Site-specific Assessments of Environmental Effects

B-1 - Area 1, Coromandel Forest Park – Assessment of Environmental Effects 48 Figure 28: Modified Avoca mining method at commencement. The stoping sequence for Wharekirauponga is expected to generally be a bottom-up method. Following completion of a stope, the stope void will be tight filled with rockfill from the upper level leaving an open drive for access on top of the fill material. Once the stope is filled, the next panel is commenced by choke or tight firing against the previously placed rockfill. Mining will occur no closer than 50 m from the surface at any point. 3.2.7 Ore and Surplus Rock Handling During Mining Once extraction of ore commences it will be transported to the Processing Plant via underground utilising the WUG Access Tunnel. While some surplus rock development will continue, no further rock will be required to be taken to the surface as trucks carrying rock will move internally between fired development faces and working backfill fronts. As the mining operations progress, surplus rock development will cease and all rock from the WRS will be returned underground to backfill the mined stopes. A loader and mine truck will be used to return rock via the Willows Portal. Once the WRS is exhausted, rock for backfilling stopes will be placed via alternative locations , e.g. that is held in stockpiles underground or the Northern Rock Stack (“NRS”).

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