Potential impacts to the environment, our neighbours and the broader community are a key consideration during the design and implementation of the new TSF. Ballarat Gold Mine has been undertaking a wide range of investigations to assist in preparing engineering designs and a conceptual work plan for the project.
There are currently over a 100 specific licence conditions that we have to comply with at Ballarat Gold Mine from EPA Victoria, Earth Resources Regulation and the City of Ballarat, including Noise, Water, Traffic, Vibration, Dust and Land Management.
We are in regular contact with our regulators during operations and in the development of new projects such as the Whitehorse Gully TSF to ensure they are aware of what we are doing.
The recent investigation work into the Conceptual Design for the TSF has informed a risk-based Work Plan which has been submitted to Earth Resources Regulation (ERR).
ERR is satisfied with the detail in the Work Plan and sent it on to other regulatory authorities as part of a referral process. The regulators have indicated that with additional recommendations they are satisfied that the risks have been adequately addressed and the Work Plan can now be formerly endorsed by ERR and submitted to the City of Ballarat for a Planning Permit. The Planning Permit stage has the same statutory requirements for advertising and public submission as other similar sized projects.