Project
Safety and Environment
Safety Management System
Windimurra has established a Safety Management System that provides the project with a framework for key safety processes, including risk management planning, strategic planning and continuous improvement. The project will operate under the Company’s Safety Management System throughout project planning and life of project.The Safety Management System has been modelled on Australian Standards for risk management and developed with a view to compatibility with other internationally recognised systems standards which detail the requirements for effective quality management. There is consistency between the Safety Management System and occupational health and safety systems promoted by relevant authorities in Australia.
Occupational Health and Safety
The magnetite ore from the mine contains around 0.5% vanadium pentoxide. This vanadium is not in a biologically available form, and therefore occupational hazards associated with the process from mining to roasting in the kiln are limited only to conventional dust control.The health effects of this dust are mainly as a respiratory irritant. These effects are dose related in that increased symptoms are related to higher exposures. Symptoms can range from irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, progressing to bronchitis, and bronchospasm. Continued occupational over-exposure can lead to occupational asthma.
Windimurra has an occupational health program in place aimed at minimizing these exposures to its workforce.
Once the product leaves the kiln a large proportion of the vanadium present is converted into a water soluble form, and any dust generated may contain soluble vanadium, which if inhaled can be absorbed in the lungs. Consequently highly effective collection of dust and mist controls have been incorporated in all parts of the process to address the potential for exposure of workers to vanadium.
Vanadium has in any event a short half life in the body. Any vanadium absorbed by the body is typically excreted within a few days.
Atmospheric and biological monitoring programs are also in place to review and assess the effectiveness of exposure controls and to allow for early intervention.
The occupational health program includes pre-employment screening for occupational sensitivities and baseline biological information is collected including urine and lung function.
State of the Art Emissions Control
The Company’s state of the art emissions control systems will ensure that emission levels are below all licensing limits.Flora and Fauna
The land on which the mine is situated consists of the unremarkable low shrublands, patchy grasses and stony plains with occasional rocky outcrops, typical of the West Australian outback.Flora and fauna surveys have been completed in and around the mine site as required by statutory authorities. No significant or rare flora or fauna have been found.