, the stripped soils will be stockpiled for later retrieval and spreading over specific areas. Beyond this initial period, it is proposed that the stripped soils will typically be directly transferred onto sections of the final landform. Plan 3 presents the locations of soil stockpiles. The topsoil and subsoil stockpiles will be no higher than 2m and 3m respectively, and with slopes no greater than 1:2 (V:H) and a slightly roughened surface to minimise erosion. Stockpiles will be covered with mulched vegetation to reduce the erosion hazard. Any stockpiles retained for over three months will be seeded with a non-persistent cover crop to reduce erosion potential and assist in the maintenance of the biological viability of the soil. Wherever possible, no soil will be removed in wet conditions to avoid breakdown of the soil structure. There will be no vehicle access on the soil stockpiles. Water management structures will be constructed to divert surface water flow away from soil stockpile areas, thereby reducing the potential for erosion. Additionally, silt-stop fencing or similar will be placed immediately down-slope of stockpiles where required, until stable vegetation cover is established. In the event that unacceptable weed generation is observed on the soil stockpiles, a weed eradication program will be implemented.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. 8. 9.
10.
3-5
11.
An inventory of soil resources present on the mine site, ie. both in stockpiles and awaiting stripping, will be maintained and regularly reconciled with rehabilitation requirements. Section 3.2.4.5 presents an initial inventory of available and required soil volumes.
Table 3.1 outlines soil stripping suitability and procedures to be adopted by NMPL across its site establishment operations and subsequent ongoing soil stripping operations.
Table 3.1 Soil Stripping Suitability and Procedures
Layer (Thickness) 1 (0cm 15cm) Material Stripping Suitability Soil Stripping Procedures Strip to a depth of 15cm in all areas disturbed by mining associated activities. Place in stockpile or direct return to other disturbed areas as topsoil material. Strip to full depth. Stockpile as subsoil or move directly to areas being rehabilitated and use as subsoil material.
SMU 1 Variable. Fine, sandy Suitable for topsoiling. loam, sandy clay to silty clay, medium to heavy clay Suitable for subsoiling.
2 Medium to heavy (15cm 65cm) clay. 3 (Remainder of Profile) 1 (0cm- 15cm)
Mainly fine sandy loam, occasionally light clay, sandy clay to clay loam or silty clay. 2 Variable fine sandy Suitable for subsoiling. (15cm 65cm) loam, sandy clay, silty clay, light clay, light to medium clay through to heavy clay. 3 (Remainder of Profile) 1 (0cm 15cm) Heavy clay.
Suitable for covering overburden prior to placement of subsoil and topsoil materials. SMU 2 Suitable for topsoiling. Strip to a depth of 15cm in all areas disturbed by mining associated activities. Place in stockpile or direct return to other disturbed areas as topsoil material. Strip to full depth unless mottled material or bedrock is uncovered. Stockpile as subsoil or move directly to areas being rehabilitated and use as subsoil material. However, where surface disturbance is minimal then only layer 1 of this SMU should be stripped.
Suitable for covering overburden prior to placement of subsoil and topsoil materials. SMU 3 Suitable for topsoiling. Strip to full depth and place in separate topsoil stockpile. Must be used to rehabilitate section of Coocooboonah Lane re-aligned transport section that supports Native Vegetation of the Cracking Clay Soils of the Liverpool Plains endangered ecological community. Suitable for stockpiling and for use a subsoil material. Not to be disturbed Should only be removed where absolutely necessary and only to a depth of 65cm below present soil surface. Not to be disturbed.
2 (Below 15cm) 3 (Remainder of the Profile)
Heavy clay.
Source: GCNRC (2007) Section 7.2
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During the term of this MOP, it is anticipated that an area of approximately 116ha will be stripped of topsoil and 82ha stripped of subsoil. During this time, an estimated 174 000m3 of topsoil and 407 500m3 of subsoil will be stripped. Table 3.2 lists the quantities of topsoil and subsoil to be stripped from the infrastructure areas, open cut area and out-of-pit emplacement during each of the four nominal years of operation.
Table 3.2 Inventory of Soil Volumes to be Removed from Areas to be Disturbed (m3) Year 1 2 3 4 TOTAL Soil Type Topsoil Subsoil Topsoil Subsoil Topsoil Subsoil Topsoil Subsoil Topsoil Subsoil Infrastructure Areas* Area 1 Area 2 (34.5ha) (11.4ha) 51 700 17 100 57 000 51 700 17 100 57 000 Open Cut Area (35.9ha) 18 600 62 000 12 300 41 000 11 700 39 000 11 300 37 500 53 900 179 500 Out-of-Pit Emplacement (34.2ha) 43 800 146 000 7 500 25 000 51 300 171 000 Total 131 200 265 000 19 800 66 000 11 700 39 000 11 300 37 500 174 000 407 500
* Area 1 refers to those areas where only topsoil is to be removed. * Area 2 refers to those areas where both topsoil and subsoil is to be removed.
Table 3.3 presents the anticipated soil balance over the term of this MOP.
Table 3.3 Soil Balance (m3) Area Stripped Topsoil Stripped Subsoil Stripped Direct Topsoil Placement* Subsoil Stockpiled Topsoil Subsoil Rehandled from Topsoil Stockpile Subsoil Total Stockpile Topsoil Balance Subsoil Year 1 87.5ha 131 200 265 000 35 000 131 200 230 000 21 900 25 000 109 300 205 000 Year 2 13.2ha 19 800 66 000 12 000 55 000 7 800 11 000 10 500 45 000 106 600 160 000 Year 3 7.8ha 11 700 39 000 11 700 39 000 41 000 58 000 65 600 102 000 Year 4 7.5ha 11 300 37 500 11 300 37 500 65 600 102 00 Nil Nil
* Assumes all subsoil / topsoil replacement on all rehabilitation areas
During the term of the MOP, the greatest volume of soil requiring stockpiling is anticipated occur during Year 1 when approximately 396 000m3 of topsoil and subsoil will require stockpiling. The seven nominated stockpile areas on Plan 3 provide an area of approximately 21ha which is an adequate area for the mines soil stockpile requirements. It is further noted that a substantial proportion of subsoil (approximately 110 000m3) will be stored in the northern and eastern bund walls.
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The indicative locations of the soil stockpile areas within the mine site (see Plan 3) have been located within available cleared land on the mine site and will minimise the haul distance for placement and subsequent respreading. Soil stripped from within the site facilities area including the coal handling and processing area will be partly utilised in the construction of the northern audio-visual bund. The Site Water Management Plan (see Appendix 5) provides further details in relation to erosion and sedimentation management during soil stripping and construction activities.
3.2.2.5 Soil Inventory
The rehabilitation of the mine site requires that sufficient topsoil and subsoil is available to cover the formed and profiled final landform. NMPL will maintain a soil inventory which identifies the volume of soil contained in each stockpile area or yet to be stripped and compares this to the anticipated requirements of rehabilitation. Table 3.2 presents an initial inventory with the estimated available recoverable in-situ topsoil and subsoil volumes (based on the stripping depths presented in Table 3.1) and areas of surface disturbance throughout the life of the mine.
3.2.2.5 Workforce Awareness and Responsibility
All relevant members of the workforce will be informed of the soil stripping and stockpiling procedures through toolbox meetings and inductions. Table 3.4 outlines the accountable positions and tasks for soil stripping and stockpiling, although it is noted that the overall responsibility for ensuring the soil stripping and stockpiling procedures are followed rests with the Manager Mining Engineering.
Table 3.4 Accountable Positions and Tasks (Soil Stripping and Stockpiling)
Position Accountable Task Ensure the limit of soil removal and the topsoil stockpile area or replacement areas are clearly marked. Inspect cleared areas and ensure soil stripping is not undertaken when soil moisture is high. Ensure the destination of stripped soils is clearly identified and the relevant machinery operator(s) informed. Ensure a cover of mulched vegetation is immediately placed over temporarily stockpiled topsoil. Ensure a cover crop is sown over soil stockpiles retained for in excess of 3 months. Implement weed control strategy (if required). Ensure soil stripping occurs only within the defined limits (both in area and depth). Ensure the location of stripped soil placement is understood and complied with. Ensure topsoil stockpiles are no higher than 2m, subsoil stockpiles are not higher than 3m and the batters do not exceed 1:2 (V:H). Minimise soil handling and compaction.
Manager Mining Engineering / Site Operations Manager / Open Cut Examiner Bulldozer / Excavator Operator
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3.3
3.3.1
CONSTRUCTION
Introduction
Construction activities planned during the term of this MOP are presented on Plan 3 and include: Construction of surface infrastructure within the site facilities area including the relocation of the Sunnyside residence, and erection / construction of offices, car park, water storages, workshop, bulk supplies, fuel storage and bathhouse. Erection of the crushing / sizing plant and construction of the ROM coal stockpile area within the coal handling and processing area. Construction of a site entrance and internal roads between the limit of open cut mining, overburden emplacements, site facilities and coal handling and processing areas. Construction of a range of water management and retention structures within the mine site. Off-site construction activities will include: the construction of the Coocooboonah Lane re-alignment transport route across the project-related property of Plain View; the upgrading of the intersection between Coocooboonah Lane and the Oxley Highway, inclusive of acceleration and deceleration lanes; and the construction of new entrances for the affected properties of Lilydale and Plain view. These off-site works are considered separately to this MOP as these activities fall outside the scope of the document (as per the guidelines). 3.3.2 Mine Entrance and Access Road
Within the initial 6 months of the operation, a main mine entrance and site access road across the site will be constructed in the locations presented on Plan 3. The main entrance to the mine site will be near the northeastern corner of the Sunnyside property. From the site entrance, the main site access road will be aligned approximately east - west and will provide direct access to the: the site facilities area (300m); and the coal handling and processing area (750m).
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The light vehicle only site access road directed off the main site access road will provide access to the site facilities area (60m). Both the main and light vehicle only site access road will be constructed with an overall width of 9.6m comprising a 7.6m wide sealed surface and 1m wide unsealed shoulders. The mine entrance, the realigned Coocooboonah Lane and intersection with Oxley Highway will be constructed concurrently with the mine access road (assuming all required approvals, permits and licences are acquired). The Gunnedah Shire Council will be the Approval Authority for the design and construction of the realigned section of the Coocooboonah Lane. 3.3.3 Site Facilities Area
Inset A on Plan 3 presents the layout of the buildings to be constructed or installed within 3 to 6 months of commencement of the mine. These will be located within the site facilities area identified on Plan 3 and include: site administrative offices; toilets and ablutions facilities; a crib hut; a fuel storage and refuelling bay; a spare parts hardstand; All buildings, with the possible exception of the relocated Sunnyside residence and the maintenance workshop, will be of a demountable style. All site buildings, fuel & lubricant storage and refuelling bay facilities will be approved by the Gunnedah Shire Council and/or otherwise designed, built and operated in accordance with the relevant DECC (EPA) guidelines and standards. 3.3.4 Coal Handling and Processing Area a first aid building; a maintenance workshop; a wash bay; and light vehicle parking facilities.
The coal handling and processing area will cover an area of approximately 2ha. The coal handling and processing area will include the following components to be constructed within the 3 to 6 months of commencement activities on the mine site. ROM coal stockpiles. Coal loading hopper. Primary crusher. Size reduction screen. Product bin. Conveyors. Diesel generator and fuel storage area. Batch loading system or similar to ensure weight compliance of coal transport trucks.
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The infrastructure will be constructed on a flat surface created by minor cut and fill works with the elevation of the ROM pad adjusted to reflect the location and height of the product bin and conveyor. Additional fill material required will be sourced from the overburden removed from within the limit of open cut mining, as required. Further detail on operational processing and stockpiling is presented in Sections 3.5 and 3.7. 3.3.5 Internal Haul Roads
Development of the mine will necessitate the construction of a network of temporary unsealed internal haul roads to permit the transportation of topsoil, subsoil, overburden and coal. NMPL will minimise the number of internal haul roads constructed and those required will generally be within the footprint of the limit of open cut mining. ROM coal will be hauled from the active mine floor within the open cut mine to the ROM coal stockpile in the coal handling and processing area via a series of ramps located within the box cut, on benches retained along the side wall of the open cut, or on the surface of previously placed overburden and/or reject material. The ramps from within the open cut will only be temporary and will be relocated in association with the progressive development of the active mine face and in-pit placement of overburden. These haulage ramps will be constructed using overburden to the following specifications. A minimum of three times the width of the largest haul truck, ie. typically 22m to 25m wide (for dual access roads) and 1.5 times the width of the largest haul truck (for one way roads). Where necessary, the ramps will be sheeted with suitable overburden materials recovered during the mining activities. Established with a gradient of up to 1:8 (V:H) or 7. Roadside safety bunds, a minimum height of half the wheel height of the largest wheel on site, will be constructed along the margins of the haul roads where those roads are positioned on benches or adjacent to steep slopes. 3.3.6 Coocooboonah Lane Re-alignment
The realigned section of Coocooboonah Lane parallel to the existing Coocooboonah Lane between the proposed mine entrance and the Oxley Highway will be constructed and sealed prior to the commencement of coal transportation operations off site. The planned route requires the removal of three mature trees within the Coocooboonah Lane road reserve to achieve the intersection design specified by the RTA. It will not require any clearing of remnant native vegetation other than existing pasture and/or stubble across open cultivated paddock country on the Plain View property. The realigned road surface will be designed and constructed in a manner consistent with the standards adopted by Gunnedah Shire Council and will be constructed with a two coat tar sealed final pavement. The sub-base gravel will be sourced from the most suitable local source and transported to the construction site via the Oxley Highway.
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Prior to the commencement of coal transportation, a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be prepared in consultation with Gunnedah Shire Council. The approved TMP will be strictly enforced by mine management and appropriate signage will be provided to alert local motorists of the altered traffic conditions. As the bulk of the road construction works will occur off the current Coocooboonah Lane alignment, delays to local traffic are expected to be minimal and only occur during those periods when work is to be undertaken to create the Coocooboonah Lane diversion at its northern and southern ends. The existing section of Coocooboonah Lane will remain open for non-mine related local traffic to travel along Coocooboonah Lane. Property entrances to Lilydale and Plain View will be re-located to intersect with the realigned Coocooboonah Lane and will be sealed. Transportation of coal from the mine site will also be subject to the project approval requirements. These requirements include construction and upgrade works being completed to the satisfaction of the RTA and Council, the establishment of an agreement with Council relating to maintenance of the Oxley Highway between Coocooboonah Lane and Blackjack Road, the establishment of two bus stops on the Oxley Highway to the satisfaction of Council and that no coal will be transported during Ag Quip. Coal will only be transported off site between the hours of 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday (extending to 8:00pm) during eastern summer time, and between 7:00am and 4:00pm on Saturday. 3.3.7 Water Management Structures
The design and construction of the mine water management structures is presented in detail in the Site Water Management Plan (see Appendix 5). It is noted however, that these structures, including contour banks, sediment dams and diversion/catchment banks, will be stabilised immediately following construction with a non-persistent cover crop.
3.4
3.4.1
MINING
Mine Layout and Design Criteria
