Cloudbreak conceptualisation
The main surface water flow paths through the Cloudbreak mining operations consist of relatively small
catchments feeding north to south draining creek systems that have headwaters in the Chichester
Range and terminate in the Fortescue Marsh. Whilst the catchment areas of these creek systems are
relatively small, the potential for surface water impacting on mining operations requires careful
management and implementation to avoid pit inundation events occurring suc h as those experienced at
Cloudbreak in January 2012 associated with Cyclone “Heidi”.
Pre-mining groundwater flow was via the regional aquifer systems (Tertiary detritals, Oakover
Formation) and mineralised Marra Mamba Formation, with groundwater flow from the north, in the
elevated Chichester Range, to the south with the groundwater terminus of the Fortescue Marsh. Mine
dewatering is designed to ensure mining operations to depths of 90 m bgl can be sustained, with current
dewatering rates approaching 100 GL/yr. A network of reinjection bores are being utilised to manage
surplus to demand groundwater abstraction from the dewatering activities, also to mitigate the
dewatering drawdown footprint and potential saline groundwater ingress. The reinjection borefie lds are
located between the upgradient active mining areas and the downgradient Fortescue Marsh, targeting
the Oakover Formation aquifer.
The Cloudbreak orebody is in direct hydraulic connection with the regional aquifers via the mineralised
Marra Mamba Formation being in direct connection with the Tertiary Detritals and Oakover Formation.
Figure 5-7 presents a schematic cross section through the Cloudbreak orebody and illustrates the
dewatering and reinjection borefields (DHI, 2012).
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 135
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
Figure 5-7: Conceptual cross section of Cloudbreak dewatering and reinjection operations (from DHI,
2012)
5.5.2
FMG Christmas Creek
The Christmas Creek mine is located along the southern flanks of the Chichester Range, some 50 km
east of the FMG Cloudbreak operations, north of the Fortescue Marsh , some 110 km northwest of
Newman and 325 km south east of Port Hedland (Map 5-06). The mine is owned and operated by
Fortescue Metals Group. It commenced mining in May 2009. The mineralised Marra Mamba Formation
is the primary source of the 50 Mtpa iron ore mining and processing operation, with a provisional mine
life of 20 years. Over 68% of the iron ore resource is below water-table. The mining operations will
extend along a strike length of approximately 30 km.
FMG undertook considerable hydrogeological investigations on the Christmas Creek and adjacent
Cloudbreak areas focused on the assessment, design, implementation and ongoing water management
related to the dewatering, reinjection, saline water management issues and environmental impact
assessment.
The Christmas Creek mining operations are located to the east of and mining the same geological
sequence along strike from Cloudbreak mining area. Dewatering at Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek
operations have potential to influence groundwater conditions at BHP
BIO’s
Roy Hill operations if they
are operating in the same time period.
Christmas Creek conceptualisation
The main surface water flowpaths through the Christmas Creek mining operations are via relatively
small catchments, feeding north to south draining creek systems that have headwaters in the Chichester
Range and terminate in the Fortescue Marsh. Whilst the catchment areas of these creek systems are
relatively small, the potential for surface water impacting on mining operations requires careful
management.
Pre-mining groundwater flow was via the regional aquifer (Tertiary Detritals, Oakover Formation) and
mineralised Marra Mamba Formation, with groundwater flow from the north, in the el evated Chichester
Range, to the south with the groundwater terminus of the Fortescue Marsh.
Mine dewatering is designed to ensure mining operations to depths of 50 m bgl can be sustained, with
current planned dewatering rates approaching 50 GL/yr. To manage surplus to demand groundwater
abstraction from the dewatering activities, also to mitigate the dewatering drawdown footprint and
potential saline groundwater ingress, a network of reinjection bores are being utilised. The reinjection
borefields are located between the up gradient active mining areas and the down gradient Fortescue
Marsh, targeting the Oakover Formation aquifer.
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 136
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
The Christmas Creek orebody is in direct hydraulic connection with the regional aquifer via the
mineralised Marra Mamba Formation being in direct connection with the Tertiary Detritals and Oakover
Formation.
Figure 5-8 presents a schematic cross section through the Christmas Creek orebody and illustrates the
dewatering and reinjection borefields (FMG, 2011).
