Waste Rock Dump PDF

WMC Environment, Health & Safety Management System
Waste Rock Dumps Guideline

WMC-EHS-GUI-012B.4
Owner: Durham Davis

DocsOpen Ref: 152240
Uncontrolled copy – check web for latest revision
Revision Reviewed Description of Changes Date Approved

0 First Issue 18/02/2004 M Webb
© WMC Resources Ltd
WMC has developed this document for internal use, specific to circumstances and conditions within its operations. It is
intended to provide general information and its applicability to external parties may therefore be limited. WMC makes no
representations as to the applicability of the information for use by any party other than WMC and should not be relied
upon as such. WMC provides no representation or warranty as to safety or business outcomes arising from application
of this document and its requirements by third parties.
Guideline – Waste Rock Dumps
CONTENTS
1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE ........................................................................................................... 4

2 CONTEXT.................................................................................................................................. 4
3 PLANNING ................................................................................................................................ 4
3.1 Legal Requirements ........................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Baseline Monitoring ............................................................................................................ 5
3.3 Waste Characterisation ...................................................................................................... 5
3.4 ‘Topsoil’ Characterisation ................................................................................................... 5
3.5 Natural Landform Characterisation..................................................................................... 6
3.6 Community Views............................................................................................................... 6
4 DESIGN OF WRDs.................................................................................................................... 6
4.1 Design Objectives............................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Design Process and Methodology...................................................................................... 6
4.3 Closure Strategy / Plan..................................................................................................... 10
4.4 Alternative Use of Waste .................................................................................................. 10
5 DESIGN APPROVAL............................................................................................................... 10
5.1 Internal Approval .............................................................................................................. 10
5.2 Regulatory Approval ......................................................................................................... 10
6 CONSTRUCTION / OPERATION............................................................................................ 10
6.1 Construction Control......................................................................................................... 10
6.2 WRD Development Plan................................................................................................... 11
6.3 WRD Review .................................................................................................................... 11
7 CLOSURE ............................................................................................................................... 11
7.1 Review and Signoff Of Completion Criteria ...................................................................... 11
7.2 Relinquishment Strategy .................................................................................................. 12
7.3 Closure Trials ................................................................................................................... 12
7.4 Monitoring......................................................................................................................... 12
7.5 Facility Fencing................................................................................................................. 12
7.6 External Review................................................................................................................ 12
8 REPORTING AND DOCUMENT CONTROL .......................................................................... 13
8.1 Design Documentation ..................................................................................................... 13
DocsOpen Ref: 152240 Last Updated: 06/05/2004 © WMC Resources Ltd Page 2 of 13
8.2 Operating Records ........................................................................................................... 13

8.3 Maintenance and Modification.......................................................................................... 13
9 RELATED DOCUMENTS ........................................................................................................ 13
10 REFERENCES..................................................................................................................... 13
1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This Guideline provides the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requirements for the design,
construction, operation, management and closure of Waste Rock Dumps (WRD). It does not
replace any regulatory requirements.
This Guideline applies to all WMC Resources operations.
2 CONTEXT
WRDs are usually the most visual landforms left after mining. Poor operation and rehabilitation of
these structures can result in increased environmental impacts generating public outrage and
additional regulatory intervention. For these reasons, it is essential that careful planning be
undertaken before and during construction to achieve a safe, stable and aesthetically acceptable
landform which meets the needs of the agreed post mining land use.
The phases of WRD development are:
1. Planning
2. Design
3. Approval
4. Construction/operation
5. Closure
Specific requirements associated with each phase are outlined in the sections below.
3 PLANNING
3.1 Legal Requirements
The planning process must identify the relevant regulatory planning instruments, and specifically,
the requisite approvals. This should be done as early as possible in the planning process given the
potentially long lead times.
This is of particular importance where the construction of the WRD will or has the potential to
impact on sensitive biota or ecosystems as defined in the Environmental Monitoring Guideline
(WMC-EHS-GUI-004A.1).
Commitments to closure criteria are often made in project approval documentation (eg Notices of
Intent). It is important that all closure criteria and commitments are realistic, achievable and meet
the objective of a low risk of EH&S impact. The commitments can be reviewed by Group Projects
(Geotechnical) prior to submission.
3.2 Baseline Monitoring
Environmental ‘baseline’ data shall be collected prior to commencement of WRD construction in