Plan 4 presents the progressive development of the open cut and the overburden emplacement area. All mine design and mine planning studies have been undertaken by MMG Civil Pty Ltd in Singleton. The design of the mine layout has been based on maximising the recovery and quality of the coal whilst: minimising the visual impact associated within the creation of an open cut void and overburden emplacement; and satisfying various environmental criteria, especially those associated with noise generated by the mine.
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Coal mining will be undertaken using conventional haul-back mining methods, ie. involving the sequential removal of soil and overburden, coal removal and progressive backfilling and rehabilitation of mined-out areas. The sequence of mining has been designed to: 1. 2. minimise the delay between the commencement of mining and removal of initial coal; optimize the ROM coal quality delivered to the coal handling and processing area by selective multi-ply mining of up to four separate seam sections by the removal of stone band intervals; optimize product blending of different crushed ROM coal qualities to achieve target coal quality specifications; maintain a consistent stripping ratio for the life of the mine; and optimize the haulage distance for the ROM coal and overburden to the coal handling and processing area and overburden emplacement respectively. Mining Sequence
Open Cut Area
3. 4. 5.
3.4.2
3.4.2.1
Plan 5 presents further detail on the progressive development and rehabilitation of the open cut area and out-of-pit overburden emplacement. The mining sequence presented in Plan 4 is based on a production rate of up to 1.0Mtpa (Table 3.5 presents the indicative mining and production schedule for the mine). Should the annual rate of mining and production fail to reach or exceed this level, the sequence of mining will not alter, rather it will simply result in the presented development stages being reached over a longer time frame.
Table 3.5 Initial Production and Overburden Schedule Item Overburden ROM Coal Strip Ratio (cumulative) Unit m t
3
1 4 980 000 1 000 000 5.0 (5.0)
2 5 600 000 1 000 000 5.6 (4.9)
Year 3 4 120 000 990 000 4.2 (4.8)
4 1 960 000 500 000 3.9 (4.8)
Total 16 660 000 3 490 000 (4.8)
Source: MMG Civil Pty Ltd
3.4.2.2
Overburden Emplacements
Plan 4 presents the annual development of the out-of-pit and in-pit overburden emplacements of the mine site. Minor adjustments to the design or sequence presented on Plan 4 may arise as NMPL endeavours to maximise the amount of overburden placed in the in-pit emplacement.
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Out-of-Pit Emplacement
The out-of-pit overburden emplacement will have a total footprint of approximately 34.2ha, batter slopes of 10 or less, and maximum elevations of approximately 25m above the pre-mining landform. The overburden emplacement area will, as far as practicable, be constructed in a manner which minimises the projection of noise from overburden transportation and placement activities towards the residences to the north, north-west and east, as well as enabling the earliest possible reprofiling, top soil re-emplacement and revegetation of the external batter slopes. The out-of-pit overburden emplacement will be developed largely using overburden from the Startup Pit and the first two years of operation (see Plans 4 and 5). The following operational controls will be implemented during the construction of the out-of-pit overburden emplacement to minimise the propagation of noise towards residences to the north, north-west and east. Initial placement of overburden will establish a 10m high perimeter barrier along its western, northern and eastern extremities; Overburden will be progressively placed inside of the perimeter barrier during calm periods or when winds are blowing from the southeast or southwest quadrants. Overburden will continue to be placed around the perimeter of the emplacement (to progressively raise the 10m high perimeter barrier to the design height) during periods of northerly and north-easterly winds. Strict adherence to permissible hours of operation as approved in the Project Approval.
In-pit Emplacement
Once sufficient space has been created within the open cut area to allow for the concurrent backfilling and mining operations, the bulk of the overburden to be removed will be transferred within the open cut to create the in-pit emplacement. Overburden placement will be scheduled to maximise the acoustic shielding provided by the walls of the open cut and/or previously emplaced overburden particularly during periods when winds are blowing towards the residences to the northwest, north and east of the mine site. Rock flumes on the overburden emplacements will be constructed with >80% of rock. The rock itself will be sourced from the fractured rock generated by blasting and will have a diameter of >200mm. Each rock flume will be designed as follows. Channel width >1m. Bank height >500mm. Channel parabolic in shape. Excavated batters of 1:4 (V:H) or shallower. Plan 5 presents the progressive development of the rock flumes on the overburden emplacements.
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3.4.3
Mining Methods and Procedures
The open cut will be developed using conventional drill and blast and haul-back mining methods as follows. 1. Holes will be drilled into the overburden rock, packed with explosives, stemmed with aggregate and blasted to fracture the rock such that it can be removed from the open cut to expose the Hoskissons Coal Seam. Section 3.4.4 provides further detail on the planned blasting operations on the mine site. Following blasting, the bulk overburden will be loaded by excavator into haul trucks and transported to the closest area of the out-of-pit or in-pit overburden emplacement. Intra-seam stone band layers between 0.2m and 0.6m thick will be ripped and pushed into piles (if required to optimise load-out productivity) by bulldozer before loading to haul trucks. A thickness of 0.2m generally represents the practical limit to the separate mining of these layers. Where possible, intra-seam stone band material removed will be retained in the mined areas in the open cut for final emplacement on the final pit floor. Similarly, where possible, overburden will cast blasted into mined out areas of the open cut and assisted with dozer push operations as required thereby reducing volumes to be hauled to the out-of-pit emplacement area. To remove the coal, benches will be developed along, and generally perpendicular to, the length of coal seams exposed through blasting and overburden removal. As sufficient coal is exposed, it will be cleaned off, ripped, excavated (in several passes) and loaded to haul trucks for transportation to the ROM pad within the coal processing area. The coal immediately adjacent to the roof and floor of each seam will be stockpiled separately as this coal will inevitably be diluted by the adjoining rock materials during mining. This coal will be progressively blended sparingly in with ROM coal to maximise mining recovery whilst not overly diluting the coal in readiness for transportation to the Whitehaven CHPP and Rail Loading Facility.
2. 3.
4.
5.
Following the completion of a suitable section of high wall, NMPL may install and operate a coal auger to recover the coal defined on Plan 4. Further approvals for auger mining to proceed will be sought from the DPI-MR. 3.4.4
3.4.4.1
Blasting
Introduction
The number of blasts will be minimised by maximising blast size whilst complying with the criteria nominated in the project approval and environment protection licence. Blasting will be undertaken every two to three weeks and between the hours of 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 2:00pm Saturdays, and will not take place on Sundays and Public Holidays. Blasting will occur no more than twice per day, unless safety concerns require the initiation of a third smaller blast.
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Blast design will be undertaken by a blasting engineer with loading and firing undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced contractor holding a blasting explosives users licence issued by WorkCover NSW and endorsed by the Department of Primary Industries - Mineral Resources. Each blast will be designed to provide an adequate level of fragmentation with acceptable environmental impact. Table 3.6 presents the initial blasting design parameters to be adopted at the mine1.
Table 3.6 Typical Blast Design Parameters* Parameter Blast hole Depth Blast Hole Diameter Blast Hole Inclination Blast Hole Spacing Burden Stemming Explosive Maximum Instantaneous Charge (MIC) Initiation Blast Size Blast Frequency Blast Design 35 m 229 mm 15 9m 7m nominally 5 m with aggregates ANFO and Energan type products 1 952kg nonel 3 60 m x 120 m yielding 250 000 m 1 to 2 per week
* based on a distance of 1 000m to the nearest residential receiver Source : WCM
3.4.4.2
Blasting Criteria
Annoyance Criteria
NMPL will endeavour to limit the airblast overpressure and ground vibration impacts at any non project related residence on privately owned land, to the following ANZECC annoyance criteria. The maximum overpressure level for blasting is 115dB (Linear). The level of 115dB (Linear) may be exceeded for up to 5% of the total number of blasts over a 12 month period, but should not exceed 120dB (Linear) at any time. The recommended maximum vibration velocity for blasting is 5mm/s Peak Vector Sum (PVS). The PVS level of 5mm/s may be exceeded for up to 5% of the total number of blasts over a 12 month period, but should not exceed 10mm/s at any time.
The nominated blast design parameters have been determined using conservative predictive formulae. However, given blast design is an evolving outcome-oriented process, refinements to blast designs will be implemented on the basis of monitoring results and the achievement of specific blasting objectives. As blast-related impacts are primarily related to the Maximum Instantaneous Charge (MIC) and the distance between the blast and the receiver location, subject to operational constraints, less frequent blasts yielding larger volumes could be initiated with similar impacts.
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Safety Criteria
Blasting by its very nature requires rocks to be broken and propelled away from the site of the blast. The area in which blasted rock should normally fall is referred to as the blast envelope and any rock propelled beyond the blast envelope is referred to as fly rock. From a safety perspective, a distance of 500m from a blast in a coal mine is typically identified as a safe distance. This distance is not site specific and consequently is recognised to be conservative.
3.4.4.3 Blasting Controls and Safeguards
The following operational controls and safeguards will be implemented by NMPL. Where practicable, the orientation of the blast face will be away from, or at an oblique angle, to nearby residences. Blasthole spacing will be implemented in accordance with blast design. Burden distance and stemming length will be carefully selected and then implemented precisely. Appropriate materials, eg. <20mm aggregates, will be used for stemming. Blast design will ensure that charges detonate in the correct sequence and with interrow delays that provide good progressive release of burden. The maximum weight of explosive detonated in a given delay period (the maximum instantaneous charge) will be limited to conservative and proven levels. NMPL will follow the blast notification and the temporary Coocooboonah Lane closure procedures as nominated in the Blast Management and Road Closure Management Plans. Blast notice boards will be erected at the northern and southern ends of Coocooboonah Lane at its intersections with Quia Road and the Oxley Highway respectively.
3.4.4.4 Blast Notification and Inspections
At least 1 month prior to the initiation of blasting, NMPL will advise all landowners and residents within 2km of the mine site of their entitlement to a property inspection, ie. in accordance with Schedule 3, Conditions 14 and 15 of PA 05_0102.
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Should a written request be received, a suitably qualified person will be commissioned to inspect the condition of any building or structure that is the subject of the request. The landowners or residents will be provided with a copy of the report which will also include blasting impact mitigation measures. NMPL will operate a blasting hotline, or alternate system developed with surrounding landowners or residents and agreed to by the Director-General, such that the public is provided with up-to-date information on blasting at the mine. Each year, landowners within 2km of the mine site will be notified / reminded of this service.
3.4.4.5
Blast Monitoring and Inspections
In accordance with the Blast Monitoring Program (see Appendix 4), airblast overpressure and ground vibration will be monitored at a selection of surrounding or representative residences identified during the blast notification process in accordance with the specifications presented in Table 3.7.
Table 3.7 Blast Monitoring Parameter Airblast overpressure Peak particle velocity Units of Frequency Measure dB(Lin Peak) Every blast mm/s Every blast Sampling Method AS2187.2-1993 AS2187.2-1993 Measurement Location Not less than 3.5m from a building or structure Not more than 30m from a building or structure
In the event a landowner or resident claims property or infrastructure has been damaged as a result of blasting, NMPL will, within 3 months of receiving the request, commission an investigation into the claim by a suitably qualified person whose appointment is approved by the Director-General of the Department of Planning. A copy of the investigation report will be provided to the landowner or resident and, if the landowner and NMPL agree with the report findings, any damages caused by blasting will be repaired at the cost of NMPL. In the event agreement with the report findings is not reached, the matter will be referred to the Director-General for resolution.
3.4.5
Equipment
Table 3.8 presents an indicative list of the typical types and numbers of items of earthmoving and mining equipment which will be used during the term of this MOP. The numbers of earth moving and mining equipment listed reflect the number required for an annual production of 1Mtpa. Any shortfall in this annual production level may require fewer or smaller equipment.
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Table 3.8 Mining Equipment Fleet Item (or equivalent) Terex RH 170 Hydraulic Excavator Cat 988 Front-end Loader Cat 785 Rear Dump Truck (150t capacity) Drilling Rig Blasting Truck Cat 657 Scraper Cat D11R Bulldozer Cat 14H Grader 16kL Water Truck Lighting Plant No. on site 1 2 3 1 1 Up to 3 1 1 1 3 Function Overburden excavation. Coal excavation Coal excavation and loading Overburden and coal haulage Overburden drilling Blasting campaigns Overburden removal Overburden removal and ancillaries Ancillaries Dust suppression Lighting of active mine areas Day Shift Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Afternoon Shift Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
3.4.6
Hours of Operation
The approved hours of operation for construction and operations on the mine site are shown in Table 3.9.
Table 3.9 Hours of Operation
Activity Monday to Friday Construction On-site Establishment Transport Route Construction Open Cut Mining Undertake all mining and related activities Drilling Blasting On-site processing Coal transport to Whitehaven Rail Loading Facility Maintenance Rehabilitation 7:00am to 6:00pm* 7:00am to 6:00pm*
1 1
Normal Saturday
7:00am to 6:00pm 7:00am to 6:00pm
7:00am to 10:00pm 7:00am to 10:00pm 10:00am to 5:00pm 7:00am to 10:00pm 7:00am to 6:00pm 7:00am to 8:00pm during EST 7:00am to 10:00pm 7:00am to 10:00pm
7:00am to 6:00pm 7:00am to 6:00pm 10:00am to 2:00pm 7:00am to 6:00pm 7:00am to 4:00pm7:00am to 6:00pm 7:00am to 6:00pm
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3.4.7
Workforce Awareness and Responsibility
All members of the workforce will be made aware of the mining methods and relevant procedures through toolbox meetings and inductions. Table 3.10 outlines the accountable positions and tasks for mining, although it is noted that the ultimate responsibility and accountability for ensuring the mining procedures, sequence and design specifications are followed rests with the Directors of NMPL and the Mine Manager.
Table 3.10 Accountable Positions and Tasks (Mining) Position Company Directors Accountable Task Manager Mining Engineering & Site Operations Manager Ensure that mining remains within approved footprint and production limits. Ensure all operations are performed in a safe manner and appropriate safety training and equipment is available to all personnel. Ensure that all disturbance remains within the approved limits. Ensure all personnel are informed of their responsibilities in relation to mining. Ensure all personnel are inducted and have appropriate qualifications / clearances for work undertaken at the mine. Ensure all water management structures including the water storage dams, diversion banks and drains are appropriately placed and constructed. Ensure management plans and procedures appended to the MOP and outlined in Section 7 of this report are up-to-date and readily available. Undertake site induction and ensure familiarisation with site-specific requirements such as disturbance limits, sensitive environmental features and approved mining methods. Ensure mining undertaken as presented on Plans 4 and 5A to 5F of this MOP, or updated mining plans held onsite. Follow all specific instructions provided by the Mine Manager or supervisory staff. Cease work immediately if unsure as to instructions or object of potential archaeological sensitivity identified. Wear appropriate safety equipment at all times. Inspect surface water controls prior to commencement of mining activities. Ensure all personnel are aware of any environmentally sensitive items or areas on the site.
Equipment Operators / Mining Sub-Contractors
Nominated Environmental Officer
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3.5
COAL PROCESSING