Figure 5-8: Conceptual hydrogeological cross-section of the Christmas Creek mining operation
(after FMG, 2011)
5.5.3
FMG Nyidinghu
The Nyidinghu project is located along the northern flanks of the Hamersley Range, in proximity to the
Weeli Wolli Creek, some 100 km northwest of Newman and 30 km south of the Fortescue Marsh (Map
5-06). The project is owned and managed by Fortescue Metals Group, and has a reported inferred iron
ore resource of 2.46 Bt, with two proposed mining proposals:
Iron Ore project - 4 year mining life, direct shipping ore (Brockman Ore) at a rate of 6 Mtpa to a
maximum depth of 33 m, was anticipated to commence in 2015 but has been shelved. Mining
would be above water-table with water supply from local small borefield (32 ML/a). (FMG, 2012)
Greater Nyidinghu project
–
2.46Bt (23 Mt measured and 1.86 Bt inferred, predominately
mineralised Brockman Iron Formation (mainly Joffre Member) is the primary source of the deposit,
with some minor detrital and CID mineralisation overlying the Brockman Formation resource.
Proposed mining depths are greater than 200 m bgl, major dewatering requirements. PER
expected to be submitted in mid 2017 with a proposed commencement of mining after 2018
(Nyidinghu Project Environmental Scoping Document).
There has been significant hydrogeological investigation undertaken by FMG (2008 , 2012) on the
Nyidinghu area related to the assessment, hydraulic testing, numerical modelling, implementation and
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 137
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
ongoing water management related to the development of a dewatering and water supply borefield and
potential environmental impact assessment. The Nyidinghu project is located immediately to the east of
and in a similar geological sequence and along strike from the eastern edge of BHP Billiton Iron Ore
’s
Marillana and IOH’s Iron Valley proposed mining area. On the western edge of the Nyidinghu
project
area is the BHP Billiton Iron Ore Mindy mining area.
Nyidinghu conceptualisation
The main surface water feature in the Nyidinghu project area is the Weeli Wolli Creek which runs
adjacent and through the project area, draining from the south to the north, before turning west at the
exit point from the Hamersley Range before terminating in the Fortescue Marsh. Significant surface
water management will be required for the Greater Nyidinghu proposed mining operations to proceed.
Pre-mining groundwater flow occurred via the regional aquifer system - Tertiary Detritals, Oakover
Formation, CID, mineralised Brockman Iron Formation and karstic Wittenoom Formation, with the
groundwater flow from the south to the north. The Fortescue Marsh is the groundwater terminus.
No mine dewatering is planned as proposed mining is currently understood to not proceed below the
watertable. Numerical modelling for the Greater N yidinghu project suggests significant drawdown and
reversal of groundwater flow directions resulting from dewatering if the project goes below the
watertable. Saline groundwater drawn the saltwater interface beneath the Fortescue Marsh has potential
to migrate to the dewatering system and may require the establishment of a reinjection borefield to
mitigate or minimise this impact.
The volumes of water considered for pit dewatering are estimated at a rate of up 90 GL/yr. According to
the Nyidinghu Project Environmental Scoping Document up to 60 GL/yr of the surplus mine dewater will
be discharged to Weeli Wolli Creek and up to 80 GL/yr will be reinjected into the aquifers within the
Fortescue Marsh valley.
5.5.4
FMG Mindy Mindy
The FMG Mindy Mindy project is located immediately south and behind the northern flanks of the
Hamersley Range, in proximity and to the east of the Weeli Wolli Creek, some 70 km north west of
Newman and 25 km south of the Fortescue Marsh (Map 5-06). The project is owned and managed by a
joint venture between FMG and Consolidate Minerals.
The Mindy Mindy project has a reported iron ore resource of 45 Mt, with an inferred resource of 107 Mt.
The project has a proposed mining rate of 5 Mtpa for approximately 20-year mine life. The iron ore
resource is contained within mineralised Channel Iron Deposit (CID), located within a minor, 12 km long,
high order tributary of the Weeli Wolli CID system. The proposed mining program does not reportedly
extend significantly below the watertable, with maximum depth of mining generally less than 40 m with
only the northwestern extent of the channel being saturated
There have been some preliminary hydrogeological investigations undertaken by Aquaterra (2004).
Mindy Mindy conceptualisation
The main surface water feature in the Mindy Mindy project area is the Weeli Wolli Creek that runs along
the western edge of the project, draining from the south to the north, before turning west at the exit point
from the Hamersley Range and finally terminating in the Fortescue Marsh. The project is situated in one
of the major eastern tributaries of the Weeli Wolli Creek before the latter exist the Hamersley Range.
This localised small catchment tributary draining to the west off the elevated range areas has the
potential for minor surface water impacts, but little impact to the regional surface water regime.
Pre-mining groundwater flow occurs via the regional aquifer system. Groundwater flow takes place from
the east to the west following the trend of the CID deposit, before joining into the Yandi CID aquifer
system.
Only minor mine dewatering is planned as proposed mining is not proceeding significantly below water -
table.
5.5.5
Iron Ore Holdings Iron Valley
The Iron Valley project is located along the northern flanks of the Hamersle y Range in proximity and to
the west of the Weeli Wolli Creek, some 90 km north west of Newman and 25 km south of the Fortescue
Marsh (Map 5-06).
