MINE DRAINAGE SUBMENU

Researchers: Tony Clemens & Jo Cavanagh

We are developing a framework to assist with the planning of future mine developments on the West Coast and Southland. This will focus on the prevention or minimisation of detrimental impacts on aquatic environments. The framework draws together the different strands of research being undertaken in this research programme including:

• geochemistry of rocks and streams in mined areas
• biological information from aquatic systems downstream of mines
• aquatic toxicity of mine drainage
• remediation and rehabilitation

A major aim of producing the framework is to present the research in a way that may be applied by end-users – industry, local councils, central government agencies (e.g. DoC), community, and iwi. The involvement of these end-users is an essential aspect of the research programme.

The framework comprises a flow chart outlining a series of decision points, and supporting information. Supporting information includes the data (e.g. rock geochemistry, mine type) required and its interpretation, to enable prediction of the likely impact of a given proposed mining operation on aquatic systems; and selection of management or remediation options should an ‘unacceptable’ level of impact be predicted. This information may also be used to manage existing mining operations, or select appropriate remediation options for historic mining operations.

The framework does not establish explicit ‘acceptable’ water quality criteria because these are likely to be different at different sites and because there are social, economic and cultural factors that may also influence decision-making. Instead the framework provides a robust scientific basis for this decision to be made by end-users during consultation on a proposed mining operation.

It is intended that the framework will provide consistency and transparency in decision-making in establishing water quality targets for proposed mining operations. Specifically, the information provided in the framework will assist the resource consenting process such as during consultation (pre-application, pre-hearing), development of Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEEs), and setting resource consent conditions. The framework may also be useful in developing future regional plans for water quality.

Outputs

2009

Fact Sheet 1: The Framework (PDF 669KB)

2008

Pope, J., Trumm, D., Harding, J., Rait, R., Niyogi D., Champeau O., Cavanagh, J., Clemens, A., Buxton, R., Haffert L. & Craw, D. (2008). West Coast and Southland Mine Drainage Workshop II. July 2008. p32  Christchurch: CRL Energy

2006

Pope, J., Trumm, D., Harding, J., O'Halloran, K., Cavanagh, J., Clemens, A., Buxton, R. & Craw, D. (2006). West Coast Coal and Gold Mine Drainage Workshop, p. 23. Christchurch: CRL Energy Ltd.

2005

Cavanagh, J., O'Halloran, K., Black, A. & Harding, J. (2005). Integration of aquatic toxicity data in a decision making framework for mining. Australian Society for Ecotoxicity. Melbourne: Australian Society for Ecotoxicity

2004

	Black, A., Clemens, A. & Trumm, D. (2004). A Collaborative Environmental Research Programme: Field studies contributing to the sustainability of New Zealand's mineral industry. p. 10. Adelaide:PACRIM
	Black, A., Clemens, A. & Trumm, D. (2004). An insight into the direction of environmental management in New Zealand's coal industry. In: Looking Back, Looking Forward. pp. 15-22. Nelson: AUSIMM

Selected Presentations

	Cavanagh, J. (2008). Framework for predicting and managing the environmental impacts of mining on streams. Powerpoint presentation. West Coast and Southland Mine Drainage Workshop II. July 2008.
	Cavanagh, J. (2008). Framework for predicting and managing the environmental impacts of mining on streams Day 2. Powerpoint presentation. West Coast and Southland Mine Drainage Workshop II. July 2008.

	Cavanagh, J. (2006). Objective 4 Summary. Environment Southland Information Meeting: Invercargill, November 2006.
	Clemens, T. (2006). Objective 4 Overview. Environment Southland Information Meeting: Invercargill, November 2006.

Related Publications

Moore, T., Black, A., Centeno, J., Harding, J. & Trumm, D. (Eds.). (2005). Metal contaminants in New Zealand: Sources, treatments, and effects on ecology and human health, p. 490. Christchurch, New Zealand: Rezolutionz Press.