The component areas and parts of the coal processing area include: ROM pad; coal loading hopper; primary and secondary crushers; product bin; conveyors;

product coal stockpile area; batch truck loading bin; and diesel generator and fuel storage area.
ROM coal hauled from the open cut will be either loaded directly into the coal loading hopper or placed in one of several ROM coal stockpiles (representing different quality coal). The coal handling and processing area (see Inset B of Plan 3) will have a capacity for up to 100 000t of coal to be maintained in different stockpiles dependent on coal quality, with a smaller area designated to the stockpiling of crushed coal (up to 30 000t). A front-end loader will be used to place coal from the ROM pad into the 40t capacity coal loading hopper. The ROM coal will pass over a Metso BF 52/15 or equivalent feeder into the primary crusher (Stamler MVT 800-1500) and be reduced to <150mm. The crushed coal to be despatched for further blending at the Whitehaven CHPP will then pass via a conveyor under a permanent magnet to a 65 tonne batch loading product bin for truck loading. Coal that does not require further beneficiation (by-pass coal) will progress along the same circuit but pass through a secondary crusher (Stamler MVT 600-1500) where it will be crushed to a maximum size of 50mm. From the secondary crusher, the coal will be conveyed to the product bin for despatch by truck to the Whitehaven rail loading facility. The coal processing area will incorporate a batch loading bin, or similar system, to enable certification of weights of coal transported by truck to the Whitehaven CHPP. This will ensure NMPL has documented controls in place to demonstrate compliance with legal weights for coal transportation on public roads. The product bin incorporates a tripper to enable surplus coal to be stockpiled adjacent to the bin. This stockpile of coal will only be loaded and dispatched in the event of a problem with the product bin principally to maintain a continuity of supply to the Whitehaven CHPP and rail loading facility. The coal processing plant and conveyor superstructure is approximately 16m high, an elevation approximately 330m AHD. The coal handling and processing area will be regularly watered to reduce the potential for dust generation. A visual amenity bund will also be established around the coal processing area to reduce visual impact. The amenity bund will be constructed at 5m lifts, up to a maximum height of 15m if required. Final batter slopes on the amenity bund will be 1:3 (V:H) and will be stabilized through the establishment of a suitable cover crop and planting out to native vegetation for screening purposes.
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3.6
3.6.1
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Introduction
The principal wastes that will be generated by the development of the mine can be categorised as non-production and production wastes. Non-production wastes include:

general domestic-type wastes from the on-site buildings and routine maintenance consumables; fencing materials; oils and grease; and sewage.
Production wastes generated on the mine site comprise:

overburden from the development of the open cut mine; and potentially contaminated water from the maintenance workshop, washdown pad and fuel storage areas.
3.6.2
3.6.2.1
Non-production Waste
Domestic-type Wastes and Routine Maintenance Consumables
All paper and general wastes originating from the site facilities area, together with routine maintenance consumables from the daily servicing of equipment, such as grease cartridges, will be disposed of in 205L drums and 240L mobile garbage bins located adjacent to the various buildings. Industrial waste collection will be undertaken fortnightly, or more frequently, if required by a licensed contractor. Recyclables such as paper and cardboard, drink containers (cans and PET bottles) and ferrous and non-ferrous metals will be collected separately and despatched off site at appropriate intervals.
3.6.2.2 Fencing Materials
Fencing and de-commissioned farm yard materials from around the old Sunnyside farm residence will be removed as part of site establishment. The material will be either set aside for reuse or the wire coiled and delivered to a location/facility that manages metals for recycling.
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3.6.2.3
Oils and Grease
Routine maintenance of mining and earthmoving equipment will generally be undertaken in the maintenance workshop within the mine facilities area, or at equipment maintenance facilities away from the mine. Within the maintenance workshop, waste oils and grease will be collected and pumped to bulk storage tanks by oil evacuation pumps. All parts and packaging will be collected for disposal or recycling. Waste oils and grease will be stored in a bunded area at the maintenance workshop and collected by a licensed waste recycling contractor approximately once every two months for recycling. Drainage from the washdown bay at the workshop will report to an oil separator with separated oil collected in a separate storage tank which will be collected for disposal by a licensed contractor.
3.6.2.4 Sewage
Adequate shower, toilet and hand washing facilities will be installed within the site facilities area for the use by the site workforce, contractors and visitors. These facilities will incorporate an envirocycle septic sewage system approved by Gunnedah Shire Council with the effluent irrigated within a designated and approved waste water utilisation area on the mine site so approved. These facilities will be serviced by a licensed waste collection and disposal contractor, as required. Treatment of sewage from the Proponents Sunnyside farm residence and cottage, whilst still in use as a temporary site office, will continue to utilise the existing septic tank system. 3.6.3 Overburden
Following blasting (or ripping), the overburden materials will be loaded by excavator into 150t capacity haul trucks and transported to the nominated out-of-pit or in-pit emplacement (load and haul). Load and haul placement of the overburden material will be supplemented by throw blasting and carry dozing wherever possible. Throw blasting is designed to project the blasted materials into the lower areas of the mine void, thereby minimising the volume to be loaded and transported by haul truck. The general progression of overburden placement was described previously in Section 3.4.2.2. During the term of this MOP, approximately 16.7 million bank cubic metres (Mbcm) (20.8 million loose cubic metres (Mlcm)) of overburden material will be mined. Of the remaining material, a small proportion will be used in the construction of hardstand areas for the site facilities and coal handling and processing area with the remainder placed in the in-pit emplacement. The conversion from bcm to lcm conservatively assumes a swell factor of approximately 25%. Table 3.11 presents the anticipated development and production schedule of the mine during the term of this MOP.
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When mine development scheduling permits, and placement of blasted overburden to areas of the out-of-pit or in-pit emplacements have been completed, the more friable free-dig material will be placed over the blasted overburden, thereby minimising the potential for rock exposure on the surface of the rehabilitated landform and providing a soil profile more closely reflecting the premining situation and amenable to the establishment of deep rooting species. The friable overburden will also exhibit a greater moisture holding capacity than the blasted overburden.
3.7
ROM COAL AND PRODUCT STOCKPILES

Clean bypass coal coal requiring only primary and secondary crushing prior to despatch and sale; and
The mined (ROM) coal will be placed in various stockpiles on the ROM pad, including:
High ash coal generally obtained from the roof or floor of the coal seams and therefore diluted by the adjacent overburden layer and requiring primary crushing, calculated blending and further beneficiation through the Whitehaven CHPP with CHPP feed coal.
The ROM pad will have a nominal capacity of 130 000t. Under normal circumstances, up to 100 000t ROM coal and 30 000t screened and crushed (product) coal will be retained within the coal processing area in stockpiles. Any processing waste produced through the crushing and screening of coal within the coal processing area will be stockpiled temporarily within the processing area before being disposed of within either overburden emplacement.
3.8
WATER MANAGEMENT
The management of water within the mine site is provided for in the Site Water Management Plan (SWMP) for the Sunnyside Coal Mine (see Appendix 5) which has been prepared in conjunction with Soil Services, a division of the NSW Department of Lands, building upon and refining the water management concepts presented in the Environmental Assessment. For management purposes, the water within the mine site has been divided into four classes. 1. 2. Clean water - surface runoff from catchments undisturbed or relatively undisturbed by mining or related activities and rehabilitated catchments. Dirty water - surface runoff from disturbed catchments such as the active mine area and overburden emplacement, ROM and product coal stockpiles, soil and subsoil stockpiles and rehabilitated areas (until stabilised), all of which could contain sediments. Contaminated water surface runoff which could potentially contain hydrocarbons.
3.
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4.
Pit Water water contained with the open cut sump or pumped to specially designed turkeys nest dams for containment and use for dust suppression across the site.
The principal objectives of site water management are as follows. (i) To ensure sufficient quantities of water can be obtained through the capture of dirty water, harvesting of clean water, and extraction/harvesting groundwater to meet the requirements for dust suppression on the mine site. To ensure the segregation of dirty water from clean water.
(ii)
(iii) To maximise the use of dirty water for dust suppression purposes and minimise the necessity to harvest clean run-on water. (iv) To minimise the volume of water discharged from the mine site but, should the discharge of water prove necessary, ensure sufficient settlement time is provided prior to discharge such that suspended sediment within the water meets the criteria as to be set by the EPL. (v) To minimise erosion and sedimentation from all active and rehabilitated areas of the mine site.
(vi) To monitor the effectiveness of surface water controls and ensure all relevant surface and groundwater quality criteria are met. (vii) To monitor the impact on groundwater levels, quality and availability. (viii) To minimise any impacts on the availability of surface water or groundwater to surrounding residents and landholders. (ix) To establish a method of assessing the level of impact on groundwater supply attributable to the mine. The SWMP for the mine presents the detail of water management structure design and construction, however, in all cases the appropriate structure will be constructed prior to disturbance within the relevant catchment. To minimize the potential erosion and sedimentation potential of these structures, each will be stabilized through the sowing of a suitable pasture crop once construction of the structure is complete. By maximising the capture of dirty water, a site water balance has been prepared which will ensure the maximum harvestable right for clean water capture is not exceeded for all but low rainfall years (in Year 6 and Year 7). The mine site will be managed to prevent and remediate erosion and sedimentation in accordance with the appropriate guidelines (Landcom, 2004). Monitoring programs for surface water and groundwater have been developed to assess the level of impact the mine will have on the quality and quantity of these water resources with a surface and groundwater response strategy developed to provide for an appropriate response in the event of significant impact on the surface and groundwater quality and availability to local land owners.
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A bore into the former No.5 underground workings is located on the eastern side of the mine site which will potentially provide access to additional reserves of water in the event of a shortfall in water for dust suppression requirements across the mine site. Additionally, this bore will provide an opportunity to pump water from the mine site into the underground workings subject to relevant approval processes through the DWE. Any proposal to pump void water from either of the two turkeys nest dams into the underground workings will only take place in the event that the water storages in these dams reach capacity and that water quality testing confirms that the water is of equal quality to that within the underground workings. The full details of the management of the bore into the underground workings is provided in the Site Water Management Plan for the project.
3.9
HAZARDOUS AND EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS
ANFO-based bulk explosives will be used within the open cut with Nonel detonators used for blast initiation. The components of the bulk explosives, detomators, nitrate pril, emulsion and diesel, will not be stored on the ,mine site and will be transported to the site from the Orica Depot near Boggabri on the day of each blast. While all detonators and boosters will generally also be transported to the mine site on the day of each blast, NMPL will maintain two licenced small explosives magazines for the overnight storage of detonators, if that-day delivery is not possible. The explosives magazines will be positioned to the north of the limit of open cut mining (see Plan 3). Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be retained onsite for all hazardous materials, independent of the quantity held. Additionally, all contractors will be required to supply MSDS sheets for any chemicals including hazardous goods they propose to bring onto the site.
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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 4 - Proposed Rehabilitation Activities
4-1
Section 4: INTRODUCTION
Section 4 Proposed Rehabilitation Activities