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 138
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
The project is owned and managed by Iron Ore Holdings and has a reported iron ore resource of 35 Mt,
with a proposed mining rate of 5 Mtpa for a 7-year mine life. The mineralised Brockman Iron Formation
(mainly Joffre Member) is the primary source of the deposit, with some minor detrital mineralisation
along the northern extent of the deposit. The proposed three stage mining program does not reportedly
extend below the water-table. A forecast project water demand of 0.36 GL/yr, is to be derived from a
planned local borefield.
There have been some hydrogeological investigations undertaken by URS (2011, 2012) on the Iron
Valley project area. They were focused on the assessment, hydraulic testing, numerical modelling,
implementation and ongoing water management related to the development of a water supply borefield
and environmental impact assessment.
The Iron Valley project is located immediately to the east of and in a similar geological sequence and
along strike from the eastern edge of BHP Billiton Iron Ore
’s Marillana proposed mining area. On the
western edge of the Iron Valley project
area is the FMG’s Nyidinghu
project.
Iron Valley conceptualisation
The main surface water feature in the Iron Valley project area is the Weeli Wolli Creek that runs
adjacent to the eastern edge of the project, draining from the south to the north, before turning west at
the exit point from the Hamersley Range and terminating in the Fortescue Marsh. Localised small
catchment tributaries draining out of the elevated range areas ha ve the potential for minor surface water
impacts to the proposed mining operations, but little impact to the regional surface water regime.
Pre mining groundwater flow is via the regional aquifer, in mineralised Brockman Iron Formation and
overlying detritals. Groundwater flow originates from the south, within the elevated Hamersley Range
and proceeds to the north, with the groundwater terminus being the Fortescue Marsh. Localised
compartmentalisation due to presence of dolerite dykes may occur. No mine dewatering is planned as
proposed mining is not proceeding below water-table.
No publically available schematic geological cross sections through the Iron Valley ore-body are
available.
5.5.6
RTIO Koodaideri
The Koodaideri project is situated along the northern flanks of the Hamersley Range some 110 km west-
northwest of Newman and 10 km south of the Fortescue Marsh (Map 5-06).
The project is owned and managed by Rio Tinto and has a reported iron ore resource capable of a
mining rate of initially 35 Mtpa, ramping up to 70 Mtpa for a 30-year mine life. The mineralised, highly
phosphorous Brockman Iron Formation is the primary source of the deposit. Four proposed pits are
planned, of which three (K75W, K58W and K38W0) are stated to be 90% above water-table; however
the fourth pit (K21W) is to extend to approximately 200 m bgl.
Dewatering of the pits is planned to be undertaken using the in-pit sumps. The forecast project water
demand is:
6 GL/yr (2016 to 2023);
10 GL/yr (2023 to 2031) and
18 GL/yr beyond 2032 when wet processing is planned.
Some existing water local water supply bores will be utilised to supply the init ial start-up water supply
with a plan to utilise surplus dewatering discharge water from Rio Tinto’s Junction Central and Junction
South East operations.
Hydrogeological investigations were undertaken by PB (2011, 2012, and 2013). They incorporated the
assessment of hydrogeological setting, hydraulic testing, conceptual hydrogeological modelling, and
implementation and ongoing water management related to the development of a water supply borefield
and environmental impact assessment.
The Koodaideri project is located immediately to the west of and in a similar geological sequence and
along strike from the western edge of BHP Billiton Iron Ore
’s and Brockman Resources Marillana
proposed mining areas.
Koodaideri conceptualisation
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 139
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
The main surface water feature in the Koodaideri project area is the Koodaideri Creek and Koodaideri
Spring. Localised small catchment tributaries draining out of the elevated range areas ha ve the potential
for minor surface water impacts to the proposed mining operations, but little influence on the regional
surface water regime (Worley Parsons, 2012).
Pre-mining groundwater flow is via the mineralised Brockman Iron Formation following on to the regional
aquifer. Groundwater flow, inferred from hydraulic head data, is northward from elevated Dales Gorge
Member aquifers towards the Cainozoic sediments of the valley fill which underlie the plain, and then
towards the Fortescue Marsh.
Localised compartmentalisation due to the presence of dolerite dykes may occur.
Three main aquifer components within the Koodaideri project include:
Fractured rock orebody aquifers of the mineralised Dales Gorge Member and the upper part of the
Mount McRae Shale (where saturated).
Fractured rock aquifers of weathered Wittenoom Formation that underlie the Cainozoic deposits in
the Fortescue Valley.
Unconsolidated sediment aquifers
–
the valley fill aquifer within Cainozoic sediments that underlie
the Fortescue Valley
Figures 5-10 and 5-11 present a schematic cross-section through the Koodaideri orebody.
