GOV’T MAINTAINS G.R.M.L’s WATER TAILINGS STILL UNSAFE
The tailings dam at the Gold Ridge mine. Photo credit: Pacific Scoop.
The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, Meteorology and Disaster Management have maintained, the main water at the tailings facility at the Gold Ridge Mine is unsafe.
In a joint statement the MMERE and MECMDM said the arsenic and cyanide levels in the water column are constant but remain above ANZECC and WHO drinking water guidelines.
It says the levels of arsenic and cyanide in the tailing sediments are extremely dangerous.
The statement adds since GRML came under St. Barbara, it has been granted three licenses to de-water with treatment, the TSF.
It says the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) is very concerned that all physical alterations to the current return water dam (RWD) have put additional pressure to the main tailings current water level and the walls of the tailings dam.
It accuses GRML for failing to comply with its obligation to inform the Ministry and Mines Board its intention to undertake such physical amendments.