3-AD006.00 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT WAIHI NORTH PROJECT Oceana Gold New Zealand Limited WSP June 2022 59 Duration Temporary (tunnel) and medium term (GOP) Temporary (tunnel) and medium term (GOP) Magnitude Few affected Few affected Consequence Minor Minor Likelihood Unlikely Unlikely Significance Low Low 6.3.4 IMPACT ON QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT – AIR QUALITY The WNP has the potential to generate dust from mining activities and vehicle movements. Beca Limited have undertaken three Air Discharge Assessments for the WNP which assess the potential air quality effects of: 1 The WUG – establishment of the underground mine and the two tunnels connecting with the Willow Road SFA and the Processing Plant. 2 The Waihi Surface Facilities (the remaining elements of the WNP). 3 Processing Plant Air Discharge Assessment. Beca Limited (2022) has confirmed in their assessments that the likelihood of adverse effects of discharge to air from the WNP is considered low, and that potential affects can be adequately avoided and mitigated. During engagement, dust generated from mining and from the movement of vehicles was raised as a concern the Willows Road SFA, Gladstone Open Pit and Tailings Storage Facilities proximity residents. Effects of dust settlement on potable drinking water (both rain harvesting and stream supply) and surface coating on solar panels were the primary concerns raised by residents. Respondents to the Maptionnaire survey identified dust levels as one of their key concerns for both current operations and the proposed WNP. When asked to comment on the extent dust levels was a current effect of mining, and the extent to which they perceived it would be an effect of the proposed project responses were as follows: • Current dust levels: 55% of respondents identified dust levels as a negative effect of current mining operations, with 10% stating this is major effect, and 45% indicating a minor effect. • Proposed dust levels: A total of 65% of respondents identified that dust levels are anticipated to have a negative effect, with 14% identifying this as a major effect, and the remaining 46% as a minor negative effect. During engagement, the potential emissions from the Processing Plant were not raised as a concern. Emissions generated by mining activities have the potential to cause effects that reduce the quality of the environment for residents that live in close proximity to project components associated with the WNP.
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