Figure 5-9: Geological cross-section of the Koodaideri deposit (after Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2013)
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 140
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
Figure 5-10: Conceptual hydrogeological cross-section of the Koodaideri deposit (after Parsons
Brinckerhoff, 2013)
5.5.7
RTIO Koodaideri South
The Koodaideri South project is located to the south of the eastern end of the
RTIO’s
Koodaideri
deposit, south of the northern flanks of the Hamersley Range , some 110 km west north west of Newman
and 15 km south of the Fortescue Marsh (Map 5-06).
The project is owned and managed by Rio Tinto (formerly owned by Iron Ore Holdings) and currently
has an inferred resource of approximately 106 Mt. The mineralised highly-phosphorous Brockman Iron
Formation is the primary source of the deposit. Three proposed resources have been identified to date
–
Kurrajura, Fingers and Bight.
No groundwater information is currently available, but considering the location and the size of the
identified resources it is highly likely that the depth of any proposed pit would be above water -table.
The Koodaideri South project is located immediately south of the eastern end of Koodaideri deposit and
in a similar geological sequence.
Koodaideri South conceptualisation
Localised small catchment tributaries draining out of the elevated range areas ha ve the potential for
minor surface water impacts to the proposed mining operations, but little impact to the regional surface
water regime (Worley Parsons, 2012).
No water level monitoring has been documented to date. The location of the project area potential lies
close to the inferred groundwater divide between the northward flowing system to the Fortescue Marsh
and the southward flowing system of the Central Region area.
The main aquifer systems existing within Koodaideri South project are likely to be fractured rock orebody
aquifers of the mineralised Dales Gorge Member.
No geological information is available to provide a hydrogeological cross -section for this project.
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 141
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
5.5.8
Brockman Resources Marillana
The Brockman Resources Marillana project is located along the northern flanks of the Hamersley Range
some 100 km north west of Newman and 15 km south of the Fortescue Marsh (Map 5-06).
The project is owned and managed by Brockman Resources and has a reported iron ore resource of
700 to 750 Mt, with a planned process rate of 37 Mtpa production and 18 Mtpa of product, with a
proposed 20-year mine life. The iron ore resource is reportedly detr itals and the CID material. Two
proposed pits are planned and are believed to extend to some 80 m bgl, with the depth to regional
water-table being around 20 to 30 m bgl. A 2016 target commencing date has been indicated for this
project.
Dewatering of the pits is planned to be undertaken using in-pit and ex-pit bores. The forecast project
dewatering rate has been estimated at a peak of 32 ML/a, declining to around 5 ML/d towards the end of
the mine life. Additional water supply will be sourced from an external borefield. Surplus dewaterin g
volumes will be reinjected or returned to the groundwater system down gradient of the mining area via
infiltration ponds (Aquaterra, 2010).
Hydrogeological investigation has been undertaken by Aquaterra (2010) . They included hydrogeological
drilling, hydraulic testing, conceptual hydrogeological modelling, numerical modelling and predictive
simulations.
The Marillana project is located immediately to the down gradient and in a similar geological sequence
to BHP Billiton Iron Ore
’s Marillana proposed mini
ng areas.
Brockman Resources Marillana conceptualisation
The main surface water feature in the Marillana project area is related to the Weeli Wolli Creek that
flows just to the north of the proposed pits. Localised small catchment tributaries draining out of the
elevated range areas have the potential for minor surface water impacts to the proposed mining
operations, but little impact to the regional surface water regime (Ecologia, 2010). Diversion structures
around the pits and infrastructure are proposed to deliver flow to the Weeli Wolli Creek.
Groundwater flow occurs within detritals, CID and calcrete aquifers, and the underlying karstic
Wittenoom Formation aquifer. The direction of flow is from the south, in the elevated Hamersley Range,
to the north, with the groundwater terminus being the Fortescue Marsh.
Dewatering is predicted to create a significant reversal of the groundwater flow towards the cone of
depression, with modelling simulations suggesting impacts may extend to the edge of the Marsh.
Reinjection and infiltration ponds are proposed to mitigate this impact to the north.
Figure 5-12 presents a schematic cross section through the Brockman Resources Marillana orebody.
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 142
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
Figure 5-11: Geological cross-section of Brockman Resources Marillana project (after Aquaterra, 2010)
5.5.9
RHIO Roy Hill
The proposed Roy Hill mine is currently under construction with operations to commence September
2015. It is located along the southern flanks of the Chichester Range and north of and 4 km north- east
of the eastern-most part of the Fortescue Marsh, and some 110km north of Newman (Map 5-06).
The mine is owned and operated by Roy Hill Iron Ore Pty Ltd. Pre-stripping commenced in late 2013.
