Chapter 5

Environmental Management Plan

Table of Contents
5. Environmental Management Plan ............................................................................................................ 1
5.1

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1
5.1.1 Environmental Management Objectives ............................................................................... 1
5.1.2 Structure, Implementation and Review ................................................................................. 1
5.1.3 Roles and Responsibilities .................................................................................................... 3
5.1.4 Internal Monitoring, Incident Response and Reporting ......................................................... 5
5.1.5 Legislation and Standards ..................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Project Description ...................................................................................................................... 10
5.2.1 Project Location ................................................................................................................. 10
5.2.2 Project Activities ................................................................................................................ 12
5.2.3 Project Stakeholders ........................................................................................................... 14
5.2.4 Environmental Policy ......................................................................................................... 16
5.2.5 Issues Requiring Specific Management Strategies................................................................ 16
5.3 Environmental Management Commitments .................................................................................. 19
5.3.1 Geology, Geohazards and Soils .......................................................................................... 19
5.3.2 Water Quality and Flow ..................................................................................................... 25
5.3.3 Aquatic Ecology ................................................................................................................. 46
5.3.4 Terrestrial Ecology .............................................................................................................. 54
5.3.5 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................... 64
5.3.6 Noise ................................................................................................................................. 69
5.3.7 Cultural Heritage ................................................................................................................ 75
5.3.8 Waste Management ............................................................................................................ 82
5.3.9 Transportation .................................................................................................................... 91
5.3.10 Society and Community Values .......................................................................................... 98

Appendices
Appendix A
Weekly Environmental Inspection Template
Appendix B
Incident Response Form Template
Appendix C
Complaint Response Form Template
Appendix D
Cultural Heritage Management Plan

PAGE i

5.

Environmental Management Plan

5.1

Introduction
This Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared for the SMM Solomon Limited (SMM
Solomon) Solomon Islands Nickel Project (the Project) for the purpose of providing a stand-alone
plan for managing the potential environmental and social impacts of proposed construction and
operation activities on Choiseul Island. This EMP is based on the assessments and findings of the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

5.1.1

Environmental Management Objectives

SMM Solomon is committed to using existing proven, industry and best practice strategies to
minimise impacts, and to integrating environmental management and this EMP into the Project
design, construction and operation.
The overall objectives for environmental management throughout the Project are provided below.
1. Propose practical measures to avoid, reduce, restore or compensate for identified adverse
impacts.
2. Conserve highly significant aspects of the biophysical, cultural and social environments.
3. Protect human health and safety.
4. Inform an environmentally sound and sustainable engineering design process.
5. Propose a plan to monitor and manage Project implementation, such that the Project is
environmentally sustainable and optimises resource use.

5.1.2

Structure, Implementation and Review

5.1.2.1

Structure
This EMP has been developed based on a number of individual specialist studies and reports
prepared for the EIS. The specialist studies assessed the environmental values and the potential for
impacts to these from the proposed Project. Risk assessments were undertaken to determine the
significance of each potential impact based on a consequence and probability matrix, producing a
low, medium or high significance level for each impact. Management measures have been proposed
with the aim of reducing these risk levels.
For each environmental and social element, the following is described within this EMP:

summary of environmental values (from the EIS)

summary of potential impacts (from the EIS)

management objectives main outcomes to be achieved overall by management measures,

based on impacts assessed as having potentially high significance

management strategies (in table format), including for each potential impact:

facility areas and facilities relevant to the impact (mine areas, haulage including ore
handling and transportation, port areas and marine operations, general infrastructure)

stage stage of works relevant to the impact (construction including design and preconstruction, operation including decommissioning and rehabilitation)

PAGE 1

criteria performance standards to meet that are measurable or quantifiable wherever

possible

management actions individual tasks and on-site actions that can be undertaken at the
relevant facility and stage

monitoring continuing assessment of performance of management actions

auditing, corrective action and reporting procedures for reviewing and auditing
management activities, remediating or amending after impacts or non-conformity occurs,
responding to incidents, and keeping appropriate records.

A mitigation hierarchy (refer to Figure 5-1) was used within each specialist study and is best practice
guidance for understanding the scope of mitigation measures. The mitigation hierarchy emphasises
the principle of preventing environmental impacts from happening in the first instance and if this is
not possible then limiting the impacts to an acceptable level (ICMM 2006).

Figure 5-1 The Mitigation Hierarchy

Source: ICMM 2006 and BBOP 2009

5.1.2.2

Implementation
Based on the EMP implementation guide within the Environmental Impact Assessment for
Developing Countries in Asia (Lohani et al. 1997), this EMP is planned to be implemented as
follows:
1. Final detailed design will incorporate specifications and plans for meeting the approved EIS.
2. Construction contract specifications will include all required mitigation measures.
3. Construction contractors performance will be internally monitored and audited against the EMP
and relevant plans and drawings, including daily and weekly inspections, and monthly internal
reporting of environmental incidents and corrective actions taken.
4. Implementation and auditing of the monitoring program throughout the construction and
operation stages, including actions recommended to improve ongoing environmental
management.
5. Reporting and evidence of the above steps during the various Project stages.
Project activities will be undertaken within an Environmental Management System, which will be
established at the commencement of the Project. This EMP will form the basis of a Construction EMP
and an Operations EMP to be developed following detailed design.

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The review and sign-off of the EMP will be a Hold Point for the Project construction stage (i.e. no
construction stage works shall commence before these plans are approved by the Environmental
Manager and Construction/Project Manager).
All staff will be inducted to the Project and their relevant work sites prior to commencing any work.
The induction will instruct staff on the health, safety and environmental awareness and management
obligations for the Project and the EMP for the duration of the Project. Inductions will include (as a
minimum) explanation of:

the Environmental Policy

duty of care and reporting responsibilities for all persons

key environmental values and their management

key health and safety issues

cultural sensitivity

hazard assessment, management and reporting processes

emergency procedures.

5.1.2.3

Review, Audit and Updating

The EMP documentation will be reviewed prior to implementation to ensure management actions
are adequate for the site and activities. This review will consider any further approval conditions,
documentation or studies that are relevant and available.
The review and sign-off of the EMP and associated specific plans will be a Hold Point for the Project
construction stage (i.e. no construction stage works shall commence before these plans are approved
by the Environmental Manager and Construction/Project Manager).
A half-yearly internal audit of the EMP implementation will be undertaken, including a review of
records, data and other documentation and on-site management current on the day of the audit
inspection.
Where considered necessary, the EMP will be updated or revised to incorporate issues identified
through emergencies, incidents, inspections, monitoring or audits.
An annual review of the EMP will be undertaken to assess the appropriateness to current and
proposed activities, monitoring data or studies, approvals, standards and legislation.

5.1.3

Roles and Responsibilities

5.1.3.1

Construction/Project Manager
The Construction Manager and Project Manager will be responsible for the following:

Ensuring compliance with the EMP and relevant approvals.

Report significant environmental incidents or emergencies to the local relevant authority to

ensure remediation applied is appropriate and acceptable.

Maintain general communications with stakeholders and authorities to inform them of planned
activities where relevant.

Certify additional management plans to be attached to and incorporated into the EMP.

Commission additional studies if considered necessary following monitoring results, significant

events or incidents (for example).

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5.1.3.2

Site Supervisors
The Site Supervisors will be responsible for the following in their area of works:

Ensure the measures detailed in the Construction or Operations EMPs and associated plans and
specifications are implemented correctly, on schedule, and are effective and appropriate for the
site and activities.

Sign-off on additional plans and drawings prior to construction or implementation, such as the
Hold Point for erosion and sediment control measures to be in place prior to clearing and
earthworks commencing for a mine area.

Daily inspections of activities and mitigation measures with corrective actions taken and
recorded where necessary, or other resolutions made and their justification.

Ensure periodic collection of data from weather station and any data loggers is occurring.

Report environmental incidents to the Construction/Project Manager and Environmental

Manager/Officer immediately after becoming aware of them.

Ensure all personnel have the relevant qualifications and training to carry out their relevant tasks
and roles.

Hold daily pre-start toolbox meetings with personnel to discuss the current Project activities and
the health, safety and environmental issues associated with these.

Take corrective action or otherwise respond to management needs following SMM Solomon onsite inspections and EMP audits.

5.1.3.3

Environmental Team
The Environmental Team is likely to consist of an Environmental Manager, Environmental Officers
and Community Liaison Officer, who will be responsible for the following:

Review of EMP following detailed design in order to verify that the proposed measures are
adequate for the site and activities, detailed design and specifications have been incorporated,
and documentation is present (e.g. daily and weekly inspection checklists, emergency/incident
response form, and complaint response form).

Provide input to site inductions for all personnel in terms of environmental values, potential
impacts from the project, management measures, and reporting of incidents and emergencies.

Weekly inspections of environmental mitigation measures implemented on-site to check

functioning and effectiveness.

Undertake or coordinate the various monitoring activities, such as water quality data collection.

Lead investigations into any significant environmental incidents and monitor the close-out of
these incidents.

Monthly internal reporting to the Construction/Project Manager on environmental incidents and

corrective actions taken (or other resolutions made) and results of ongoing monitoring activities.

Half-yearly internal audits of EMP implementation (of both documentation/records and on-site
controls).

Annual internal review and subsequent update of the EMP.

Liaison with environmental authorities, conservation groups, stakeholders, and provincial or

local agencies.

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5.1.3.4

All Personnel
All project personnel will have a general duty of care to take reasonable and practicable actions to
not cause environmental harm.
All staff will have a responsibility to report potentially harmful activities (environmental or otherwise)
to their Site Supervisor.
All staff involved in the construction, operation and decommissioning activities will be appropriately
qualified and trained to undertake their project roles and tasks.
All staff will be inducted to the project and their relevant work sites prior to commencing any work.
All site staff must attend the toolbox meeting prior to work commencing each day.
Personnel in charge of vehicles or machinery will undertake daily pre-start checks to ensure
equipment is in good working condition, does not need any repairs or maintenance, does not have
excess dirt or material, and contains all necessary equipment within it (e.g. spill kits, fire
extinguishers). A checklist will be kept in each vehicle to record daily pre-start checks.

5.1.4

Internal Monitoring, Incident Response and Reporting

5.1.4.1

Monitoring
All monitoring data and results will be recorded, compiled and retained for five years (minimum).
Specific monitoring programs are described in the management strategies tables for each
environmental element within this EMP.
Monitoring programs will be undertaken in accordance with recognised standards, codes and
guidelines in order to establish and maintain appropriate and consistent sampling protocols, analysis
and quality assurance. Monitoring tasks will be undertaken by qualified and trained staff. Laboratory
analysis will be undertaken by NATA accredited laboratories.
All monitoring records, raw data and resultant reporting will be kept in Project documentation on-site
and be made available to relevant authorities upon request.

5.1.4.2

Inspections
Daily inspections of work areas will be undertaken by the Site Supervisor throughout the course of
their daily activities. The issues to be checked during daily inspections include:

condition and function of existing erosion and sediment controls

need for additional erosion and sediment controls, taking into consideration (and recording)
current or forecast weather

flora and fauna protection measures (particularly during clearing activities)

weed or pest problems

slope drainage and diversion measures

access and haul road conditions

presence of litter or inappropriately disposed waste

any spills (e.g. fuel or hydraulic hose leaks).

Weekly environmental inspections of work areas and implemented management measures will be
undertaken by the Environmental Officer, and will include the above environmental elements and
any other management issues observed.

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The Weekly Environmental Inspection Template attached as Appendix A can be used to record
relevant information and to prompt the user to identify issues during site inspections.
Monthly internal environmental reporting will include issues that are recurring on inspection records.
All inspection records will be kept in Project documentation on-site and be made available to
relevant authorities upon request.

5.1.4.3

Incidents and Emergencies

Any events that are considered incidents or emergencies will be addressed, recorded and reported.
Incidents and emergencies may include:

a contaminant spill (to land, air or water)

injury or death to native wildlife

a disturbance to a protected area, exclusion zone or area outside of the designated Project area

significant non-conformance or non-compliance with an approval or with specific criteria in the

EMP (e.g. water quality trigger values)

action or event that causes or has the potential to cause significant environmental harm

an environmental event endangering personnel or broader community health or safety (i.e. near
miss or actual incident), such as a bushfire or contaminant spill.

Staff will notify the Site Supervisor immediately upon becoming aware of an incident or emergency,
who will then notify the Project Manager and Environmental Officer, where relevant.
The authority will be notified as soon as possible after becoming aware of any emergency, incident
or action that has or could potentially result in environmental harm. This will be followed by written
advice to the authority that will describe the nature of the emergency or incident, the actions taken at
the time of the event, any additional monitoring of the situation and impacts, and the proposed
actions to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
The Incident Response Form Template attached as Appendix B can be used to record the required
information for notification, corrective action, and reporting purposes. An Emergency Response Form
will be included in the Emergency Response Plan to be developed.
Monthly internal environmental reporting will include information about any incidents or
emergencies and responses and actions taken as a result.
All incident and emergency records will be kept in Project documentation on-site and be made
available to relevant authorities upon request.

5.1.4.4

Complaints/Grievance Procedure
More information on the complaints or grievance process is provided in the Grievance Procedure for
the Project.
Any complaints/grievances received that relate to this Projects activities require at least the following
to be recorded:

time and date of complaint

form of complaint (e.g. written, in person)

name and address of complainant

nature of complaint

PAGE 6

name of person responding to complaint

response, investigation and corrective actions resulting from complaint.

The Complaint Response Form Template attached at the end of Appendix C can be used to record
this information.
Monthly internal environmental reporting will include information about any complaints received
and responses and actions taken as a result.
All complaint records will be kept in Project documentation on-site and be made available to
relevant authorities upon request.

