This document has been produced for New Zealand consenting purposes only. Information contained herein must not be relied on for investment purposes. OceanaGold (New Zealand) Limited WAIHI NORTH PROJECT Resource Consent Application and Assessment of Environmental Effects June 2022
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure i APPLICATION STRUCTURE This application document is in support of applications by OceanaGold (New Zealand) Limited (“OGNZL”) for resource consents from Waikato Regional Council (“WRC”) and Hauraki District Council (“HDC”) under the Resource Management Act 1991 (“RMA”) to authorise all necessary activities associated with the Waihi North Project (“WNP”). All matters required to be addressed in accordance with Schedule 4 of the RMA are contained within. This application comprises 11 parts as follows: Part A Is an overarching Assessment of Environmental Effects (“Overarching AEE”) document which provides an overview of: The WNP; OGNZL; The approvals required for the WNP; Tangata whenua of the area in which WNP would occur and how the various tangata whenua groups are feeding into the WNP and this resource consent application process; The consultation OGNZL has undertaken in respect of the WNP; An overview of the effects of allowing the WNP to proceed; An overview of the proposed conditions for the WNP; and An overview of the RMA context in which the WNP applications are to be considered. Part B Contains a more detailed site-specific assessment of environmental effects (“AEE”) for each of the geographically distinct specific project areas which comprise the WNP and includes: B1: Coromandel Forest Park and Area 1 Sub AEE B2: Area 2 Sub AEE B3: Area 3 Sub AEE B4: Area 4 Sub AEE B5: Area 5 Sub AEE B6: Area 6 Sub AEE
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure ii B7: Area 7 Sub AEE Part C Contains the application forms for the RMA resource consents required from WRC and HDC for the WNP. Part D Is a graphic supplement of technical drawings for key project components. Part E Contains a suite of proposed consent conditions for the WNP. Part F Is a report on the existing mining activities at Waihi and how they are authorised under the RMA. Part G Contains a report on the consultation and engagement undertaken in respect of the WNP. Part H Contains 46 reports prepared by technical specialists on the WNP and its effects. Part I Contains a suite of draft management plans. Part J Contains a checklist of statutory provisions that have been considered in preparing this AEE. Part K Contains all relevant Records of Title.
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure iii LIST OF ACRONYMS ACM Asbestos Containing Material AEE Assessment of Environmental Effects AEP Amenity Effects Programme ANC Acid Neutralising Capacity ANE Ammonium Nitrate Emulsion AMD Acid and Metalliferous Drainage AMP Archaeological Management Plan ANFO Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil AQMP Air Quality Management Plan ARD Acid Rock Drainage ARI Average Recurrence Interval asl Above Sea Level AWBM Australian Water Balance Model BGL Below Ground Level BND Blast Notification Device CAF Cemented Aggregate Fill CRF Cemented Rock Fill CIA Cultural Impact Assessment CFP Coromandel Forest Park CO Carbon Monoxide CP Contingency Pond CTMP Chemical Treatment Management Plan CVA Cultural Values Assessment DOC Department of Conservation EOL Extension of Land
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure iv ESC Erosion and Sediment Control ESCAR Erosion and Sediment Control Assessment Report FMU Freshwater Management Unit FTE Full Time Equivalent FOS Factor of Safety GCMP Ground Control Management Plan GOP Gladstone Open Pit HAIL Hazardous Activities and Industries List HDC Hauraki District Council HDPE High Density Poly Ethylene HDP Hauraki District Plan HNZPTA Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 HSFP Hazardous Facilities Screening Procedure HSW-HS Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) regulations IBI Index of Biotic Integrity KDMP Kauri Dieback Management Plan LENZ Land Environments of New Zealand LMP Lizard Management Plan LOM Life of Mine LoMP Life of Mine Plan LUC Land Use Consent m RL Mine Datum minus 1000m Martha SFA Surface Facilities Area at Martha Pit MCP Mill Contingency Pond ML Mining Licence MOP Martha Open Pit
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure v MP Mining Permit MUG Martha Underground Mine NAF Non-Acid Forming NES Air Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Air Quality) Regulations 2004 NES Drinking Water Resource Management (National Environmental Standard for Sources of Human Drinking Water) Regulations 2007 NES Electricity Transmission Resource Management (National Environmental Standard for Electricity Transmission Activities) Regulations 2009 NES Freshwater 2007Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020 NES Soil Resource Management (National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health) Regulations 2011 NO Nitrogen Oxides NOF National Objectives Framework NPSFM National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 NPSIB Draft National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity 2019 NRS Northern Rock Stack NMD Neutral Metalliferous Drainage NZDI New Zealand Deprivation Index NZAA New Zealand Archaeological Association NZDSG New Zealand Dam Safety Guidelines NZLRI New Zealand Land Resource Inventory NZSOLD New Zealand Society on Large Dams OBDA Overburden Disposal Area OGNZL OceanaGold (New Zealand) Limited ONL Outstanding Natural Landscape
