The Northern Territory Government has approved limited civil and construction works for the re-commissioning of Tailings Storage Facility Cell 1 at the McArthur River Mine in the Northern Territory.
Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby said he is focused on ensuring that the McArthur River Mine is regulated in a sustainable and responsible manner to maximise economic benefits and minimise environmental impacts.
“This limited amendment to the mine management plan authorises civil and construction works for the re-commissioning of Tailings Storage Facility Cell 1.”
The assessment of these works have been undertaken by an Independent Technical Review Board established as a condition of the current authorisation. It was also assessed by the Department of Primary Industry and Resources for its compliance with the Mining Management Act.
The works require sign-off from an independent certifying engineer to assess the design and construction of works, and will be subject to the ongoing role of the Independent Monitor with oversight of all operations. Further approvals are required before the re-commissioned Tailings Storage Facility Cell 1 can become operational again.
The approval takes into account the NT Environment Protection Authority Assessment Report on the MRM Overburden Management Project and a condition of the authorisation is that the mine site is to be developed and operated in accordance with relevant legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).
The Department of Primary Industry and Resources is preparing for the implementation in future approvals of the recommendations from the NT Environment Protection Authority Assessment Report.