In the June 16 Update we reported on the independent study on mine closure being undertaken by the University of Queensland Centre for Social Responsibility on Mining. We reported that alongside physical closure considerations, we must also consider the social and economic effects of the end of mining in Waihi.

The first draft of this Social Impact Assessment - or SIA - has now been received. The report presents a range of information.

It captures community views on the needs, aspirations and concerns of people affected by the mine's operation and identifies the readiness of the community to absorb the effects of closure, both in the short and medium term.

This up to date information will provide the basis for Newmont Waihi Gold to work with relevant stakeholders and prepare a Social Impact Management Plan.

We are the first to admit that this can all get a bit confusing. We are planning for closure, but we are also actively exploring for more gold. We have always stated the company would like to be here for the long term, but that depends on viable economic deposits being located. We have the facilities to process more gold, but we need to find it first. If we close, we would like to be ready for that too, and we would like the community to also be ready.

You will hear more about the SIA in coming weeks. In the meantime you can view our current operating scenarios .

One big sucker on site

Our usual wet winter is nearly over, next come the spring storms. The mine site is designed to cater for significant rainfall events. The Tailings Storage Area has a range of drainage systems, including a surface ring ditch above the tailings area that diverts fresh water from the hills behind the storage areas down to the river. This decreases the amount of water that has to be treated on site.

At the base of the storage area collection ponds store water runoff from the embankment surface. These ponds trap and contain water and silt generated by water runoff from embankment construction and rehabilitation.

 

This water is tested and treated, then released into the river after monitoring to ensure it meets discharge criteria. Periodically these ponds are dredged to remove the silt build up. This silt is pumped into the storage ponds. This dredging maintains the capacity of the collection ponds and helps to ensure that water being discharged to the river continues to be within consent conditions.

View the Tailings Storage Facility water management systems

Counting sheep

You may remember that an earlier Update reported on fluffy toys being left on the pit rim walkway. Since that report, several of the toys have disappeared, and others have just as mysteriously appeared.

Now we have another mysterious disappearance to report, just as fluffy, but more serious.

Over the last few weeks several sheep and lambs have been stolen from the grazing areas next to the pit rim walkway. They are not being taken as pets. At least three have been slaughtered and butchered and the entrails left behind.

The sheep belong to a private resident who is grazing the area and are not the property of Newmont Waihi Gold, but we feel rather responsible.

If you have any information please give Justin Hawkes, Newmont's Clerk of Works, a call on 021 410 845.