4.1
(i) (ii)
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
Namoi Mining Pty Ltd; Existing / future surrounding landowners;
Stakeholders in the rehabilitation of the mine site include:
(iii) Gunnedah Shire Council; (iv) Local Aboriginal Community Groups comprising: (v) Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council; Bigundi Biame Gunnedar Traditional People; Min Min Aboriginal Corporation Guide Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation
Department of Primary Industries - Mineral Resources (DPI-MR); and Department of Planning (DoP); Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC); and Department of Water and Energy (DWE).
(vi) other relevant State government agencies including:
Consultation regarding the rehabilitation of the Sunnyside Coal Mine was primarily undertaken during the preparation of the Environmental Assessment and revolved around negotiating an acceptable compromise between: restoring areas of the final landform to a similar or better class of land than prior to mining; and creating an aesthetically pleasing final landform.
Following the approval of the mine by the Minister for Planning, NMPL undertook additional consultation with the relevant government agencies. DPI-MR was consulted regarding the required format and approach to the preparation of the plans included within the MOP. Specifically, DPI-MR re-iterated the requirements of the Departments guidelines that the progressive development and rehabilitation of the mine be presented on an annual basis. Plan 5 has been prepared representing the annual progression of mining, overburden management and rehabilitation on the mine site. Consultation with DPI-MR culminated in a draft of this MOP being presented for review and comment prior to finalisation of the document.
4-2
The Department of Planning, DECC and DWE were each consulted over the preparation of relevant management plans and monitoring procedures referenced or appended to the MOP. Gunnedah Shire Council has been routinely consulted in relation to the design and engineering of the intersection of the site access road and transport route with public roads, as well as the realignment of Coocooboonah Lane and its new Oxley Highway intersection to be constructed as part of the coal transport route to the Whitehaven CHPP and Rail Loading Facility.
4.2
REHABILITATION STATUS AT MOP COMMENCEMENT
As this represents the initial MOP for the Sunnyside Coal Mine, there has been no rehabilitation activities to date on the mine site.
4.3
REHABILITATION STATUS AT THE END OF MOP TERM
Plan 5 presents the status of rehabilitation at the end of the MOP term as well as an illustration of the annual progression of rehabilitation and includes:

areas of completed mining and overburden emplacements; land under rehabilitation including areas classified as either shaped and covered, rehabilitated and under maintenance or rehabilitation complete; and water management and control structures;
The slopes on the rehabilitated landforms at that stage are identified as either <10 or 10 to 18 (Not yet completed). The major rehabilitation activities undertaken during this MOP will include the following. (i) (ii) Construction, profiling and completion of topsoiling and revegetation activities on the out-of-pit emplacement to a maximum of 345m AHD. Completion of in-pit overburden emplacement within the open cut to enable the emplacement to be integrated in with the final landform. All of the in-pit emplacement will be profiled, topsoiled and revegetated.
(iii) Construction of flumes and contour banks on the profiled batter slopes of the overburden emplacements. The flumes will direct surface waters off the overburden emplacements. (iv) Stock exclusion across the area of the Mining Lease.. This includes areas disturbed and rehabilitated with native vegetation and existing agricultural lands which will be allowed to naturally revegetate. (v) Establishment of a non-persistent cover crop on any long-term soil stockpiles, ie. any stockpile retained for in excess of 6 months.
4-3
Some minor rehabilitation activities such as weed control and erosion protection will continue beyond the term of this MOP to produce the final landform conceptually presented in Plan 6. A more definitive plan will be provided in a MOP and/or Mine Closure Plan to be prepared closer to the cessation of mining. Plan 5 presents the progressive rehabilitation of the mine site over the term of this MOP.
4.4
BUILDINGS
Early during the term of this MOP, the Sunnyside property residence will be relocated to the mine facilities area for use as the site office. The sheds and yards on the property will be demolished as they are located from within the footprint of the overburden emplacement area. To the best knowledge of NMPL, there are no contamination issues associated with these structures and as such no specific demolition procedures are envisaged. No evidence of the use of asbestos or other materials of health concern is present in the buildings to be demolished.
4.5
4.5.1
REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED LAND

Introduction
Land disturbance within the mine site during the term of this MOP approximates 130ha, or approximately 100% of all areas to be disturbed over the life of the Sunnyside Coal Mine. Progressive rehabilitation will ensure that some form of rehabilitation is undertaken over the majority of the areas disturbed during the term of this MOP. Progressive rehabilitation will comprise landform creation and stabilisation, spreading of soils and revegetation. This subsection identifies the rehabilitation procedures to be adopted, rehabilitation monitoring and maintenance activities, as well as presenting a summary of the rehabilitation proposed throughout the term of this MOP. 4.5.2
4.5.2.1
Rehabilitation Procedures
Overburden Emplacements and Open Cut Area
Rehabilitation of areas disturbed as a result of mining or overburden placement activities will be undertaken in the following five stages.
Stage 1: Overburden Placement and Shaping
As described in Section 3.4.3, the overburden above the Hoskissons Seam will be loaded and hauled out-of-pit by rear dump trucks for placement within the out-of-pit emplacement. As far as practicable, the more friable or weathered overburden materials excavated from the open cut will be placed over the more competent materials to avoid the exposure of large rocks on the final surface. If required, isolated larger boulders will be buried to assist in the subsequent soil re-spreading. A similar approach would also be adopted for the in-pit overburden emplacement. Periodically, coal reject and oversize material stockpiled within the on-site Coal Handling and Processing Area will be placed within the active overburden emplacement, however, this material will be covered with at least 3m of overburden material.
4-4
During the term of the MOP, overburden and coarse coal reject material and oversize generated on site will be periodically tested for physical and chemical characteristics to confirm that the material is benign and unlikely to result in acidity, salinity or other environmental issues1. The placed material will then be profiled to create the designed final landform (as per Plan 5 and 6) using a D10 or similar bulldozer. A surveyor will confirm these gradients and confirmation of maximum profile RL prior to the placement of soil and revegetation.
Stage 2: Subsoil and Topsoil Replacement
Subsoil and topsoil will be placed on the profiled landform in the reverse order to stripping, ie. subsoil then topsoil, with the materials being preferentially sourced from active stripping areas or, if no such activity is being undertaken at the time, from previously established stockpiles. The thickness of the topsoil and subsoil layers to be replaced will generally also reflect the thickness of the soil removed, ie. 50cm of subsoil and 15cm of topsoil, but will be determined on the basis of the actual volumes of these materials stripped as part of the mining activities. The subsoil layer will be spread on an even but roughened surface which has been ripped along the line of the contour to break any compacted and/or smooth surfaces, key the subsoil materials, encourage ingress of water and minimise erosion. The topsoil layer will be placed over the subsoil using a scraper.
Stage 3: Drainage Installation
Contour banks will be progressively installed on the rehabilitated landform (see Plan 5). The heights (effective depths) and cross-sectional areas of the individual banks will be determined on the basis of the individual sub-catchment areas but will typically be less than 0.7m and 3.0m2 respectively. The contour banks will direct water to flumes which will be constructed on the slopes of the final landform to assist in controlling the flow of water off the slopes of the rehabilitated overburden emplacements. Final rehabilitation on the upper surface of the reshaped out-of-pit emplacement will include the establishment of a storage dam to facilitate collection of water draining from the upper surface prior to release via a rock-lined waterway off the emplacement and eventually off site. This is shown conceptually on Plan 6, with final refinements to sizing and location to be made as rehabilitation develops. It is proposed that areas adjacent to the water storage on the upper surface of the out-of-pit emplacement will be planted to stands of native vegetation.
Stage 4: Agricultural Land Pasture Sowing
Those areas designated for a post-mining agricultural land use (see Plan 6) will be sown with a mixture of pasture species appropriate to the season. The seed mixture will include fast growing, short-lived species and perennial grasses and legumes as presented in Table 4.1.
1
An initial assessment of overburden materials did not identify any risk of acid generation or soluble salt formation and at this time, no specific handling or storage requirements will be required.
4-5
Stage 5:
Native Vegetation Establishment
All areas identified for native woodland re-establishment will be fenced and all stock excluded. The topsoiled landform will then be further prepared by light scarification, or addition of vegetative mulch. Native vegetation establishment will include enrichment plantings for additional Koala habitat as well as establishment of a new corridor on the eastern boundary of the mine site as identified on Plan 6. This planting will be undertaken incrementally, commencing in Year 1 from the northern boundary of the mine site and will advance to the south on a year to year basis in conjunction with the rehabilitation of the active mining area. This will result in the vegetation corridors being planted out to completion by the end of the mines life. The area for vegetation establishment on the rehabilitated out-of-pit emplacement will be undertaken as reshaping and cover crop establishment is completed. It is expected that much of the reshaped out-of-pit emplacement will be planted out to native vegetation by the end of Year 2 of operations.
Table 4.1 Pasture Species Seed Mix
Rate (kg/ha) Fertiliser Warm Season Grasses Bombatsi Panic 12 2 Green Panic * 24 250kg/ha 2 Rhodes Grass * 12 Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) Purple Pigeon Grass 12 Annual Legumes Subterranean Clover 4-5 1 Cool Season Legumes * Barrel (Sephi) medic 24 2 Snail (sava) medic * 35 Woolly Pod Vetch 46 Serradella (Elgara) 12 Lucerne 0.5 Cool Season Grasses Phalaris (Sirolan or Holdfast) 1 -2 Wallaby Grass 0.3 - 1 Pasture Species
*1 Inoculated with appropriate rhizobia *2 Specific Soil Conservation Application Source: Soil Services pers comm.
A selection of locally occurring tree species, propagated from locally-collected seed, will then be planted. Table 4.2 presents a list of the tree species that may be used to re-establish the native woodland on site2. Subject to the extent of natural revegetation from replaced topsoil, seed of locally occurring shrub species may also be broadcast to encourage the re-establishment of the shrub layer.
The actual species mix will be dependent on the availability of different species, proposed vegetation community to be re-established and the noted planting success/failure of particular species. Greater detail on the reestablishment of native vegetation will be provided in a Flora and Fauna Management Plan for the mine, to be prepared within 6 months of the issuing of project approval (August 2008).
4-6
Table 4.2 Tree Species Suitable for Revegetation Activities

Common Name White Box * Yellow Box * Tumbledown Red Gum Wilga White Cypress Red Ash Poplar Box * Kurrajong Motherumbah
* denotes Koala feed tree species
Scientific Name Trees Eucalyptus albens Eucalyptus melliodora Eucalyptus dealbata Geijera parviflora Calitris glaucophylla Alphatonia excelsa Eucalyptus populnea Brachychiton populneus Acacia cheeli
4.5.2.2
Water Management Structures
The Site Water Management Plan for the Sunnyside Coal Mine presents the water management structures to be constructed and managed throughout the life of the mine.
4.5.2.3 Soil Stockpiles
At the completion of the MOP term, all stripped soil will be respread over the profiled final landform. The soil stockpile areas will be ripped and allowed to revegetate naturally. 4.5.3 Summary of Proposed Rehabilitation Table 4.3 presents a summary of the total area of disturbance at the start and end of this MOP term. The values reflect the areas of active disturbance and various stages of rehabilitation presented on Plan 5 as follows.

Land preparation: refers to those areas where soil stripping is ongoing. Active mining area: refers to those sections of the open cut where coal recovery is ongoing. Active overburden emplacement area: refers to areas of the nominated overburden emplacements where overburden placement is ongoing. Shaped and covered with topsoil: refers to those sections of disturbance where overburden placement and soil replacement activities have been completed. Rehabilitated and under maintenance: refers to sections of the final landform where revegetation activities have been completed but are being monitored for success of establishment.
No sections of the final landform are likely to be considered as Rehabilitation Complete, ie. established vegetation requiring no further monitoring or maintenance. In Table 4.3, C1 refers to Rehabilitation Complete, B5 includes shaped and covered with topsoil and rehabilitated and under maintenance, and B1-B4 are as nominated in the table.
4-7
4.6
WATER MANAGEMENT (REHABILITATED LAND)
Where practicable, water management structures such as contour banks and drains will be constructed with longitudinal gradients which permit the transfer of water at non-erosive velocities (eg. 1:200 (V:H)). Consequently, specialised rehabilitation treatments will generally not be required. Similarly, flumes constructed on the slopes of the emplacements and final void will be retained and allowed to revegetate naturally. However, in the event that unacceptable levels of erosion are observed, fast growing species identified as having a particular soil conservation application and/or specialised treatments such as bitumen/jute meshing or rock lining will be implemented. The planting of trees and other vegetation around the various water management structures will enhance the filtration ability of these structures and surrounding areas and minimise the potential for erosion, as well as encouraging their use by native fauna.
Table 4.3 Summary of Proposed Rehabilitation
Area Affected (hectares) Total Area, Total Area, At mine closure *1 (anticipated) start of MOP end of MOP 231
A: A1 B: B1 B2: B3 B4 B5
MINE LEASE AREA Mine lease(s) Area DISTURBED AREAS Infrastructure area (other disturbed areas to be rehabilitated at closure including facilities, roads) Active Mining Area (excluding items B3 - B5 below) Waste emplacements, (active/unshaped/in or out-of-pit ) Tailings emplacements, (active/unshaped/uncapped) Shaped waste emplacement (awaits final vegetation)
Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
45.9 35.9 34.2 NA Nil 116.0
TOTAL ALL DISTURBED AREAS
C: REHABILITATION
C1 Total Rehabilitated area under maintenance complete *2 REHABILITATION ON SLOPES 10 to 18 degrees Greater than 18 degrees Less than 10 degrees SURFACE OF REHABILITATED LAND Pasture and grasses Native forest/ecosystems Plantations and crops Other (include non-vegetative outcomes) Nil Nil Nil Nil 98 18 98 18 -
Nil Nil Nil
46
Nil
D: D1 D2 D3 E: E1 E2 E3 E4
*1 *2
Nil Nil Nil
38 Nil 78
38 Nil 78
Assumes mine closure equates to lease relinquishment Assumes no maintenance requirement 3 years after establishment
4-8
4.7
OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE
On completion of all mining-related and associated activities within an area of the mine site, NMPL will:

remove, rip or otherwise rehabilitate on-site roads not required for the ongoing management of the land; rip the compacted rock on hardstand areas, shape the area to the desired landform, replace the previously stockpiled subsoil and topsoil and apply seed and fertilise; install appropriate drainage controls; and re-install fencing and gates at appropriate locations.
4.8
MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE
NMPLs commitment to effective rehabilitation will include an ongoing monitoring and maintenance program throughout and beyond the term of the MOP. Monitoring and maintenance will be undertaken in accordance with a Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan to be prepared for the mine and provide for regular inspection to identify:

evidence of any erosion or sedimentation from areas with establishing vegetation cover; weed growth; the success of initial grass cover establishment; the success of tree and shrub plantings; the adequacy of drainage controls; and general landform stability.
Where rehabilitation success appears limited, maintenance activities will be initiated. If adequate vegetation establishment is not attained on rehabilitated surfaces, activities such as re-topsoiling, re-seeding or re-planting will be undertaken. In the event of high erosion levels, jute mesh or rock lining may be used until a sufficient pasture cover is established. The stock exclusion area will be regularly inspected and any breaches in fencing repaired immediately. Tree guards will be placed around planted seedlings should unplanned grazing by native animals be excessive. Noxious weed species on the mine site will be identified, and targeted weed spraying or other appropriate weed control methods and programs undertaken in consultation with the Department of Primary Industries - Agriculture) and/or the local Noxious Weeds Inspector. This program of inspection, control and/or eradication will continue as part of the ongoing post-mine maintenance program.
4-9
4.9
REHABILITATION TRIALS AND RESEARCH
No rehabilitation trials or research are currently planned for the term of this MOP. Any such activities will be undertaken in consultation with the relevant government agencies and reported in the relevant AEMR.
4.10
REHABILITATION SECURITY FOR THE SUNNYSIDE COAL MINE
Based on the level of disturbance at Year 4, taken to represent the maximum disturbance level of the mine, NMPL will calculate the security required to ensure the mining lease (currently MLA 321) could be adequately rehabilitated should NMPL be unable to do so. This calculation is based on the Calculation of Security Deposit for NSW Mining Operations workbook and the rehabilitation cost calculator provided by DPI-MR. The submission of the Security Deposit estimate to the DPI-MR will be made after the final acceptance of the MOP.
4 - 10
MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 5 Final Rehabilitation
5-1
Section 5: Final Rehabilitation
Section 5 Final Rehabilitation