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure vi PAF Potentially Acid-Forming PAMP Pest Animal Management Plan PSI Preliminary Site Investigation PM10 Particulates less than 10 microns in diameter PMP Probable Maximum Precipitation RCS Respirable Crystalline Silica RL Reduced Level RMA Resource Management Act 1991 RO Reverse Osmosis ROM Run of Mine RPS Waikato Regional Policy Statement RWQC Recreational Water Quality Criteria SAG Semi-Autonomous Grinding SFA Surface Facilities Area SH2 State Highway 2 SH25 State Highway 25 SIA Social Impact Assessment SMD Saline Mine Drainage SMEZ Significant Mineral Extraction Zones SMP Site Management Plan SNA Significant Natural Area SRP Sediment Retention Pond SSESCP Site-Specific Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Sub-AEE Sub-Assessment of Environmental Effects TARPS Trigger Acton and Response Plans TCDC Thames Coromandel District Council
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure vii TC District Plan Thames Coromandel District Plan TCP Tailings Contingency Pond TSFs Tailings Storage Facilities TSP Total Suspended Particulate TSS Total Suspended Solids WAA Wildlife Act Authority Waihi SFA Waihi Surface Facilities Area (Processing Plant area) Waka Kotahi Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency WAMPA Wharekirauponga Animal Pest Management Area WBM Water Balance Model Willows SFA Willows Road Surface Facilities Area WNP Waihi North Project (the entire project area) WPP Waihi Processing Plant WRC Waikato Regional Council WRP Waikato Regional Plan WRS Willows Rock Stack WUG Wharekirauponga Underground Mine WTP Water Treatment Plant WTPCP Water Treatment Plant Contingency Pond
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure viii GLOSSARY OF TERMS Term Meaning Alimak A proprietary mast climbing (rack and pinion) access system developed by Alimak Group AB (Sweden; https://alimak.com/new-equipment/) that has been adapted to facilitate bottom-up underground shaft construction. Area 1 Means Area 1 as shown on Figure 4 in the Overarching AEE. Area 2 Means Area 2 as shown on Figure 4 in the Overarching AEE. Area 3 Means Area 3 as shown on Figure 4 in the Overarching AEE. Area 4 Means Area 4 as shown on Figure 4 in the Overarching AEE. Area 5 Means Area 5 as shown on Figure 4 in the Overarching AEE. Area 6 Means Area 6 as shown on Figure 4 in the Overarching AEE. Area 7 Means Area 7 as shown on Figure 4 in the Overarching AEE. Average Return Interval The average time period between rainfall or flow events that exceed a given magnitude. Benthic Of, relating to, or occurring at the bottom of a body of water. Canopy Tallest layer of the forest. Catchment An area of land bounded by natural features such as hills or mountains from which surface water flows into streams, rivers and wetlands. Central Stockpile An existing stockpile, located adjacent to the existing TSFs, used for the disposal of rock material. Concrete Batching Plant Existing infrastructure, located north of the conveyor and immediately west of the WTP, that produces cement aggregate fill for use in the backfilling of underground mines. Construction Runoff Any runoff, sediment laden or otherwise, that flows as a result of the construction related activities. Typically results from rain events. Collection Ponds A pond for the purpose of gathering and retaining run-off water for treatment in the WTP. This may include settlement, treatment, and interception/removal of hydrocarbons. Contact water Is water that has contact with mining, mineral processing, and tailings disposal and, as such, is not suitable for direct release into the environment. Construction works Various activities undertaken to construct the Waihi North Project. Contingency Ponds Ponds which collect runoff from the ore stockpiles and conveyor, while also providing containment of any chemicals used for processing ore and water treatment in the event of spillage. These ponds will remain active until mine closure.
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure ix Term Meaning A number of contingency ponds are located in the Waihi SFA area including the Mill Contingency Pond (MCP), Tailings Contingency Ponds (TCP, TCP2, TCP1A) and WTP Contingency Pond (WTPCP). Conveyor Existing infrastructure (overland conveyor system) used to transport material from the Martha Mine to the Waihi Surface Facilities Area and to the Central, Northern and Eastern Stockpiles and TSFs. Upgrades to the conveyor infrastructure within the Waihi SFA (Area 5) are proposed to support the processing of additional ore extracted from the Wharekirauponga orebody. Correnso Underground Mine An existing underground mine, authorised in 2013, located beneath residential properties in Waihi's east end and accessed via the existing Favona portal. Cover drill Drilling above an area of workings, for the purposes of injecting grout into the drill holes to prevent water ingress or dewatering. Decant water Water that is separated from the tailings slurry. District Plan The Hauraki District Plan. Diversion Drains Drains utilised to divert water around mining areas. Drive A horizontal passage underground that follows along the length of a vein or rock formation as opposed to a crosscut which crosses the rock formation. Dual Tunnel or Wharekirauponga Dual Tunnel A 6.9 km dual decline tunnel system that extends from the Willows Portal within the Willows Road SFA to the base of the Wharekirauponga ore resource. Earthworks As defined under the HDP. Eastern Stockpile An existing stockpile, located adjacent to the existing TSFs, used for the disposal of rock material. Ephemeral streams Streams that flow continuously for at least three months between March and September but do not flow all year. Explosives Magazine Class 1 storage facility, used for the storage of high explosives (ammonium nitrate fuel oil, booster and packaged explosives). Favona Portal An existing portal, located to the west of the Waihi SFA which provides access to the existing underground mines (Favona, Trio, Correnso, Slevin, and Martha Phase 4 Underground Mines). Favona Stockpile An existing stockpile, located at the Waihi SFA between the Favona Portal and the Processing Plant, which is used to temporarily stockpile rock before it is transported elsewhere for permanent disposal.
