Northparkes Step Change Fact Sheet
Northparkes is currently undertaking a
Pre-Feasibility Study to evaluate the potential for further
underground mining and processing operations based on a series of
large tonnage, low-grade areas of mineralisation within the
existing mine leases.
Figure 1: Cross-section showing the zones of mineralisation in
relation to existing and proposed mine infrastructure.
The results of an Order of Magnitude study completed in 2010
indicated that ore extraction at a rate of 30 million tonnes per
annum could be achieved from multiple block caves using an expanded
version of Northparkes' highly productive block cave layout.
The key elements of the $114 million Pre-Feasibility study
includes 155 km of mainly underground diamond drilling to define
the areas of mineralisation to allow detailed design of the
potential mine layout and associated surface infrastructure
including the ore processing plant and tailings facilities. The
study has a strong focus on the application of new technologies to
reducing energy and water consumption, improve underground tunnel
development and safety and make the project financially robust.
improve the projects financials. The first stage of these new
technologies includes the trial of a tunnel boring system in 2012
in conjunction with Rio Tinto Innovation group and Aker
Wirth.
While Northparkes Mines will concurrently be proceeding with a
major project application to the NSW Government it should be noted
that the Pre-Feasibility Study is the third step in a five stage
process and there is no guarantee that the project will go beyond
the current study.
Key Areas Of Assessment
Given the step change project would be a significant expansion of
operations, there are key areas of assessment that need to be
addressed as part of the major project application. These are as
follows:
Ore Processing
A new ore processing facility would be constructed as part of the
SCP. This will lead efficiencies in our current as well as our
expanded operations. The location, amenity and operation of this
new facility will be part of the major project assessment.
Additional Power
Step change would require significant additional power and
negotiations have already commenced with electrical utility
providers on the feasibility of sourcing additional power from the
NSW grid.
Additional Water
A key part of the assessment will be access to water. The pre
feasibility study is focussed on new technology which could
minimise water consumption such as thickened tailings deposition
and High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) in lieu of SAG
milling.
As a responsible water user Northparkes will be sustainable in its
approach to water. Northparkes are here for the long term and have
an obligation to look after the land and water assets which it
uses.
Tailings
The Step Change Project will require additional tailings storage
capacity suitable for the proposed increase in ore mined and
treated. We will be exploring a number of options in relation to
deposition of tailings including the use of block cave subsidence
zones and in-pit deposition, and the use of thickened
tailings.
Other areas of assessment
Other important areas of the major project assessment will include
Aboriginal Heritage, European Heritage, Flora and Fauna, Dust,
Noise, Visual amenity, Traffic, Socio economics and
Rehabilitation.
Once a final Environmental Assessment is complete it will cover
all of these areas and go on public exhibition. We are planning to
lodge the final application in the first half of 2012 after we have
completed the studies outlined above.
The Step Change Project provides an exciting opportunity for
Northparkes to not just grow our operations and extend the life of
mine but to lead the way in incorporating new technology and
innovation while also taking care of our land and local
community.
For further information please contact Brad Welsh, Principal
Community and Environment on (02) 6861 3067.