5.1.5

Legislation and Standards

Table 5-1 below provides the environmental management and mining legislation and standards that
are considered to be applicable to the Project, including overarching as well as issue-specific
documents. The legislation and guidelines that apply to the structure and content of EMPs are
described further in the following sections.
Table 5-1 Overview of Environmental Legislation and Standards

Issue

Legislation, Standards, Agreements and Guidelines

General
Environmental and
Mining
Management

Geology and soils

Nature conservation

Surface and
groundwater

Solomon Islands Legislation: Environment Act 1998 and subordinate

Environmental Regulations 2008; Mines and Minerals Act 1996; Provincial
Government Act 1997
International Standards: International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
Environmental Standards and Good Practice Guidance for Mining and
Biodiversity; International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards on
Social and Environmental Sustainability; World Bank Group (WBG)/IFC
Environmental, Health and Safety General and Mining Guidelines;
International Agreements: The Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFI);
United Nations (UN) Global Compact; Global Reporting Initiative
Guidelines: Solomon Islands Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines;
Environmental Impact Assessment for Developing Countries in Asia; Department
of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Queensland Environmental
Protection Act 1994
International Standards: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
soil quality sampling
Solomon Islands Legislation: Protected Areas Act 2010; Wildlife Protection and
Management Act 1998; Fisheries Act 1998; The Forest Act 1999; Forest
Resources Timber Utilisation Act 1991
International Agreements: International Union for the Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) and the Red List of Threatened Species; Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); Business and
Biodiversity Offsets Program (BBOP); Convention on Biological Diversity
Guidelines: Australian Government Environmental Offsets Policy under the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (draft 2011);
Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Policy (2008)
Solomon Islands Legislation: Solomon Islands Water Authority Act 1993;
Environmental Health Act 1980; River Waters Act 1969; Water Resources Act
(Draft) 2008
International Standards: WBG/IFC Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines

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Issue

Legislation, Standards, Agreements and Guidelines

Cultural heritage

Air and noise

Social, transport and

land use

Waste

for Water and Sanitation and Wastewater and Ambient Water Quality; ISO
5667:2006 Water quality Sampling; AS/NZS 2031: 2001
Guidelines: ANZECC-ARMCANZ Australian and New Zealand Fresh and Marine
Water Quality and Australian Drinking Water Standards (ADWS); World Health
Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality (GDWQ);
Legislation: Choiseul Province Preservation of Culture Ordinance 1997
Guidelines: UN Guidelines on the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of
Indigenous Peoples
International Standards: WBG/IFC Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines
for Mining, Environmental, Air Emissions and Ambient Air Quality, and Noise
Management; US EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards; WHO Guidelines
for Air Quality, Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen
dioxide and sulphur dioxide global update 2005, and Guidelines for
Community Noise; ISO 1996-2:2007 Acoustics
Guidelines: DERM Queensland Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008;
Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Approved Methods for the Modelling
and Assessment of Air Pollutants in New South Wales; Australian Standard
(AS)4156.6:2000 for air monitoring and ISO for air and noise monitoring
Solomon Islands Legislation: Ports Act 1996; Civil Aviation Act 1986;
Quarantine Act 1978; Customs and Excise Act 1960, Petroleum Act 1987; Safety
at Work Act 1982; Workmen Compensation Act 1952; Labour Act 1996;
International Standards: WBG/IFC Environmental, Health and Safety General
Guidelines;
International Agreements: Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973; London
Convention; Waigani Convention; Protocol 1 Dumping; Protocol 2 Emergencies;
Liability for Oil Pollution Damage
Guidelines: International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code;
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code; International Maritime
Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC)
Solomon Islands Legislation: Shipping Act 1998; Marine Safety Administration
Act 2009; Agriculture Quarantine Act 1996; Environmental Health Act 1996 and
Environmental Health (Public Health Act) Regulations 2006; Pharmacy and
Poisons Act 1988; Explosives Act 1996; Petroleum Act 1996;
International Standards: WBG/IFC Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines
for Waste Management, Hazardous Materials Management, Construction and
Decommissioning, Community Health and Safety, Mining, Ports Harbours and
Terminals, and Waste Management Facilities;
International Agreements: Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973; London
Convention; Stockholm Convention; Waigani Convention; Noumea Convention;
Protocol 1 Dumping; Protocol 2 Emergencies; UN Convention on the Law of the
Sea (UNCLOS III)
Guidelines: Australian Standards Technical Manual (ASTM) for waste sampling,
treatment, disposal and management

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5.1.5.1

Solomon Islands Environment Act 1998

The Solomon Islands Environment Act 1998 establishes an integrated system of development control,
environmental impact assessment and pollution control (ECD 2010). It complies with regional and
international conventions and obligations relating to the environment.
In order to assess any potentially significant impact to the unique characteristics of the Solomon
Islands, the Solomon Islands Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, outlined in the
Environment Act 1998, provides a mechanism to ensure integrated environmental considerations are
taken into account within the decision making process. The EIA process has two stated aims:

The immediate aim of EIA is to inform the process of decision making by identifying the
potentially significant environmental effects and risks of development proposals.

The long term aim of EIA is to promote sustainable development by ensuring that development
proposals do not undermine critical resource and ecological functions or well-being, lifestyle and
livelihood of the communities and peoples who depend on them.

Under the second schedule of the Environment Act 1998 extraction of minerals and mining and the
associated project infrastructure is a prescribed development. As a result of the Solomon Islands
Governments desire to properly and responsibly manage the countrys natural resources and protect
the environment, the Director of the Environment and Conservation Division has determined that an
EIS is required for this Project.
The Solomon Islands Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines (April 2010), produced by the
Environment and Conservation Division, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology,
states that the purpose of the EIA process is, in part, to promote environmentally sound and
sustainable development through the identification of appropriate mitigation measures, and to
predict, avoid, minimise or offset the adverse significant environmental and social impacts of
development (ECD 2010).
Granting an EIA approval requires that a project meets several criteria, including that the
development will be carried out in a way that is consistent with all relevant environmental policies
and regulations, and has reasonable steps in place to minimise any risk of environmental harm (ECD
2010).
Monitoring may be carried out by the approving authority of the developments environmental
impacts, effectiveness of mitigation measures, safeguards and standards adopted for protection of the
environment by the project (ECD 2010).

5.1.5.2

Environmental Impact Assessment for Developing Countries in Asia

The Environmental Impact Assessment for Developing Countries in Asia (Lohani et al. 1997) provides
guidance on the EIA process for developing countries and is used as a source of information in the
Solomon Islands Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines (ECD 2010). It states that one of the
goals of the EIA process is to develop an implementable set of environmental protection measures
(Lohani et al. 1997).
Objectives of project-based monitoring programs within the EIA process are to ensure compliance
with the mitigation measures proposed (including offsetting and enhancement measures) and
determine the projects actual environmental impacts so that modifications can be made to
mitigation measures if necessary (Asian Development Bank 1994).

PAGE 9

Goals of the EMP are to ensure that all necessary corrective actions, both mitigating and offsetting,
are carried out to counter adverse environmental impacts, and that enhancement measures are used
where feasible and practical. Goals of monitoring programs includes to observe and analyse the
projects impacts, thereby providing information to help in amending or updating mitigation
measures to reduce the risks associated with a project (Lohani et al. 1997).

5.1.5.3

Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994

Section 203 of Environmental Protection Act 1994 provides the requirements for environmental
management within the Queensland EIA process and the contents of an EMP for a mining project,
including describing:

adverse and beneficial impacts

environmental protection commitments to protect or enhance the environmental values under

best practice environmental management and that able to be measured and audited

environmental protection objectives with standards and measurable indicators

control strategies including for continuous improvement, environmental auditing, monitoring,

reporting and staff training.

The Queensland DERM provides terms of reference and guidelines for preparing a project EIS,
including identification and management of impacts for issues in relation to land, transport, waste,
water, coastal environment, air, noise and vibration, ecology, cultural heritage, social values, health
and safety, economy, and hazard and risk. These terms of reference also provide guidance on the
potential mitigation measures for mining projects and the requirement for a stand-alone EMP.

5.2
5.2.1

Project Description
Project Location
The Project is located in the Solomon Islands in the South-Western Pacific Ocean. The Solomon
Islands have a land mass of approximately 28,400 km2 consisting of six major islands and
approximately 922 smaller islands, atolls and reefs. The major islands are Choiseul, New Georgia,
Santa Isabel, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira (also called San Cristobal).
While SMM Solomon proposes to mine a number of their existing tenements on both Choiseul and
Santa Isabel Islands, this EMP proposes management measures for the proposed activities on
Choiseul Island only.
The Choiseul 1 tenement is a prospecting licence (PL-06/05) for nickel and cobalt, which was issued
on 13 December 2005, was renewed on 10 December 2008 and will expire 6 December 2012.
Choiseul 1 is located on the southern end of the island and has an approximate area of 185 km2.
SMM Solomon holds 100% of the Choiseul 1 tenement. Refer to Figure 5-2 for Project location and
features of Choiseul Island.

PAGE 10

Figure 5-2 Project Location and Features on Choiseul Island

PAGE 11

5.2.2

Project Activities
The construction phase of the Project is scheduled to commence in early 2013 approximately 36
months prior to the commencement of operations in mid-2015. This phase requires both early works
(2013) and pre-production (2014) development activities. The construction phase sequencing is as
follows:

implementation of sediment and erosion control measures

establish initial port facilities

establish initial access roads to construction camps

establish temporary pioneering construction camps and associated infrastructure

develop construction camps, mine construction infrastructure

establish initial access roads to mine infrastructure and initial mine pits and road sediment
control, and initial clearing and stockpiling of the first pits to be mined.

The mining operations phase is defined as the mining and transportation of the ore to the port facility
for loading, which is scheduled to commence in 2015 with a 23-year life of mine. The operations
phase of the Project is defined in the following stages:

implementation of sediment and erosion control measures (Stage 1 or 2 depending on catchment

area)

mining of limonite and saprolite ore from each individual pit including activities such as access
roads, topsoil handling, removal of overburden/waste to recently mined pits, and the mining and
movement of ore to stockpiles within 1 km of the mined pit

loading and transportation of stockpiled ore by the long haul fleet for transport to the port

unloading of ore at the port site to separate stockpiles for limonite and saprolite (saprolite is
placed on a grizzly to allow the removal of oversized material prior to stockpiling for loading
onto the barges), and

loading of ore by excavator onto the barges for delivery to the ocean-going vessels moored at the
transhipment locations off-shore.

The progressive rehabilitation and decommissioning/closure process for the Project is planned as:

progressive rehabilitation during operations, which include the grading of mined out areas to
blend with the surrounding landscape and revegetation (including spreading of topsoil and other
growing medium) to allow regeneration of vegetation to a natural state

decommissioning/closure, which includes progressive reclamation of close-out areas (during the

active life of the mine), active decommissioning and reclamation, transitional stage works during
which continuous personnel will not be present, and custodial care after the site is stabilised but
where additional activities may be required.

5.2.2.1

Mine Areas
The mine area features include:

mining pits (including sediment and erosion controls)

mine area roads (including service roads to general infrastructure)

stockpile areas

PAGE 12

sediment control and mine stormwater management facilities

lay down areas

workshop and vehicle/machinery maintenance areas

vehicle washdown areas

wastewater facilities

water reticulation within mine industrial areas

power and communications

fuel and hazardous chemicals (reagents) storage facilities

administration areas.

5.2.2.2

Ore Handling and Transportation (Haulage)

The ore handling and transportation features include:

main haul roads

ore stockpiles

general access roads to mining areas (short term only).

5.2.2.3

Ports
The port facility features include:

ore screening area (saprolite only)

stockpile areas

jetties and pontoons for passenger ferries

barge landing facilities

transhipping locations

other moorings and landing facilities

container storage areas

maintenance workshops

fuel and hazardous chemicals (reagents) storage facilities

water reticulation facilities

wastewater facilities (including ship wastewater)

solid waste management areas

power and communications areas

vehicle and container washdown areas

customs areas for export

administration areas and laboratories

recycled waste transfer area.

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5.2.2.4

General Infrastructure
The Project general infrastructure areas include:

5.2.3

mine industrial areas (MIA) including workshop and vehicle maintenance areas, vehicle
washdown areas, wastewater facilities, water reticulation, power and communications, fuel and
hazardous chemicals (reagents) storage facilities. and administration buildings

accommodation camps

service roads

quarries and borrow pits

landfill site

water supply (reservoirs/dams, treatment, and reticulation facilities)

power generation facilities

communications.

Project Stakeholders

5.2.3.1

Proponent
The Project Proponent is SMM Solomon Limited. SMM Solomon is based in Honiara, Solomon
Islands, and is engaged in the exploration and development of mineral deposits within the Solomon
Islands. SMM Solomon proposes to develop deposits of lateritic nickel that it has identified during
exploration on tenements awarded to the company on Choiseul and Santa Isabel Islands within the
Solomon Islands.
The Project will be funded through a potential joint venture of the private company and Japanese
government.

5.2.3.2

Government
The Environment and Conservation Division, of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change,
Disaster Management and Meteorology, will be assessing the approval application for the EIS and
undertaking audits for compliance with the EMP.
Other Solomon Islands government agencies potentially relevant to the EMP implementation include
the:

Ministry of Mines and Energy that deals with the rights for and development of mineral resources

Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration that deals with work permits,
employment rights, and health and safety requirements

Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources that monitor and establish management development
plans, giving responsibility for the protection of reefs to provincial governments

Ministry of Health and Medical Services, with delegation to local provinces, that regulates the
prevention and containment of diseases and malaria, building safety, and provision and
maintenance of sanitary conditions

Ministry of Lands, Survey and Housing, that regulates land acquisitions, registration and
relocation processes

Ministry of Forestry

Ministry of Culture and Tourism

PAGE 14

5.2.3.3

Choiseul Provincial Executive that can declare a culturally significant site to be a Protected Place.

Landholders/Communities
A number of communities on Choiseul Island may be potentially affected by the Project. The degree
to which they are affected depends on the environmental/social value being considered. The
relevant communities will be consulted when required, depending on the issue.