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure x Term Meaning Favona Underground Mine An existing underground mine, authorised in 2004, located beneath residential properties in Waihi's east end and accessed via the existing Favona portal. Fish IBI The Fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) is a measure of how intact the native fish community is within a stream reach or stream. Fish passage The movement of fish between the sea and any river, including up-stream or downstream in that river. Gladstone Open Pit A new open pit mine within Area 5 that will be situated predominantly over Gladstone Hill and part of Winner Hill, immediately east of the existing Waihi SFA. Gladstone Portal A new portal within Area 5 to the Trio Upper Drive within the Gladstone Open Pit. It will replace the existing Favona Portal that currently provides access to the Martha Underground Mine. Gladstone Open Pit Tailings Storage Facility A new fully lined TSF that will be established within the Gladstone Open Pit following the completion of mining within the Gladstone Open Pit. Also referred to as the ‘GOP TSF’. Maintenance Workshop and other surface facilities Located within the Waihi SFA to the south of the Processing Plant. It contains a workshop and stores for vehicles and parts, changing room facilities, offices, tearooms and various other surface facilities for staff. Martha Mine The Martha Mine is an open pit located in central Waihi. The Martha Mine has been operated since 1987. Martha Phase 4 Cutback Comprises a small extension to the north of the Martha Pit to remedy the failure of the north wall in a manner that will enable the pit walls to be left in a stable and safe condition at the completion of mining and restores access to the remaining consented ore reserve in the pit. Forms part of Project Martha in which consents were granted in 2018. Martha Underground Mine Underground mining beneath the Martha Pit and under a small area of residential, reserve and commercial land to the southeast of the pit. Forms part of Project Martha in which consents were granted in 2018. Modified watercourse An artificial or modified channel that may or may not be on the original watercourse alignment and which has a natural channel at its headwaters. MUG Portal A new portal within Area 5 to the Trio Upper Drive. It will be located adjacent to the WUG Portal. Northern Diversion Drain An existing diversion drain diverting clean water around TSF2 and authorised via AUTH 971309 and AUTH 971310. The Northern Diversion Drain will be extended as part of the various activities associated with the NRS in Area 6. Northern Rock Stack A new rock stack proposed to accommodate surplus rock associated with the Waihi North Project in Area 6. The NRS will accommodate rock predominantly from the GOP but may include some development rock from the WUG.
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure xi Term Meaning At its maximum extent, the NRS footprint will encompass the existing Northern Stockpile area. Northern Stockpile An existing stockpile located north of the existing TSF2. This stockpile can be used in association with any new mine located within the Waihi epithermal district. Overland Flow Path Routes that collect and convey rainwater. Typically, they only flow for the duration of a rain event. Paper road HDC legal road reserve: a legally-recognised road that is undeveloped or partly formed, but provides public access to a particular area or feature. Permanent river or stream A continually flowing body of fresh water, excluding ephemeral streams, and includes a stream or modified watercourse; but does not include any artificial watercourse (including an irrigation canal, water supply race, canal for the supply of water for electricity power generation, and farm drainage canal except where it is a modified element of a natural drainage system). Pier Vertical support structure for a bridge. Polishing Pond Stockpile An existing stockpile is located within the Waihi SFA to the north of the WTP. It is used to temporarily stockpile rock before it is transported elsewhere for permanent disposal. It may also be used to temporarily store excess ore where it exceeds the Processing Plant and ROM Stockpile capacities. This stockpile has a footprint of approximately 250m by 200m (5ha) and a height of approximately 30m. Processing Plant Located within the Waihi SFA in Area 5. It consists of a conventional carbonin-pulp gold and silver processing plant. The Processing Plant is currently authorised to process up to 1.25 million tonnes of ore per annum from anywhere in the Waihi epithermal district. The Processing Plant will be upgraded as part of the Waihi North Project. Project Martha Authorised in 2018 to extend life of mining in Waihi. Contains two key components; the Martha Underground Mine and the Martha Phase 4 Cutback. Raise Boring Machine A machine used in underground mining, to excavate a circular hole between two levels of a mine without the use of explosives. Regional Plan Refers to the Waikato Regional Plan. Rehabilitation and Closure Plan Describes the proposed method of rehabilitation and closure of the project areas. Rock and Tailings Storage Facilities Engineered structures designed and constructed to hold mineral waste (tailings) and / or rock. Existing Rock and Tailings Storage Facilities include the Central, Northern and Eastern Stockpiles and two Tailings Storage Facilities (known as TSF1A and TSF2) to the east of the Ohinemuri River.
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure xii Term Meaning Run of Mine Stockpile The Run of Mine Stockpile is located within the Waihi SFA and is used to store ore before it is processed in the Processing Plant. It is located to the south of the Transfer Station on the conveyor and adjacent to the Processing Plant. Sediment control Capturing sediment that has been eroded and entrained in overland flow before it enters the receiving environment. Services Trench A trench that will be established between the Waihi SFA and Willows Road SFA to carry electricity, fibre, wastewater, and potable/raw/recycled water services within buried pipelines. Shaft Collective term for ventilation raise shafts and egress shafts. Significant Natural Area Areas of significant terrestrial indigenous vegetation or significant habitats of indigenous fauna located either on land or in freshwater environments identified in District Plans. Silt Ponds A pond for capturing run off water which has not intercepted potentially acid forming rock for the purpose of intercepting hydrocarbons and allowing the settling of sediments prior to discharge to the local environment. Slevin