5.1 REHABILITATED AREAS AND FINAL FEATURES
The rehabilitation of the final landform features beyond the term of this MOP will represent an extension of the rehabilitation procedures and philosophy outlined in Section 4, as refined by monitoring. Longer-term objectives, ie. those to be achieved prior to lease relinquishment include: creating a low maintenance, geotechnically stable and safe landform which is commensurate with the agricultural and nature conservation land uses on and around the mine site; blending of the final landform with the surrounding topography such that the visual impact of the post-mining landform is minimised; and re-establishing 100ha of agricultural land over the areas disturbed by the mine with approximately 16ha of land rehabilitated to a woodland vegetation community. Plan 6 presents the conceptual plan for rehabilitation at lease relinquishment. The information contained in Plan 6 and Section 5 of this MOP is largely conceptual, with greater detail to be provided in the Mine Closure Strategy and Closure Plan.
5.2
5.2.1
FINAL LANDFORM AND LAND USE

Final Landform
Plan 6 presents the conceptual final landform within the Mine site at the completion of mining and landform reconstruction activities. Plan 6 also shows a cross section of the final landform reflecting the shaped and rehabilitated open cut area, the re-profiled out-of-pit overburden emplacement and coal processing area. The out-of-pit overburden emplacement would be rehabilitated to create a gently sloping hill in the final landform. The created hill and basin remnant of the open cut area would have slopes no greater than 10o. During final site rehabilitation, surplus overburden material that has been stored on the overburden emplacement would be moved to shape the final landform and blend the hill and the basin into surrounding contours.
5-2
The crest of the hill formed by the overburden emplacement would be approximately 345m AHD, ie. approximately 15m above current surface levels on its southern side and approximately 25m above current surface levels on the northern side. The upper surface of the reshaped out-of-pit emplacement will be established to maintain a gradual grade north to south to promote drainage in that direction whilst maintaining the required Class III land capability. The base of the depression remaining after rehabilitation of the final void within the open cut area would be at approximately 305m AHD, ie. approximately 40m lower than the current land surface. Surface water would be directed off the overburden emplacement hill and also into the depression via rock flumes. These would prevent gully erosion by dissipating energy and providing a non-eroding surface. Surface runoff water would be directed around the final void in order to minimise inflow to the void, and maximize storage in the retained storage water dams across the mine site. The final landform would also incorporate a series of contour banks whose spacing and ultimate dimensions would be a function of the final slopes and catchment areas. The spacing and dimensions of these structures would be determined at the time of installation in consultation with the local officers of Soil Services. Spacing of contour banks would typically range between 50m and 100m. These banks will direct water off the reshaped out-of-pit emplacement at an appropriate grade to minimize velocity of flows. Rock flumes will ultimately direct water off site via drainage on the western and eastern sides of the mine site as conceptualized in Plan 6. Other mine-related features forming part of the final landform within the mine site will be restricted to the storage dams and sediment basins which would be retained as future stock watering sources. An additional storage dam will be established on the upper surface of the reshaped out-of-pit emplacement. This storage will be surrounded by plantings of native vegetation.
5.2.2
Decommissioning Activities
On cessation of mining and processing activities, a number of structures and facilities would be decommissioned and removed as part of the rehabilitation of the Mine site including: the coal processing plant; various fuel storage, workshop and ablutions / first aid room; and roads not to be maintained in the final landform. In the event NMPL does not intend to re-use the plant, they would attempt to identify a buyer for the plant in its entirety or in part. Should NMPL successfully negotiate the sale, the plant would be separated into various sections and transported by road to its intended destination. Following the removal of all retrievable stockpiled coal, the landform within the coal processing area would be profiled to blend with the surrounding landform principally through the reshaping of the amenity bund immediately to the north. Topsoil would be returned and the area seeded and fertilised to enable agricultural activity to be resumed.
5-3
The southern turkeys nest pit water dam will be decommissioned and rehabilitated. Any excess water retained within the dam at completion of operations will be removed prior to reshaping works. This water will be analysed for salt concentrations and on determination that it comprises water of equal concentration to that within the No.5 underground workings, will be pumped into the workings subject to appropriate approvals in place. The same process will be followed for the remaining turkeys nest dam to ensure removal of all retained water. The dam will then be retained for future use on site as a component of the water management system for the Sunnyside property. This will require minor earthworks to the dam to facilitate collection of surface water flows. The relocated Sunnyside residence would remain in its new location for the resumption of agricultural activities on the Sunnyside property. All demountable buildings and structures erected on the Mine site would be transported off site. The workshop constructed on site may be retained for use during the resumption of agricultural activities on site. A thorough inspection of the soil directly below and surrounding fuel storage and refuelling areas would be conducted to ensure any contaminated soil is identified. NMPL would conduct a Phase 1 Hydrocarbon Contamination assessment and undertake appropriate action as determined by that review. If any contaminated soil is identified at that time, it would be remediated and treated in accordance with DEC requirements. The access road to the relocated Sunnyside residence would be retained whereas the access to the coal processing area would be rehabilitated and agricultural activity restored. The road material would be removed and placed in the final void area and the stockpiled topsoil originally removed from the road area would be spread across the reformed road alignment. The re-aligned section of Coocooboonah Lane would be rehabilitated according to the lease agreement with the owner of Plain View. The road base and road surface materials would be ripped up and removed and replaced with the stockpiled topsoil and subsoil originally removed from the realignment. 5.2.3 Final Land Capability
Following rehabilitation, there would be five main landforms in the areas disturbed by mining and mining-related activities. (i) (ii) The backfilled open cut area with contours and grades similar to those which existed pre-mining (covering approximately 50% of the area mined). The depression representing the re-shaped final void (also covering approximately 50% of the area mined).
(iii) The mounded area created by the out-of-pit overburden emplacement. (iv) The shallow raised area formed by re-profiling the 15m amenity bund across the coal processing area. (v) Those areas relatively undisturbed during the mining process which would be readily returned to agricultural use.
5-4
The backfilled open cut pit area would have land capability and agricultural land suitability similar to pre-mining levels. The mounded area covering approximately 25.4ha would have land capability classifications of Class III (8.7ha) and Class VI (16.7ha). Class III land is sloping land suitable for cropping on a rotational basis. Structural soil conservation works such as graded banks, waterways and diversion banks together with soil conservation practices such as conservation tillage and adequate crop rotations are required. Class VI land is land not suitable for cultivation, but suitable for grazing with use of soil conservation practices such as limitation of stock, broadcasting of seed and fertilizer, fire prevention and destruction of feral animals. The mounded area would have an agricultural land suitability classification of Class 3 (8.7ha) and Class 4 (16.7ha). Class 3 land is grazing land that is well suited to pasture improvement. It may be cultivated or cropped in rotation with pasture. Class 4 land is suitable for grazing but not for cultivation. Agriculture is based on native pastures established using minimum tillage techniques. The depression would have an agricultural land suitability classification of Class 5. This is land unsuitable for agriculture or at best suited only to light grazing. Agricultural production, if any, is low due to major environmental constraints. There would be approximately 19.8 ha of Class 5 land at the conclusion of rehabilitation. The depression located within the final void covering approximately 18.4ha would have a land capability classification of Class VIII. Class VIII land includes cliffs, lakes and swamps and other lands incapable of sustaining agricultural or pastoral production. There would be approximately 3.1ha of Class VII at the conclusion of the Project. Class VII land is land best protected by green timber. It generally comprises areas of steep slopes, shallow soils and / or rock outcrop. Adequate ground protection must be maintained by limiting grazing and minimising damage by fire. Trees would be planted along the northern, eastern and western property boundaries. These would provide wind breaks and weather shelter for grazing stock. The tree species planted would ultimately provide Koala habitat enhancement and upgrade Koala movement corridors in the local area. The elevated areas on the southern end of the property would be managed as Koala habitat. The relocated Sunnyside residence would be retained in its new location and would provide accommodation on the property.
5.2.4
Final Land Use
Plan 6 presents NMPLs proposed final land use for the Sunnyside property. The property would be returned to agricultural use for grazing and cropping rotations. Four of the water storage dams created to manage surface water during site operations would be retained for stock water. Surface runoff would continue to be directed around the final depression within the former open cut area to minimise the amount of water retained in the depression centred on the final void and maximise the amount of water re-directed to other dams on the property.
5-5
5.3
REMAINING FEATURES
Plan 6 presents the conceptual final landform and completed rehabilitation activity at relinquishment of the lease. The retained infrastructure is identified along with the areas of the three final land uses. However, as noted previously, Plan 6 is conceptual only, with additional detail to follow in the Mine Closure Strategy and Closure Plan.
5.4
REHABILITATION PLANNING CRITERIA
Rehabilitation planning criteria for the mine site as presented in this section have been taken from Strategic Framework for Mine Closure (ANZMEC, 2000) to ensure the most appropriate and efficient rehabilitation techniques are applied. Advice will also be sought from representatives of DPI (MR), DoP, DWE, DECC (EPA and/or NPWS) and specialist consultants employed by NMPL regarding any additional actions that need to be adopted by the mine. An integral part of NMPLs rehabilitation planning and management is the application of the recommendations and procedures set out in the various management plans and monitoring programs outlined in Table 1.2. These plans and programs will, where applicable, be used to establish the criteria for the final rehabilitation of the site. The criteria will be presented in greater detail in subsequent MOPs and the Mine Closure Strategy. The rehabilitation planning criteria identified by ANZMEC (2000) are presented below along with reference to how each will be addressed during the term of this MOP.
ANZMECC (2000) Rehabilitation Planning Criteria
1. Rehabilitation and rehabilitation outcomes consistent with the EIS (Environmental Assessment) which formed the basis of approval. The planned rehabilitation presented in Sections 4 and 5 of this MOP has been based on the concepts and designs initially presented in the Environmental Assessment. The development of specific rehabilitation objectives and targets, and measurement of performance of the mine against these will be included in a Rehabilitation & Landscape Management Plan to be prepared for the mine in accordance with Condition 3(30) of PA 06_0308. The establishment of the mine site does not involve clearing of native vegetation and as such no biodiversity offsets are required. An existing viable Koala habitat will be protected and further enhanced by corridor inter-connection.
5-6
2. Based on mine closure criteria and rehabilitation outcomes developed through stakeholder consultation. A Mine Closure Plan will be developed, based on the final landform and land use objectives identified in the Environmental Assessment, and specific rehabilitation objectives and targets developed as part of a Rehabilitation & Landscape Management Plan. Both the Rehabilitation & Landscape Management Plan and Mine Closure Plan will be developed following consultation with the local community and government agencies, and the most upto-date mine closure criteria produced by DPI - Mineral Resources or other State or Federal government agencies. 3. Integrates rehabilitated native vegetation with undisturbed native vegetation to provide larger areas and wildlife corridors. NMPL intends to connect as well as improve existing Koala corridors to the south (woodlands area), west(existing road way corridor),north (existing road way corridor) and east (along existing property boundary with Lilydale) of the mine site. This will be undertaken by the specific plantings of Koala feed tree plots between each of the areas as well as enrichment planting of Koala feed trees to further enhance the existing habitat. Up to 15% of general planting mix will be Koala feed tree species. The health and survival of the trees will monitored and re-plant maintenance undertaken as required. Monitoring will confirm the retention, growth and viability of the Koala habitat status. 4. Suitable for an agreed subsequent land use as far as possible compatible with the surrounding land fabric and land use requirements. The 98ha of the mine site is to be rehabilitated with pasture and cropping species, and will be of similar land class to that which currently exists on the mine site. In addition, most dams constructed on the mine site will be retained to assist in future agricultural activities. 5. Addresses limitations on the use of rehabilitated land. The land capability class of those areas of the final landform designated for future agricultural activities will be comparable to the current classification. All newly established Koala habitat corridor areas will be managed and preserved. 6. Sustainable in terms of that land use. The proposed final land use is just an extension of existing land uses, with specific attention paid to enhancing Koala habitat corridors 7. Stable and permanent landforms, with soils, hydrology, and ecosystems with maintenance needs no greater than those of surrounding land. (may include overburden emplacements, voids, pits and water-bodies providing that they are part of the accepted final outcome). The final landform has been designed with slopes of no greater than 18 and generally no greater than 10, which are comparable to the topography of the surrounding environment.
5-7
The rehabilitated areas of the mine will be integrated with similar areas on the mine site and the surrounding environs to prevent isolation and decreased viability. The risk of advective dispersion of the saline water back into the groundwater aquifer(s) of the local area is also considered minimal given the predicted ongoing seepage of groundwater into the void to account for evaporative losses. 8. Securely and safely contain waste substances that have the potential to affect land use or result in pollution. No such materials have been identified on the mine site. However, should ongoing analysis of the overburden identify such material, it will be managed appropriately. 9. Not present a hazard to persons, stock or native fauna. The final landform will be created with moderate and stable slopes and as such will not present a greater than normal risk to persons, stock or native fauna when compared to elements of the existing landform. 10. Addresses threatened species issues. A Rehabilitation & Landscape Management Plan will be prepared and consider the ongoing protection and management of threatened species identified as using the mine site, or as having the potential to utilize the mine site. The long-term conservation of XX Ha of remnant native vegetation on the Sunnyside property within the improved existing habitat corridor areas will covented into the any subsequent lease agreement with new landowner/s after the closure of the mine. 11. Addresses heritage issues. No Aboriginal heritage sites will be disturbed as a result of mining. The artefacts contained within these sites will be managed in accordance with an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan, to be prepared in accordance with Condition 3(32) of PA 06_0308 and in consultation with local Aboriginal stakeholders. All other identified sites will be managed to ensure these are not damaged. 12. Clean and tidy, and free of rubbish, metal and derelict equipment/structures, except for heritage and other agreed features. All non-production waste materials generated by the mine and associated activities will be disposed off-site by waste contractors licensed in this function. 13. Free from unacceptable air and water pollution, and other environmental effect outside the disturbed area. The mine will be operated in accordance with conditions imposed by the development consent and Environment Protection Licence (EPL). Monitoring programs for air quality, noise, blasting, surface water and groundwater will be prepared and implemented to verify compliance with consent and EPL conditions.
5-8
MINING OPERATIONS PLAN 6-1 Section 6 - Environmental & Rehabilitation Risk Identification
Section 6: Environmental and Rehabilitation Risk Identification
Section 6 Environmental and Rehabilitation Risk Identification

