The Cadia mine near Orange is one of the world’s largest gold producers. (By ABC Open: Happy Snapper)
       One of Australia’s largest gold mines has been given the go-ahead to expand but must deal with dust problems around the Cadia mine in the central west of New South Wales.
       Newcrest Mining’s Cadia gold mine near Orange has now received permission to increase its annual processing capacity from 32 million tonnes to 35 million tonnes.
       Permission was also received to repair the northern tailings dam that collapsed in March 2018, to carry out work on another tailings dump and to build a plant for the production of sodium hydrosulfide solution.
       But expansion plans can only go ahead if the mine can be proven to solve air pollution problems.
       Three years ago, its northern tailings pond was damaged, creating large amounts of dust in the area and causing concern for surrounding landowners.
       Neighboring residents say dust from the mine’s tailings pond is an ongoing problem. (Courtesy: Gemma Green)
       The Planning Department acknowledged that repairs and construction of the tailings dam would generate about 22% of the dust, but noted that most of this would occur during those works.
       One of the key conditions for the changes is that the independent air quality review report must be approved by the planning minister – only then can the mine continue to increase its annual processing output.
       Gemma Green, from Cadia District Conservation Group, said: “This is a fantastic win for the community and one that CDPG has worked hard to achieve.”
       In a statement to the ABC, Cardia general manager Adrian Brannigan said they had made the decision and admitted it had not been taken lightly.
       “We recognize the impact of this modification as an opportunity for us to do better,” the statement said.
       “We value the views of the local community and will continue to incorporate their feedback into future collaborations.”
       Ms Green and her family live about six kilometers from the Cadia tailings dam and have been affected by dust over the past few years.
       “They need to let these tailings ponds dry out, and we’re talking about the better part of 1,800 acres,” she said.
       “We had three years of drought and the wind and the dust and the dust particles, these very small particles were blowing off these dams and creating this large amount of white dust.”
       As the company intends to increase its treatment rate, its operational changes will require 9.4% more water.
       As a result, Kadia will have to scale its operations according to available supplies and report direct and indirect water withdrawals.
       Gemma Green’s family lives near the Cadia tailings dam and was affected by the dust. (ABC Central West: Michaela Hamblett)
       “We are of course monitoring this situation very closely and are participating in focus groups with Cardia.
       “As for the volume and amount, from our point of view, this is not entirely clear. So, again, this is another good state and we will wait and see how it turns out.”
       The Planning Department noted the involvement of the Cadillac Area Conservation Group in this decision.
       He confirmed CDPG’s investigation into the community advisory committee membership and said he understands the process is ongoing.
       Ms Green said the organization was concerned that while two additional positions were created in 2019, the positions had not yet been advertised or filled.
       In a statement, Mr Brannigan said mine managers understand that community members are seeking additional opportunities to provide feedback and input into the planning process for the future development of the mine.
       We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work.
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