5.2.3.4

Non-Government Organisations
The following non-government organisations have been identified as having a potential interest or
presence in the Project area:

Lauru Land Conference of Tribal Communities (LLCTC)

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Small and medium enterprise council (SMEC)

Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (Ramsi)

The Business Council of Solomon Islands (BCOSI)

The Association of Solomon Islands Manufacturers (ASIM)

Solomon Islands chamber of commerce

AusAid

Red Cross

World Bank

World Health Organisation (WHO)

Seventh Day Adventist (SDA)

Nautilus Minerals Limited (NMO)

The Church of Melanesia

Catholic Church

South Seas Evangelical Church.

Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC)

Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (ARMCANZ)

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Cocoa Exporters and Producers Association (CEPA)

Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC)

Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA)

United Church

United Nations (UN)

Commodities Exporting and Marketing Authority (CEMA).

PAGE 15

5.2.4

Environmental Policy
SMM Solomon is committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environmental values within
and surrounding the Project area.
SMM Solomon is also committed to implementing the ICMM Sustainable Development Framework,
which involves a number of relevant principles including:

5.2.5

integrating sustainable development considerations within the corporate decision-making

process

upholding fundamental human rights and respecting cultures, customs and values in dealings
with employees and others who are affected by activities

implementing risk management strategies based on valid data and sound science

seeking continual improvement of health and safety performance

seeking continual improvement of environmental performance

contributing to conservation of biodiversity and integrated approaches to land use planning

contributing to the social, economic and institutional development of the communities in which
they operate

implementing effective and transparent engagement, communication and independently verified

reporting arrangements with stakeholders.

Issues Requiring Specific Management Strategies

The following impacts have been assessed in the EIS as having potentially high significance prior to
any mitigation, for which specific management actions have been proposed in this EMP:

Land, geology and soils:

changes in landform

landslide and slope failure.

Water quality and flow:

turbidity and sedimentation of marine water

acid mine drainage to freshwater (during operation)

hydrocarbon and other contaminant spills

nickel ore spills

reduction of water supply quality through increased turbidity of streams

introduction of pathogens to water supply

competition for water sources and reduction of flow/quantity of water supply.

Aquatic ecology (freshwater and marine):

turbidity and sedimentation of freshwater and coral reef ecosystems

acid mine drainage to freshwater (during operation)

hydrocarbon and other contaminant spills

nickel ore spills in marine water

PAGE 16

loss of catchment area and changes to flow regimes of freshwater

impacts to threatened freshwater and coral species.

Terrestrial ecology:

habitat removal resulting in habitat transformation and/or loss

habitat fragmentation and resulting edge effects reducing habitat value of forest adjacent
development and facilities

over-hunting and uncontrolled vegetation clearing due to increase in human population

generation of excessive noise pushing fauna into interior habitat, reducing fauna usage and
disturbing fauna behaviour

accidental introduction of invasive species, weed, feral animals and/or exotic species

Air quality:

dust emissions from material excavation and truck loading

dust emissions from road vehicles agitating soil while hauling material on unsealed roads.

Noise:

noise emissions from mine and associated infrastructure to sensitive receivers

noise emissions from haul roads to sensitive receivers.

Cultural heritage:

disturbance or destruction of known cultural heritage sites

loss of cultural knowledge and values.

Waste:

land and water contamination from solid non-hazardous and hazardous waste spills

change in land use from the landfill

reduced air quality from odours and gases

impacts to public health and safety and flora and fauna species.

Transport:

vegetation clearing during construction causing loss of terrestrial habitat and impacts to
aquatic habitats through erosion and sedimentation.

Social values:

population increase

increased population leads to increased demand for social services and infrastructure

loss of existing access routes and garden areas at Port site

potential relocation of caretakers on port site lands

delayed or restricted access to and from villages near port areas

influx of workers from other countries/islands may influence cultural and traditional norms

PAGE 17

increased pressure on local transport services

increased pressure on land, infrastructure and accommodation from population increase

workers may exhibit anti-social behaviours disrupting island life and causing tension/conflict

adverse visual changes to landscape, skyline and sea from selected viewpoints

poorer quality of sleep or impediment to hunting resulting from light spill

change to structure of local economy

impacts to the tribe and clan systems resulting in:

loss of connection to the landscape

loss of tribal and clan oral tradition

loss of tribal and clan structure

loss of stability and certainty of the ownership of land

disintegration of the tribal and clan systems

fragmentation of society at large

impacts to customary land ownership resulting from the legal determination of tribe and clan
boundaries, the influx of new residents and the increased demand for land

increased land disputes resulting on the loss of social license to mine

the dissolution of the kastom land tenure system

impacts to subsistence horticulture resulting from the loss of existing and potential garden
areas, the introduction of new crops and the increased demand for crops

the loss of gardens which were established by ancestors

impacts to hunting, fishing and shellfish gathering resulting from population influx, the loss
of access, the loss of habitat and decrease in availabilities

a potential reduction in suitable sites for new villages within the tenement

negative impacts resulting from infrastructure, including:

increased demand for food supply

introduction of new products.

PAGE 18

5.3

Environmental Management Commitments

The management of each environmental and social element is described in the following sections.

5.3.1

Geology, Geohazards and Soils

The environmental values, potential impacts and risks, and mitigation measures for land, geology
and soils management are summarised in this section, and further described in Chapter 4 and the
Impact Assessment Report Geology, Geohazards and Soils.

5.3.1.1

Environmental Values

5.3.1.1.1

Geomorphology and Geohazards

The Solomon Islands is an archipelago composed of six major islands forming a northwest-southeast
trending double chain of islands. Most of the islands and their corresponding geology are derived
from volcanic activities and crustal uplift due to the presence of active subduction and collision
zones between the Indo-Australian and Pacific Tectonic Plates.
Choiseul Island is characterised by undulating to moderately steep slopes with elevations ranging
from 100 m to 300 m. Numerous fast flowing rivers incise the ridges and converge to channels
draining to the coast. High peaks are formed through triple junctions of ridges, while an extinct
volcanic cone, rising to a height of 450 m, is found in Keretavalo, northwest of Lokoso. There are
rolling to steep gradients (varying from 18% to 50%) in the northeastern portion of the tenement.
The inherent geohazards identified for the Choiseul tenement, in order of decreasing probability, are
topsoil loss, land use or geomorphologic change, slope failure, earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic
activity.

5.3.1.1.2

Geology

The Choiseul tenement is predominantly composed of two geologic rock units, namely the Siruka
Ultramafics (approximately 70% of the area) and volcanic rocks (Choiseul Schists, Vosa Lavas and
Vosa Schists). The ultramafic and volcanic sequences are overlain by limonite. Miocene to Recent
reef-derived limestone formations are found in the eastern portion of the island towards Lokoso.
Regional studies for the central islands of the country indicate the presence of major normal faults
and horst-and-graben blocks that are, in turn, associated with the accretion of ultramafic rocks and
the regional impacts of the bounding subduction zones in Solomon Islands.

5.3.1.1.3

Soil Type and Characteristics

Choiseul Island has 13 soil associations, seven of which are found in the tenement area. The
underlying rock types dictate the composition and characteristics of the soils, therefore the seven soil
associations are associated with the Siruka Ultramafics, Vosa Schists, Vosa Lavas, Choiseul Schists,
and Kumboro (Mountain) Volcanics. In terms of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
soil taxonomy orders, the majority of these soils fall within the Inceptisols and Oxisols (lateritic soils)
groups. These soils are best supporting forest or other native vegetation, with limited cropping
potential.
The land capability of the Choiseul tenement area falls under the USDA Classes VI and VII, which
pertains to soils that are unsuitable for agriculture and are restricted to forest usage.
A coastal soil association, found in saline foreshore swamps, lagoons, and estuaries that are
characterised as low energy environments with organic matter accumulations, are considered as
potential acid sulphate soils.

PAGE 19

Soil profiles are generally thick and well-developed in areas with flat to gentle topographies and
where erosion rates are low. Thin soil profiles are typical of areas with steep topography and high
erosion rates, such that soil development is limited.
The weathered characteristic of most soil groups on the island, as well as the general lack of
nutrients, indicate that the soils are also highly erodible. Clays characteristic of volcanic rocks and
corresponding alteration products of ultramafic rocks found in the Project site, stream deposits, and
hydrothermally altered rocks are highly prone to weathering and are consequently highly erodible.
Based on geo-accumulation index results from nine drill holes, geo-concentrations of chromium,
nickel, iron, cadmium and cobalt are highly enriched in the area, being naturally sourced from the
Siruka Ultramafics and volcanic units. Geo-accumulation values for other metals, such as aluminium
and manganese, fall within the moderately polluted to practically unpolluted ranges.

5.3.1.2

Potential Impacts
The following potential impacts have been identified in association with land, geology, geohazards
and soils at the Project site:

short-term change in land use for areas where temporary construction camps, waste containment
areas and other temporary infrastructure will be erected

permanent land use change in areas where the mines, roads, water supply dam, and landfill will
be located

temporary and permanent changes to landform or geomorphology

loss of topsoil

soil erosion and sedimentation impacting water quality and downstream habitats

contamination of groundwater and surface water, ecosystems, failure of soil structure, and
corrosion of construction materials due to the release of sulphuric acid from the disturbance of
acid sulphate soils

soil contamination from hydrocarbon or other spills or leaks, improper disposal of construction
wastes such as wood and metal, and improper disposal of other solid and domestic wastes

slope failure and mass wasting particularly on high angle slopes

disruption of work, and health and safety hazard, due to potential ash falls during a volcanic
eruption.

Disturbed land areas and slopes are progressively restored as close as possible to pre-mining
conditions.

Landslide and slope failure hazards are engineered so that risk is minimised.

Take all reasonable and practicable measures to minimise short and long-term soil erosion and
the adverse effects of sediment transport.

5.3.1.3

5.3.1.4

Management Objectives

Management Strategies
Proposed actions for managing potential impacts to land, geology and soil hazards, and associated
facilities, staging, monitoring and corrective actions, are provided in Table 5-2.

PAGE 20

Table 5-2 Geology, Geohazards and Soil Hazard Management Strategies

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Haulage

Short-term or permanent
change in landform

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Reduce short-term
impacts of landform
changes.

Reduce long-term
impacts of landform
changes.

Management Action

Progressive rehabilitation will be carried out during

construction wherever possible.
Temporary mine facilities will be decommissioned and
dismantled after closure of a mine area. The areas where these
facilities are erected will be rehabilitated in consultation with
landowner.
Facilities and haul roads that will be dismantled or
decommissioned during mine closure process will be
identified and those that communities wish to keep may be
retained for that purpose.
Areas where facilities will be decommissioned will be
stabilised to prevent slope failure or erosion post mine closure.
The detailed design of facilities and mine areas will consider
dimensions, material requirements, structural integrity
requirements and standards in terms of geomorphic change.
Engineering measures will be implemented to restore land and
slopes disturbed during operation activities in areas where no
further works will be undertaken, including:

Loss of topsoil

Topsoil conserved and

reused.

application of recommended excavation or slope gradient

configuration, construction or installation of surface
drainage channels or culverts to control movement of
water and minimise erosion, and
the use of slope protection measures.
Progressive rehabilitation will be applied as blocks are mined
through topsoil conservation and regeneration/revegetation to
ensure the mine area is as stable and as close to pre-mining
conditions as possible.
A topsoil management plan will be developed (as part of the
overall Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Plan) prior to
construction to ensure conservation of soil material that will be
removed from facilities.

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Monitor projected use of

temporary facilities to enable
planning of decommissioning
and rehabilitation.
NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Designs to be applied and

maintained throughout the life
of the Project.
Monitor progress of works so
that slope restoring activities
may occur as soon as possible
following works.

NA

Monitor progress of
rehabilitated areas in terms of
plant growth and retention of
topsoil.
Monitor management of topsoil
on-site and plant growth within
rehabilitated areas.

PAGE 21

NA

NA

NA

Regular internal audits of the

Mine Rehabilitation and
Closure Plan and on-site
topsoil management will be
undertaken to inform and
update procedures.

Port

Erosion and sediment

control measures
applied during
construction and
operation stages.

Disturbance of acid
sulphate soils

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Infrastructure

Stage

Haulage

Increased erosion and

sedimentation

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Minimise disturbance
of acid sulphate soils
during port
construction.

Topsoil conservation and management strategies will address

fertility and land capability concerns post-mining, including
appropriate stockpile management, application of mulch to
improve soil organic matter content, and grading to prevent
erosion.
Progressive rehabilitation will be undertaken as blocks are
progressively mined, with immediate placement of topsoil
from currently mined areas wherever possible in order to
conserve soil properties and seed bank for vegetation
regeneration.
Construction will be carried out in stages to minimise the areas
that will be disturbed at one time. Sediment traps to be
constructed in proximity to earthworks activities.
Mining will be carried out in blocks to minimise the area that
will be disturbed at one time. Sediment traps to be constructed
in proximity to mining areas and haul roads.
Progressive rehabilitation in the form of backfilling of
overburden and topsoil, and facilitation of forest regeneration
and/or revegetation will be conducted as mining progresses.
Prior to construction, an assessment of proposed earthworks
activities and infrastructure locations will be determined to
assess the volume and depth of soil that may be disturbed and
the consequent risk of disturbance to acid sulphate soils.
Additional soil testing within the port extents may be necessary
for better understanding of the risks of disturbing acid sulphate
soils and areas where avoidance or treatment may be required.

Disturbance of acid sulphate soils should be avoided where

possible.

The construction sequence will aim to minimise the area that

will be disturbed at one time. Earthworks activities and layout
will be structured around the assessed risks of disturbing acid
sulphate soils.
If encountered, disturbed acid sulphate soils shall be

NA

NA

Monitor progress of
regenerating areas in terms of
plant growth and retention of
topsoil.