The mineralised Marra Mamba Formation is the primary source of the 65 Mtpa iron ore mining and
processing operation, designed to produce 55 Mtpa of product with a provisional mine life of 18 years. A
significant part of the iron ore resource is below the watertable. The mining operations will extend along
a strike length of approximately 50 km and to a maximum depth of 100 m bgl.
MWH undertook extensive hydrogeological investigations (2005 to 2013) which addressed the
assessment, design, implementation and ongoing water management r elated to the water supply,
dewatering, saline water management issues and environmental impact assessment.
Current forecast water demand for the wet processing of the ore and operational requirements is
46 ML/d of brackish quality groundwater. Initial water supply for the project will be met by the Stage 1
Borefield (46 ML/d capacity), which has been developed within the proposed footprint of the mining
activities and will be mined out by mining year 7. Dewatering borefields will be progressively developed
to match mining requirements and become the priority water supply option.
A proposed Stage 2 Remote borefield has being identified, some 50 km to the south of the project area
and to the south of the Fortescue Marsh should an additional brackish water source be required later in
the mine life.
The Roy Hill mining operations are located to the east of, and mining the same geological sequence
along strike from FMG’s Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek operations. No
BHP Billiton Iron Ore
’s
projects are in close proximity to this operation.
Roy Hill conceptualisation
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 143
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
The main surface water drainage through the Roy Hill mining operations occur in several significant
southward draining catchments that have headwaters in the Chichester Range and terminate in the
Fortescue Marsh (No Name Creek, Kulbee Creek, Kulkinbah Creek and others).
Pre-mining groundwater flow was via the regional aquifer (Tertiary Detritals, Oakover Formation) and
mineralised Marra Mamba Formation, with groundwater flow from the north, in the ele vated Chichester
Range, to the south and south west, with the groundwater terminus being the Fortescue Marsh.
Mine dewatering is principally being implemented via down-dip ex-pit dewatering bores which are
designed to ensure mining operations to depths of 100 m bgl. These could be sustained with
provisionally predicted dewatering rates approaching 100 ML/d. The saline interface associated with the
Fortescue Marsh intersects some of the lower levels of the proposed mining areas, and as such saline
to hypersaline groundwater is anticipated to be a significant component of the dewatering activity during
periods of the mine life.
To manage surplus to demand, groundwater abstraction and the saline groundwater abstraction from
the dewatering activities Roy Hill has adopted a disposal option via two large lined evaporation facilities
to the south west of the operations and a brackish groundwater borefield to harvest the fresher
groundwater. A significant localised cone of depression is expected to develop and move progressively
along the strike of the orebody. Current groundwater modelling predicts only limited impacts to be
observable near the edge of the Fortescue Marsh.
The Roy Hill orebody is in direct hydraulic connection with the regional aquifers via the min eralised
Marra Mamba Formation being in direct connection with the Tertiary detritals and Oakover Formation,
and potentially the regional karst aquifer of the Wittenoom Formation to the south.
Figure 5-13 presents a schematic cross section through the Roy Hill orebody.
5.5.10 Rio Tinto Hope Downs 4
The Hope Downs 4 mine commenced operations in 2013, and is located 30 km to the south of the
northern flank of the Hamersley Range, at the headwaters of Coondiner Creek and some 30 km
northwest of Newman (Map 5-06).
The mine is a joint venture between RTIO and HPPL, and is managed and operated by RTIO. The
mineralised Brockman Iron Formation is the primary source of the 15 Mtpa iron ore mining and
processing operation with a provisional mine life of 25 to 30 years. A si gnificant part of the iron ore
resource is below water-table (70%). The mining operations will consist of three separate mining pits to
a maximum depth of 140 m bgl.
MWH (2005) carried out hydrogeological investigations which covered the assessment, design ,
implementation and ongoing water management related to the water supply, dewatering, water
management issues and environmental impact assessment.
Current estimate of dewatering required for mining operations ranges between 4 GL/yr to 27 GL/yr, with
an average of 10 GL/yr, over the life of the mine. A water surplus to requirement exists at this site with
the approved initial surplus disposal option being discharge to the Kalgan Creek system some 16 km to
the east or until Hope Downs 1 discharge to the environment to Weeli Wolli Creek ceases then the
discharge will be directed to that area.
The Hope Downs 4 mining operations are located to the south of, and mining the same geological
sequence as BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Coondiner project, however the operati
ons are separated by over
30 km of relatively impermeable geological units.
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 144
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
Figure 5-12: Typical geological cross-sections for RHIO Roy Hill project (after RHIO PER, 2009)
Hope Downs 4 conceptualisation
The surface water drainage paths through the Hope Downs 4 mining operations are in the headwaters of
the Coondineer Creek the section of which 2.5 km long will be required to be realigned to bypass the
mining and infrastructure at this site.