Underground Mine An existing underground mine, authorised in 2016, located beneath residential properties in Waihi's east end and accessed via the existing Favona portal. Southern Diversion Drain Is an existing diversion channel that diverts clean surface water around TSF1A. It will be extended around TSF3 as part of the Waihi North Project works in Area 7. Southern Stockpile A temporary topsoil and NAF area (approximately 0.9 ha in area and approximately 12m high) to be established around the GOP for storing topsoil stripped from the GOP. Stormwater Water that flows from impervious areas after the construction period. Stoping The opening of large underground rooms, or stopes, by the excavation of ore. Tributaries Small ‘feeder’ streams that drain into larger streams and rivers. The catchments of these tributaries are known as sub-catchments. Trio Underground Mine An existing underground mine, authorised in 2012, located beneath residential properties in Waihi's east end and accessed via the existing Favona portal. True Left or True Right The true left and true right banks of a stream or watercourse refers the left or right side of the stream when looking downstream, i.e., looking to where the water is flowing to. TSF1A and TSF2 Existing tailings storage facilities located to the east of the Ohinemuri River. TSF3 A new tailings storage facility to be established as part of the WNP in Area 7 to the east of the existing TSF1A. It will accommodate additional tailings
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure xiii Term Meaning volume from the processing of ore from the Waihi North Project and other mining activities. Underground Mines Refers to the various underground mines that have been established to the east and southeast of the Martha Pit in the last 30 years. These include the Favona, Trio, Correnso, and Slevin Underground Mines, and more recently, the Martha Phase 4 Underground Mines authorised as part of Project Martha. Waihi Epithermal District The area around Waihi which contains economic concentrations of precious metals. Waihi North Biodiversity Project A voluntary large scale predator control and habitat enhancement project OGNZL proposes to undertake over an approximate 18,870 ha of the Coromandel Forest Park as part of the Waihi North Project. Waihi North Project Is the topic of this resource consent application. A project centred around development of the newly discovered Wharekirauponga ore deposit. It involves activities within Areas 1 through 7 and will extend the life of the Waihi mining operation to 2038, with the potential to add over 1.7 million ounces of gold and 2.9 million ounces of silver production over a 13-year period. Waihi Surface Facilities Area Existing SFA located to the east of Waihi township, containing various infrastructure required to support mining activity (including the WTP and Processing Plant). Access to the Waihi SFA is by way of Baxter Road and an access road over the Ohinemuri River. Watercourse A natural or artificial channel through which water flows. Water Treatment Plant An existing onsite Water Treatment Plant within the Waihi SFA and Area 5 which is used to treat water from mining operations prior to discharging this water into the Ohinemuri River at two consented locations via multi-port diffusers. The Water Treatment Plant will be upgraded to treat water from additional mining operations, to be authorised as part of the Waihi North Project. Wetland Defined in s2(1) of the RMA to include “…permanently or intermittently wet areas, shallow water, and land water margins that support a natural ecosystem of plants and animals that are adapted to wet conditions”. Wharekirauponga Access Tunnel or WUG Access Tunnel A 5km long tunnel which will connect the Waihi SFA with the Wharekirauponga Dual tunnels. It will be used to transport ore underground to the existing Processing Plant, and for general operational access between the Wharekirauponga Underground Mine and the Waihi SFA. It will also be used to transport rock from the NRS to the Wharekirauponga Underground Mine for backfilling of stopes once the supply of rock stored in the Willows Rock Stack is exhausted. Wharekirauponga Dual Tunnels or Dual Tunnels A 6.9 km dual decline tunnel system that connects to the Wharekirauponga Access Tunnel and Willows Access Tunnel at approximately the boundary of the Coromandel Forest Park and extends to the base of the Wharekirauponga ore resource within the Wharekirauponga Underground Mine.
Waihi North Project – Overview of Application Structure xiv Term Meaning Wharekirauponga Underground Mine An underground mine that will enable mining of the Wharekirauponga orebody. It is located approximately 10 km north of Waihi, beneath the Coromandel Forest Park land administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Access to the underground mine will be provided by the Wharekirauponga Dual Tunnels, and the Willows Access Tunnel or Wharekirauponga Access Tunnel. Willows Access Tunnel A Tunnel which connects the Willows SFA to the Dual Tunnel. It will be used to transport development rock from underground to the Willows Rock Stack, and for general operational access between the mine and the Willows Road SFA. The Willows Access Tunnel will also be used to transport rock from the Willows Rock Stack to the Wharekirauponga Underground Mine for backfilling of stopes. Willows Road Farm OGNZL owned property within Area 2 that will house the surface infrastructure required to support the Wharekirauponga Underground Mine. Willows Rock Stack A temporary rock stack within Area 2 which forms a component of the Willows Road SFA north of the Willows Portal. It will be approximately 5 ha in area, have a total storage capacity of up to 900,000 m³, and a maximum height of 20 m above natural ground level. Willows Road Surface Facilities Area An 18-ha area located within Area 2 at the Willows Road Farm property that will house surface-based facilities required to support the Wharekirauponga Underground Mine. Willows Portal The portal within Area 2 which provides vehicle access to the Willows Access Tunnel. Wharekirauponga Access Tunnel Portal or WUG Portal A new portal within the Waihi SFA in Area 5 between the existing Polishing Pond Stockpile and the end of Moore Street which will provide access to the Wharekirauponga Access Tunnel Vent shaft / shaft(s) Required for air circulation and to provide an emergency exit from the Wharekirauponga Dual Tunnel, Willows Access Tunnel and Wharekirauponga Underground Mine. Five vent shafts are proposed – four on Hauraki District Council administered road reserve within the Coromandel Forest Park and one within Area 2.