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Testing and treatment trials of

on-site soils can be done prior
to treating in-situ.

Results of soil tests to be

used in design and
placement of infrastructure,
method of construction, and
anticipated treatment.
NA

Consider potential for

avoidance of high risk areas
when finalising design.
NA

Monitoring of pH levels in

PAGE 22

NA

Where acid soils are

Criteria

Management Action

immediately treated and managed to avoid impacts to

receiving surface and groundwater as well as proposed
infrastructure. Soils to be stockpiled that contain actual acid
sulphate soils will be contained and treated.
Soil contamination

Soil contamination is
prevented, or
minimised and
contained.

A Waste Management Plan will be developed prior to

construction for the handling and disposal of solid wastes,
hazardous wastes, construction wastes and waste water that
may be generated during the construction and operation
activities. This plan is to be implemented at the
commencement of the construction phase.
Workplace practices will be implemented to prevent soil
contamination, such as:

Landslides in susceptible
areas

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

runoff and/or receiving surface

water will be conducted during
the construction of the port
following suspected release of
sulphuric acid occurs.
An inspection and monitoring
program will be implemented
as part of the Waste
Management Plan and in
accordance with EMP
measures.
Inspections of work sites will
include evidence of appropriate
waste disposal practices and
visual evidence of
hydrocarbons spills on soil
surface. Monitor leachates from
landfill and waste disposal sites
where appropriate.

disturbed, lime will be added

to neutralise the sulphuric
acid generation.

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Reduce landslide risk

in susceptible areas
and stabilise slopes.

regular check, repair and maintenance of vehicles and

equipment for leaks
appropriate collection, storage and disposal facilities for
hazardous waste, including appropriate receptacles, waste
segregation, and bunding and lining of storage and
disposal facilities where necessary, and
spill clean-up kits readily available (such as organic
dispersants, absorbent cloth, or waste bins) to quickly
contain and clean accidental spills.
Slopes and mining pits will be made stable throughout the life
of the Project through preventative slope remediation for the
removal of overburden and unstable surfaces, engineering
measures, and progressive rehabilitation of slopes.
Observance of safe working slope gradients and placement of
engineering measures such as batter slopes will be
implemented in susceptible areas where mining will occur.

Preventative slope remediation will be undertaken by removal

of overburden or unstable surfaces. Rocks or soils will be
removed along their bedding planes or fractures to leave the

A schedule for internal audits

and regular review of the
Waste Management Plan will
be developed.
If oil and fuel spills are
evident, investigate machine
or vehicle source and contain
and repair prior to further
use.

NA

NA

Monitoring to verify design of

facilities will be undertaken
using inclinometers, survey
monuments, piezometers for
foundations, and weir/staff
gauges for water supply dams,
mining pits, and quarry and
borrow pits.
Continuously assess slopes for
potentially unstable areas as
mining progresses.

NA

PAGE 23

NA

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

stable unweathered surface. Rocks with conjugate fractures

that cut across each other will be wholly removed to expose a
stable unbroken surface. Overburden or soils deposited at
steep angles or with minimal basal support will be removed to
expose a relatively flat, compacted surface.
The perimeter of the mine pits will be secured with physical
barriers to ensure employee safety.
Detailed slope stability analysis (including of mine areas) will
be conducted to confirm assessments and hazard ratings
assigned to the Project area from ongoing geotechnical work.
Seismicity analysis will be included in engineering designs of
mine areas and facilities.
An Emergency Response Plan will be prepared prior to
construction stage to address the responses during occurrence
of natural disasters, such as volcanic eruption, and the cleanup procedures after the occurrence. This plan will include
roles in disaster preparedness and response, such as training,
notification, evacuation, and first aid.

Ensure exclusion zone is clearly

marked on-site as work
progresses.
NA

NA
Certification of Emergency
Response Plan by Project
Manager is a Hold Point for
commencement of on-site
project activities.

PAGE 24

NA
Results of the analyses will
be integrated in the final
design of Project facilities
and mining methods.
NA
Regular internal audits of the
Emergency Response Plan
will be undertaken to inform
and update procedures.

5.3.2

Water Quality and Flow

The environmental values, potential impacts and risks, and mitigation measures for surface water
quality and flow are summarised in this section, and further described in Chapter 4 and the Impact
Assessment Report Surface Water Quality and Flows.

5.3.2.1

Environmental Values

5.3.2.1.1

Surface Freshwater

The quality of freshwaters within the Choiseul Island survey area was high. Water quality parameters
were generally within the applicable water quality guidelines, indicating that the streams and rivers
within the survey area generally have clean and clear water. Turbidity was high in the Roke River on
one occasion during monitoring, and was likely linked to the proximity of a logging road near to this
water quality monitoring site. The Project site is subject to high erosion potential due to its steep
terrain and intense rainfall (Golder 2012).
Metals were detected in the water at all sites in varying concentrations, which are generally naturally
abundant elements. Concentrations of nitrogen and nickel were observed to be high at more than
half of the survey sites. The high concentration of nickel is likely due to the natural abundance of
nickel in the ultramafic soils and rocks of the Project area.
Significant variation in both flow velocity and volume was observed during monitoring. This
variability was likely caused by the frequent heavy rain showers that occur on Choiseul Island.
Water quality was primarily related to adjacent land-use (e.g. clearing for village gardens and
commercial logging), human activities (e.g. waste disposal), and site-specific geology (i.e. mineralrich soils). Proximity to cleared areas is considered to be the main influence on freshwater quality on
Choiseul Island.
Sediment quality within the freshwater survey area was generally good; concentrations of nutrients
were generally low, and concentrations of metals and non-metal inorganics were generally low at
most sites. However, sediment quality was poor in parts of the Katulae River, Olenganda River,
Nombe River and Siruka River, where the concentrations of several metals were high.

5.3.2.1.2

Groundwater

Depth to groundwater was measured in each of nine monitoring wells over two rounds of sampling,
and was observed to be within the range of 3.81 to 10.75 m from the top of well. Based on field
recorded data, the static water level (SWL) in monitoring wells MW01, MW06 and MW07 fluctuated
by 3.62m, 3.55m and 2.35m respectively, while the rest of the monitoring wells have water
fluctuations not greater than 0.6m.
For groundwater quality, the following results have been found through in-situ testing and laboratory
analysis:

The pH values were generally within the guideline ranges of 6.5 to 8.5, which means that the
pH of groundwater is within the acceptable limits for drinking water (optimal for streams and
groundwater with reference to the ANZECC water quality and Australian Drinking Water
Standards (ADWS) guidelines).

Concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) in all nine sampling locations were within the
acceptable range, being rated as good to excellent (<500 mg/L) water quality in terms of the
ANZECC and ADWS guidelines.

PAGE 25

Low dissolved oxygen (DO) percent saturation was recorded from all monitoring locations in the
two sampling events. The recorded average values range from 3.07 mg/L to 7.40 mg/L, which
are within the normal range for groundwater according to the ADWS (however no limits were
prescribed in the guidelines). This is due to the lack of interaction or influence of the atmosphere
with the water table.

When compared to the typical alkalinity range in groundwater (as reported in ANZECCARMCANZ 2000 trigger values), MW01, MW05 through MW07, MW09 and potable water
samples from Sivai, Simbe and Siruka were below the range of 50-1,000 mg/L CaCO3.

All metals above detectable levels were generally compliant with the ADWS except for
chromium and nickel. Chromium exceeded the ADWS limit at Station MW03. Nickel exceeded
the ADWS limit at Stations MW03, MW04, MW05, MW06, MW08, MW09, and the Simbe and
Siruka sources. Concentrations of arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, molybdenum, selenium, tin,
vanadium and mercury were below the detectable analysis limit.

5.3.2.1.3

Marine Water

The quality of marine surface waters within the survey area was moderate to high, and typical of
tropical inshore waters. Turbidity in marine waters was generally low during the baseline survey.
However, turbidity was higher following periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in the eastern bay of
Ologholata Harbour. The Nombe River, and rivers draining into western Ologosoa Harbour,
delivered the highest sediment loads to marine waters within the survey area. Sediment-laden run-off
from rivers was likely due to upstream clearing for logging roads and village gardens.
Metals were detected at all sites in varying concentrations, which are generally naturally abundant
elements. The concentration of metals was relatively high in surface waters in the eastern bay of
Ologholata Harbour (particularly copper) and in the eastern bay of Ologosoa Harbour (particularly
aluminium, copper, iron, vanadium and zinc). Concentrations of nutrients in the eastern bay of
Ologholata Harbour were also high, and were likely to be linked to sediment-laden runoff from
rivers.
Marine surface water quality of the survey area was primarily related to rainfall and site-specific
geology; although land-use (e.g. clearing for village gardens and commercial logging) and human
activities (e.g. waste disposal) had influenced the water quality at some sites.
The quality of marine sediments within the survey area was generally good. However, sediment
quality was moderately poor in the eastern bay of Ologholata Harbour and in eastern Ologosoa
Harbour due to high concentrations of nutrients and various metals in the sediment.

5.3.2.1.4

Community Water

The villages that were surveyed for the community water study include Kesa, Rereo, Kava, Suri,
Siruka, Paleo, Rokoso, Ghogombe, Sibe, Viviruni, Taora, Sivai, Makangga, Boeboe, Tabakale, and
Posarae. Those villages located downstream of the tenement are potentially affected areas, however
some villages included in the survey are a considerable distance from the Project and unlikely to be
impacted.
The domestic water requirements of the communities in Choiseul Island are supplied mainly from
nearby rivers or streams. Water from the streams is either conveyed to communal standpipes by
gravity or fetched from the streams using containers. Rivers or streams supply 80% of the domestic
water needs. Other sources include the rainwater catchment system that supplies 15% of the water
requirement, and groundwater (springs) that supply the remaining 5%. There are no artesian
(groundwater) wells in the villages. Most of the villages do not have sanitary latrines.

PAGE 26

The following community water supply characteristics were identified:

Distance of communities from stream water sources is between 200 m to 1 km and accessed by
foot. Typically, a water storage is built by constructing a weir or small dam on a stream. A high
density polyethylene pipe is inserted into the wall or dam to convey the water by gravity to the
village downstream.

In some villages, the water is further conveyed by a distribution system consisting of communal
standpipes shared by 3 to 5 households. Most standpipes are fitted with valves or tap to turn off
the flow when water is not needed, however some do not have valves so water flows freely.

Other villagers get water directly from a stream by simply dipping and filling their containers
with water.

The stream water supply sources easily become turbid or silty when it rains.

Some village supplies do not have substantial storages, thus the adequacy of supply depends on
rainfall. Some sources dry up during long dry periods (such as El Nio events) and the villagers
have to rely on alternate water sources that are often farther from the village (Hatch 2010).

Collection of water in storage tanks from rooftops (rainwater harvesting) is practiced in some
villages to supplement sources, however this practice is not widespread potentially due to the
cost. Some of the villages have rainwater tanks with rainwater collected from the roof through a
pipe connected to the tank. Although this water source is limited to rainy days, it is an alternative
source during extreme weather conditions when the stream sources are turbid and contaminated
by silt/sediment runoff.

The analysed bio-physical parameters were within the World Health Organisation Guidelines for
Drinking Water Quality (WHO-GDWQ) limits. The concentrations of chemical pollutants (e.g. heavy
metals) were also within their respective WHO-GDWQ guideline value, except for the sample in
Tabakale, which slightly exceeded the WHO-GDWQ guideline value for aluminium. In the absence
of anthropogenic activities that could possibly contribute aluminium, it is possible that this metal is
naturally occurring either within the vicinity or upstream of the sampling site.
All the water samples, except the filtered water from SMM Solomons Siruka camp tested positive for
E. coli. The bacterial test results of 12 samples analysed indicate that considerable populations of
coliform bacteria were present in the samples. The WHO-GDWQ specifies that E. coli must not be
detected in any sample, thus the samples are considered not fit for drinking.
Trace concentrations of total and dissolved barium, chromium, manganese, nickel and iron were
detected in some samples, however the concentrations were below the WHO-GDWQ.
At the time of sampling, most of the community water sources of Choiseul Island passed the WHOGDWQ limits for hazardous substances except for the sample from Tabalake that had relatively high
aluminium (total and dissolved). This may be attributable to background concentration in the water
as a result of the underlying geology and sediment quality.

5.3.2.2

Potential Impacts
Construction and operation of the mines, port and supporting infrastructure has the potential to result
in the following impacts to surface water quality and in turn aquatic ecology:

increased turbidity and subsequent sedimentation due to soil erosion from clearing and
earthworks, and port construction and operation activities

PAGE 27

loss of catchment area and changes to flow regimes due to the construction of the nickel mine,
water supply dams, ponds for sediment capture and supporting infrastructure, including
installation of waterway crossings

spills of hydrocarbons and other potential contaminants

altered hydrodynamics and subsequent flushing, erosion and sedimentation

increased litter and waste in waters

impacts to protected areas

nutrient enrichment

disturbance of acid sulphate or potential acid sulphate sediment or contaminated sediment

acid mine drainage

spills of nickel ore

increased leaching of antifoul paints due to increased vessel traffic at port.

Port designs are yet to be finalised, and consequently it is not possible to determine the requirement
for dredging; however discussion of dredge-related impacts and their management is provided to
assist the reader understand that, should dredging be required, it is likely that impacts may be readily
assessed and effectively managed.
Potential impact to groundwater quality and flow may have affects to people and/or the environment.
Contaminated groundwater, which may also flow towards surface waters, can impact aquatic
ecosystems, fishing and recreational activities of the villagers, and human health through fish
ingestion and dermal contact. The following potential impacts to groundwater have been identified
from the Project:

chemicals of potential concern (COPC), such as fuel, industrial lubricants, motor oils, paints and
other hydrocarbons and hazardous wastes, may be accidentally spilled, infiltrate soil, and
contaminate groundwater quality

ground (soil, overburden, mineral deposits) stripping and excavations may temporarily alter
groundwater flow.