The un-mineralised sequence to the north and surrounding Hope Downs 4 behaves as a low -
permeability barrier.
Mine dewatering is principally designed via down-dip ex-pit dewatering bores to ensure mining
operations to depths of 140 m bgl can be sustained, with predicted dewatering rates approaching
27 GL/yr. A significant localised cone of depression is expected to develop within the mineralised
orebody with minimal extension of the cone out into the low permeable bedrock.
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 145
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
6
Conclusions
The ecohydrological conceptualisation presented an understanding of the existing hydrological and
ecological regimes in the vicinity of future BHP Billiton Iron Ore
’s mining and infrastructure development
activities proximal to the Fortescue Marsh.
Based on the EHU development methodology, nine landscape ecohydrological units (EHUs) were
defined within the study area. Based on an understanding of the existing environment, ecohydrological
conceptualisations were developed for the two ecological receptors being the Fortescue Marsh and
Freshwater Claypans (Figures 4-15 and 4-17).
Fortescue Marsh
The ecohydrological features of the Fortescue Marsh can be summarised as follows:
Surface and groundwater systems
Inflows to the Marsh are dominated by the Fortescue River and Weeli Wolli Creek, cont ributing
around 52% and 19% of mean annual inflows respectively. The catchment areas for these major
drainages extend outside the study area. The remainder (29%) of inflows are from the
catchments reporting directly to the Marsh.
Flooding is generally associated with cyclonic rainfall and runoff in the summer months, with
large-scale inundation events estimated to occur on average once every five to seven years.
Inundation of east and west basins may be different for smaller events; however, large -scale
inundation generally occurs across both east and west basins.
Ponding in the Marsh is facilitated by the presence of relatively low permeability clay and
silcrete/calcrete hardpans in the surficial sediments of the Marsh. More permeable material in
the ponding surface is assumed to occur in some areas of the Marsh facilitating the seepage of
flood waters into the sub-surface. It is postulated that most of the groundwater recharge within
the Marsh occurs in these zones of increased (vertical) permeability; how ever on-ground
investigations are necessary to confirm this.
A shallow, unconfined aquifer is present within the upper surficial sediments. Groundwater levels
range between 2 and 4 m bgl. The shallow watertable is maintained by a combination of flooding
events, groundwater inflow, leakage from deeper confined units and evapotranspiration. Soil
moisture within the Marsh is replenished by rainfall, and surface water and groundwater inflows.
During flooding events, the watertable may locally increase but only for relatively short time.
Deeper Tertiary sediments beneath the Marsh host a series of local-scale, variably connected
aquifers, including clayey sequences that function as aquitards. Aquifer parameters are
considered to be within the range of regional estimates.
Calcrete of the Oakover Formation is an important part of the regional-scale aquifer
characterised by generally high permeability and storage. It can be locally silicified or contain
high iron contents forming silcretes and ferricretes. The unit is in direct hydraulic connection with
the underlying weathered dolomite in the Wittenoom Formation. Evaporation from the shallow
zone beneath the Marsh is the main mechanism of groundwater discharge.
The Fortescue Marsh is an internally draining surface water and groundwater basin.
Groundwater level contours suggest radial groundwater flow to the Marsh from the margins of
the Fortescue Valley.
Measurements of groundwater level dynamics during infrequent flooding of the Marsh are not
available.
The Marsh water balance is dominated by surface water contirbutions (Figure 4 -1). The major
mechanism of groundwater recharge of the shallow aquifer is seepage of floodwaters. The upper
end of recharge estimates to the shallow aquifer during the major cyclonic eevent s is in the
order of 50 to 100 GL per event, consistent with temporary refilling of 1 to 2 m of the unsaturated
zone. Groundwater throughflow to the Marsh from the greater Fortescue Valley is minimal in the
shallow unconfined section due to limited overall recharge and low hydraulic gradients.
Groundwater mounding associated with flooding events may temporarily and locally reverse
hydraulic gradients in and around the Marsh (i.e. directions away from the Marsh).
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 146
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
Groundwater throughflow from the deeper regional aquifer (calcrete and weathered Wittenoom
Formation) is estimated to be approximately 28 GL/yr. Throughflow discharge through the
Tertiary Detrital units is lost to soil evaporation and transpiration. The major surface water
discharge mechanisms are direct evaporation of the post-flooding waterbody and exposed lake
bed, and evapotranspiration from vegetated surfaces during interfloods.
Ecosystem components
Much of the interior of the Marsh consists of sparsely vegetated clay flats within a series of lo w
elevation flood basins. Vegetation recruitment may occur in these areas during dry phases;
however, the frequency and depth of inundation events is a constraint to long term vegetation
persistence.