B-1 PART B - 1 OceanaGold (New Zealand) Limited Waihi North Project AREA 1 AND COROMANDEL FOREST PARK SITE-SPECIFIC ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction ___________________________________________________________ 1 2. Existing Environment ___________________________________________________ 3 2.1 Introduction 3 2.2 Cultural Landscape 5 2.3 The Biodiversity Project Area 5 2.4 Area 1 7 3. Project Description____________________________________________________ 28 3.1 The Biodiversity Project 28 3.2 The Mining Related Activities 34 4. Resource Consents Required____________________________________________ 54 4.1 Thames Coromandel District Council 54 4.2 Hauraki District Council 55 4.3 Waikato Regional Council 59 5. Assessment of Effects _________________________________________________ 63 5.1 Introduction 63 5.2 Effects on Terrestrial Ecology 64 5.3 Dewatering Effects 69 5.4 Effects on Aquatic Ecology 74 5.5 Landscape, Visual Amenity and Natural Character Effects 76 5.6 Geotechnical Matters 77 5.7 Geochemistry and Acid Rock Drainage 77 5.8 Noise Effects 78 5.9 Blasting and Vibration Effects 79 5.10 Effects on Public Access and Recreation 79 5.11 Air Quality Effects 80 5.12 Lighting Effects 81 5.13 Historic Heritage Effects 81 5.14 Effects from the Storage and Use of Hazardous Substances 81 5.15 Conclusion 82 6. Management and Monitoring of Effects____________________________________ 84 6.1 The Vent Raise Conditions 84 6.2 Archey’s Frog Conditions 85 6.3 Dewatering Conditions 86 6.4 Biodiversity Project Conditions 88 6.5 Summary of Mitigation and Monitoring Measures 88 7. Statutory Assessment _________________________________________________ 98 7.1 Introduction 98 7.2 Actual and Potential Effects 98 7.3 National Environmental Standards 99 7.4 National Policy Statements 99
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 7.5 Regional Policy Statements 102 7.6 Regional and District Plans 111 7.7 Other Matters 131 7.8 Part 2 of the Resource Management Act 1991 132 7.9 Section 105 of the Resource Management Act 1991 132 7.10 Section 107 of the Resource Management Act 1991 133 8. Conclusion __________________________________________________________134 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Location of the Waihi North Biodiversity Project Area and Area 1. 4 Figure 2: Otahu Ecological Area. 7 Figure 3: Environmental setting of Area 1. 8 Figure 4: Existing authorised exploration drill sites and associated infrastructure within Area 1. 10 Figure 5: District Plan zoning of Area 1. 12 Figure 6: Allotments that comprise Area 1. 14 Figure 7: Te Wharekirauponga Track view (Boffa Miskell 2022). 15 Figure 8: Sectional geology through Wharekirauponga (WSP 2022b). 16 Figure 9: Surface geology of Wharekirauponga area (WSP 2022b). 17 Figure 10: Wharekirauponga Surface Water Catchment Area (facing southwest) 18 Figure 11: Wharekirauponga sub-catchment with long term flow gauging stations marked (squares are 1 km). 19 Figure 12: Conceptual model of Wharekirauponga hydrology, including small springs in tributary headwaters. 20 Figure 13: Main stem of the Wharekirauponga Stream. 21 Figure 14: Northern (left) and southern Teawaotemutu streams (Boffa Miskell 2022a). 22 Figure 15: Thompson Stream (left) and ‘R’ tributary (Boffa Miskell 2022a). 22 Figure 16: Warm spring emergence (left) and discharge to Wharekirauponga Stream 24 Figure 17: Tramping tracks around Wharekirauponga Valley (Greenaway 2022). 26 Figure 18: The Proposed Waihi North Biodiversity Project Area. 29
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects Figure 19: Plan View of Wharekirauponga Tunnel Design. 36 Figure 20: Long Section View of Wharekirauponga Tunnel Design 37 Figure 21: Indicative Dual Tunnel Cross Section. 39 Figure 22: Typical drilling platform construction with frog exclusions fencing visible. 42 Figure 23: Typical Drilling Setup (vertical drilling will be employed for shaft geotechnical investigation). 42 Figure 24: Typical Drilling Platform Layout 43 Figure 25: Typical Alimak and Mast Arrangement. 44 Figure 26: Typical Return Vent Stack. 45 Figure 27: Proposed amenities facility concept. 46 Figure 28: Modified Avoca mining method at commencement. 48 Figure 29: Diagram of Saturated and Unsaturated (Regolith Water) Groundwater Conditions. 73 Figure 30: Schematic Showing the Groundwater System Structure Relative to the Rooting Zone. 73 Figure 31: The warm spring 75 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Surface water flows (l/s) measured at key points in the Wharekirauponga stream catchment. Table shows actual flows measured between Jan 2019 and May 2021 and long term median flows based on all monitoring data (GHD 2022). 20 Table 2: Proposed conditions for the Waihi North Biodiversity Project. 30 Table 3: Hazardous substance volumes and classifications. 51 Table 4: Activity status of land use consents required for the works within the CFP. 55 Table 5: Activity status of the resource consents required to establish and operate the WUG and Tunnelling System (Area 1). 60 Table 6: Summary of key management and monitoring measures for Area 1 (WUG, including the Dual Tunnels) 89 Table 7: Consideration of Alternative Methods of Discharge 132
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 1 1. INTRODUCTION The Coromandel Forest Park (“CFP”) is administered by the Department of Conservation (“DOC”). Activities within the CFP will include: The Waihi North Biodiversity Project – a large scale predator control and habitat enhancement project within a 18,870 ha area of the CFP (“Biodiversity Project Area”); and Underground mining within a much more confined 430.5 ha area at the southern end of the CFP (known as “Area 1”). The specific objectives and details of the Waihi North Biodiversity Project will be developed and implemented in consultation with tangata whenua and other key stakeholders. It will involve company spending of at minimum $8.4 Million on predator control and habitat enhancement within an 18,870 ha area over at minimum, a 10 year term. Underground mining of the Wharekirauponga orebody will largely be a subsurface activity. The orebody will be accessed via an approximately 6.9 km long underground dual tunnel (“Wharekirauponga Dual Tunnel") network which commences at a boundary of the CFP and connects to the Willows Surface Facility Area (“SFA”) and Waihi SFA via the Willows Farm Access Tunnel and Wharekirauponga Access Tunnel respectively. New surface infrastructure for underground mining within the CFP will be limited to four ventilation shafts constructed on Hauraki District Council (“HDC”) paper roads as well as monitoring equipment. The final surface expression of each shaft will be 10 m by 10 m requiring clearance of up to 12 m by 12m (or, if different dimensions, the equivalent in square metres) and will be constructed mostly from underground using a bottom-up method, with servicing undertaken via helicopter. This sub-Assessment of Environmental Effects (“sub-AEE”) has been prepared in support of resource consent applications by OGNZL under the Resource Management Act 1991 (“RMA”) to authorise all necessary activities associated within the CFP. It comprises eight sections as follows: Section 1: Is this Introduction. Section 2: Provides a description of the existing environment. Section 3: Provides a description of the proposed activities for which resource consent is sought.