The potential impacts to water quality, amenity and flow from the proposed mining facilities and
activities on the community water supply are identified as:

Contamination of downstream community water supply sources from accidental spills of

hydrocarbons and COPC used during construction and operation.

Contamination of surface and groundwater by effluent, litter, food scraps and other solid or
liquid wastes, mine drainage and pathogens during construction and operation.

Increased sedimentation or turbidity of streams due to sediment-laden runoff from earthworks,

stockpiles and vehicle movements during construction and operation.

Increased competition for water resources due to various water requirements in the construction
sites, camps, mine industrial areas and mine operations.

Reduction in quantity of safe water sources for domestic uses due to introduction of
contaminants from mine activities and operations, making the water unfit for drinking and
household use.

PAGE 28

Competition for water sources and reduction in flow or quantity of stream and spring water
sources due to siltation caused by earthworks, diversion of watercourses, and related activities
during construction and operation.

Changes to flow regimes through drainage modifications made during construction and
operation stages, including constructed instream barriers or diversions and construction of the
water supply dam for the Project.

5.3.2.3

5.3.2.4

Management Objectives

Take all reasonable and practicable measures to minimise short and long-term soil erosion and
the adverse effects of sediment transport.

Operations and rehabilitation are staged and progressive.

Spills are contained and remediated with no adverse impacts to waterways.

Acid mine drainage is monitored and controlled.

Minimise impacts to groundwater quality and flow from the Project.

Maintain community water supply throughout the life of the Project.

Management Strategies
Proposed actions for managing potential impacts to surface water and groundwater quality and flow,
and associated facilities, staging, monitoring and corrective actions, are provided in Table 5-3.

PAGE 29

Table 5-3 Water Quality and Flow Management Strategies

Infrastructure

Construction

Effective and flexible

Erosion and Sediment
Control Plan will be
developed prior to
construction stage.

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

The design of erosion and sediment control plans will

take into account:

Hold Point 1 before construction

commences that Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan is in place.

Regular internal audits of the

Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
will be undertaken during
construction stage, with Plan and
as-constructed drawings updated
accordingly.

NA 2

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

specific activities and disturbance area

design opportunities for sites
soil properties (i.e. erosion risk) and potential
sediment generated
weather (including wind), slope and potential
sediment transport
receiving water sensitivity and acceptable release
of sediment
short and long-term safety of structures
geotechnical, hydrologic and hydraulic factors,
and
cost of installation and operation.
Erosion prevention measures to be used on-site may
include minimising land disturbance, binding soil in
place with vegetation, surface protection device,
reduced slope lengths, enhanced drainage, and timing
disturbance during dry periods.
Rehabilitation will be used to significantly decrease
site erosion and sediment movement, and will be
conducted as soon as practicable after mining or
construction activities are progressively completed (or
where an extended period of inactivity is likely to
occur).
The following levels of erosion and sediment control
will be applied to the Project:

1
2

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Port

Stage

Haulage

Increased turbidity and

subsequent sedimentation in
freshwater

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Stage 1 practices to control erosion and sedimentladen runoff generated from small catchment
areas and close to source (e.g. drainage ditches

Hold Point is a point during the Project where works shall not commence or continue without verification or sign-off of the relevant issue by the relevant manager/supervisor.
Not applicable to this management action

PAGE 30

Movement of water is
controlled through
sites.

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

with appropriate armouring, clean and sedimentladen water diversions, chutes with aprons or
stilling basins to convey flows down steep slopes,
check dams, pocket ponds 3, infiltration trenches
and ponds 4, and revegetation).
Stage 2 practices to control water and sediment
generated from larger catchment areas (e.g.
sediment ponds and dams).
An Emergency Response Team will be established
(through the Emergency Response Plan) for taking
action in emergency scenarios, such as channel bank
failure, sediment basin breach, slope slide or other
major failure of erosion and sediment control
structure.
Appropriate clean and dirty water drainage structures
will be designed and constructed to convey, and be
structurally stable in, the following average recurrence
interval (ARI) event, for example:
1 in 2 year for <12 month design life
1 in 5 year for 12-24 month design life, and
1 in 10 year for >24 month design life.
Slope lengths will be minimised to limit concentration
and acceleration of overland flow, where possible.
Temporary measures to be implemented during
construction and mining operations to minimise the
volume of sediment-laden stormwater include:

Emergency Response Team to be

appropriately trained in readiness
for potential emergency
scenarios.

Any emergency situations,

including failures or near-failures,
and corrective actions will be
recorded in accordance with the
Emergency Response Plan.

NA

NA

NA

NA

Monitor clean and dirty

stormwater runoff through sites.

Improve or replace diversions as

necessary to divert clean water
around sites and direct dirty water
through sites.

Inspections of slope drainage and

diversions as works progress.

Maintain, repair, replace or move as

necessary as construction or

3
4

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

diversion bunds above mining areas to divert

clean water around disturbed area, and
armoured chutes to convey concentrated flows
through mine areas to downstream controls.
Excavated drainage ditches, cross-slope or contour
drains, benches, or rock-lined steeper channels will

Pocket ponds are small-sized, coarse sediment traps intended to infiltrate water into the ground but not retain water or fine sediments.
Infiltration trenches and ponds assist with infiltration of mine runoff to the ground, which reduces sediments and metals entering waterways.

PAGE 31

Criteria

Management Action

be installed across or around slopes to direct runoff

towards Stage 1 erosion controls and main drainage
channels.

Erosion control
measures in place prior
to clearing and
earthworks
commencing.

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Adequate surface
protection within,
adjacent to, and in
future disturbance
areas.

Erosion control measures will be constructed prior to

vegetation clearing and earthworks where possible,
including both Stage 1 and Stage 2 practices.

A grading plan will be developed prior to earthworks

commencing that informs the Erosion and Sediment
Control Plan and establishes slope dimensions, timing
of works and cut and fill (and storage) requirements.
Grading plan shall take into account drainage patterns
for all stages.
Vegetation clearing, earthworks and mining will be
staged over the life of the Project (i.e. approximately
60 ha/yr will be mined over the 23 year life of mine).
Rehabilitation or other stabilisation of disturbed areas
to be undertaken prior to future stage works
commencing.
Surface stabilisation measures for recently graded
areas may include vegetative ground cover, mulch,
crushed stone, riprap, and erosion control mats and
blankets.
Surface roughening can be used as a temporary
measure on cleared slopes or graded areas to increase
water infiltration and reduce surface flow and erosion,
as well as a more permanent measure on
rehabilitation areas. This can be done using a tracked
vehicle up and down the slope to create divots
perpendicular to the slope length.
Undisturbed temporary and permanent buffer zones
shall be retained where possible to reduce surface
water flow and potential erosion adjacent to cleared
and graded areas.

Inspect during runoff-generating

rainfall events to check for
sediment build-up or other
maintenance needed.
Hold Point before clearing and
earthworks commence in each
mine area (i.e. sign-off to be
obtained from Site Supervisor that
initial drainage and erosion
control measures are in place).
Hold Point before earthworks
commence in each mine area (i.e.
sign-off to be obtained from Site
Supervisor that grading plan has
been developed).

operation progresses.

Erosion to be monitored regularly

in the mine and associated
infrastructure areas.

Construction plans updated, with

current and future stage mining and
rehabilitation areas clearly visible.

Graded areas and surface

protection measures to be
inspected regularly, particularly
after runoff-generating rainfall.
Inspections of cleared or graded
areas for evidence of erosion.

Maintain, repair, replace or remove

as necessary as mining or
rehabilitation progresses.

NA

Exclusion zones to be marked onsite if necessary to prevent

additional disturbance.

PAGE 32

Regular internal audits of the

erosion and sediment control plan
will be undertaken during
construction stage, with Plan and
as-constructed drawings updated
accordingly.
Internal audits of the grading plan
and site slopes will be undertaken
regularly during works to assess
effectiveness and on-site
implementation of plans.

Install additional surface protection

measures if necessary.

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Sediment release from

site is minimised.

Design criteria to be
established for
suspended solids
concentration for basin
water quality up to a
design rainfall event.

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Fill will not be placed adjacent to a channel bank

where it may cause instability, sediment runoff, or
restriction of natural flow or flooding.
Retain coarse sediments on-site in accordance with
IECA (2008) through appropriate erosion and
sediment controls, such as pocket ponds and smaller
sediment basins in series. Sediments to be captured as
close to source as possible.

Inspections of work areas

regularly or prior to expected
rainfall.
Inspect waterways downstream of
nominated discharge point for
evidence of sediment deposition
from the site. Inspections will be
undertaken within a timely period
of significant rainfall events.
Inspections of sediment controls
as works progress. Inspect prior to
and during expected rainfall.

Fill to be removed immediately if

placed in or adjacent a channel or if
impeding flow.
If deposited sediment is observed,
remove to prevent damage to
riparian and aquatic habitat, and
improve drainage and sediment
controls to prevent future
deposition.
Maintain, repair, replace or move as
necessary to improve runoff quality
and as construction or operation
progresses.

NA

If water overtops basins in less than

a design event, investigate drainage
controls, basin sizing and
flocculation methods to identify
cause of overtop and modify
controls or operations.
NA

For areas not draining to sediment basins, install and

maintain Stage 1 practice sediment controls to assist
with retaining sediments on-site prior to being
discharged to main channels and waterways. Minor
works in small catchment areas will implement
sediment control through the use of pocket ponds,
check dams, modified site drainage, and revegetation.
Sediment basins (Stage 2 practice controls) will be
installed and maintained at nominated construction
and operation discharge points, where feasible and
safe to do so. Sediment basins will be designed based
on the 85th percentile 5-day rainfall/storm event in
accordance with IECA (2008).
A series of multiple sediment basins may be used
where terrain is steep and inaccessible in order to
achieve the minimum recommended treatment
volume. Small-sized basins will be constructed at the
base of active mining areas prior to stripping. The
end of line basin volume will include the treatment
capacity of the smaller upstream operational basins
that provide initial coarse sediment removal.
Design and operate sediment basins to achieve an
agreed practical suspended solids target within an
appropriate period of the last runoff-generating rainfall
event. Design target to be established following
further assessment of marine environment and existing
background levels. IECA 2008 will be consulted as
design guideline.
Discharge water down to the top of the sediment

Monitor that sediment-laden

stormwater diverted to
catchments with end of line
basins wherever possible.

Use site-specific data to establish

correlation between suspended
solids and field turbidity readings.
Monitor turbidity in basins prior
to discharge to meet agreed
design criteria of turbidity level.

Maintain suitable records to

demonstrate compliance with this
requirement. Treatment (i.e.
flocculation) may be used in basins
where necessary to comply with
turbidity level prior to discharge.

Inspect basin volume and

Maintain suitable records to

PAGE 33

Minimal direct
sediment input to
natural watercourses
and riparian zones.

Criteria

storage zone as soon as target water quality is

achieved to ensure storage capacity is available for
subsequent rainfall events. A staff gauge will be
installed in order to read water and sediment levels. A
floating skimmer may be used to continuously
dewater from the surface.
Position access, infrastructure and facilities to avoid
direct impacts to natural watercourses and riparian
zones wherever possible.

sediment storage levels within an

appropriate period of runoffgenerating rainfall events.

demonstrate compliance with this

requirement.

NA

NA

Monitoring of weather patterns

and rainfall (previous and
forecasted) prior to construction
of stream crossings. Regular
monitoring downstream of
crossing works during
construction. Monitoring
parameters to include turbidity.
Monitor inlets and outlets
regularly to check if regularly
filling or washing out.

If heavy rainfall or extreme events

predicted, install additional controls
or adequate diversion around
works. If water quality impacted,
cease work and modify drainage
controls as needed.

Debris and sediment build-up will be regularly

removed from culvert inlets and outlets.

Monitoring

Clearing and earthworks for construction of stream

crossings or diversions will be done in drier periods or
low flow conditions if possible.

Management Action

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Minimal erosion or
scour (wash-out) from
concentrated flows.

Constructed channels are to discharge into stable

waterways only.

Monitor for evidence of sediment

wash-out at waterway discharge
entrances.

Channel slopes shall be the minimum gradient

possible, with cross-slope drains used in steep terrain
to reduce velocities and erosion, and flat batters to
allow capacity.

Channels and check dams will be

regularly inspected for sediment
build-up or removal by wash-out.

Velocity controls (such as rock check dams) or

armouring (with rock, gravel or grasses) will be
implemented on long drainage channels to prevent
wash-out.
Vegetation can be used to stabilise channel banks,
and erosion protection measures can be used along

Channels and check dams will be

regularly inspected for sediment
build-up or removal by wash-out.
Monitor channels regularly for
evidence of sediment wash-out.

PAGE 34

Investigate upstream erosion and

sediment control measures, and
modify as necessary to prevent
build-up or sediment wash-out.
If sediment wash-out evident,
adequate erosion protection shall be
installed and/or dimensions or
entrance location altered to suit
flows prior to further discharges.
Accumulated sediment will be
removed from check dams when it
reaches half the dam height.
Additional protection or riprap will
be placed if wash-out evident.
Maintain as necessary.

If removal of sediment by wash-out

evident, erosion protection shall be

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Criteria

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Reuse of captured
water is maximised
where practicable.

the bed and banks, such as riprap, grouted rock, and

erosion control blankets.
Scour (wash-out) protection to be used at the base of
slopes or where flow velocities change may include
channel confluence structures, rock aprons, stilling
basins, and flow spreaders.
Mine water, consisting of any groundwater inflows
and/or surface water, is captured and contained onsite where practical.

