Putrescible Wastes and Recyclables

At Ramelius, each operation manages waste products according to Environmental Protection licences. Ramelius’ priority is to manage putrescible wastes generated by stream and recycle goods as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. At sites with licensed landfills, putrescible wastes are buried. Waste oils, grease and other hydrocarbon-contaminated wastes are taken to a dedicated licensed management facility for disposal or recycling. Several sites feature bioremediation pads to neutralise hydrocarbon contaminated soils through biological processes. Effluent from wastewater treatment plants is also managed properly.

A formal Hazardous Materials procedure is in place detailing requirements for the purchase, transport, storage, use and disposal of hazardous substances and dangerous goods at Ramelius’ exploration sites. When disposing of hazardous materials, substances undergo a risk assessment. Records of hazardous materials received, stored, and disposed of are maintained, in accordance with the Hazardous Chemical Management Procedure. Ramelius undertakes internal audits of waste management to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The volume of wastes is measured and reported in the National Pollutant Inventory reporting and in accordance with relevant laws.

Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF)

Ramelius oversees multiple TSFs at Mt Magnet Gold Mine and Edna May Gold Mine. These facilities are designed in accordance with the Tailings Dam Code of Practice and classified by an ANCOLD hazard ratings based on risk levels. Ramelius completes regular inspections and an annual geotechnical auditing of its operating TSFs. Each TSF has a dedicated Operating Manual detailing safe and environmentally sustainable procedures, monitoring and reporting requirements, trigger levels and corrective actions for any potential deficiencies.

Additionally, compliance audits are conducted to ensure our operating strategy and monitoring protocols effectively detect any environmental risks. Audit reports are lodged with relevant regulators demonstrating our compliance with all conditions. Regulations also require Ramelius to use independent TSF consultant engineers for the design and annual inspection of its TSFs as well as requirements for the provision of information, instruction, training, and supervision that assures the integrity of facilities and the occupational safety and health of personnel working at them.

The chosen location, design, construction method, operational strategy, monitoring and surveillance, emergency response planning and rehabilitation of each TSF undergoes a rigorous risk and environmental impact assessments prior to approval. Specialist engineers are engaged by Ramelius to ensure all factors that can potentially impact the long-term performance of each TSF are considered and addressed. The design process is complex and ensures the integrity and safety of each TSF during; operation; extreme weather and events; and decommissioning.

The potential for acid rock drainage (ARD) impacts to the surrounding environment is measured periodically at TSF monitoring bores designed to detect any seepage leaching into groundwater. Mined waste rock characterisation studies are undertaken prior to the approval to construct any waste rock landforms (WRL). The studies analyse the physical and geochemical characteristics of waste rock which informs the WRL design. Where potentially acid forming materials are identified, WRL designs are modified to encapsulate sulphides. It is acknowledged that Ramelius operates in regions that are unlikely to have climate conditions conducive to producing acid drainage.