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 2 Section 4: Is an analysis of the resource consents required for the proposed activities under the RMA. Section 5: Provides an assessment of environmental effects associated with the proposed activities. Section 6 Outlines how the environmental effects of the proposed activities will be managed, including proposed conditions of consent. Section 7: Sets out the statutory framework against which the application has been made and is to be assessed, including an analysis of how it aligns with the key directives in the relevant planning documents. Section 8: Is a short concluding statement.
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 3 2. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 2.1 INTRODUCTION The CFP is a large conservation area located north of the Waihi urban area. The boundaries of the Waihi North Biodiversity Project Area, and Area 1 (the latter being the location of proposed underground mining ) within the CFP are shown below in Figure 1.
25 2 26 25 25 Sourced from the LINZ Data Service and licensed for re-use under the Project Manager: [email protected] | Drawn: BMc | Checked: EGl LEGEND Biodiversity Project Area Area 1 State Highway Cadastre TA Boundary Figure 1 Projection: NZGD 2000 New Zealand Transverse Mercator Data Sources: LINZ, OGNZL, DOC Fi le Ref: BM210482_AEE_01_A4P_A1_Overview.mxd 0 2 km 1:100,000 @ A4 This plan has been prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client's use in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Any use or reliance by a third party is at that party's own risk. Where information has been supplied by the Client or obtained from other external sources, it has been assumed that it is accurate. No liability or responsibility is accepted by Boffa Miskell Limited for any errors or omissions to the extent that they arise from inaccurate information provided by the Client or any external source. Location of the Waihi North Biodiversity Project Area and Area 1 Date: 17 June 2022 | Revision: 0 T h a m ee ss C o r o m a n d e l D i s t r i c t H a u r a k i H D a i s u t r r a i c t
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 5 2.2 CULTURAL LANDSCAPE As is described in section 5 of the Overarching AEE, a description of the cultural values attributed to Area 1 by tangata whenua will be provided in Cultural Values Assessment ("CVA”) and Cultural Impact Assessment (“CIA”) documents currently being prepared, and which will be provided following lodgement of these consent applications. 2.3 THE BIODIVERSITY PROJECT AREA The Biodiversity Project Area shown in Figure 1 above comprises approximately 18,870 ha. It includes conservation park (15,800 ha), stewardship land (2,680 ha), marginal strip (34 ha) and local purpose reserve (Waihi Water Conservation Reserve, 376 ha). This area includes the Maratoto Block which in turn includes the 655 ha Otahu Ecological Area (discussed below). 2.3.1 Zoning The Biodiversity Project Area is in land administered by both the HDC and Thames Coromandel District Council (“TCDC”). The boundary between the two districts is shown on Figure 1 as “TA Boundary”. The portion of the Biodiversity Project Area in the Hauraki district is subject to: The Conservation (Indigenous Forest) Zone; Several Significant Natural Areas (“SNAs”); Several Heritage Areas; and Outstanding Natural Landscape (“ONL”) and Outstanding Natural Feature (“ONF”) Areas, shown on Map N2 of the Hauraki District Plan (“HDP”). The portion of the Biodiversity Project Area in the Thames-Coromandel district is subject to: The Conservation Zone; and An ONL. 2.3.2 Ecological Values The Biodiversity Project Area has not been subject to a comprehensive biodiversity survey, and knowledge about the ecological values of areas within its boundaries varies. In 1984 the New Zealand Forest Service reported that the Maratoto Block of the CFP was home to a variety of species of conservation concern including kōkako, Hochstetter’s frog, North Island brown kiwi, kākāriki, long-tailed bat, Rhytida snail and paua slug. Some of these species might still be present. Others might feasibly be reintroduced to the Biodiversity Project Area if pest numbers can be reduced to, and sustained at, low levels.
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 6 Flora and fauna identified in the Biodiversity Project Area in the recent past include common and uncommon species such as kohekohe, pōhutukawa, kauri, northern rātā, tūrepo (large-leaved milk tree), North Island brown kiwi, kererū (New Zealand pigeon), pekapeka (long-tailed bat), Archey’s frog, Hochstetter’s frog and pua o te reinga (woodrose, Dactylanthus). Some of these species still persist there while others may have disappeared locally or be patchily distributed at low density. The Biodiversity Project Area is in the Waihi Ecological District, an area of approximately 43,700 ha located at the southern end of the Coromandel Range and northern end of the Kaimai Range, with the Ohinemuri River catchment between and includes the east coast between Whangamatā and Waihi Beach. The Waihi Ecological District encompasses the Otahu Ecological Area. As set out in The Ecology Company (2022), this area is located 29 km south-east of Thames and north of Area 1. Notice was given on 25 March 1976 of the gazettal of the 392 ha “Otahu Dedicated Area” “for the purposes of protection, maintenance and management of trees and other plants, and for the protection of native wildlife and for scientific purposes consistent with the proper use and management of State forest land" pursuant to s15 of the Forests Act 1949. After gazettal, the Otahu Ecological Area was enlarged for conservation management purposes, and now covers 655 ha including a complete catchment, has high vegetation values and includes podocarp-hardwood forest dominated by tawa, towai, rata, rimu, miro, Hall’s totara and rewarewa with occasional tawari as well as dense ricker and pole kauri forest and manuka shrubland with regenerating kauri.