Captured and contained mine water is used for dust

suppression (where water quality allows).
Drainage controls
applied to permanent
and temporary
unsealed roads

Erosion control measures for roads in general will be

Stage 1 practices such as grading, ditches, cross-road
drains to direct flow across roads, and pocket ponds.
Larger roads may require sediment ponds or dams.
Exposed cut and fill surfaces will be stabilised by
rehabilitation measures and revegetation where
practicable.
Clean water will be diverted into creeks where
possible using diversion drains upstream of roads.
Suitably sized and stabilised roadside drainage
channels/ditches will be constructed, with armouring
(e.g. rock, gravel or grasses) and velocity controls (e.g.
rock check dams) as required, in order to convey
design flows without overtopping.
Pocket ponds will be constructed along roads (in line
with ditches) and/or at cross-road drain locations to
reduce major sediment movement.
Haul roads will be sheeted (0.3 to 1 m depth) with a
target gradient of 1 in 10 and maximum gradient of

reassessed and improved.

Monitor channels regularly for
evidence of sediment wash-out.

If sediment wash-out evident,

erosion protection shall be
reassessed and improved.

Water and sediment quality in the

sediment control and water
supply dams to be monitored to
confirm suitability for
consumption/use or for release to
the receiving environment.
Parameters to include specific
metals and pH.
Monitoring of water quality prior
to use to confirm suitability.

Records of monitoring data to be

kept and trigger reuse or release of
water. Treatment required if
unsuitable for reuse or release.

NA

Inspect cut and fill batters for

evidence of erosion.
NA
Inspections of drain inlets, outlets
and sediment traps to check for
sediment build-up or other
maintenance needed for adequate
function.
Inspection of pocket pond
functioning, with an increased
frequency during high rainfall
periods.
NA

PAGE 35

Records of monitoring data to be

kept. Treatment required if
unsuitable for reuse or release.
NA

Additional protection to be added if

significant erosion or destabilising
evident.
NA
Maintain as necessary.

Remove accumulated sediment

when at one third to half of pocket
pond depth.
Areas where erosion observed to
have erosion controls installed

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

1 in 7 to reduce erosion.

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Disturbed areas are

promptly and
progressively stabilised
and/or rehabilitated.

Switchbacks along the haul road may incorporate

small sediment basins.

Inspections of sediment traps

along haul roads.

Access roads to be constructed above and below

mining strips will have Stage 1 control measures
applied and will also include drainage channels to
capture sediment-laden stormwater from adjacent
catchments (if required) to convey to sediment basins.
Lower access road drainage will include a series of
pocket ponds to capture larger sediment particles
(coarse sediment) close to their source, as well as
armouring of drainage channels (as required) and rock
check dams for velocity control.
Washdown facilities are provided for heavy
equipment and light vehicles in a stand-alone facility
consisting of washing bay, silt pit, oil/water separator,
waste oil tanks, detergent tanks, recycled water tanks,
de-greaser dispenser, side walls (heavy equipment
only). Residual wastes collected and removed to
landfill.
Disturbed areas on-site will be progressively stabilised
to minimise water and wind erosion within a specified
timeframe following completion of works and
depending on the erosion risk of the area.
Areas temporarily disturbed during construction that
will not be required for operations will be identified,
graded and rehabilitated to a stable condition, and
potentially landscaped to improve aesthetics and
reduce erosion.
In general, post-mining rehabilitation techniques will
include landscaping or regrading to match the
surrounding landscape (no greater than 2.5:1 slopes),
maintenance of erosion and sediment control
measures (temporary and long-term) and structured
drainage, reapplication of topsoil removed from the

General site inspections to

include access road conditions.

immediately and drainage options

investigated.
Maintain drains and sediment traps
as necessary. Potentially requires
increased maintenance during
periods of high flows.
Maintain as necessary.

General site inspections to

include access road conditions.

Maintain as necessary.

Pre-start checks to assess

condition of equipment and
vehicles and the need for
washdown.

Log of pre-starts and washdowns

undertaken to be kept in each
vehicle.

Assess site erosion risks prior to

disturbance and set timeframe for
stabilisation/ rehabilitation
following works.
Monitor future use of construction
areas and potential for
rehabilitation to be applied.

Record erosion risk areas and

develop priorities for progressive
stabilisation.

Monitor progress of rehabilitated

areas in terms of erosion of
slopes.

Install temporary erosion controls if

erosion evident.

PAGE 36

Record areas marked for

rehabilitation.

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

bench below (or from temporary stockpiles), natural

forest regeneration and/or revegetation, including soil
conditioning, mulching and placement of woody
debris where possible.
If temporary disposal area used for overburden prior
to application in rehabilitation areas, a berm will be
constructed around it (using overburden material) in
order to contain surface runoff. Collection ponds will
be located along the berm at lower points and water
will be discharged from these through geotextilewrapped rock underdrains or rock drain sections.
Surfaces will be roughened prior to revegetation to
increase water infiltration and reduce surface flow and
erosion, using a tracked vehicle up and down the
slope to create divots perpendicular to the slope
length. Before placing topsoil, surface shall be
scarified to a minimum depth of 8 cm and excessively
compacted areas are to be ripped.
Where rehabilitating steep slopes during periods of
high rainfall, erosion control blankets or mats will be
used to aid in plant establishment. Blanket degrades
over time.
Post-mining soil retention and slope stabilisation
methods may include stacking remaining boulders,
cobbles and gravel along contours to form terraces
(potentially with a geotextile layer within the terrace
walls).
Revegetation works may include replanting along the
margins of streams following construction of stream
crossings to provide root systems that can stabilise the
banks.
Sediment basins servicing rehabilitation areas will be
maintained until 70% surface coverage (including
through revegetation, erosion blankets/mats and/or
mulch) has been achieved in the basin catchment,
with minimal observed sediment loss. Once stable
slopes are achieved, basins will be decommissioned
and regraded and the natural drainage systems will be

Inspect integrity of berms during

periods of significant rainfall.

Maintain as necessary to contain

surface runoff.

Inspections of exposed surfaces

for evidence of erosion. Inspect
prior to expected rainfall and
during rainfall event.

Install additional temporary surface

protection measures if necessary
prior to revegetation works and/or
rainfall.

Inspections of areas featuring

erosion control blankets/mats
during rainfall events to check for
erosion and slope failures.
Measures to be assessed by a
qualified engineer for slope
stability.

Repair, replace or reposition as

necessary.

Monitor progress of rehabilitated

areas in terms of plant growth and
mortality, and associated erosion
and sedimentation impacts.
Regularly inspect revegetation
areas for evidence of erosion and
sediment input to basins. Monitor
basin volumes and turbidity and
release water as necessary to
continue function.

PAGE 37

NA

Replace trees if high mortality

and/or install erosion controls in the
short-term.
When post-mining area is
considered stable, sediment basin
and unnecessary drainage devices
can be decommissioned and
removed.

Increased turbidity and

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Implement fresh water

quality monitoring
program.

restored.
Where applicable, dam embankments will be
revegetated using grasses and ground cover vegetation
only, as roots of trees and shrubs can compromise the
embankment stability.
A water quality and flow monitoring program will be
undertaken to assess the accuracy of predicted
impacts, inform management of potential issues, and
facilitate responsive action. Monitoring program
should be designed to detect changes in in-situ water
quality, water flow, and the concentration of potential
contaminants in the water column and sediment, and
compliment freshwater and marine ecology
monitoring where practical.
Monitoring of turbidity in streams will be undertaken
at nominated locations downstream of ground
disturbance (e.g. clearing and earthworks) and when
constructing permanent or temporary stream
crossings.

During mine operation, routine water and sediment

quality monitoring will be undertaken.

Water and sediment quality in the water supply dam

will be monitored (from the commissioning of the
dam) to confirm the suitability of the water for
consumption/use, or water quality in the event of
release to the receiving environment.
No dredging occurs

Develop and implement a Dredge Management Plan

NA

NA

It is recommended that
monitoring be undertaken during
both construction and operation,
and after operation until
conditions returns to background
conditions (i.e. where established
by baseline surveys and/or prior
to disturbance).

Monitoring results to be used to

update procedures and
management plans.

It is recommended that turbidity

be measured with a hand-held
probe prior to disturbance
occurring upstream to estimate
background conditions, and
during construction, at locations
immediately upstream and
downstream of disturbance until
water quality returns to
background conditions (will vary
with season).
Monitoring will include a suite of
variables such as water
temperature, turbidity, salinity,
pH, dissolved oxygen, TSS,
nutrients, total and dissolved
metals, and hydrocarbons.
The timing of monitoring may
need to vary depending on the
results and the season (e.g.
monitoring frequencies may need
to be higher in the wetter
months).
Monitor port requirements for

Monitoring results to be used to

identify sources of impacts and
inform procedures and management
plans.

PAGE 38

Monitoring results to be used to

identify sources of impacts and
inform procedures and management
plans.
Monitoring results to be used to
identify sources of impacts and
inform procedures and management
plans.
Implement as necessary if dredging

subsequent sedimentation in
marine waters

Loss of catchment area and

changes to flow regimes

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

without a Dredge
Management Plan
being developed.
Dredge or disturbance
area is defined by
appropriate control
measure.

if dredging works are planned, with establishment of

cease work trigger values in consideration of
protection of water quality and ecosystems.
Any dredging and spoil handling activities (if required)
will be undertaken in accordance with the London
Convention 1972 (LV-72) and its 1996 protocol, and
in consideration of Australias National Assessment
Guidelines for Dredging.
Sediment disturbance areas will be effectively
isolated, using silt curtains, oil spill booms, bunding,
trenching and/or similar technologies, if required.
Water and sediment management at the ports will use
both Stage 1 and 2 practices, including erosion
protection measures of excavated and battered slopes.
Install sediment control measures such as a network of
open drains to direct surface water to sediment
control devices, and vehicle washdown facilities.
Stockpiles located adjacent to port facilities will be
covered to prevent raindrop impact and have
adequate drainage to prevent stormwater inundation
of stockpile areas during rainfall events.
Stage 2 sediment basins may be used where space is
available or if upstream of sensitive areas. Where
used, drainage controls will divert water from upslope
into basins.
If dredging required, or other sediment disturbance
during port construction (e.g. pile driving), the extent
of turbidity plumes will be monitored to confirm that
plumes do not reach ecologically sensitive areas
including coral reefs (growing at most river mouths) or
have a sustained negative impact on seagrass (growing
at selected river mouths).
Culverts are designed and installed in all stream
barriers with the aim of maintaining natural flows and
factoring in seasonal variations.
Discharges from sediment basins coincide with and/or
mimic natural flows wherever possible.

dredging, extent of such works

and proximity to sensitive marine
habitats, if required.
NA

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Implement marine
water quality
monitoring program.

Flows in drainage lines,

gullies and culverts to
be maintained.

activities occur.
NA

Monitor sediment plumes as per

water quality monitoring
program.
Monitor effectiveness of drainage
and sediment controls, including
water and sediment storage
capacities.

Cease work and/or provide

additional mitigation if plume is
evident.
Records of monitoring data to be
kept and used to trigger further
treatment or release of water.

Visually inspect runoff from

stockpiles during rainfall events
for evidence of sediment
movement.
Water quality in the sediment
control dams to be monitored
prior to discharge, particularly for
turbidity level.
Monitor planned activities where
active monitoring may be
required.

Modify drainage controls and

stockpile protection where sediment
movement observed.

NA
Monitoring of stream flows as per
monitoring program to be referred

PAGE 39

Treatment required if unsuitable for

reuse or release.
Should plumes reach and be
sustained at pre-determined
sensitive sites or trigger values,
dredging or construction activity
will cease until turbidity returns to
background levels.
Modify upstream diversions and
stream barriers if necessary to
enhance flow.
NA

Implement water flow

monitoring program.

Groundwater flow is
maintained as much as
possible.

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Community water
supply is maintained.

Long-term remediation of catchments will be

undertaken including reinstatement of some gullies
and drainage lines to direct runoff from rehabilitated
areas.
Rehabilitated drainage shall be designed to reflect the
pre-mined landscape, including the number of
channels and stream order or number of tributaries in
each stream system.
Monitoring of flow (and water quality) will be
undertaken in streams with potentially altered flows,
that are downstream of areas with a loss of catchment
due to mine areas and in association with stream
barriers.
Progressive mining and rehabilitation will be carried
out where practicable. Overburden will be used to fill
and stabilise mine excavation areas as soon as
possible to provide substrate for maintenance or
restoration of groundwater flow.
Design of mine areas to consider groundwater flow
and depth where possible with the aim of maintaining
flows to surface water for water supply and aquatic
ecosystem purposes.
Drinking water will be provided to communities
should the water source quality or supply decrease
due to the Project. Storage tanks may also be provided
to increase local storage capacity.
Drinking water supply monitoring program will be
undertaken in accordance with WHO-GDWQ
standards at community water supply locations
potentially affected by the Project.

A water balance study may be undertaken for the

mining and other processes that use water, with

to prior to discharging from sites.

Monitor conditions and surface
stability in rehabilitated areas.

NA

NA

NA

Monitor mine area designs where

active monitoring may be
required.

Monitoring results to be used to

identify sources of impacts and
inform procedures and management
plans.

Groundwater monitoring will

include depth and flow
measurements over construction
and operation stages.

Regular internal audit and update of

groundwater monitoring program
and operations as necessary based
on results of monitoring.

NA

NA

Monitor water flow and/or supply

at community water sources.
Treatment of drinking water may
be considered through
stakeholder consultation.
Parameters may include physical
in-situ measurements, dissolve
solids, dissolved metals, nutrients,
total coliform and E. coli, and
chromium. Additional parameters
may be added at later stages in
the Project.
NA

Additional sources supplied are to

be of adequate quality for
consumption.

PAGE 40

Frequency and parameters of

monitoring will be reviewed and
revised as necessary throughout the
program.

Outcome of study may be used in

design of facilities such as for water

Spills of hydrocarbons and

other potential contaminants

Criteria

Management Action

No use of potential
contaminants prior to
Handling and Spill
Management Plan
being in place.