accordance with the Environmental Monitoring Guideline (WMC-EHS-GUI-004A.1).
Baseline data must include the acquisition of rainfall data. This information is central to designing a
stable landform with effective drainage systems.
Cyclonic weather systems, dominated by high intensity storms, may dictate the need for special
attention to drainage and early stabilisation of exposed slopes.
3.3 Waste Characterisation
The planning process must include the characterisation of the waste rock to be excavated from the
proposed mine.
The characterisation of waste rock should be initiated prior to commencement of mining using drill
samples, geological maps and surface exposures. It should be continued during mining through
the examination of exposed material. This work must be completed by a geotechnical specialist.
Waste rock characteristics to be examined include the following as a minimum.
3.3.1 Potential for Acid Drainage
Identification of waste units to be handled which are associated with sulphide mineralisation and
may oxidise to form acid.
3.3.2 Salinity
Identification of materials which are sodic and /or have a high electrical conductivity. These
materials are very difficult to revegetate and therefore must not be placed on the final slopes, nor
within their vicinity.
Where encountered salinity generally increases with depth within the weathered rock profile but
this trend can be complicated by groundwater patterns. Fresh cuttings from drilling programmes
can be used to determine salinity levels in waste rock materials prior to mining. This information
can then be used to develop overburden dumping sequences which minimise the amount of salt
near the surface of the dump, where it could affect revegetation.
3.3.3 Geotechnical Assessment
Identification of geochemical properties of all waste materials. High clay, sand or kaolin content
materials are not suitable for final slopes.
Waste rock that is erosion resistant can be used for armouring the more erodible materials.
3.4 ‘Topsoil’ Characterisation
The planning process must include the characterisation of topsoils to be removed from the footprint
of the proposed WRD.
‘Topsoil’ is a generic term used to refer to the biologically active and oxidised fine materials that lie
at the surface. As a minimum soil pH and particle size distribution should be considered:
soil pH is an important factor in determining which plant species should be selected for
revegetation, and;
particle size distribution may be used to predict its capacity to infiltrate and store water,
leach salt and provide for plant root penetration.
3.5 Natural Landform Characterisation
The planning process must include the characterisation of local natural landforms in which the
WRD is to be constructed.
3.6 Community Views
Interested parties should be consulted on landform and post mining land use in the early phases of
project planning in accordance with the Relationship with Interested Parties Standard (WMC-EHS-
STD-010).
4 DESIGN OF WRDS
4.1 Design Objectives
The key objectives of WRD design is that the facility is safe, stable and aesthetically acceptable
during construction and following closure.
Safe
A facility is considered safe if the contents retained within the facility will not be released in an
uncontrolled manner and cannot pollute the surrounding environment or harm anyone in the
proximity of the closed facility.
Stable
As all earthen structures erode, WMC deems facilities to be ‘stable’ if they release materials in a
controlled manner.
A ‘controlled release’ is defined as being the release of stored materials at rates below a level likely
to cause EHS impacts.
Aesthetically Acceptable
The visual impact of the finished WRD shall be minimised and acceptable to the relevant
regulatory authority and interested parties.
4.2 Design Process and Methodology
All WRDs shall be planned and designed as engineered structures by a competent geotechnical
specialist. The following shall be considered:
4.2.1 Risk Management
The risk management process is a valuable tool for managing risks throughout the WRD life-cycle
(planning, design, construction and closure).
Risks associated with the construction of WRDs need to be identified early in the design and
planning phase.
A risk assessment workshop will identify potential hazards and their associated impacts. From the
risk assessment, an action plan can be developed for appropriate controls to manage the risk of
impact.
Group Projects (Geotechnical) can be used to facilitate the risk workshop.
4.2.2 Site Selection
The design process should specifically address the suitability of the WRD location in order to:
minimise transport distance from the pit face;
minimise impact on any neighbouring residential area including company living areas;
minimise visual impact;
minimise destruction of existing vegetation and natural land forms;
avoid creek lines, salinas or soaks;
avoid sensitive biota and ecosystems;
avoid areas of cultural significance, and;
minimise rehabilitation costs.
The location of waste dumps should be considered along with siting of tailings storage facilities
(TSFs). If possible, dumps should be located near or adjacent to TSFs to ensure a nearby source
of suitable materials for TSF rehabilitation and to reduce closure costs.
WRDs shall not be constructed on reclaimed or filled land, in tidal areas or wetlands, or in
submarine environments without approval by the CEO.
4.2.3 Natural Surface Drainage Requirements
The site selection process for the proposed facility shall give due regard to the natural surface
drainage conditions within and adjacent to the potential zone of influence of the proposed site.
WRDs should not be positioned such that watercourses are likely to erode the structure’s toe
slope.
In particular the need for water course diversions or damming should be avoided where possible.
Where diversion or damming of a water course is considered necessary a risk assessment must
be completed.
At a minimum the risk assessment must consider the:

potential impact on sensitive biota or ecosystems, and;
potential for inrush / subsidence in accordance with SAF-MHS-09 Inrushes and
Subsidence.
The diversion or damming of ephemeral flowing water courses shall not proceed without the
approval of the Group Environment Manager.
4.2.4 Topsoil Capture
All topsoil resources within the footprint of the WRD and associated hardstands shall be recovered
prior to the commencement of construction (i.e. dumping waste rock). If the available depth of
harvestable material exceeds about 15cm, the material should be allocated topsoil and subsoil
classifications and stockpiled separately. Subsoil may be an appropriate rehabilitation medium,
particularly where there is a deficiency of topsoil available.
To retain the maximum amount of mycorrhizae in stored topsoil, the stockpiles should not be more
than two metres in height.
The stockpiles should be located as near as possible to the area it is to be used to minimise
handling costs. Topsoil must not be used for pit bunding.
4.2.5 Waste Rock Deposition
The facility design must specifically provide for the management (eg. encapsulation) of waste
materials with the following characteristics:
potential to generate acid or leach environmentally polluting materials;
high salinity, and;
geotechnically unstable (eg high clay, sand or kaolin content).
4.2.6 Geometry of WRD
The design process should specifically address the geometry of the WRD. The maximum height,
area and shape of the WRD should be designed with regard to the area of land available, and as
far as practical, the geometry of the surrounding natural landforms.
As general guidance, where appropriate a WRD should have a geometry that is irregular and does
not look made-made.
The WRD geometry and design should be optimised considering not only construction but
rehabilitation and revegetation costs. Planning software such as Dump Solver is a useful tool that
can be utilised to optimise total life-of-mine WRD costs and illustrate the proposed design in 3D.
With consideration of the materials to be used in armouring the final slopes of the facility, the
design of any facility shall employ geometry that minimises the runoff velocity and potential for
piping and erosion gullies.
Government guidelines may specify a minimum slope angle, however this should be assessed and
negotiated if it does not provide for the most effective outcome.
Where existing structures have steeper slopes, and re-contouring is required, consideration should
be given to cutting to shallower angle, but this is dependent on availability and suitability of cover
material, and the benefits obtained from slope flattening. Slope flattening shall not be carried out if
this will negatively affect the engineered properties of the embankment material and hence the
stability of the slope.
Wherever possible, outer embankment faces shall be constructed to their final slopes and
geometry (including inter-berm benches).
Once the foot print has been determined the quantities of topsoil to be recovered must be
estimated.
4.2.7 Surface Water Control on WRDs
WRDs shall be designed such that during and following construction:

