PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) this week approved the expansion plan for the Hope Downs iron-ore mine.
Mining giant Rio Tinto and its joint venture partner, Hope Downs Iron Ore, had sought approval to develop the Baby Hope deposit as an amendment to the existing Hope Downs mine.
The Baby Hope proposal included three above water table openpits, associated waste rock dumps, stockpiles and haul roads.
Based on the current mine plan, mining at Baby Hope would start in 2016 and would finish in 2026.
EPA chairperson Dr Tom Hatton said that the proposal could be managed to meet the EPA’s environmental objectives.
“The EPA has recommended that this proposal be approved, subject to a further set of conditions,” Hatton said.
“In addition to the existing conditions in the Ministerial statement, the EPA has recommended the proponent ensure all areas within the development envelope are rehabilitated and decommissioned to restore ecological sustainability.”
Hatton said this would be achieved with the implementation of a mine closure plan, which would be regularly revised.
“The EPA has also recommended the proponent contribute funds to a government-established conservation fund to mitigate the significant residual impact of clearing up to 800 ha of native vegetation in ‘good to excellent’ condition,” Hatton said.
The EPA’s report to the Environment Minister is open for a two-week public appeal period, closing November 30.
The existing Hope Downs mine produced at a nominal rate of 32-million tonnes a year from two orebodies.