• On 31 March 2023, Hanson submitted a revised MOP in response to the Department for Energy and Mining's (DEM) request for alterations letter issued 28 July 2021.

    The MOP has been assessed by DEM in collaboration with technical experts from the Environment Protection Authority, the Department for Environment and Water and SA Health.

    DEM are currently finalising a request for further alterations and expect to issue it to Hanson by mid November 2023.

  • On 20 May 2022, DEM issued a compliance order to Hanson Construction Materials regarding the offsite release of sediment-laden stormwater into Third Creek from the White Rock Quarry. Refer to 6 June 2022 update below for further details.

    Further to the 12 October 2022 update progress, as of April 2023 against key requirements of the compliance order include:

    Complete construction of an additional onsite sediment basin, which will allow for passive stormwater treatment (that is, without addition of chemical flocculant)

    • Hanson has progressed the construction of the infrastructure to provide additional capacity for the passive treatment of sediment laden stormwater.
    • Construction of a new clean water diversion channel, to divert surface water flows from an area undisturbed by quarry operations, around the sediment basin has been completed. This channel reduces the volume of water entering the passive stormwater treatment process, directing clean water flows into Third Creek.
    • Construction of the basin is anticipated to be complete prior to winter 2023.

    Hanson's construction of a new clean water diversion channel

    Photo courtesy of Hanson

    Commence active treatment, using flocculants, to accelerate the removal of sediment from water.

    • Use of chemical flocculants will not occur until DEM and the EPA are satisfied Hanson have demonstrated that any product used will not cause harm to the environment or freshwater ecosystems, and that adequate systems and controls are in place to manage flocculant use.
    • Once the related infrastructure works are completed and the proposed flocculants to be used are endorsed by regulators, the addition of active flocculant to stormwater within a purpose-built sediment basin will occur.
    • DEM and the EPA will closely monitor the construction, commissioning and operation to ensure Hanson complies with operational approvals and relevant environmental standards.

    DEM is the lead regulator for the White Rock Quarry and works closely with the EPA to ensure Hanson addresses any non-compliances as a priority. Hanson must take all reasonable and practicable measures to improve stormwater management and minimise sediment-laden stormwater leaving the site during high rainfall events.

    DEM respects and encourages the role communities play in referring concerns to the department. Communities should report any matters to DEM's customer service number on (08) 8463 3000 or the EPA 24-hour Emergency Response Team on (08) 8204 2004 with dates, times, exact location
    and photographs.

  • In late 2022, the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) commissioned a small social research project to understand how local communities living in proximity to an operating quarry receive information and engage with the quarrying company and the regulator.

    The intent of the research was to better understand the role community engagement plays for the community, the quarrying or extractive company, and the regulator, and to share summary learnings with industry related to the role of good practice community engagement. The research was undertaken to support internal department learning. The social research undertaken is independent of the quarry regulation or related requirements under the Mining Act 1971. The research was not related to regulatory compliance or implementation of related regulation by the quarry. The quarrying company was informed of the research beforehand and is interested in learning from the findings when completed.

    Methodology

    Research was undertaken by an independent social researcher. Research activities involved undertaking a limited number of interviews and a local community survey letterbox drop to residences in proximity to the quarry. The research was a self-selecting survey in nature, in that the people who wished to contribute voluntarily choose to be involved. The effect of this is that the research findings do not hear from either the ambivalent or supportive community members of a project or enterprise. The value of such an approach is the richness of information received from community members who feel strongly about specific topics of perceived direct importance to them and their concerns.

    The survey asked questions pertaining to issues of local concern and local views of engagement undertaken. For example, after the consent and locality information was gathered, questions focused on how informed local community members felt in relation to quarrying and regulatory communication; whether local community members felt their concerns were listened to; and alignment in relation to the future vision of the local area.

    Findings from the research were collated and will be considered in terms of explaining good practice and in regulating effective and appropriate community engagement by proponents. Results will also be shared with the quarry to explain the findings in relation to community engagement. The broad findings will further support internal DEM understanding of the role good practice community engagement can play where the extractive industry operates in peri-urban and denser community settings.

    Findings

    The surveyed issues of concern that were most raised by respondents were:

    • pollution (water)
    • impact on wildlife and vegetation
    • local amenity issues
    • waterways
    • air pollution
    • health concerns
    • environmental impact.

