Dust

Quarterly monitoring of particulate, respirable and inhalable dust was undertaken at a range of locations around Challenger Mine Site by the Occupational Health and Safety staff. Strategies such as exhaust fi lters to reduce diesel particulate matter levels have been implemented underground to help reduce any levels that may result in elevated readings

Rehabilitation

The Environmental Department has developed updated on-site environmental standard operating procedures for exploration hole capping. Ecosystem Function Analysis of the Integrated Waste Landform (IWL) and Acacia and Chenopod sites continued for the seventh successive year.

Rehabilitation monitoring on the eastern and western wings of the IWL at Challenger has reported that both landforms support a stabilising ecosystem. The ecosystems on both landforms have generally displayed positive responses to rainfall with positive changes in annual and perennial vegetation infl uencing soil indices and overall stability.

Other initiatives including Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure are ensuring that Challenger is meeting its closure requirements. Tailings capping trials also have been monitored over the past several years, outcomes from these trials help develop the most effective combination of material for capping the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF).

Environmental Audit

A comprehensive Environmental Audit was conducted in March 2011 by specialist consultants, Outback Ecology and was lodged to comply with the Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) requirements. The audit identifi ed several environmental tasks required which have been actioned. This report is available on the PIRSA website: www.pirsa.gov.au.

Cyanide Management

Cyanide is continually monitored in the TSF supernatant and groundwater via monitoring wells. The supernatant water in TSF2 has remained below the 0.5mg/l guideline throughout 2010 – 2011 reporting year. Monitoring wells show no sign of CWAD groundwater contamination.

Social and Community Relations

The remote location of Challenger mine, 310 km by road from the nearest town of Coober Pedy, limits the extent of local involvement with small local communities but support is given through local sponsorships including:

• the Umoona Community Council;
• Glendambo Pastoralists Ball;
• the Royal Flying Doctor Service; and
• the Coober Pedy Football Club.

Four indigenous personnel were trained and worked on site during the year. Regular meetings are held with the Native Title Holders.