the facility is water holding rather than water shedding;
surface finishes and drainage structures on the WRD encourage the infiltration of heavy
rainfall events (provided infiltration will not lead to Acid Rock Drainage or other adverse
leachate in the future);
storm water releases are controlled; and
releases of any potentially polluting water are within the applicable environmental licence
and health and safety limits.
Drop-structures shall not be used except as a spillway for very low frequency large magnitude
storm events where it is almost certain that failure of the drop structure will not result in an
unacceptable environmental impact.
4.2.8 Armouring / Capping
The design phase must identify sufficient material suitable for armouring the WRD. Information
obtained through the waste characterisation during the planning phase may be used to identify
suitable material.
Wherever practical the final slopes of the WRDs should be armoured with blocky oxides waste.
Where this material is unavailable unmineralised “fresh” waste rock should be used.
Specifically all completed surfaces of the WRD should be stable and able to resist long term
erosion. For this reason high clay, sand or kaolin content materials are not suitable for final slopes.
Where the use of topsoil is identified as necessary the following factors should be considered:
ideally topsoil should be applied over a suitably armoured final slope;
topsoil should not be applied over readily erodible materials such as those with high sand,
clay or kaolin content;
topsoil should not be applied at a depth of greater than 0.15m, and;
topsoil should be incorporated into the armouring layer by ripping.
Wherever possible, topsoil salvaged from the advancing waste dump should be immediately
spread on prepared (re-shaped) final waste dump surfaces.
Where the design allows for outer embankment faces to be constructed to their final slopes and
geometry (including inter-berm benches) progressive armouring and topsoiling should be
undertaken if possible.
4.2.9 Revegetation
Revegetation must be incorporated into the closure strategy unless otherwise agreed by
regulators.
As a general rule only local endemic plant species should be used for revegetation, however
species should be selected based on the chemistry of the material used for armouring (waste rock
material and topsoil) to ensure successful revegetation in the new environment.
4.3 Closure Strategy / Plan
A closure strategy shall be developed for each WRD in accordance with the Acquisition,
Divestment and Closure Standard (WMC-EHS-STD-011). The closure strategy outlines the
activities to be undertaken to help gain agreement on ‘completion criteria’.
For new operations, the completion criteria must be defined, if possible, prior to the
commencement of mining or other land disturbance. For existing operations, completion criteria
are to be defined no later than five years prior to the Life of Mine (LOM) plan.
The closure strategy shall address all significant potential risks (refer the Integrated Operational
Risk Management Guideline WMC-EHS-GUI-003) and be documented within the site’s Closure
Plan.
4.4 Alternative Use of Waste
Consideration should be given to alternative uses for waste rock such as bunding, landfill, tailings
storage walls or road construction, etcetera.
Opportunities for the use of waste rock in open pits and underground operations should be
investigated. A comparative cost benefit analysis shall be completed prior to discounting this
option where it is available. Such a cost benefit analysis shall include capital, operating and
closure costs.
5 DESIGN APPROVAL
5.1 Internal Approval
Prior to submission to regulatory authorities for approval, WRD designs/plans must be signed off
by the appropriate General Manager and retained within the site’s document management system.
All significant design amendments shall be subject to the same process as originals.
5.2 Regulatory Approval
The Mine Manager in conjunction with the Site Environmental Specialist is responsible for
acquiring the required approvals and licences. The approval application documentation shall
include the closure strategy for the facility including defined closure criteria.
The ability to meet any commitments made within approval documentation, as well as conditions
attached to approvals, must be carefully considered as they represent legal obligations.
6 CONSTRUCTION / OPERATION
6.1 Construction Control
The Mine Manager shall ensure that the WRD is constructed to design. This can be achieved by:
1. Ensuring that all supervisors (staff or contract) engaged in managing the construction of the
WRD are familiar with, and competent in, the type of work to be carried out, and manage the
works to ensure that construction is carried out in accordance with the design drawings and
specifications.
2. Ensuring that the facility is subject to scheduled surveys and inspections.
As a consequence of these inspections, the facility design may require modification to

accommodate variations between predicted and actual construction.
Design modifications shall comply with the requirements of Section 4 and 5 and actions shall be
appropriately scheduled to avoid any negative consequence from design non-conformance. In
addition all maintenance and modifications shall be in accordance with the Facility Operating
Manual and the Management of Change Standard (WMC-EHS-STD-005).
6.2 WRD Development Plan
Sites shall develop and annually update a WRD Development Plan for all WRDs on site. As a
minimum the WRD Development Plan will address:
all significant potential EHS risks identified through the IORM process (Integrated
Operational Risk Management Guideline WMC-EHS-GUI-003);
progressive topsoil capture;
changes to original WRD design;
progressive rehabilitation;
planned revegetation where applicable, and;
results of environmental monitoring where applicable.
6.3 WRD Review
Each site is required to review and document conformance with the requirements of the WRD
Guideline on an annual basis. This review may be included as a section within the WRD
Development Plan. The review period should be selected so that any remedial work required is
carried out before seasonal rain events.
WMC Group Projects may be used to assist in this process.
A copy of the report should be provided to the Guideline Owner to record and review. Any non-
conformances must be communicated to the Site General Manager and recorded in the EHS DMS.
7 CLOSURE
7.1 Review and Signoff Of Completion Criteria
Within 5 years of planned site closure, completion criteria established during the planning phase
should be reviewed with consideration to the findings of actions undertaken as part of the “closure
strategy” (eg rehabilitation trails). Formal stakeholder agreement on the “completion criteria”
should be obtained in accordance with the Acquisition, Divestment and Closure Standard (WMC-
EHS-STD-011).
7.2 Relinquishment Strategy
Within 5 years of planned site closure the site Closure Plan must be updated to include a
relinquishment strategy in accordance with the Acquisition, Divestment and Closure Standard
(WMC-EHS-STD-011). This should identify the mechanism by which the achievement of
“completion criteria” will be measured.
7.3 Closure Trials
In order to develop meaningful “completion criteria”, closure trials should be implemented early in
the operational phase of the site. This will facilitate more effective design, planning and
construction of safe, stable and aesthetically pleasing landforms, and has the potential to reduce
rehabilitation costs at closure
7.4 Monitoring
Environmental monitoring for the purpose of determining the site’s progress towards meeting the
defined closure criteria shall be established in accordance with the Environmental Monitoring
Guideline (WMC-EHS-GUI-004A.1). This will include the completion of ecosystem function
analysis.
7.5 Facility Fencing
The completed facility shall be fenced to exclude wildlife and/or domestic animals where the
presence of wildlife or domestic animals is likely to hinder the success of revegetation.
7.6 External Review
The Site General Manager shall ensure that an appropriate schedule of external reviews is
developed for implementation following closure. As a guide external reviews should be conducted:
every two years, and;
in the event of an extreme storm or earthquake events.
The external review shall include a Safety Assessment and a Geotechnical Assessment. The
geotechnical assessment of the facility shall report on:
slope levels, changes in geometries and surface condition;
structural stability;
all potential danger areas to be isolated and appropriate barriers and warning signs erected
to prevent unauthorised personnel entering potentially unsafe areas, and;
an assessment of the post closure stability of structures such as spillways.
WMC Group Projects may be used as the External Reviewer.
A summary of the findings of the external review shall be provided to the Project Manager of the
Closure Strategy and any major findings shall be reported through the EHS Assurance Reporting
Process in accordance with the Obligations and Assurance Standard (WMC-EHS-STD-002).
8 REPORTING AND DOCUMENT CONTROL
8.1 Design Documentation
The design documentation for all stages in the WRD life cycle shall be managed and stored within
a document control system.
8.2 Operating Records
Operational issues and actions arising from daily operational inspections, quarterly geotechnical
inspections and annual operational audits shall be documented and stored within a document
control system.
8.3 Maintenance and Modification
Records of maintenance and modification work shall be kept in accordance with the Management
of Change Standard (WMC-EHS-GUI-005).
9 RELATED DOCUMENTS
SAF-MHS-16 Slope Stability
SAF-MHS 09 Inrushes and Subsidence.
Integrated Operational Risk Management Guideline
(WMC-EHS-GUI-004)
Environmental Monitoring Guideline (WMC-EHS-GUI-004A.1)
Acquisitions, Divestment and Closure Standard (WMC-EHS-STD-011)
Closure Plan Guideline
(WMC-EHS-GUI-011)
Management of Change Standard (WMC-EHS-GUI-005).
10 REFERENCES
‘Managing Sulphidic Mine Wastes and Acid Drainage’, Environment Australia, 1997, Best Practice
Environmental Management in Mining, ISBN 0 642 19449 1. Refer to
http://www.ea.gov.au/industry/sustainable/mining/booklets/index.html