Spill kits present and

used effectively.

consideration of climate and weather patterns and

community usage.
Develop and implement a contaminant Handling and
Spill Management Plan in accordance with the
Waigani Convention.
Materials Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS) relating to all
hazardous substances are maintained for all vehicles,
vessels, equipment and machinery.
All staff to be trained in the use of the spill kit relevant
to their task and equipment. Training in emergency
response will also be implemented.

Any fuel, oil or chemical spills are contained and

cleaned up immediately and remediated where
necessary.

Spill kits with containment devices and absorbent

materials provided at appropriate facilities and
locations.

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

The stored volume of

fuel, oil or chemical
will be minimised and
controlled.

A fuel tank farm within secondary containment will be

installed at the port.
Designated fuel store facilities in the MIA located
adjacent to the Generator Set compound and in close
proximity to the heavy equipment and light vehicle
fuelling facilities will minimise underground fuel pipe
requirements. The fuel store will be inside a bermed

Certification of Handling and Spill

Management Plan by Project
Manager is a Hold Point for
commencement of hazardous
substance storage and handling.
Keep a register of MSDS for all
facilities.

and waste water treatment and

storage.
Regular internal audits of the
Handling and Spill Management
Plan will be undertaken to inform
and update procedures.
NA

Staff inductions to include

awareness and training (if
relevant) in use of spill kits and
emergency response.
Any visible (or suspected) fuel, oil
or chemical loss/spill is treated as
an incident. If a major spill,
monitoring and remediation of
soil or water levels of
contaminant may be necessary in
consultation with authority.
Checks of spill kits to be
conducted to ensure they include
devices appropriate to the
potential contaminant spills, such
as bilge socks, heavy duty
absorbent polypropylene pads,
floating booms and blowback
refuelling collars.
NA

Maintain register of staff training.

NA

NA

PAGE 41

Record all spills. Spills over 20 L are

reported to the Environmental
Officer. Treatment of spill to be
reviewed for effectiveness and
changes to procedures made if
necessary.
After spill kits used, replace
materials as needed.

NA

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

All refuelling will be

undertaken by licensed
fuel suppliers in
designated areas.

Maintain machinery
and vehicles to prevent
spills.

Minimise reduction of
groundwater quality.

area.
A self-contained secure fenced area with purpose built
facilities will be constructed in the MIA for all
hazardous and chemical materials (flammables, acids,
alkalis and oxidants).
Vessel refuelling will be restricted to designated
wharves with suitable access and spill prevention
facilities.
Heavy equipment fuelling will be restricted to a
designated facility located within the heavy
equipment manoeuvring area and adjacent the haul
road access to the MIA.
Light vehicle fuelling will be restricted to a designated
facility located near the mine operations vehicle
parking area.
Regular checks are made to machinery/vehicles for
evidence of leaks and condition of hydraulic hoses
and seals.
A washdown area is provided for light vehicles and
machinery.
Fuel storage (and other potentially hazardous
substance storages) will be bermed/bunded to contain
any leaks or spillages and prevent discharge to soil or
water.
Should a contaminant spill occur, the following
remediation methods may be employed:
pump and treat system
multi-phase extraction system
biological remediation
monitored natural attenuation, or
dig, haul and disposal of contaminated materials.
A groundwater monitoring program will be
established prior to construction, in accordance with
baseline survey methods and analysis undertaken.
This monitoring program may also include the
groundwater and leachate monitoring to be

NA

NA

NA

Refuelling outside of designated

areas to be reported.

NA

Refuelling outside of designated

areas to be reported.

NA

Refuelling outside of designated

areas to be reported.

Records of machinery/vehicle
inspections are to be kept.

Repair and maintain machinery/

vehicles as needed.

Monitor level of wastes in

washdown.
NA

Collect and remove wastes to

landfill or other facility as needed.
NA

Monitor effectiveness of
remediation method and initiate
monitoring of land or water
contamination if necessary.

Record all spills as an incident (e.g.

on the Incident Response Form
(Appendix B). Regular review of
incidents. Changes to facilities or
procedures if necessary.

Continue to monitor groundwater

quality, depth and flow over
construction and operation stages
in accordance with program.

Regularly internal audit and update

of groundwater monitoring program
and operations as necessary based
on results of monitoring. Detailed
design may also be informed by

PAGE 42

Spills of nickel ore

Nutrient enrichment

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Minimise reduction of
community water
supply quality.

Minimise spills and

runoff of nickel ore.

Release of nutrients to
water is minimised.

undertaken at the landfill and waste water treatment

system.
Waste Management Plan will be developed for the
Project and implemented throughout construction and
operation stages to prevent pollution of adjacent water
bodies.
Proper maintenance and work area protocols will be
implemented to prevent contaminant spills, such as
collection of fuels, oils or chemicals from machinery
and vehicles using drip pans, storage of waste fuel and
lubricants in sealed canisters, and proper disposal of
hazardous wastes.
All potential pollutant materials, such as hazardous
chemicals, will be appropriately stored (e.g. in
bunded facilities).
Ore will be handled appropriately.
Drainage management measures will be installed to
prevent stockpiles from being inundated with
stormwater and to provide collection and treatment of
runoff.
Stormwater to be managed through drainage controls,
retained on-site and treated wherever possible.
Erosion is controlled during vegetation clearing and
earthworks to minimise nutrients introduced with
sediment.

All waste water from accommodation camp is treated

in a sewage treatment plant with effluent discharged
in accordance with WHO guidelines (e.g. used for
irrigation at the camp) and the sludge transported by
tanker to a landfill.
Any required sediment disturbance for the port is
done appropriately.

baseline monitoring prior to

construction.
NA

NA

Inspect maintenance and work

areas for evidence of improperly
stored or spilled substances.

Contain and clean up spills

immediately.

Monitor procedures through a

Handling and Spill Management
Plan & Emergency Response Plan.
NA

Regular review of Handling and

Spill Management Plan.
NA

Monitor drainage from stockpiles

to ensure control and treatment
prior to discharge to the receiving
environment.
Water quality in the sediment
basins to be monitored to confirm
nutrient levels suitable for release
to the receiving environment.
Inspections of controls as works
progress. Inspect prior to
expected rainfall and during
runoff-generating rainfall.
Monitoring of treated effluent to
be undertaken at discharge point.

Stockpile runoff control measures to

be consistent with erosion and
sediment control plan.

Monitoring of sediments in
accordance with marine water
quality monitoring program.

NA

PAGE 43

Records of monitoring data to be

kept. Treatment or other disposal
method required if unsuitable for
reuse or release.
Repair, replace or move as
necessary and as construction
progresses.
Records of monitoring data to be
kept, with analysis to ensure
effluent design criteria are complied
with.

Operation

Infrastructure

Port

Disturbance of acid sulphate

soil

Altered hydrodynamics and

subsequent flushing, erosion
and sedimentation

Antifoul leaching (copper and

tributyltin)

Litter and waste

Stage

Construction

Acid mine drainage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Acid mine drainage is

monitored and
controlled.

Minimise the risk of

antifoul leaching.

Waste Management
Plan to be in place
prior to commencing
works.
Minimise impact to
community water
supply from litter and

Procedures, areas and facilities to be designated for

storage, handling and disposal of refuse and
hazardous wastes, in accordance with the Waigani
Convention and the Waste Management Plan.
Properly designed waste water treatment and disposal
systems will be installed at camps to prevent
contamination of surrounding water bodies.

Adequately assess
impacts of altered
hydrodynamics.

Management Action

Rigorous testing of the sediments to be disturbed by

mine areas will be undertaken and, where necessary,
an Acid Mine Drainage Management Plan will be
developed and implemented based on
recommendations in the Global Acid Rock Drainage
Guide.
Specialised handling procedures will be implemented
for potentially acid-generating materials.
Amendments or additives will be used on potentially
acid-generating waste rock, such as limestone, organic
materials or bactericides.
Effective surface water management will also assist in
reducing the potential risks of acid mine drainage.
Assessment of the risk of disturbing acid sulphate soils
will be undertaken prior to port construction in
accordance with guidelines such as the Queensland
DERMs Queensland Acid Sulphate Soil Technical
Manual.
Port design and dredging (if required) is appropriate
with regard to managing potential acid sulphate soils.
The extent of impact associated with port
developments altering hydrodynamics of adjacent
marine waters will be assessed at detailed design stage
based on modelling outputs.
Appropriate port and vessel management will be in
place, wherever practical.

Minimise risk of acid

sulphate soils
disturbance

Criteria

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

If necessary, a monitoring
program will be developed and
implemented prior to the
operation stage.

Records of monitoring data to be

kept. Treatment required if water
unsuitable for reuse or release.

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Where risk of disturbance is

identified, monitor pH of soils
and/or runoff from areas.

Where there is determined to be a

risk of disturbance, avoid where
possible, or otherwise remediate or
treat soils as per guidelines.

NA

NA

NA

NA

Further investigation of the

sediment will occur at the
proposed port prior to sediment
disturbance to provide baseline
information for monitoring and to
inform remediation if required.
Monitor compliance with Waste
Management Plan.

Where exceedences are indicated

through monitoring, the potential
for remediation will be investigated
and port and vessel management
shall be reviewed.

Monitor relevant parameters at

waste water discharge point.

PAGE 44

Regular internal audits of the Waste

Management Plan will be
undertaken to inform and update
procedures.
Further treatment required to be
implemented if ongoing noncompliance with waste water design

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Food scraps and other litter will be collected and

transported to landfill (or composted where practical)
on-site, while the rest of the solid wastes and litter can
be properly stored and transported from mine areas to
delegated waste disposal facilities off-site. Wood will
be salvaged or composted.
Water quality monitoring will be conducted of
bacteria and related parameters considered likely to
impact community water resources.

Inspect work areas to ensure litter

is stored and collected properly.

waste.

Impacts to protected areas

Avoid impacts to
protected areas.

Mining activities will not be undertaken in the Guere

Forest Conservation and Marine Protected Area or
near any streams/rivers to the west of the Lombarie
River that drain into the Ruruvai Hunting/Fishing
Area. Indirect impacts to marine protected areas will
be significantly reduced through the above
management actions for water and sediment quality.

As mining progresses, monitor

catchments of community water
supply that may be affected by
activities and require water
quality monitoring.
NA

PAGE 45

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

criteria.
NA

NA

NA

5.3.3

Aquatic Ecology
The environmental values, potential impacts and risks, and mitigation measures for freshwater and
marine ecology are summarised in this section, and further described in Chapter 4 and the Impact
Assessment Report Marine Ecology and Impact Assessment Report Freshwater Surface Water
Ecology.

5.3.3.1

Environmental Values

5.3.3.1.1

Freshwater

The environmental values of freshwater ecosystems within the Choiseul Island survey area were
high, and consistent with those of the wider Solomon Islands region. High environmental values
were primarily related to the perennial nature of most waterways, which provides environmental
flow and typically good water quality and connectivity for the movement of aquatic biota.
Streams were characterised by intact riparian vegetation, limited erosion of bed and banks, stable
sediment, high habitat diversity, and a lack of exotic species. The substrate at most sites was
dominated by boulders, cobbles and pebbles, with some bedrock and gravel.
Aquatic flora was uncommon. Waterways within the survey area supported a high diversity of
aquatic fauna, including a number of fish species. Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities of the
Solomon Islands are diverse, with many endemic species.
There is one locally protected area that includes freshwater habitats; the Guere Forest Conservation
and Marine Protected Area is situated on the Nguare River on the southern coast of Choiseul Island. .
Local villagers also identified an important hunting and fishing area that extends into the western part
of the tenement, the Ruruvai Hunting/Fishing Area, which fringes the Oaka Harbour.

5.3.3.1.2

Marine Waters

Marine ecosystems of the survey area are dominated by extensive mangrove forests and coral reefs,
together with rocky and sandy shorelines, seagrass meadows and bare substrate. These marine
ecosystems support diverse flora and fauna and have high environmental value. During the baseline
survey, habitat condition was mostly good with some degradation due to human influences (e.g.
mangrove clearing and some siltation of reefs due to sediment-laden runoff from rivers downstream
of logging tracks).
There are at least 40 species of marine flora and fauna listed on the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species that occur, or may occur on occasion,
in the survey area, including:

ten (10) mangrove species

eight seagrass species

seven fish species

six mollusc species

six reptile species, including five turtle species and one crocodile species

three marine mammal species, including two whale species and one dugong species.

There are several corals listed on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered (e.g. Acropora spp.) that
may occur in the survey area.
No known exotic biota were recorded.

PAGE 46

Villagers at Choiseul Island rely on marine ecosystems for food and income. During the baseline
survey, local villagers identified several important marine areas in and adjacent to the Project area,
including:

the Ruruvai Hunting/Fishing Area fringing Oaka Harbour

the Kozongangara Fishing Area to the southwest of Boeboe

the Guere Forest Conservation Area and Marine Protected Area (local landowners are working
with the Natural Resources Development Foundation, World Wildlife Foundation and the
Solomon Islands Government to protect this area)

the Tabubiru Soi Conservation Island, which has been set aside as a refuge for turtles, saltwater
crocodiles, fish and trochus shells

Muzo Island and Nganasa protected areas offshore of Pelolata Island, which have been set aside
as a refuge for turtles and birds.

Additional conservation features such as turtle nesting habitats, bait fishing grounds and fish
spawning areas were identified by the LLCTC.