6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK IDENTIFICATION MATRIX
Environmental risk is the chance of something happening that will have an impact upon environmental objectives or performance. Environmental risk is measured in terms of consequence (severity) and likelihood (probability) of the event happening. As part of a risk identification and prioritisation process undertaken during the preparation of the Environmental Assessment for the mine, all potential environmental impacts were identified and each potential impact allocated an environmental risk rating based on the potential consequences and likelihood of occurrence1. The likelihood or probability of each impact occurring was then rated according to the definitions contained in Table 6.1.
Table 6.1 Qualitative Likelihood Rating Level A B C D E Descriptor Almost Certain Likely Possible Unlikely Rare Description Is expected to occur in most circumstances. Will probably occur in most circumstances. Could occur. Could occur but not expected. Occurs only in exceptional circumstances.
Source: HB 203:2006 - Table 4(A)
The allocation of a consequence rating was based on the definitions contained in Table 6.2. It is noted that the assigned consequence rating represents the highest level applicable, ie. if a potential impact is assigned a level of 4 - Major based on impact to the environment and 2 - Minor based on area of impact, the consequence level assigned would be 4 - Major.
The risk rating has been determined in accordance with Australian Standards HB 203:2006 and AS/NZS 4360:2004 and through consideration of the potential consequence(s) of the environmental impacts.
6-2 MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 6 - Environmental & Rehabilitation Risk Identification
Table 6.2 Qualitative Consequence Rating Level Descriptor

Catastrophic
Major
Moderate
Minor
Insignificant
Description Massive and permanent detrimental impacts on the environment. Very large area of impact. Massive remediation costs. Reportable to government agencies. Large fines and prosecution resulting in potential closure of operation. Severe injuries or death. Extensive and/or permanent detrimental impacts on the environment. Large area of impact. Very large remediation costs. Reportable to government agencies. Possible prosecution and fine. Serious injuries requiring medical treatment. Substantial temporary or minor long term impact to the environment. Moderately large area of impact. Moderate remediation costs. Reportable to government agencies. Further action may be requested by government agency. Injuries requiring medical treatment. Minor detrimental impact on the environment. Affects a small area. Minimal remediation costs. Reportable to internal management only. No operational constraints posed. Minor injuries which would require basic first aid treatment. Negligible and temporary detrimental impact on the environment. Affects an isolated area. No remediation costs. Reportable to internal management only. No operational constraints posed. No injuries or health impacts.
Source: Modified after HB 203:2006 - Table 4(B)
The risk associated with each environmental impact was assessed without the inclusion of any operational controls or safeguards in place and based on the qualitative assessment of consequence and likelihood, an environmental risk ranking of either; low, medium, high or extreme was assigned to each potential impact based on the matrix of Table 6.3.
Table 6.3 Environmental Risk Rating Likelihood A B C D E (Almost Certain) (Likely) (Possible) (Unlikely) (Rare) Insignificant 1 H M L L L Minor 2 H H M L L Consequences Moderate Major 3 4 E E H E H E M H M H Catastrophic 5 E E E E H
Note: Rating modified after HB 203:2006 - Table 4(C)
The four risk rankings are defined as follows. Low (L): requiring a basic assessment of proposed controls and residual impacts. Any residual impacts are unlikely to have any major impact on the local environment or stakeholders.
Moderate (M): requiring a medium level assessment of proposed controls and residual impacts. It is unlikely to preclude the development of the Project but may result in impacts deemed unacceptable to some local or government stakeholders. High (H): requiring in-depth assessment and high level documentation of the proposed controls and mitigation measures. Ultimately, this level of risk may preclude the development of the Project. requiring in-depth assessment and high level documentation of the proposed controls and mitigation measures and possible preparation of a specialised management plan. Unless considered to be adequately managed by the controls and/or management plan, this level of risk is likely to preclude the development of the Project.
Extreme (E):
Table 6.4 identifies the risk level associated with each potential environmental impact, assuming all commitments made in relation to environmental management of the mine site are implemented (see the Final Statement of). Table 6.4 replicates Table 6.1 of the Environmental Assessment and also provides the unmitigated risk level associated with each impact.
Table 6.4 Analysis of Residual Risk
Page 1 of 6
Potential Environmental Impacts

(see Table 3.5)
Level / Scale of Impact (if applicable)
Unmitigated Risk Rating
Consequence Likelihood of Residual of Occurrence Occurrence if Risk if Mitigated Mitigated Rating
Groundwater
Groundwater Pollution by leaking/spilt pollutant Contamination requiring minor recovery works Contamination requiring major recovery works L H 2 3 E D L M M N N N N
Significant drawdown (>2m) beyond 100m of M 3 E the Mine site boundary Major drawdown (>10m) beyond 100m of the H Drawdown of Mine site boundary groundwater Significant drawdown (>2m) beyond 500m of H levels the Mine site boundary Significant drawdown (>10m) beyond 500m of E the Mine site boundary Impacts on Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems M Consequence of Occurrence: 1 = Insignificant; 2 = Minor; 3 = Moderate; 4 = Major; 5 = Catastrophic Likelihood of Occurrence: A = Almost Certain; B = Likely; C = Possible; D = Unlikely; E = Rare Risk Rating: E = Extreme; H = High; M = Moderate; L = Low; N = Nil.
Table 6.4 (Contd) Analysis of Residual Risk

Page 2 of 6

(see Table 3.5)
Air Quality Deposited dust levels attributable to the Project occasionally (for one or two months every year) above DECC guideline, affects only adjacent Nuisance landholders. deposited dust Deposited dust levels attributable to the Project regularly (exceedances greater than DECC guideline for >5 months per year) affects landholders some distance from the Mine site. PM10 levels attributable to the Project occasionally (once every 1 to 2 years) above the Project goal, affects only adjacent landholders. Health - PM10 PM10 levels attributable to the Project occasionally (>5 times per year) above the Project goal, affects landholders some distance from Mine site. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
H H
M L
Erosion and Sedimentation

Minor gully erosion of drainage lines, stockpiles H or created slopes Minor sheet or gully erosion of rehabilitated Soil erosion M landform H Major gully or sheet erosion formation One-off discharge of dirty water from the Mine H Sediment Load site and Turbidity Regular discharge of dirty water from the Mine H site Surface Water/Flooding and Drainage Reduced productivity of downstream grazing L Reduced natural lands surface water Stressing of downstream native vegetation due L flows to restricted flows Isolated and minor event resulting in temporary degradation of water quality in local creeks and tributaries, eg. Minor and one-off discharge of hydrocarbon Continuing discharge of contaminated water resulting in ongoing degradation of water Reduced quality quality in local creeks and tributaries, eg. of downstream frequent/periodic discharge of dirty water Isolated and major event resulting in temporary waters but wider spread degradation of water quality, eg. Large discharge of hydrocarbons Repeated major event resulting in long-term and wide spread degradation of water quality, eg. continued discharge of dirty or contaminated water Changes to local flooding patterns and indirect impacts on native vegetation communities and ecosystems. M 2 2 3 3 D D D D L L M M N 2 2 D D L L
Consequence of Occurrence: 1 = Insignificant; 2 = Minor; 3 = Moderate; 4 = Major; 5 = Catastrophic Likelihood of Occurrence: A = Almost Certain; B = Likely; C = Possible; D = Unlikely; E = Rare Risk Rating: E = Extreme; H = High; M = Moderate; L = Low; N = Nil.

Page 3 of 6

(see Table 3.5)
Consequence Likelihood of Residual Unmitigated of Occurrence Occurrence if Risk Risk Rating if Mitigated Mitigated Rating
Threatened Flora and Fauna Disturbance to native vegetation / habitat within L 2 E nominated areas Disturbance to native vegetation / habitat M 3 D outside nominated areas Disturbance to threatened flora / fauna and H Direct adverse endangered communities impact on Disturbance leading to local population H threatened reduction species. E Disturbance leading to local extinction(s) M Reduced Local biodiversity 3 D biodiversity H Regional biodiversity Noise and Vibration Increased noise Occasional minor exceedance of noise criteria H 2 A levels (1-2dB(A)) associated with Regular minor exceedance of noise criteria (1H 2 D Mine site 2dB(A)) activities Occasional marginal exceedance of noise H 2 C causing criteria (3-5dB(A)) annoyance, Regular marginal exceedance of noise criteria H 2 D distractions, ie. (3-5dB(A)) amenity Occasional major exceedance of noise criteria E 2 C impacts. (>5dB(A)) Regular major exceedance of noise criteria E 4 E (>5dB(A)) Occasional minor exceedance of noise criteria M 2 D Increased noise (1-2dB(A)) / vibration levels Regular minor exceedance of noise criteria M 3 D associated with (1-2dB(A)) Occasional marginal exceedance of noise Project traffic M 2 E criteria (3-5dB(A)) activities causing Regular marginal exceedance of noise criteria M 3 E annoyance, (3-5dB(A)) distractions, ie. Occasional major exceedance of noise criteria M 3 E amenity (>5dB(A)) impacts. Regular major exceedance of noise criteria M (>5dB(A)) H Maximum noise levels resulting in sleep disturbance. Increased noise levels associated with the Project leading to M 3 D reduced agricultural production, ie. impacts on livestock. M Noise and Vibration from blasting impacting on local amenity 3 D M Noise and Vibration from blasting impacting on local livestock 2 D Vibration from blasting resulting in damage to Non-ProjectM 3 E related buildings and structures Consequence of Occurrence: 1 = Insignificant; 2 = Minor; 3 = Moderate; 4 = Major; 5 = Catastrophic Likelihood of Occurrence: A = Almost Certain; B = Likely; C = Possible; D = Unlikely; E = Rare Risk Rating: E = Extreme; H = High; M = Moderate; L = Low; N = Nil. Loss of, or alteration to, existing habitats.
L M N N N M N
H L M L M H L M L M M N N M M L M

Page 4 of 6

(see Table 3.5)
Traffic and Transport M Increased traffic congestion 2 D Increased noise levels at residences along proposed coal See noise and vibration transport route H 3 Road pavement deterioration B M Minor accident no injury 2 D M Minor accident minor injury 2 D Elevated risk of Major accident moderate injuries requiring accident/inciden H 4 E hospitalisation t on local roads Severe accident severe injuries or death H 4 E injury Rehabilitation, Final Landform & Biodiversity Offsets L Reduced access to agricultural lands. 1 C n/a Increase in areas designated for native vegetation conservation Aboriginal Heritage Impact on identified sites and/or artefacts of Aboriginal cultural heritage as a result of the proposed construction and mining E activities and without the permission of LALC or DECC Impact on unidentified sites and/or artefacts of Aboriginal cultural heritage as a result of subsidence and without the permission of LALC or DECC H 4 E
H L L H H
L N
European Heritage Impact on identified sites of European cultural heritage L Waste Management Contamination requiring minor recovery L Contamination by works waste oil. Contamination requiring major recovery M works Acid generation from overburden used in construction of M overburden emplacements. Reduced amenity of Mine site due to poor rubbish, litter L management Soil and Land Capability M Insufficient soil quantities for rehabilitation. Reduced soil quality M Reduced soil quality Degradation of soil quality M M Elevated erosion or erosion potential. H Decreased land and agricultural capability of the final landform Visual Amenity Temporary disturbance to landform Reduced H amenity of Marginally identifiable change to landscape H altered Mine site Highly identifiable change to landscape H landform
N 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 D D D D D D C A B D L M N L N M M M M H H L N
Impacts on the effectiveness of the Siding Springs Observatory L Consequence of Occurrence: 1 = Insignificant; 2 = Minor; 3 = Moderate; 4 = Major; 5 = Catastrophic Likelihood of Occurrence: A = Almost Certain; B = Likely; C = Possible; D = Unlikely; E = Rare Risk Rating: E = Extreme; H = High; M = Moderate; L = Low; N = Nil.