Fringing the lake bed areas are unique samphire vegetation communities including a number of
rare flora taxa. Species zonation is evident and is considered to be a function of the combined
stresses of seasonal drought, soil salinity, waterlogging and inundation. Structural complexity is
provided by patches of Muehlenbeckia florulenta, Muellerolimon salicorniaceum and Melaleuca
glomerata; the latter in particular may be important for providing roosting and nesting sites for
waterbirds.
Samphires exhibit conservative water use behaviour, and are probably reliant on pulses of fresh
water associated with floods and stored soil moisture in the upper profile post -flooding. The
flooding regime is likely to be a major factor influencing samphire recruitment and mortality.
A number of fauna species with elevated conservation significance are present in areas fringing
the Marsh including the Bilby (Macrotis lagotis), Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), Mulgara
(Dasycercus cristicauda) and the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis). The Marsh habitat may
contribute to the foraging range of these species.
The Marsh supports aquatic invertebrate assemblages of conservation interest, including
species known only from the Marsh. Little is known of the ecological requirements of these taxa.
The Marsh has not been sampled for stygofauna owing to a lack of bores located on the Marsh.
However; subterranean fauna communities in areas adjacent to the Marsh are relatively poorly
developed in comparison with other locations in the Pilbara.
A number of persistent pools are associated with associated with drainage scours along the
Fortescue River channel and other major channel inflows. These are probably sustained by
storage in the surrounding alluvium following flood events. The pools could potentially function
as refugia for some aquatic fauna species during interfloods.
Freshwater Claypans of the Fortescue Valley PEC
The key ecohydrological features of the Freshwater Claypans can be summarised as follows:
Surface and groundwater systems
Surface water runoff from the surrounding catchments is attenuated in the internally draining
low-relief landscape of the claypans. The estimated flooding frequency may be similar to the
Fortescue Marsh and could range between 1 in 5 years to 1 in 27 years based on the
hydrological analysis for the Marsh (Section 4.2). No information is available on flood
levels/regimes that would be required to support the claypan ecosystems.
Soil moisture in the shallow sediments of the claypans is replenished by a combination of rainfall
and surface inflows.
The ephemeral waterbodies of the claypans rapidly evaporate post flooding.
Large floods exceed the storage volume of the claypans, and via flushing prevent significant
accumulation of salts (in contrast with the Fortescue Marsh environment).
Groundwater levels may range between 2 and 4 m bgl.
Little is known of the hydrostratigraphy beneath the claypan surfaces. The claypans are
assumed to be underlain by low permeability sediments, which may constitute a barrier to
groundwater recharge and discharge. However, further investigations are required to confirm
this.
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 147
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Ecosystem components
The expansive bare clay flats are fringed with Western Coolibah and tussock grassland
vegetation communities. The Western Coolibah trees may rely on stored soil moisture
replenished by flooding to meet their water requirements.
The claypans support diverse aquatic invertebrate assemblages during flood events. Waterbody
ephemerality, turbidity and connectivity with the broader Fortescue River floodplain may be key
factors affecting the species composition. These factors will vary interannually and between
seasons.
The claypans provide foraging habitat for waterbirds, and may also provide breeding habitat for
some species.
Stressors
BHP Billiton Iron Ore is planning to develop four potential mining areas adjacent to the Fortescue Valley
in the future:
1. Marillana;
2. Mindy;
3. Coondiner; and
4. Roy Hill.
Marillana
The proposed BHP Billiton Iron Ore Marillana Iron Ore Project is located along and within the northern
flank of the Hamersley Range, approximately 100 km northwest of Newman and 16 km northeast of BHP
Billiton Iron Ore’
s mining area at Yandi. It is bound by Weeli Wolli Creek to the east, the BHP Billiton
Iron Ore Yandi to Port Hedland Railroad to the west and the southern flank of the Fort escue Valley
Basin to the north.
The Marillana mining tenement (ML270SA) covers an area of approximately 115 km
2
. Included in the
mining tenement are:
Fourteen proposed pit areas (MA-A to MA-N);
Eight associated mineral waste rock dumps (OSA) (MA-1 to MA-8);
Three operational infrastructure areas (MI-1 to MI-3); and
A proposed rail spur line connecting with the BHP Billiton Iron Ore
’
s Newman to Port Hedland
and MAC to Port Hedland railways located adjacent to the study area.
The proposed mine pits cover an area of approximately 31 km
2
within tenement M 270SA.
Mindy
The proposed BHP Billiton Iron Ore Mindy Iron Ore Project is located along the northern flanks of the
Hamersley Range, approximately 60 km northwest of Newman and 30 km east of BHP Billiton Iron
Ore’
s
mining area at Yandi. It is bound by the Weeli Wooli Creek to the west, Mindy Mindy Creek to the east
and the Fortescue Valley to the north.
