Asavi Kendua from the department says the mine waste management plan should indicate mine waste avoidance, reduction and mitigation strategies.
In his presentation during a seminar on capacity development in mine waste management in PNG, Kendua said treatment of mine waste, including mine waste water, had to be done in accordance with the Environment Act 2000.
He said it also had to abide by any codes of practice developed by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority.
Proper monitoring systems should take into account health and safety aspects of the environment and surrounding communities.
“Riverine tailings disposal shall not be an option for mine waste disposal for new mining leases that will be granted from the date of the enactment of Revised Mining Act,” Kendua said.
He said mine inspectors should ensure proper inspections were done on mine waste treatment facilities before the expiry of mining leases.
“Where a mining lease or lease for mining purposes is granted, it shall be granted on the condition that the tenement holder complies with mine waste management plan,” Kendua said. “The holder of a mining lease for mining purposes shall periodically update its mine waste management plan.
“The holder shall ensure that the integrity and safety of mine waste storage, treatment and dischange facilities are constantly maintained with adequate emergency response mechanisms in place.”
The mine waste management plan takes into account closure aspects of a mining project with respect to operational and post-closure monitoring, rehabilitation of disturbed and contaminated sites, stabilisation of waste rock dumps, stockpiles and acid rock drainage mitigation. The National
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