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Waste Rock Dump PDF

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WMC Environment, Health & Safety Management System

Waste Rock Dumps Guideline

Owner: Durham Davis

Uncontrolled copy – check web for latest revision

Revision Reviewed Description of Changes Date Approved

© WMC Resources Ltd

1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE ........................................................................................................... 4

8.2 Operating Records ........................................................................................................... 13

1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This Guideline applies to all WMC Resources operations.

The phases of WRD development are:

3.1 Legal Requirements

3.2 Baseline Monitoring

Environmental ‘baseline’ data shall be collected prior to commencement of WRD construction in

3.3 Waste Characterisation

Waste rock characteristics to be examined include the following as a minimum.

3.3.1 Potential for Acid Drainage

3.3.3 Geotechnical Assessment

3.4 ‘Topsoil’ Characterisation

3.5 Natural Landform Characterisation

3.6 Community Views

4.1 Design Objectives

4.2 Design Process and Methodology

4.2.1 Risk Management

Group Projects (Geotechnical) can be used to facilitate the risk workshop.

4.2.2 Site Selection

4.2.3 Natural Surface Drainage Requirements

At a minimum the risk assessment must consider the:

4.2.4 Topsoil Capture

4.2.5 Waste Rock Deposition

4.2.6 Geometry of WRD

4.2.7 Surface Water Control on WRDs

WRDs shall be designed such that during and following construction:

4.2.8 Armouring / Capping

4.3 Closure Strategy / Plan

4.4 Alternative Use of Waste

5.1 Internal Approval

5.2 Regulatory Approval

6.1 Construction Control

2. Ensuring that the facility is subject to scheduled surveys and inspections.

As a consequence of these inspections, the facility design may require modification to

6.2 WRD Development Plan

6.3 WRD Review

WMC Group Projects may be used to assist in this process.

7.1 Review and Signoff Of Completion Criteria

7.2 Relinquishment Strategy

7.3 Closure Trials

7.5 Facility Fencing

7.6 External Review

WMC Group Projects may be used as the External Reviewer.

8 REPORTING AND DOCUMENT CONTROL

8.1 Design Documentation

8.2 Operating Records

8.3 Maintenance and Modification

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