The rehabilitation of the old Kangaroo Flat and Woodvale Ponds mining sites is a step closer with Victoria's mining regulator appointing environmental auditors to review and advise on the requirements to remediate the former mine and evaporation ponds.
EPA-accredited environmental auditors Niboi Consulting and CDM Smith will review the rehabilitation plans for the former mining sites operated by Kralcopic and provide independent advice on the work required to return the sites to safe, stable and sustainable land.
Expected to be completed by mid-2022, the reviews will also outline the monitoring and maintenance required prior to the commencement of rehabilitation activities in 2023.
Since Kralcopic went into liquidation in May 2021, Earth Resources Regulation has taken steps to manage public and environmental safety at Kralcopic's former mining sites prior to their rehabilitation.
Dust control measures have been implemented and remain in place. These include, regular watering of tailings dams, the use of dust suppression polymers and ensuring adequate vegetation cover at the sites.
Monitoring conducted by the regulator indicates that dust levels at Kangaroo Flat and Woodvale are meeting the required environmental standards. Dust monitoring reports are available from the Earth Resources website.
Earth Resources Regulation holds rehabilitation bonds totalling $5.9 million, which will be used to rehabilitate Kralcopic's former mine sites. Onsite rehabilitation work is likely to involve Bendigo-based earth works and engineering contractors.
Quotes attributable to Executive Director Earth Resources Regulation Anthony Hurst:
"Earth Resources Regulation is progressing well with maintenance at the former Kralcopic sites and in preparing for their rehabilitation following liquidation of the operator in 2021."
"EPA accredited environmental auditors have been engaged to inform rehabilitation planning for each former mining site, which will be funded using $5.9 million rehabilitation bonds."
"We'll continue to keep the Bendigo community informed as we progress the rehabilitation work on the former mining sites."