Page 5 of 6

(see Table 3.5)
Rehabilitation, Final Landform & Biodiversity Offsets Reduced access to agricultural lands. M 2 Increase in areas designated for native vegetation conservation Bushfire Minor disturbance to Mine site lands and equipment resulting in temporary suspension Initiation of fire of operations leading to Major damage to Mine site lands and impacts on the equipment resulting in long-term or complete Mine site suspension of operations Impacts on health and safety of Project personnel Minor disturbance to lands and property Initiation of fire external to the Mine site Major disturbance to lands and property leading to impacts outside external to the Mine site. the Mine site Impacts on health and safety of local landowners, residents and general public Subsidence Damage to buildings / structures Impacts on surface and groundwater flows Increased erosion potential Decreased agricultural value of affected land Damage to Aboriginal artefacts Land Contamination Transfer of contaminated material Small area affected (<0.01ha) Large area affected (>0.01ha) L M 1 3 n/a n/a
C n/a
M n/a
H H L H H
3 4 2 4 5 3 3 2 1 3
D E D E E E E E E E E E
M H L H H M M L L M L M L L M H L M M H L M H
M M L L M
Minor and temporary contamination of water M 2 D quality in local creeks and tributaries Contamination of surface water Minor and continuing contamination of water M 2 D quality in local creeks and tributaries as a result of Major and temporary contamination of water exposing M 3 D quality in local creeks and tributaries contaminated lands Major and continuing contamination of water H 4 E quality in local creeks and tributaries Spontaneous Combustion Minor injury L 1 C Injury sustained Moderate injury requiring first aid M 2 C as a consequence of Injury requiring hospitalization H 3 D fire Severe injury or death H 5 E Impacts on Small fire within Mine site L 1 C native flora and Moderate fire extending beyond the Mine site M 3 D fauna in the Large fire extending far beyond the Mine site event of fire spreading H 4 E beyond coal stockpiles Consequence of Occurrence: 1 = Insignificant; 2 = Minor; 3 = Moderate; 4 = Major; 5 = Catastrophic Likelihood of Occurrence: A = Almost Certain; B = Likely; C = Possible; D = Unlikely; E = Rare Risk Rating: E = Extreme; H = High; M = Moderate; L = Low; N = Nil.

Page 6 of 6

(see Table 3.5)
Consequence of Occurrence if Mitigated
Likelihood of Occurrence if Mitigated
Residual Risk Rating
Socio-economic Impacts and Property Values Improved economic activity and related social impacts n/a attributable to reduced unemployment Reduced quality of life (actual or perceived) M 3 D Temporary decrease in property values M 3 D Reduced Moderate term decrease in property values H 3 E property values Long term decrease in property values H 4 E Consequence of Occurrence: 1 = Insignificant; 2 = Minor; 3 = Moderate; 4 = Major; 5 = Catastrophic Likelihood of Occurrence: A = Almost Certain; B = Likely; C = Possible; D = Unlikely; E = Rare Risk Rating: E = Extreme; H = High; M = Moderate; L = Low; N = Nil.
N M M H H
Through the implementation of the controls, safeguards and mitigation measures committed to by NMPL (see Section 7 and the Statement of Commitments included within the Environmental Assessment for the Sunnyside Coal Mine), the risk rating for the majority of potential environmental impacts has been reduced to either a moderate or low risk rating. In some cases, a rating is not provided as the likelihood of occurrence is considered to be so low, or consequence so insignificant, as to be virtually non-existent. This approach was generally taken when the risk rating could not be considered any lower than high (due to a likelihood classification as almost certain or consequence classification as catastrophic) so as not to suggest a significance that does not exist. Further consideration is given to the potential impacts which retain a high risk rating as follows. Impacts on downstream water quality resulting from continuing contamination. The impacts of ongoing discharges of contaminated water would be a high risk for downstream water quality. NMPL would implement appropriate management systems on site to ensure that discharge of contaminated materials is unlikely. Impacts resulting from increased noise during construction and operation causing annoyance and distractions. Due to the location, topography and climatic aspects of the Mine site, it is predicted that there would be minor and medium exceedances of some noise criteria. These would be closely related to wind speed direction and strength and NMPL would manage this issue by developing and implementing a Noise Management Plan. Impacts associated with road pavement deterioration. NMPL would enter into a road maintenance contribution agreement with Gunnedah Shire Council to address additional wear and tear on the local road system resulting from the increased number of trucks transporting coal between the Sunnyside Coal Mine and the Whitehaven Rail Loading Facility.
Major or severe accident resultant from the transportation of coal from the Mine site. While every precaution has been and would be taken by NMPL in relation to the design of traffic management and adoption of a drivers Code of Conduct, the potential consequence of a major or severe accident is such that a high risk rating applies. Impacts on health and safety and on flora and fauna as a consequence of a bushfire extending well beyond the limits of the Mine site. While considered a potentially rare occurrence, the consequence could be major and as such a high risk rating applies despite the incorporation of Project safeguards which would minimise the potential for fire on the Mine site. Impact on unidentified sites and/or artefacts of Aboriginal cultural heritage as a result of the proposed construction and mining activities and without the permission of LALC or DECC. The accidental disturbance to an unidentified Aboriginal artefact or site cannot be categorically ruled out and therefore, even though the potential likelihood is considered rare, as the potential consequence is major, a high risk rating is retained. Temporary disturbance to the existing landform and marginally identifiable change to the landscape. While the potential consequence of the impact is considered insignificant, because it is considered almost certain to occur, the high risk rating applies. Severe injury or death resulting from an incident related to spontaneous combustion. While every precaution has been and would be taken by NMPL in relation to management to minimise the likelihood of spontaneous combustion incidents, the potential consequence of an accident resulting from such an incident is such that a high risk rating applies. Moderate to long term reduced property values. It is difficult to predict the medium to long term impacts on property values NMPL is predicting a neutral impact. The management procedures implemented by NMPL, including returning approximately 50% of the disturbed area to agricultural pursuits at the conclusion of mining, would reduce any such impacts and the short life span of the Project (5 to 7 years) would also mitigate against medium to long term impacts. The risks associated with the majority of possible environmental impacts are considered moderate or less and therefore, while these may result in impacts deemed unacceptable to some stakeholders, the development and operation of the Project, with the implementation of appropriate management plans, are generally considered acceptable.
6 - 10 MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 6 - Environmental & Rehabilitation Risk Identification
MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 7 - Environmental Controls & Monitoring
7-1
Section 7 Environment Controls & Monitoring

7.1 INTRODUCTION
The environmental management controls for the mine site, have been drawn from a Statement of Commitments contained within Sunnyside Coal Project Environmental Assessment (Doc. Ref .No. 675/01, Project Approval PA 05_0102, and accepted industry/operating standards. This section addresses each of the potential environmental impacts listed in Table 6.4, to the extent necessary to reduce the risk of each to an acceptable level. Where an Environmental Management Plan or Monitoring Program has been (or is to be) prepared for a particular environmental risk, reference is made to the relevant plan or program. The relevant Environmental Management Plan may be available for reference, in the Appendices, otherwise is under preparation and can be provided to the DPI MR as soon as it is available.
7.2
7.2.1
AIR POLLUTION
Environmental Management Controls
Management controls will include the following, categorised by activity.

General
Dust generating activities will be temporarily ceased when protracted dry periods and/or high winds lead to significant dust generation and dispersal towards the surrounding residences. All earthmoving equipment on-site will be fitted with exhaust controls which satisfy NSW DECC emission requirements.
Vegetation Clearing and Soil Stripping
Clearing ahead of construction and operational activities will be restricted to that required for the ensuing 9 to 12 months development. Bund walls and wind breaks will be constructed beyond the areas to be disturbed as required. Cleared trees and branches will be retained for use in stabilising slopes identified for rehabilitation with native woodland communities.
7-2
Where practicable, soil stripping will be undertaken at a time when there is sufficient soil moisture to prevent significant lift-off of dust. WCM will avoid stripping soil in periods of high winds. Dust suppression by water application will be used to increase soil moisture should stripping occur during periods of high wind or low soil moisture
Drilling and Blasting Activities
The drill rig will utilise water injection or alternatively, be fitted with dust collectors. Blast hole stemming will be used to prevent venting of explosion gases. Blasting will be conducted only after low-level atmospheric temperature inversions have dissipated. The following factors contributing to non-ideal detonation behaviour and higher emission (principally NO2) concentrations, will be avoided whenever possible: - weak overburden which reduces the necessary explosive confinement, this will be ripped in preference to blasting; - water infiltration; - long explosive columns; and - explosive pre-compression, caused by hole-to-hole shock propagation due to wet overburden and clay veins.
Overburden Ripping and Placement
Ripping of softer overburden material will be avoided during periods of high wind. Temporarily directing the placement of overburden into In-pit Emplacement during periods of high wind.
Coal Mining
Low moisture coal will be sprayed with water prior to excavation to raise moisture content to >6%.
Coal Processing and Coal Processing Area Maintenance
Water will be applied to the coal at the feed hopper, crusher and at all conveyor transfer and discharge points. Water will be applied at a rate of 1.5L/t of coal. All conveyors will be fitted with appropriate cleaning and collection devices to minimise the amount of material falling from the return conveyor belts.
7-3
Clear definition of any access or haul roads and the restriction of vehicles and equipment to those roads. Routine application of water with or without chemical dust suppressants. Progressive rehabilitation of areas of disturbance including topsoil and subsoil stockpiles. Installation of bund walls and windbreaks as required. Limit vehicle speeds during hot and windy weather.
Internal Transport
The road for the transportation of coal product between the site facilities area and mine entrance will be sealed. Internal haul roads will be regularly watered. The frequency of water application to the various internal haul roads and exposed surfaces will be dependent on climatic factors. Earthmoving equipment and on-site vehicles will: be fitted with exhaust controls which satisfy NSW DECC emission requirements; be properly maintained and any mobile equipment which does not comply with NSW DECC guidelines will be removed; and have the exhausts of all equipment directed upwards or to the side so as not to impinge on the ground and cause dust lift-off.
External Transport
Coal will not be loaded above the truck body sides, thereby preventing the accidental loss of coal from the truck during transportation. All trucks carrying product coal from the mine will be covered with approved covers and the tailgates securely fixed to prevent windblown dust emission or spillages.
7.2.2
Monitoring
Refer to the Air Quality Monitoring Program prepared for the mine (see Appendix 2).
7-4
7.3
7.3.1
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL

Refer to Section 4 of the Site Water Management Plan prepared for the mine (see Appendix 5). 7.3.2 Monitoring
Refer to Sections 5 and 6 of the Site Water Management Plan prepared for the mine (see Appendix 5).
7.4
7.4.1
SURFACE WATER POLLUTION

For management purposes, the surface water catchments within the proposed areas of disturbance have been divided into four categories, namely: Clean surface runoff from catchments undisturbed or relatively undisturbed by construction, mining or related activities and from rehabilitated catchments; surface runoff from areas disturbed by construction or activities such as soil, overburden and coal stockpiling, and rehabilitation (until stabilised), all of which could contribute suspended solids to the surface water; and
Dirty -
Contaminated - surface water containing hydrocarbons or any other contaminant other than suspended solids above DECC or ANZECC (2000) criteria. Pit water Water from the open cut which will be retained in sumps or pumped to segregated turkeys nest dams constructed specifically for storage of pit water.
The key principles in managing surface water within and around the Mine Site would be to: divert clean water away from disturbed areas; capture dirty water and treat it so that it could be discharged in accordance with relevant DECC and ANZECC guidelines; capture and treat contaminated water prior to discharge from and/or re-use on the Mine site; and maintain as much vegetation cover (particularly grass) as possible.
7-5
Section 2 of the Site Water Management Plan prepared for the mine (see Appendix 5) presents the general and specific environmental controls as they relate to surface water pollution. These controls firstly consider management of water quantity followed by the water quality aspects, contingency plans, monitoring and long term management of the landforms within the Mine Site.
7.4.2
Monitoring
Refer to Sections 5 of the Site Water Management Plan prepared for the mine (see Appendix 5).
7.5
7.5.1
GROUNDWATER POLLUTION
Refer to Section 6 of the Site Water Management Plan prepared for the mine (see Appendix 5).
7.5.2
Monitoring
Refer to Section 6 of the Site Water Management Plan prepared for the mine (see Appendix 5).
7.6
CONTAMINATED OR POLLUTED LAND
No contaminated or polluted land has been identified and as such no specific management controls or monitoring procedures are required. The greatest risk for the contamination or pollution of land as a result of the mine is associated with the potential for fuel or oil spills or leaks. Section 7.16.1 documents the management controls to be implemented by NMPL in the event of a hydrocarbon spill or leak.
7.7
THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA
The proposal is located in an area extensively cleared for agriculture and does not affect major areas of native vegetation. Notwithstanding this, NMPL has incorporated flora management aspects into the planning and operations of the Project and these include: Implementation of the Koala Management Plan (see Appendix 8). Constrain vehicular speed limit on the mine site to 40kph.
7-6
Implement a Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan for the Mine Site and to also include for those areas of the Mine site not used for ongoing grazing and cropping. Erect fencing as necessary to exclude livestock from Koala habitat areas Utilise local tree species in revegetation of disturbed areas with an emphasis on Koala feed trees. Undertake clearing so the extent is minimised and consistent with operational requirements. Clearly define all areas to be cleared. Transfer soil material and biomass removed beyond the first 18 to 24 months of mining directly to an active rehabilitation area, where practicable. Undertake progressive rehabilitation of all disturbed areas. Control noxious weeds at all times. Adopt a strategy to rehabilitate specific areas of the Mine Site to native vegetation, create and / or improve habitat corridors on and adjacent to the Mine Site, and protect areas of native vegetation from agricultural activities on NMPL land external to the Mine Lease. Maintain, expand and / or create several Koala habitat corridors to promote the linkage of remnant vegetation in the local area. Conserve the existing native vegetation on the Mine Site during the life of the project and in the final landform. Carry out, where possible, tree removal, especially the mature trees in late spring and early autumn to avoid spring nesting birds and disturbance to roosting bats over the winter period.. Undertake inspections of mature trees for nesting birds and roosting bats prior to each clearing campaign where mature tree with hollows are to be removed. Relocate any nesting and roosting hollows, as well as nests, used by listed threatened species to appropriate locations nearby. Bury all stumps from felled timber within the overburden emplacement and place all branches and tree trunks <300mm in diameter or containing hollows over the areas of the final landform designated for the re-establishment of native vegetation. Commence post-mining rehabilitation of the Box Cut area as soon as possible. Reestablish the connectivity of habitat corridor along Coocooboonah Lane. Commence post-mining establishment of the Koala habitat corridors between Coocooboonah Lane and the remnant woodlands south of the Mine site as soon as practicable to re-establish and enhance the connectivity of local Koala habitat corridors.
The above actions will be incorporated into the Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan which will attach to the final MOP document upon completion and approval through the Department of Planning.
7-7
7.8
7.8.1
WEEDS
If required, appropriate noxious weed control methods and programs will be undertaken in consultation with the local Council Weeds Control. This program of inspection and eradication will continue as part of the post-mine ongoing maintenance program. Greater detail on noxious weed control will be included within the Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan to be prepared approved by 1st March 2009. 7.8.2 Monitoring
The mine site will be regularly inspected for weeds, particularly areas being revegetated, as part of a monitoring program aimed at assessing the success of rehabilitation (see Section 4.8). Additional monitoring will be undertaken at the request of weeds inspectors of DPI (Agriculture). The results of all monitoring will be included in the relevant AEMR.
7.9
7.9.1
OPERATIONAL NOISE
Management controls will include the following, categorised by activity.