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 7 Figure 2: Otahu Ecological Area. 2.4 AREA 1 2.4.1 Environmental Setting Area 1 occupies an approximately 430.5 ha area of the CFP at its southern end (Figure 1). It is covered in native forest and contains steep and deeply incised landforms and peaks which form the backdrop of views from vast areas to the east. The landforms volcanic origin and almost complete native forest cover remain clearly legible, and the resultant ranges contain a vivid, wild and remote quality (Boffa Miskell 2022). The waterways within Area 1 (see Figure 3) are largely unmodified and are classified by the Waikato Regional Plan (“WRP”) as either or all of ‘Natural State Water Class’, ‘Priority 1 Stock Exclusion Class’ and ‘Indigenous Fish Habitat Class’.
Wharekiraupong aWalk Wharekiraauuponga Stt ream Waiharakeke Streeaam Maataura SStt rream Caascade Stt ream Teawaotemuttu Stream RRaammaraamaSStream WaaiihharakekeStream Right Br anch Eddmmondds Stream JunctionStreaam Adams Stream Thompson Stream Sourced from the LINZ Data Service and licensed for re-use under the Date: 17 June 2022 | Revision: 0 Project Manager: [email protected] | Drawn: BMc | Checked: EGl LEGEND Willows Farm Raise Indicative Vent Raise (4) Area 1 Cadastre Significant Natural Area ONL Wharekirauponga Heritage Area Legal Road Figure 3 Projection: NZGD 2000 New Zealand Transverse Mercator Data Sources: LINZ, OGNZL, HDC Fi le Ref: BM210482_AEE_03_A4P_A2_Envi ronment.mxd 0 400 m 1:27,500 @ A4 This plan has been prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client's use in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Any use or reliance by a third party is at that party's own risk. Where information has been supplied by the Client or obtained from other external sources, it has been assumed that it is accurate. No liability or responsibility is accepted by Boffa Miskell Limited for any errors or omissions to the extent that they arise from inaccurate information provided by the Client or any external source. Environmental setting of Area 1
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 9 2.4.2 Existing and Consented Mining Activities OGNZL has an ongoing mineral exploration drilling programme within Area 1. It involves: Up to nine drill site locations (comprising a maximum total disturbed area of 0.135 ha); A number of piezometers at the existing drill sites; Two camp sites, one being a standalone camp comprising a total disturbed area of 0.015 ha, and the other being situated at a drill site; Helipads; Water pumps and associated pipes, hoses and tanks; and Minimum impact activities such as geological mapping, geochemical sampling, water flow gauging and geophysical surveys. Surface aspects of the programme are shown in Figure 4 below. All of the current work is located on DOC administered public conservation land. The current drilling programme on the DOC administered land is authorised by and undertaken in accordance with various approvals as detailed in Section 2.7 of the report contained in Part F of these application documents. Permission to conduct exploration related activities within the adjacent DOC estate associated with the Wharekirauponga Underground Mine (“WUG”) was granted in 2016 in the form of an Access Arrangement, which sets out a range of operating requirements and conditions. The first schedule of the Access Arrangement authorises 0.15 ha of vegetation clearance including up to nine drill site locations (comprising a maximum total disturbed area of 0.135ha), one camp site (comprising a total disturbed area of 0.015 ha) and another camp site situated at a drill site, other associated activities including helipads, water pumps and associated pipes, hoses and tanks, and minimum impact activities such as geological mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys. To date, eight of the authorised sites have been cleared and drilled over a combined area of 0.1138 ha. The Access Arrangement also requires comprehensive ecological surveys to be undertaken before choosing a site to ensure the sites are void of ‘threatened’ or ‘at risk’ fauna and flora, of particular note is the presence of Archey’s Frogs. To date, 100 potential drill/camp/pump sites have been ecologically surveyed and only eight drill / camp and three pump sites have been found to have flora and fauna values that allow them to be used under the conditions of the Access Arrangement.
Sourced from the LINZ Data Service and licensed for re-use under the Date: 17 June 2022 | Revision: 0 Project Manager: [email protected] | Drawn: BMc | Checked: EGl LEGEND Area 1 Helipad Pump Site Exploration Legal Road Figure 4 Projection: NZGD 2000 New Zealand Transverse Mercator Data Sources: LINZ, OGNZL Fi le Ref: BM210482_AEE_04_A4P_A3_ExistingMine.mxd 0 400 m 1:27,500 @ A4 This plan has been prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client's use in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Any use or reliance by a third party is at that party's own risk. Where information has been supplied by the Client or obtained from other external sources, it has been assumed that it is accurate. No liability or responsibility is accepted by Boffa Miskell Limited for any errors or omissions to the extent that they arise from inaccurate information provided by the Client or any external source. Existing authorised exploration drill sites and associated infrastructure within Area 1
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 11 Key conditions of the Access Arrangement include: A maximum of nine drill locations with a maximum of total disturbed area of 0.135 ha (an additional camp site can locate at a drill site) and one camp site location with a maximum total disturbed area of 0.015 ha. Each camp and drill site must not exceed a total disturbance area of 150 m2, with vegetation clearance only to be undertaken where necessary. Not damaging vegetation outside of the drill sites, campsites, helicopter landing areas or pumps sites, or vegetation that is equal or greater than 50 cm diameter at breast height. All felled trees, slash and other leafy materials are to be stockpiled on site and restored to the land upon completion of drilling. Using helicopters to enter the site and move any associated equipment to, from and between drill sites. Conducting detailed ecological surveys (by a suitably qualified ecologist and herpetologist) to ensure no drilling is undertaken on sites where there are one or more ‘Coromandel Striped geckos’, and/or five or more ‘At Risk’ or ‘Threatened‘ frog species. Where these species are identified and impact upon them is unable to be avoided, an alternative drill site will need to be found. The conditions also prevent felling of trees containing roosting bat activity Where sites are deemed suitable for drilling, construction of an exclusion fence (in accordance with a fencing plan) is required within five days of the final ecological survey to prevent wildlife from entering the drill site. Undertaking the drilling activity in accordance with a ‘CFP Kauri Dieback Management Plan’ (“CFP KDMP”). Various conditions in relation to water management, including maximum water take, avoiding any harmful discharge into waterways, and removal of all grey water from sites. Erection of appropriate signage. Avoidance of sites of cultural, archaeological or historical significance. Comprehensive rehabilitation of sites upon completion of drilling activity. All management plans required as part of the Access Arrangement have been prepared and lodged with DOC. This includes the CFP KDMP and Fencing Plan. 2.4.3 Hauraki District Plan Zoning As shown in Figure 5, the HDP identifies Area 1 as being located entirely within the Conservation (Indigenous Forest) Zone.