The Mindy mining tenements (M47/710 to 717 and M47/725 to 728) cover an area of approximately 65
km
2
. Included in the tenements are:
Three proposed pit areas (MM-A to MM-C);
Nine associated mineral waste rock dumps (OSA) (MM-1 to MM-9);
Four operational infrastructure areas (MMI-1 to MMI-10); and
A proposed rail spur line connecting with the BHP Billiton Iron Or
e’
s Newman to Port Hedland
railway located to the north of the study area.
The proposed mine pits cover an area of approximately 24 km
2
within the Mindy mining tenements.
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 148
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
Coondiner
The proposed BHP Billiton Iron Ore Coondiner Iron Ore Project is located along the northern flanks of
the Hamersley Range and extending into the southern limits of the Fortescue Valley, approximately 50
km north of Newman and 40 km north of
BHP Billiton Iron Ore’
s mining area at Mt Whaleback.
The Coondiner mining tenements (M47/718 to 724 and M47/729 to 731) cover an area of approximately
45 km
2
. Included in the tenements are:
Five potential mining pits (CO-A to CO-E)
Six associated waste rock dumps (OSA) (CO-1 to CO-6)
Three operational infrastructure areas
A proposed railroad spur line that sits outside the Coondiner mineral tenements and connects to
the existing BHP Billiton Iron Ore Newman to Port Hedland railroad has been planned.
The proposed mine pits cover an area of approximately 11.6 km
2
within the Coondiner mining
tenements.
Roy Hill
The proposed BHP Billiton Iron Ore Coondiner Iron Ore Project is located along the southern flanks of
the Chichester Range, approximately 250 km northwest of Newman and 25 km west of Fortescue Metals
Group’s (FMG’s) mining
area at Cloudbreak. It is bound by the Chichester Range to the north and the
Fortescue Marsh and Goodiadarrie Swamp to the south. The deposits straddle the BHP Billiton Iron Ore
Newman to Port Hedland railway.
The Roy Hill mining tenements (M45/1038 to 1065) cover an area of 261 km
2
. Included in the tenements
are:
Eleven proposed pit areas (RH-A to RH-K) including:
o
RH-A to RH-F located within the Goodiadarrie Swamp catchment.
o
RH-G to RH-K located within the Fortescue Marsh catchment.
Seven associated mineral waste rock dumps (OSA) (RH-1 to RH-7); and
Ten operational infrastructure areas (RHI-1 to RHI-10).
It is anticipated that the existing Newman to Port Hedland BHP Billiton Iron Ore railway alignments and
planned Chichester bypass route passing through the study area (Miscellaneous Licence L45/105 and
L45/147) will be utilised.
Resource, hydrological and environmental assessment
All four project areas are at an early stage of exploration and resource definition. Ancillary investigations
relating to likely water management needs are at an early stage. Resource, surface water, groundwater
and ecological assessments undertaken by MWH have been based on available information, as
summarised below.
Of the four projects, assessment of the Marillana deposit is the most advanced. Wor k completed
at Marillana includes:
o
the drilling and testing of one (1) test production bore, four (4) pilot holes converted to
monitoring bores, forty (40) exploration monitoring bores drilled and cased to confirm aquifer
presence and delineate aquifer extent. Testing of Falling head (13 bores), and constant
head (15 bores) has been undertaken on the exploration monitoring bores to determine
formation permeability values for various geological units .
o
Development of a conceptual groundwater model, followed by the construction of a
numerical groundwater model.
No hydrogeological or hydrological studies have yet been undertaken in the Mindy or the
Coondiner project areas to date. Interpretations of the geological and hydrogeological features in
the Mindy and Coondiner project areas have been made using available resource definition
exploration drill data (GBIS) and information available in the public domain from similar types of
deposits in adjacent areas.
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 149
Our ref: FM-EcoConcept_v8.docx
There is limited geological, hydrogeological and surface water information available for the BHP
Billiton Iron Ore Roy Hill tenement. Investigations undertaken on adjacent projects along the
Chichester Range provide confidence in local hydrogeology interpretations:
o
A total of 235 resource definition drillholes are reported within the BHP Billiton Iron Ore
’s
GBIS data base for the BHP Billiton Iron Ore Roy Hill tenements, and provide a framework
for establishing structure, geology, type of mineralisation and indicative depths of
mineralisation.
o
Interpretations of the proposed mining areas have been made using available exploration
data, geological maps and previous reports relating to nearby mining projects, such as
FMG’s Cloudbreak and
Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd
’s
(HPPLs) Mulga Downs.
Ecohydrological Conceptualisation of the Fortescue Marsh Region
Status: Final
September 2015
Project No.: 83501069
Page 150
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7
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