Cadia gold mine compliance operations ongoing
The EPA has been looking into activities at Newcrest’s Cadia Holdings Pty Ltd gold mine near Orange after community concerns were raised about dust emissions from the site.
We are committed to ensuring our mining sector continues to provide public benefit without negatively impacting the health of communities or the environment.
We work closely with other government agencies including NSW Health to oversee mining activities throughout NSW and monitor compliance with environmental legislation.
Recently, we commenced a major investigation into activities at Newcrest’s Cadia Holdings Pty Ltd gold mine near Orange after community concerns were raised about dust emissions from the site.
As part of this investigation, we implemented extensive soil, air and residential rainwater tank monitoring program to better understand what pollutants may be present in the environment.
Executive Director, Regulatory Practice & Services, Steve Beaman said tests provided to the EPA showed the mine’s main vent was emitting an unacceptable level of dust.
“The Cadia mine has strict operating conditions in place to protect that are there to protect the surrounding community and the environment,” Mr Beaman said.
“Once it became clear those conditions were not being met, the EPA took strong action and will continue to closely monitor operations until we are confident the mine can control dust emissions and operate within the limits set by its operating licence. Mr Beaman said.
“We have completed rainwater tank testing for around 100 residents and residents around the Cadia Valley are assisting in our air monitoring program by installing PurpleAir monitors on their properties.
“The mining industry in NSW has an obligation to the community to meet clean air regulations and to comply with strict environmental conditions and the EPA will continue working with Cadia and the community until we are confident those obligations are being met.”
The EPA has also established an independent expert panel to provide advice on potential sources of pollutants and controls to reduce the risk of harm to the community and environment.
“The panel held its first meeting on Friday 4 August to discuss the EPA’s actions to date and to review the monitoring and sampling work currently underway.”
We have also established an independent expert panel to provide advice on potential sources of pollutants and controls to reduce the risk of harm to the community and environment.
Further information is available on our website.