Date: 17 June 2022 | Revision: 0 Project Manager: [email protected] | Drawn: BMc | Checked: EGl LEGEND Area 1 Cadastre Legal Road Hauraki District Plan (2014) Conservation (Indigenous Forest) Zone Rural zone Figure 5 Projection: NZGD 2000 New Zealand Transverse Mercator Data Sources: LINZ, OGNZL, HDC Fi le Ref: BM210482_AEE_05_A4P_A4_Zoning.mxd 0 400 m 1:27,500 @ A4 This plan has been prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client's use in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Any use or reliance by a third party is at that party's own risk. Where information has been supplied by the Client or obtained from other external sources, it has been assumed that it is accurate. No liability or responsibility is accepted by Boffa Miskell Limited for any errors or omissions to the extent that they arise from inaccurate information provided by the Client or any external source. District Plan Zoning of Area 1
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 13 The HDP also identifies the activities occurring within Area 1 as intersecting: SNA T13P152; Wharekirauponga Heritage Area (Category B) 271; and ONL (Map N2 of the HDP).1 The proposed ventilation shafts will be located on an area shown on the HDP maps as an ‘unformed road’. Pursuant to Section 2.1.5.1(2) of the HDP, the road is in the Conservation (Indigenous Forest) Zone. 2.4.4 Land Ownership and Dwellings Area 1 consists of 11 allotments as shown in Figure 6. The allotments are all administered by DOC. The paper roads are land which is administered by the HDC. There are no private dwellings in or adjacent to Area 1. 1 Section 5.2.1(5) of the HDP classifies the whole of the Conservation (Indigenous Forest) Zone as “Outstanding Natural Landscape”.
Part Whangamata 6 Block Part Ohinemuri 3 Block Part Ohinemuri 20 Block Section 2 Block VII Ohinemuri SD Part Whangamata 6 Block Part Whangamata 3 Block Whangamata 6B1 Block Section 33 Block XII Ohinemuri SD Part Ohinemuri 20 Block Section 3 Block VII Ohinemuri SD Part Whangamata 6 Block Sourced from the LINZ Data Service and licensed for re-use under the Date: 17 June 2022 | Revision: 0 Project Manager: [email protected] | Drawn: BMc | Checked: EGl LEGEND Area 1 Willows Farm Raise Indicative Vent Raise (4) Cadastre OGNZL Tenure Legal Road Figure 6 Projection: NZGD 2000 New Zealand Transverse Mercator Data Sources: LINZ, OGNZL Fi le Ref: BM210482_AEE_06_A4P_A5_LandTenure.mxd 0 400 m 1:27,500 @ A4 This plan has been prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client's use in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Any use or reliance by a third party is at that party's own risk. Where information has been supplied by the Client or obtained from other external sources, it has been assumed that it is accurate. No liability or responsibility is accepted by Boffa Miskell Limited for any errors or omissions to the extent that they arise from inaccurate information provided by the Client or any external source. Allotments that comprise Area 1
B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 15 2.4.5 Landscape Context The landscape values attributed to Area 1 are described in Boffa Miskell (2022) a copy of which is provided in Part H of these application documents. Boffa Miskell (2022) identify the area as being within an ONL and a high value landscape that is particularly sensitive to change, describing the ONL setting as: “…steep and deeply incised landforms and peaks cloaked in native forest which form the backdrop of views from vast areas to the east. The landform’s volcanic origin and almost complete native forest cover remain clearly legible and the resultant ranges contain a vivid, wild and remote quality”. Boffa Miskell (2022) describe the visual catchment of the CFP as a: “broader mountain backdrop… the steep and folded topography typically results in a fragmented visual catchment where the landform often obscures visibility from lower elevations and gullies and prevents potential for wider views”. The dense native forest restricts views to and from Te Wharekirauponga Track (Figure 7). Figure 7: Te Wharekirauponga Track view (Boffa Miskell 2022). 2.4.6 Road Parcels Figure 6 above shows the various ‘road parcels’ within Area 1. These are unformed ‘paper’ roads. The paper roads are owned by HDC and facilitate foot traffic into the Wharekirauponga Valley, as discussed below with respect to recreational values. 2.4.7 Geology The geology underlying Area 1 is described in WSP (2022b) and GWS (2022), copies of which are provided in Part H of these application documents.
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