Cadia gold mine
The NSW EPA is working to ensure that Cadia Valley Operations is operating the mine in a way that proactively minimises impacts from their operations to safeguard the community and the environment.
Update 29 May 2023
Newcrest’s Cadia Holdings Pty Ltd mine in Central West NSW has been issued with a pollution Prevention Notice and a draft licence variation regarding the management of emissions of dust and other pollutants as part of a new investigation commenced by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The draft licence variation formalises existing and additional actions to:
- Finalise an independent health risk assessment with NSW Health
- Deploy a smart sensing network of real-time monitoring, in consultation with the community
- Finalise and release a report examining dust fingerprinting, to better identify the contributions of dust at locations identified by the local community, with analysis undertaken by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
- Engage a specialist to interpret results from lead isotope testing to identify the source/s of lead found in water tank sludge
- Develop an effective sampling methodology for vent shafts within the mine operations area
- Offer a service to the local community for household water tank cleaning and filling
- Implement additional dust mitigation works
The EPA held a community drop-in session in Millthorpe on 23 May 2023. During the drop-in over 40 community members met with representatives from the NSW Environment Protection Authority and NSW Health to discuss concerns about dust in the local area.
A further drop-in session is being held on Wednesday 7 June 2023 from 4pm-7pm at the Millthorpe Museum. The local community are encouraged to attend as a further opportunity to have their questions answered.
The EPA is also seeking expressions of interest from community members who would like to be involved with air and water monitoring programs. Please email engagement@epa.nsw.gov.au with your name, phone number and address to register your interest in these programs. More information will be provided about this soon.
Cadia mine has submitted a proposed modification application and scoping letter to the Department of Planning and Environment, with a current estimate of August 2023 for lodgement. Further information is available on the Department of Planning and Environment’s website.
Keeping the local community and environment safe is our key priority and we are committed to keeping the community informed.
Dust monitoring
EPA officers regularly undertake unannounced inspections on and around the Cadia Gold Mine. Inspections can be triggered by weather conditions and allows the EPA to assess compliance with the conditions of its license.
Reports from the community play an important role in monitoring dust impacts. Concerns regarding air quality or dust emissions can be reported to the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555. All complaints made to the Environment Line are directed to EPA officers, who prioritise those areas of most concern to the community.
Cadia mine also operates a community hotline and community members can report their concerns directly to the mine 24 hours a day seven days a week ph: 1800 063 043.
Tank water testing
Many residents in the area surrounding Cadia mine rely on rainwater tanks for their domestic water supply. In response to community concerns NSW Health tested residents’ kitchen tap water for contaminants in March 2023.
NSW Health has reported that results show drinking water was safe to drink, with contaminants measured below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
NSW Health has advised that testing was undertaken at the kitchen tap (also known as the point of supply) as this provides the most accurate assessment of drinking water quality.
Each resident has been provided with their individual results and any further precautionary advice as required. Information on rainwater tank management and cleaning can be found on the NSW Health website NSW Health website: Rainwater tanks.
Regulatory action
Cadia Valley Operations are required to comply with site specific conditions and controls to minimise impacts from their operations on the environment and community.
These conditions are outlined in an environment protection licence issued by the EPA to the mine and are legally enforceable. The licence is available on the EPA’s public register
The EPA takes instances of non-compliance seriously and assesses each allegation, and evidence available in line with the EPA’s Regulatory Policy and Regulatory Strategy. Our regulatory approach includes a wide variety of options.
Information on recent regulatory action:
- Cadia gold mine fined $15,000 for dust pollution August 2022
- Cadia Holdings fined for failure to monitor air quality March 2022
The NSW EPA continually reviews monitoring and test results from the mine operation, and actively reviews licence conditions to ensure Cadia is meeting best practice.