    The research found there was one group of respondents who lived close to the quarry who were interested in local amenity, air pollution, and regulation of the quarry. Other survey respondents who lived along a nearby creek and downstream to the quarry were more interested in native wildlife, vegetation and environmental matters. The main topics of interest between these two groups was thus different.

    This finding is important in terms of understanding that issues of relevance and interest to community groups often vary considerably within individual communities. Regardless of where they are, communities are never homogenous. Such heterogeneity of issues that are of interest and concern for local communities should be taken into account annually by proponents as part of undertaking planning and scheduling works with the goal of achieving improved community engagement. Identifying forward works, potential impacts and effects on different parts of community and related likely areas of concern will facilitate better medium and long term engagement planning ahead of matters occurring.

    In relation to the regulator, feedback was provided there should be more communication to the local community on impacts and compliance, including face-to-face. The same finding applied to the quarrying company as well. When unpacking these findings further, issues referred to by respondents that affected engagement perceptions included factors of:

    • fairness
    • trust
    • naturalness, that is in terms of the local quarry activity undertaken being seen to be at odds with the existing setting
    • control, that is the perceived community feelings of a lack of volition and control in relation to the local quarry activity.

    The following was shown to be of interest to multiple respondents:

    • the importance of trust with all parties
    • better responsiveness to local community issues and concerns
    • improved access to relevant and easy-to-understand information that is of direct interest to particular segments of the community.

    Recommendations

    This research provides learnings for quarrying companies and DEM in relation to extractive operations situated in peri-urban community settings. The findings reinforce the essential task of community engagement for extractive companies, and how planned and proactive good practice engagement is a fundamental part of a modern extractive operation. The following actions will be undertaken by DEM:

    • Share the broad findings of the research with the goals for quarries to consider the learnings in community engagement planning and implementation. This will be done with Hanson Construction Materials and with the Cement Concrete and Aggregates Association (CCAA: a national cement, concrete and aggregate association body).
    • Ensure key quarrying companies who operate near peri-urban communities have access to the Department’s community engagement guidelines, videos and materials as tools to support their interaction with the neighbours and community where they operate.

  • On 20 May 2022, the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) issued a compliance order to Hanson Construction Materials regarding the offsite release of sediment-laden stormwater into Third Creek from the White Rock Quarry. Refer to update dated 6 June 2022 for further details.

    September 2022 progress updates against the key requirements of the compliance order include the following:

    Prepare and implement a plan of action to reduce the amount of sediment-laden (contaminated) stormwater

    • On 1 July 2022, Hanson submitted to DEM a plan outlining the actions to be taken to reduce sediment-laden stormwater release into Third Creek.
    • DEM and the EPA have reviewed the plan and will continue to monitor implementation progress to ensure proposed actions are implemented and achieve the desired improvements to stormwater management.

    Complete construction of an additional onsite sediment basin, which will allow for passive stormwater treatment (that is, without addition of chemical flocculant)

    • Hanson has commenced the construction of the infrastructure to provide additional capacity for the passive treatment of sediment laden stormwater.
    • The construction timeframe has been impacted by the amount of rain received during August and September, however it is anticipated these activities will continue through to completion prior to winter 2023. Further progress will be provided in future DEM updates.

    Commence active treatment, using flocculants, to accelerate the removal of sediment from water

    • Use of chemical flocculants will not occur until DEM and the EPA are satisfied Hanson have demonstrated that any product used will not cause harm to the environment or freshwater ecosystems, and that adequate systems and controls are in place to manage flocculant use.
    • Once the related infrastructure works are completed and the proposed flocculants to be used are endorsed by regulators, the addition of active flocculant to stormwater within a purpose-built sediment basin will occur.
    • DEM and the EPA will closely monitor the construction, commissioning and operation to ensure Hanson complies with operational approvals and relevant environmental standards.

    DEM is the lead regulator for the White Rock Quarry and works closely with the EPA to ensure Hanson addresses any non-compliances as a priority. Hanson must take all reasonable and practicable measures to improve stormwater management and minimise sediment-laden stormwater leaving the site during high rainfall events.

    DEM respects and encourages the role communities play in referring concerns to the regulator. Communities should report any matters to DEM’s customer service number on (08) 8463 3000 or the EPA 24-hour Emergency Response Team on (08) 8204 2004 with dates, times, exact location and photographs.

