WATERANGA PROJECT - Department of Environment and Heritage ...

Wateranga Project
Queensland Industrial Minerals Ltd Initial Advice Statement
6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
6.1. Potential Impacts
Table 8 identifies the values, potential impacts and proposed management strategies
for each of the key environmental parameters of the Wateranga Project.
An assessment has also been performed on the BWPL EIS and compared with the
expected environmental impacts of the Wateranga Project. The results of this
assessment are included in Table 9.
The EIS comparison assessment identified the similarities and differences between
the two projects, and where additional information may be required to verify
environmental impacts of the Wateranga Project. The conclusions drawn indicate
that the following assessments to account for the Wateranga Project development
are likely to be required:
Assessment Type Current Status
• Local road transport infrastructure impacts Completed
• Socio-economic impacts Completed
• Identification of suitable power supplies Completed
• Land impact assessment (soils and flora) Completed
• Erosion, sediment control and waste water management assessment To commence shortly
• Water source impacts To commence shortly
• Cultural heritage assessment To commence shortly
Overall, there is significant useful information which can be utilised and drawn from
the EIS and incorporated into environmental documentation for the Wateranga
Project. Information is currently being sought and field studies have commenced
where existing data is deficient or not directly applicable to this project. The extent
and type of additional information required is being determined in consultation with
specialist environmental sub consultants where relevant. In addition, contact with the
traditional owners has been initiated to facilitate cultural heritage studies and the
development of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
It is important to note that QIM has established good relations with the parties
affected by the Project identified to date. It is the company’s intent to ensure good
relations continue to be fostered with all stakeholders and parties associated with,
and affected by, the development. QIM also recognises that compensation, as part
of the Mining Lease Application process, will need to be addressed prior to grant of
tenure.
This information will be incorporated into an EIS by QIM, and will also be reflected in
the Environmental Monitoring Overview Strategy (“EMOS”) and Plan of Operations
(“PoO”), as per the requirements of a Non Standard mining project and
Environmental Authority.
6.2. Post-mining land uses
Through sound mine planning and management, long term sustainable uses and
applications for the Wateranga site post-mining can be implemented. These uses
will have considerable financial benefits to the local community and landholders and
will markedly improve the current land use of the site.
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