Cannington Life Extension Project
BHP Billiton Minerals Pty Ltd (BHP Cannington) is the project proponent for the Cannington Life Extension Project. The current underground silver-lead-zinc mine produces up to three million tonnes (t) a year of ore, which is processed to produce approximately 500,000 t a year of concentrate. The mine is located adjacent to Cannington Station on the Trepell Special Lease, approximately 90km south of Cloncurry. The project would involve an increase of approximately 6350 hectares to the current mining lease (ML) 90059. Mining Leases for water extraction (ML 90060) and the Yurbi railhead loading facility (ML 90077) would also be affected by the project.
The proposed extension project involves converting all or part of the current underground operation to an open cut mining operation. This would result in an extended mining life of up to 20 years, an increase in concentrate production and an increased Mining Lease area to 15,000 hectares.
Additional changes to the current operation would include increased water and power usage, relocation of some surface infrastructure facilities, waste rock storage facilities, an open pit void, expanded tailings storage facility, and probable diversion of surrounding watercourses. The Yurbi railhead loading facility will also require expansion or construction of an additional shed. It is anticipated that the Cannington Townsville port facility has adequate capacity, and that there will be no change to port infrastructure
The process for the assessment of this project is as follows:
The final terms of reference for the environmental impact statement (EIS) have been issued to the proponent, who will now prepare the draft EIS. The department's chief executive will invite written submissions from any person in relation to the draft EIS in due course. In the meantime, copies of currently available public documents can be obtained by accessing the links below:
For further information about the EIS process for the Cannington Life Extension Project contact the EIS Co-ordinator on telephone (07) 3227 8141.
Last updated: 13 October 2008