    More information:

  • On 23 December 2020 Hanson Construction Materials Ltd (Hanson) submitted a revised mine operation plan (MOP) for the White Rock Quarry. Government has determined that alterations and additional information is necessary before the assessment of the proposed  operations of the White Rock Quarry can be completed. Hanson were required to revise and re-submit the MOP before 30 June 2022.

    On 9 June 2022, Hanson wrote to the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) seeking an extension to the timeframe for submission of the revised MOP.

    Hanson outlined the following reasons to support their extension request:

    • additional time to:
      • undertake Aboriginal Heritage consultation
      • collect air quality monitoring data
      • undertake native vegetation and fauna surveys
    • inclusion in the MOP of the actions required by the 20 May 2022 DEM Compliance Order.

    While DEM requires Hanson to progress these matters as a priority, it is acknowledged that the collection of critical data and effective consultation is important to allow for assessment of the proposal.

    DEM has accepted the extension request, and Hanson will now be required to provide the revised MOP on or before 31 March 2023.

    More information:

  • On 20 May 2022 the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) issued a compliance order to Hanson Construction Materials regarding White Rock Quarry.

    The compliance order relates to White Rock Quarry’s non-compliance with its mine operations plan in relation to offsite release of sediment-laden stormwater into Third Creek. This non-compliance usually occurs when high rainfall events overwhelm the existing stormwater management controls at the site.

    An Environment Protection Authority (EPA) environmental improvement program has been in place at the site since 2017. DEM's compliance order incorporates key elements of this program, particularly regarding actions to improve stormwater quality, reduce offsite sediment discharge and continuously monitor water quality.

    The compliance order requires Hanson to undertake the following actions:

    • Prepare and implement a plan of action to reduce the amount of sediment-laden (contaminated) stormwater.
    • Complete construction of an additional sediment basin, which will allow for the passive treatment of stormwater.
    • Commence active treatment using flocculants to accelerate the removal of sediment from water.

    These actions will all be completed by the end of 2022.

    Sediment basins are already utilised on the site to capture coarse sediment by intercepting stormwater before it reaches waterways. This process slows down water movement to allow the coarse sediment to settle before the runoff is discharged.

    Flocculants are not currently utilised in stormwater management at the site, however they will help the fine particles in water to come together as large clusters, or flocs, to make it easier for them to settle out of the water.

    DEM has now assumed the lead role in regulating the White Rock Quarry and continues to work closely with the EPA to ensure Hanson addresses these non-compliances as a priority. Although Hanson has been working to improve stormwater management at the site, DEM acknowledges that non-compliances may occur during high rainfall events and expects Hanson to take all reasonable and practicable measures to minimise these events.

    The department respects and encourages the role communities play in referring concerns to the department. Communities should report any matters to the department’s customer service number on (08) 8463 3000 or the EPA 24-hour Emergency Response Team on (08) 8204 2004 with dates, times, exact location and photos.

  • Hanson Construction Materials holds an EPA licence to operate White Rock Quarry with conditions to manage surface water and stormwater. Hanson's EPA licence was renewed on 1 December 2021. The new licence has been issued for 12 months with updated conditions to ensure environmental improvements are continuing.

  • In July 2021, DEM requested further detailed information from Hanson Construction on their current mine operations plan (MOP) application for the White Rock Quarry. DEM provided Hanson with 6 months to prepare a revised MOP. On 22 November 2021, Hanson wrote to DEM seeking an extension to the timeframe to submit the revised MOP.

    Following on from the DEM request for a revised response and further information, the reasons provided for the extended timeframe include (but are not limited to):

    • Resolution of the on-going EPA Environment Improvement Program related to surface water discharge from the quarry
    • Additional time to obtain a representative data set related to dust generated by quarrying activities
    • Further work on matters relating to Aboriginal Heritage

    DEM has accepted the extension request, and Hanson will now be required to provide the revised MOP on or before 30 June 2022.

  • Following submission of a mine operations plan (MOP) on 23 December 2020, the Department for Energy and Mining has carefully assessed the MOP. Government has determined that alterations are required and additional information necessary to enable further assessment of the proposed future operations of the White Rock Quarry.

    Hanson are now required to revise the MOP and re-submit within six months. The revised MOP will then undergo another comprehensive assessment, resulting in either a requirement to make further alterations, or an approval. This process will determine the environmental objectives and criteria that the proposed operations will be regulated against.

