Once a mineral resource has been identified considerations turn to technical constraints, economic feasibility and environmental and regulatory approvals to advance the project. Extractive industries often encounter groundwater as one of the significant issues that need to be addressed due to technical, environmental and regulatory reasons.
Over the last 10 years there has been a much greater focus on groundwater management issues and there have been significant developments in the policies and management approaches applied.Victoria’s groundwater use is licensed, monitored, metered and accounted for. Apart from domestic and stock extraction these management tools apply to all uses of groundwater. In addition to these key functionsVictoriais developing a new management framework, policies to assist with the consideration of groundwater dependent ecosystems and developing licensing guidance in respect of new technologies such as managed aquifer recharge, in-situ desalination systems, geothermal extraction and will be looking at the interface of coal seam methane extraction with the Water Act 1989.
In tandem with new groundwater management tools there is a need for increased awareness of water management on mine and quarry sites. Consideration of surface water and groundwater occurrence are key factors in managing slope stability and environmental impacts. Recent changes in minerals and extractive legislation are intended to reinforce improvement to ground control management.
Presented by Jennifer Fraser, Director of Groundwater Licensing Branch – DSE and Mark Pratt, Senior Hyrdrogeologist – DPI
About the speakers
JENNIFER FRASER is the Director of Groundwater Licensing Branch (Water Division) in the Department of Sustainability and Environment. After a long career in a range of public service roles Jennifer came to her current role 5 years ago. Jennifer’s branch has undergone significant development during this time and is currently tackling issues such Victoria’s position on the Murray Darling Basin Plan, reforming the State’s groundwater management framework (through the SAFE project) and working with DPI on a range of water related mining issues.
MARK PRATT is a Senior Hydrogeologist in the Earth Resources Regulation Branch of Department of Primary Industries. Mark is also the Executive Officer of the Technical Review Board; a team of experts with international mining experience that was established in August 2008 following Mining Warden Inquiries into the catastrophic Yallourn Mine batter collapse in 2007. Mark has long career in geology and groundwater investigation in Australia and overseas and currently provide hydrogeological and geotechnical advice to DPI.
Come join us
Date: 10 April 2012
Time: 6pm meet and greet for a 6.30pm start
Location: Bendigo (Basement of View, under the Capitol Theatre,50 View St, Bendigo)
Sponsored by: HydroTerra