Construction Noise
Avoid all noisy activities occurring concurrently during construction particularly before 9.00am when the affects of local inversions may be noticeable. Where possible construction activities will be restricted to one of the more noise activities at any one time. Monthly monitoring of construction noise will be undertaken to ensure compliance with consent requirements.
Operational Noise
Construct the out-of-pit overburden emplacement to provide an acoustic barrier between the open cut and Non-Project-related residences. Placement of overburden on the Out-of-pit emplacements will be avoided as far as practicable during night-time operations whenever necessary. Mid-high frequency broadband reverse beepers will be fitted to mobile equipment, decreasing sound power levels by 2dB(A) to 3dB(A). Ensure the on-site road network is well maintained to limit body noise from empty trucks travelling on internal roads.
7-8
Confine operations to lower levels of the in-pit overburden emplacement to mitigate noise exceedances under adverse wind conditions, ie. avoid operations on elevated section of the overburden emplacements during inversions and SSW winds. Maintain dialogue with neighbours and local community to ensure any concerns over construction, operational or transport noise are addressed. As much as it is practical, bulldozers are either to operate in first gear when reversing on the out-of-pit emplacement (and demonstrating compliance with noise criteria) or suspends operations (when compliance is not achieved with noise criteria). Mining operations may take place only between 7 am to 10 pm Monday to Friday and 7 am to 6 pm on Saturdays (excepting Public Holidays).
Traffic Noise
The on-site road network will be well maintained to limit body noise from empty trucks travelling on internal roads. All truck drivers will be instructed to avoid the use of engine brakes when approaching the mine site entrance and to be mindful of noise when accelerating. Road transport of coal to the Whitehaven CHPP & Rail Load Out Facility will be restricted to the hours of 7.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Saturday, and my be extended to 8.00pm during Eastern Summer Time.
General Noise
Equipment with lower sound power levels will be used in preference to more noisy equipment. All equipment used on-site will be regularly serviced to ensure the sound power levels remain at or below nominated levels used to predict noise generation of the proposal. Strict adherence to hours of operation, including transport activities will be enforced by Mine Management. NMPL will maintain dialogue with the residents of surrounding properties to ensure any concerns are addressed. 7.9.2 Monitoring
Refer to the Noise Monitoring Program prepared for the mine (see Appendices 3).
7-9
7.10
7.10.1
BLASTING
Management controls will include the following. Ensure all blasts are designed to comply with blast limits specified in the Environment Protection Licence. Blast design and implementation will be undertaken by a suitably qualified blasting engineer and/or experienced and appropriately certified shot-firer. The blast face, where practical, will be oriented away from or at an oblique angle to nearby residences. Blasthole spacing will be implemented in accordance with blast design. Appropriate burden distance and stemming length will be selected and then implemented precisely. Appropriate materials for stemming will be used, eg. 20mm aggregates. A notification procedure for all residents within 2km of the Mine Site will be prepared and implemented. A Blast notification board will be erected at the entrance to the mine site to notify of the next blast. This will be updated at least 24 hours prior to each blast.
7.10.2
Monitoring
Refer to the Blast Monitoring Program (see Appendix 4).
7.11
7.11.1
VISUAL AMENITY AND STRAY LIGHT

The following controls will be implemented by NMPL. The mine site will be progressively rehabilitated such that cleared or nonvegetated areas will be minimized. Non-persistent cover crops will be sown immediately over areas to be rehabilitated prior to the establishment of the designated vegetation type. A bund wall will be constructed adjacent to the Coal Processing and Stockpile Area and will be immediately seeded with a non-persistent cover crop. In the event the Lilydale property is purchased, the bund on the eastern side of the Sunnyside may not be constructed. In the event it is constructed, it will be constructed to a height of approximately 5m, covered with topsoil and be immediately seeded with an appropriate cover crop.
7 - 10
Overburden emplacements themselves have been designed to replicate existing topographic features. The extent of land disturbance / clearing in advance of mining will be minimised. Progressive rehabilitation of all disturbed areas within the mine site will be undertaken. The mine and associated areas of disturbance will be maintained in a clean and tidy condition at all times. A maximum of 3 lighting plants will be used for night-time activities and will have a combined illumination of approximately 3 000 000 lumens. Floodlights will be positioned and directed to minimise emissions and used only when required. Where the use of floodlights are required in the open cut, on the overburden emplacements or at the processing plant, they will be directed to the south or southwest, ie. away from the adjacent residences. 7.11.2 Monitoring
None is proposed.
7.12
ABORIGINAL HERITAGE
Refer the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan prepared for the mine site (see Appendix 1).
7.13
7.13.1
SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION
It is acknowledged that coal from the Hoskissons Coal Seam does have potential for spontaneous combustion. As a consequence, NMPL will undertake bulk sampling to assess the propensity for spontaneous combustion and use the results of this analysis in a Spontaneous Combustion Management Plan to be developed for the mine. This plan will be prepared and submitted to the DPI-MR for approval within 4 months of the project approval. In addition to utilising the data obtained from bulk sampling, the Spontaneous Combustion Management Plan will also incorporate the following elements. Minimising the length of time coal is held in stockpiles. Monitoring coal stockpiles for signs of spontaneous combustion. Immediately reporting incidents. Extinguishment by excavation, spreading and saturation with water.
7 - 11
NMPL will provide the analysis results from bulk sampling in the management plan, as well as comment on any spontaneous combustion events and management in the Annual Environmental Management Report.
7.13.2
Monitoring
None is proposed other than regular visual inspections of the ROM stockpile area by the Open Cut Examiner during routine shift inspections.
7.14
BUSHFIRE
The activities on the mine site that may increase the risk of fire, and the controls proposed to limit the risk posed by these are presented in Table 7.1.
Table 7.1 Bushfire Hazard Activities and Controls Activity Blasting Possible Ignition Source Coal dust Ejected Shot Safeguards and/or Controls Clear vegetation away from blast (>20m). Remove all coal from open cut around blast. Blast design to be undertaken by qualified personnel. Inspection of blast conducted prior to blast. Blast Management Plan to be prepared and followed. Water truck available to douse any smouldering vegetation etc. Refuelling Spilt fuel ignited by spark Refuelling undertaken within designated fuel bays or within cleared area of the Mine site. Vehicles to be turned off during refuelling. No smoking policy to be enforced in designated areas of the Mine site. Fire extinguishers maintained within site vehicles. Product Stockpiling Spontaneous Combustion The coal has a low propensity for spontaneous combustion. Stockpiles to be regularly inspected and watered. Stockpile height and volume to be controlled to limit the duration coal retained in stockpiles. General Activities Cigarette Rubbish, eg. glass, metal. No smoking policy to be enforced in designated areas of the Mine site. Focus on housekeeping to be maintained by mine management. Water cart available to assist in extinguishing any fire ignited. Site vehicles to carry a fire extinguisher.
7 - 12
NMPL would also regularly liaise with Sunnyside Mine Community Consultative Committee and the Gunnedah Shire Council personnel as required in relation to any bushfire hazards in the general area.
7.15
MINE SUBSIDENCE
The Sunnyside Coal Mine is located to the north of the now closed Gunnedah No. 5 Coal Mine subsidence district and so no specific management controls or monitoring program is necessary. For the open pit area a barrier pillar of 40m will be maintained as an offset from the old underground workings within the old Panel 7 area.
7.16
7.16.1
HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATION
The following controls will be implemented by NMPL. All water from wash-down areas and workshops will be directed to oil separators and containment systems. All storage tanks will either be self bunded or partitioned within an impermeable bund with a capacity to contain a minimum 110% of the largest storage tank capacity. All hydrocarbon products will be securely stored. With the exception of less mobile mining equipment which will be refueled within the open cut area, designated areas will be allocated for refueling and minor maintenance work. The use of these areas will be enforced by mine management. 7.16.2 Monitoring
In the event of a hydrocarbon spill, the affected area will be regularly inspected to ensure there is no on-going affect on the land that will prevent it from being successfully rehabilitated
7.17
METHANE VENTILATION
As an open cut mine, no gas ventilation controls are necessary for the Sunnyside Coal mine.
7 - 13
7.18
7.18.1
PUBLIC SAFETY
The following controls will be implemented by NMPL. Erection or maintenance of stock fencing around the areas of activity within the mine site. Internal fencing will also be established and/or maintained to enable the continuation of agricultural activities in those areas not designated for miningrelated activities or natural regeneration. Construction and maintenance of a lockable gate at the junction of the mine entrance road onto the Mine Site and Coocooboonah Lane. Position security/warning signs at strategic locations (particularly along Coocooboonah Lane re-alignment) around or within the mine site indicating the presence of earthmoving and mining equipment, deep excavations and steep slopes. On the mine site the positioning of signs will depend on the location of the mining activities at any one time. Signs identifying blasting procedures and times will also be installed adjacent to the mine access road at the mine entrance. The signs will be positioned to alert employees/visitors entering the mine site and passing motorists of the proposed time of the blast on or before that day, if one is to be initiated. Employee induction in safe working practices and regular follow-up safety meetings and reviews. Installation of bunds along the margins of internal haul roads created on slopes to a height of half the height of the largest wheel on site. Implement appropriate controls with respect to the use of explosives to ensure compliance with statutory requirements at all times. Ensure that NMPLs blasting contractor utilises correct blasting procedures to contain the fragmented rock and to minimise the generation of ground and air vibrations. Ensure all earthmoving equipment complies with the Mine Design Guideline (MDG) 15 and is fitted with appropriate safety equipment, eg. rollover protection structures and seatbelts, an operating reversing alarm (or other approved warning device) and an approved location and method of operation for the fire suppression system, all of which will be maintained in a good condition and operated safely at all times. Ensure all size reduction and screening equipment at all times complies with all relevant requirements and standards. Strictly complying with all mining lease, development consent and licence conditions.
7 - 14
Erection of advisory signage, such as Trucks Entering 200m, on Coocooboonah Lane and the Oxley Highway prior to the respective intersections Erection of stop signs at the intersection of the mine access road and Coocooboonah Lane re-alignment and the intersection of Coocooboonah Lane and the Oxley Highway. Edge lines and centre lines will be marked on the sealed road surface of the public road sections of the proposed transport route. Ensure all trucks transporting product coal from the mine, both to the Whitehaven CHPP and Rail Loading Facility, are roadworthy, well maintained and are driven in a safe and courteous manner.
7.18.2
Monitoring
None is required or has been proposed.
MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 8 - Plans
8-1
Section 8 Plans
Plan 1 Mine and Context Plan 2 Pre MOP Environment Plan 3 Proposed Land Preparation Plan 4 Proposed Mining Activities Plan 5 Proposed Rehabilitation Plan 6 Final Rehabilitation for Lease Relinquishment Plan 7 Sections
MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 9 References
9-1
Section 9 References
ANZMEC (2000). Strategic Framework for Mine Closure. Cox (1984). Authorisation 139: Report to Accompany Renewal Application. Prepared for Gollin Wallsend. Geoff Cunningham Natural Resource Consultants (2007a). Soils and Land Capability Assessment for the Sunnyside Coal Project Site. Prepared on behalf of Namoi Mining Pty Limited Part 9 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium. Geoff Cunningham Natural Resource Consultants (2007b). Flora Assessment for the Sunnyside Coal Project. Prepared on behalf of Namoi Mining Pty Limited Part 8 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium. Kevin Mills and Associates (2007). Fauna Survey and Assessment for the Sunnyside Coal Project. Prepared on behalf of Namoi Mining Pty Limited Part 3A of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium.

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Mining Operations Plan

Namoi Mining Pty Ltd

Prepared by Namoi Mining Pty. Ltd

R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

Namoi Mining Pty Ltd

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Copyright

Name of mine Mining Titles/Leases

Sunnyside Cut Coal Mine

MOP Commencement Date Name of leaseholder Namoi Mining Pty Ltd

MOP Completion date (nominal)

This Copyright is included for the protection of this document

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Statutory Declaration

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Glossary of Acronyms

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Preamble

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN

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R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Contents

1.3 1.4 1.5

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Contents

4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9

3.7 3.8 3.9

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Contents

7.6 7.7 7.8

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Contents

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Foreword

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Foreword

Section 5: Section 6: Section 7: Section 8: Section 9:

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Foreword

Plan 4: Plan 5: Plan 6: Plan 7:

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Foreword

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R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 1 Introduction

HISTORY AND CONTEXT OF OPERATIONS

Development of the Sunnyside Coal Mine Project

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 1 Introduction

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 1 Introduction

The Mining Lease and Associated Developments

PROPOSED AND FUTURE OPERATIONS

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 1 Introduction

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 1 Introduction

CONSENTS, LEASES AND LICENCES

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MINING OPERATIONS PLAN Section 1 Introduction

16 March 1989 Pending

Expiry is 7 years after the commencement of the approval.