    A summary document highlighting the alterations required has been prepared. The matters raised reflect both Hanson’s obligations under the Mining Act 1971, and expectations of contemporary quarrying practice in South Australia. The comprehensive list of the matters requiring alteration by Hanson is also available, which is the official request for additional information letter.

  • Following the conclusion of an extensive review of Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd's draft mining operations plan (MOP) for the White Rock Quarry, on 5 July 2021 the South Australian Government has issued advice to Hanson regarding information gaps identified in the MOP. This advice has been issued in accordance with section 73G of the Mining Act 1971, which obligates government to consult with Hanson on required alterations. Accordingly, Hanson have been invited to make a submission to government. Following receipt of Hanson's submission, the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) will finalise and issue a formal, detailed notification of required alterations to the White Rock Quarry MOP.

    Given the significant information gaps identified by Government in Hanson's MOP, which include matters raised by community in relation to the quarry, it is anticipated that the formal notification will be issued over the coming fortnight.

    Consistent with earlier advice to quarry stakeholders, the comprehensive formal notification of required alterations that will be issued to Hanson - commonly known as a request for information (RFI) - will be published on this website at the time it is issued.

  • The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) plays a crucial role in protecting the environment and local amenity of communities around operations. The function of DEM in the assessment process for mine operation plans (MOPs) is to ensure all relevant legislative requirements are met and unwanted impacts are limited as far as possible.

    The requirement to protect community from potential impacts such as noise and dust is obligatory for all quarries and mines in South Australia, and no different for private mines. The standards applied to all mines and quarries are the same standards that are applied to all forms of development in South Australia. This reflects a state-wide focus on safe, fit-for-purpose management of potential impacts in each circumstance.  

    The assessment of the updated mine operations plan for the White Rock Quarry is being conducted in accordance with the Mining Act 1971, and is considering potential impacts and proposed mitigations across elements including (but not limited to) air quality, noise, traffic, flora and fauna impacts, cultural impacts, visual amenity and rehabilitation plans, as well as the scope of the proposed operations described in the MOP document.

    This assessment will inform a request for further information from Hanson, and ultimately inform a decision on the mine operations plan in the coming months.

  • On 15 January 2021 the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) completed the preliminary assessment of the mine operation plan (MOP) submitted to DEM on 23 December 2020 and can confirm that the MOP submission has been accepted for detailed assessment.

    The government has now commenced the detailed assessment of the MOP involving technical specialists from DEM and other relevant government agencies.

  • On 19 January 2021 Hanson Construction Materials Ltd (Hanson) provided public access to the revised mine operation plan (MOP) that was submitted to the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) on 23 December 2020 for assessment. The revised MOP can be accessed via Hanson' White Rock Quarry webpage.

  • On 23 December 2020 Hanson Construction Materials Ltd (Hanson) submitted a revised mine operation plan (MOP) for the White Rock Quarry.

    The MOP document is currently under preliminary assessment to determine whether the content of the MOP meets the minimum requirements for assessment which are prescribed by the Mining Regulations 2011. The preliminary assessment is expected to be completed by Friday 15 January 2021.

    The government will then commence the detailed assessment of the submitted MOP involving technical specialists from Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) and other relevant government agencies.

    The detailed assessment will focus on the proposed environmental objectives and measurement criteria including whether:

    • potential environmental impacts have been identified and whether the expected level of impact described broadly in the objective is appropriate
    • the proposed control and management strategies are likely to achieve the proposed objective
    • the measurement criteria are appropriate to demonstrate achievement of the objective.

    Detailed assessment timeframes are commensurate with the complexity of the MOP submission and require thorough review of technical information.

    At the conclusion of the assessment a recommendation is prepared, detailing whether the MOP can be approved or if alterations are required by the company. The recommendation is based on the evidence contained in the MOP and other relevant technical information. The statutory duty of the Director of Mines to approve or require alterations to a MOP is delegated to DEM.

    More information

    Further information about concerns relating to respirable crystalline silicosis (RCS) can be found in the information sheet Silicosis in mining and quarrying in South Australia (PDF 624.1 KB), developed by the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) in collaboration with Environment Protection Authority (EPA), SA Health, Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee (MAQOHSC) and SafeWork SA.