5.3.3.2

Potential Impacts
Potential impacts of the Project on freshwater ecosystems were considered to include:

increased turbidity (and suspended solids) and subsequent sedimentation due to vegetation
clearing, earthworks and construction of waterway crossings

increased turbidity and consequent sedimentation due to port construction activities, including
excavation, dredging (if required), spoil handling, pile driving and reclamation

loss of catchment area and changes to flow regimes due to the construction of mine areas, water
supply dams, ponds for sediment capture and supporting infrastructure, including installation of
waterway crossings and consequent impacts to aquatic fauna passage

loss of habitat for aquatic fauna due to vegetation clearing and earthworks

direct loss of marine habitat through reclamation (and dredging if required) for the port facilities,
and indirect loss of marine habitat due to altered hydrodynamics in marine waters adjacent to
port facilities

spills of hydrocarbons and other potential contaminants from operation of vehicles, mine
machinery, and transport or handling of materials/substances (including nickel ore)

nutrient enrichment and release of other contaminants through stormwater runoff. discharge of
waste water, and disturbance of nutrient-rich marine sediment around port areas

disturbance of acid sulphate or potential acid sulphate sediment or contaminated sediment

during dredging (if required) or construction of the port facilities

acid mine drainage

altered marine hydrodynamics, and subsequent flushing, erosion and sedimentation

increased noise, vibration and human activity within and around the port facilities

increased leaching of antifoul paints due to increased vessel traffic around port areas

increased mosquito and biting midge populations due to creation of new breeding habitat

introduction of marine pests through ballast water and hull fouling

PAGE 47

introduction of litter and waste into rivers, streams and marine waters

increased fishing pressure due to increased harvesting of marine resources by local villagers to
sell to mining camps

impacts to species of conservation significance

impacts to protected areas.

There is also a potential positive impact in the gain of artificial habitat for marine biota within the
port facilities.

5.3.3.3

5.3.3.4

Management Objectives

Take all reasonable and practicable measures to minimise short and long-term soil erosion and
the adverse effects of sediment transport.

Operations and rehabilitation are staged and progressive.

Spills are contained and remediated with no adverse impacts to aquatic ecosystems

Minimise removal of critical aquatic habitat or threatened species populations.

Acid mine drainage is monitored and controlled.

Management Strategies
Proposed actions for managing potential impacts to freshwater and marine ecology, and associated
facilities, staging, monitoring and corrective actions, are provided in Table 5-4.

PAGE 48

Table 5-4 Aquatic Ecology Management Strategies

Construction

Increased turbidity and

subsequent sedimentation
in freshwater

Loss of catchment area and

changes to flow regimes

NA

Loss of habitat for aquatic

fauna

Minimise impacts to
freshwater aquatic
fauna.

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Infrastructure

Criteria

Port

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

NA

Minimise loss of
marine habitat.

Refer to Table 5-3 Water Quality and Flow

Management Strategies, including appropriate
erosion and sediment control design and
implementation, staged vegetation clearing,
earthworks and mining, progressive rehabilitation
during and post-mining, development of Dredge
Management Plan if required, and monitoring.
Refer to Table 5-3 Water Quality and Flow
Management Strategies for additional actions,
including culverts designed and installed in all
stream barriers with consideration of fish or other
aquatic fauna passage, discharges from sediment
control dams to coincide with natural flows, and
long-term remediation of catchments.
Appropriate management of erosion and sediment
control, mine runoff and catchment flows will be
implemented to protect freshwater habitats
downstream of disturbances.
Habitat such as woody debris, riparian flora and
boulders to be salvaged for relocation to other
waterways during construction and operation of the
mine.
Seasonal (biannual) surveys to be undertaken to
monitor aquatic habitat, flora, macroinvertebrates,
macrocrustaceans and fish in streams and rivers (in
accordance with baseline survey methods).
Port facility locations to be selected to minimise
impacts to sensitive marine habitats.
If dredging planned, appropriate design of dredging
methods will be used and a Dredge Management
Plan will be implemented where necessary.
Indirect loss of marine biota from suspension of fine
sediments will be reduced by restricting vessel
operation and manoeuvring around coral reefs.

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Inspect waterways prior to construction of

stream crossings for salvage potential.

NA

Monitoring will be undertaken

downstream of sediment disturbance and
reduced catchment areas, as well as in
control sites unlikely to be impacted by
the project (recommended three sites).
NA

Monitoring results to identify

sources of impacts and
inform procedures and
management plans.

NA

NA

NA

NA

PAGE 49

NA

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Seasonal (biannual) monitoring of marine biota of

coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows,
benthic infaunal invertebrates, and fish and fisheries
(in accordance with baseline survey methods).

Provide habitat offsets

or rehabilitation where
impacts cannot be
avoided or minimised.

Spills of hydrocarbons and

other potential
contaminants

NA

Nutrient enrichment

NA

NA

NA

Disturbance of acid
sulphate soil or other
contaminated sediments
Acid mine drainage

Management Action

Environmental offsets or compensatory activities

may be used to address any remaining habitat loss
impacts.
Where possible, mangrove habitats around the port
area will be rehabilitated and/or allowed to
regenerate following the decommissioning and
dismantling of facilities.
Refer to Table 5-3 Water Quality and Flow
Management Strategies, including appropriate
techniques for fuel, oil, ore and chemical use to be
undertaken, Handling and Spill Management Plan
and Waste Management Plan, such as through
secure storage, stockpile runoff control measures,
and limiting volume of substances stored.
Refer to Table 5-3 Water Quality and Flow
Management Strategies, including appropriate
erosion and sediment control, stormwater/drainage
management, treatment of waste water to WHO
standards, and implementation of Dredge
Management Plan if required.
Refer to Table 5-3 Water Quality and Flow
Management Strategies, including testing of marine
sediments or potential acid sulphate soils to be
disturbed and implement management measures
and/or treatment of sediments where applicable.
Refer to Table 5-3 Water Quality and Flow

Monitoring

Parameters to include health, abundance

and distribution of marine biota.
Monitoring will be undertaken
downstream of sediment disturbance, in
marine ecosystems, as well as in control
sites unlikely to be impacted by the
Project.
Routine water quality monitoring will also
be undertaken.
Any offset areas provided will be initially
surveyed to assess the existing ecological
values and a monitoring program will be
developed to determine the created or
restored ecological values.
Monitor natural re-establishment of
mangroves around port facilities.

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Monitoring results to identify

sources of impacts and
inform procedures and
management plans.
Monitor until activities cease
and/or water quality returns
to background conditions.

Annual reporting of the

condition and protection of
offset areas.
Record areas of mangroves
removed and their potential
for re-establishment.

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

PAGE 50

Altered marine
hydrodynamics and
subsequent flushing,
erosion and sedimentation
Increased noise, vibration
and human activity

Antifoul leaching

Increased mosquito and

biting midge breeding

Adequately assess
impacts of altered
hydrodynamics.

Reduce risk of collision

between boats and
fauna.
Reduce impacts of
noise on fauna.

NA

Minimise extent of
mosquito and midge
breeding habitat.

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Infrastructure

Stage

Introduced marine pests

Litter and waste

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Minimise the
introduction of marine
pests.

NA

Management Strategies, including testing of soils to

be disturbed by mining and possible development of
Acid Mine Drainage Management Plan if required.
The extent of impact associated with port
developments altering hydrodynamics of adjacent
marine waters will be assessed at detailed design
stage based on modelling outputs.
Speed limits to be set and enforced throughout the
port areas, and particularly close to critical habitats.
Where practical, curtains and jackets, and pile cap
cushions will be used to mitigate noise from
construction activities such as pile driving.
Refer to Table 5-3 Water Quality and Flow
Management Strategies, including restrictions on use
or interference with antifoul paints containing
tributyltin or copper, drainage management, and
waste management procedures.
The extent of shallow water and aquatic vegetation
will be reduced if modified by the Project.
Natural control using native larvivorous fishes
(which feed on mosquito larvae) will be used where
necessary.
Appropriate operation and management of the port
and vessels shall be undertaken, including:

manage hull fouling

implement a ballast water management plan
exchanging ballast water in the open ocean
adhering to IMO ballast water management
procedures such as efficiency of 95%
volumetric exchange and ballast water
management systems to achieve an agreed
number of organisms per unit volume, and
completing a ballast water record book
Refer to Table 5-3 Water Quality and Flow
Management Strategies, including implementation of

NA

NA

SMM Solomon port management will

monitor vessel speeds throughout port.
NA

Evidence of boat collision on

observed dead fauna will be
recorded.
NA

NA

NA

Monitor sites for additional possible

breeding habitats in stagnant, shallow
ponding of water.
NA

NA
NA

Seasonal (biannual) monitoring of marine

biota to include presence and distribution
of introduced marine pests.

Where new marine pests are

observed, the potential for
their control will be
investigated and port and
vessel management shall be
reviewed.

NA

NA

PAGE 51

Impacts to species of
conservation significance

Operation

Infrastructure

Stage
Construction

Increased fishing pressure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Impacts to protected areas

Reduce impacts
associated with
increased fishing
pressure.

Reduce impacts to
spotted flagtails.

Criteria

Minimise impacts to
threatened marine
species.

Minimise indirect
impacts to protected
areas.

Management Action

a Waste Management Plan.

Appropriate measures to reduce fishing pressure,
including:

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Monitor fish resources through

community consultation program.

NA

Monitoring of flow (and water quality) will

be undertaken in streams with potentially
altered flows, that is downstream of areas
with a loss of catchment due to mine
areas and in association with stream
barriers.
NA

Modify upstream barriers if

necessary to improve flow or
habitat areas.

Inspect waterways prior to construction of

stream crossings for salvage potential.

NA

NA

NA

Seasonal (biannual) monitoring of marine

biota to include presence and distribution
of marine species of conservation
significance.

Where significant species are

observed, protection
measures and port and vessel
management will be
reviewed.

NA

NA

management of trade between local fisherman

and SMM Solomon
working with local stakeholders to manage
fishing resources (e.g. protected areas), and
discussions for offsets for loss of fishing grounds
due to port construction.
Waterway crossings and diversions to be designed to
facilitate fish passage and promote water flow.

Appropriate water/environmental flows will be

allowed for from the water supply dam.
Boulders and woody debris to be salvaged during
vegetation clearing and earthworks and introduced
into streams to provide additional habitat.
Implementation of mitigation measures for water
quality protection, such as erosion and sediment
controls, maintained drainage and flow, and
protecting aquatic fauna habitat.
Impacts will be minimised through protection of
upstream, coastal and marine water quality and
other measures related to erosion and sediment
control, management of acid sulphate soils,
maintaining marine habitat, limiting indirect impacts
on fauna, and managing fishing pressure.
Mining activities will not be undertaken in the
Guere Forest Conservation and Marine Protected
Area or near any streams/rivers to the west of the
Lombarie River that drain into the Ruruvai
Hunting/Fishing Area. Indirect impacts to marine
protected areas will be significantly reduced through
the above management actions for water and

PAGE 52

NA

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

sediment quality.
Impacts to aquatic habitat and biota within protected
areas will be minimised through protection of
upstream, coastal and marine water and sediment
quality, as provided for in above actions.

If applicable, monitoring in designated

habitat within protected area will be done
to determine if impacts occurring.

Monitoring results to identify

sources of impacts and
inform procedures and
management plans.

PAGE 53

5.3.4

Terrestrial Ecology
The environmental values, potential impacts and risks, and mitigation measures for terrestrial ecology
are summarised in this section, and further described in Chapter 4 and the Impact Assessment Report
Terrestrial Ecology.

5.3.4.1

Environmental Values

5.3.4.1.1

Flora

The vegetation within the Project tenement remains relatively intact with over 50% of the areas still
covered with old growth forest. Some portions of the tenement are disturbed areas currently being
utilised by the local communities as gardens and/or source of logs for domestic use, or are
regenerating forest following logging concessions (covers about 6,264 ha or 33% of the tenement).
Two major vegetation communities have been identified within the tenement:

Forest over ultramafic/ultrabasic rocks, or ironwood forest (represents about 55% or 10,561 ha of
the tenement). Xanthostemon melanoxylon (ironwood) occurs as the dominant species within
either monotypic (single species) stands of small-statured trees or freely intermixed as large
canopy trees with Gymnostoma sp., Dacrydium sp., Podocarpus sp. and two distinct species of
palms (Hydriastele hombronii and Actinorhtyis calapparia).

Lowland rainforest from coastal flat areas extending to the lowland ridges or hills (500 m above
sea level) (represents about 41% or 7,835 ha of the tenement). Mainly composed of Astronidium
sp., Finschia sp. and other readily discernible elements of lowland forest species. At ecotonal
boundaries between forest over ultrabasic/ultramafic rocks and lowland forest, Xanthostemon
sp., Hydriastele sp. and Gymnostoma sp. were still present, but were found in much reduced
numbers. Its low lying distribution makes it more prone to disturbance, therefore regrowth and
secondary growth areas are common.

A total of 125 flora species were identified from the 145 specimens collected within the tenement.
A single threatened species (Calophyllum obscurum) based on the 2011 IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species was recorded from the Project area. Moreover, two possibly new orchid species
(Diplocaulobium sp. and Dendrobium sp.) that may be new to science were observed.

5.3.4.1.2

Fauna

The fauna diversity within the project site is relatively high with a total of 88 species recorded (13
amphibians, 20 reptiles, 46 birds and nine mammals). Recorded species represent at least 39% of the
species known to occur on Choiseul Island. Most of these species are classed as very common,
common, fairly common, moderately common and abundant. Three IUCN listed threatened species,
Palmatorappia solomonis (Solomon Islands palm frog), Haliaeetus sanfordi (Solomon sea eagle) and
Nesasio solomonensis (fearful owl) were also confirmed to occur within the tenement.
There are at least 11 confirmed threatened fauna species within Choiseul Island. Of these, three were
recorded by this study within the tenement, and five species (i.e. three very likely and two possibly
present species) have the potential to occur on Choiseul Island and the tenement based on known
range distribution and habitat preference.
The tenement exhibits high endemicity with 37 of the recorded species (42% of the total) and two of
the recorded subspecies restricted to the Solomon Islands in distribution. The remaining 47 recorded
species (54% of the total) are native to the Solomon Islands but are not endemics. Moreover, two
species are introduced.

PAGE 54

There are 35 species composed of eight amphibians, nine reptiles, 10 birds and eight mammals
selected as noteworthy species. Except for 17 species with distribution extending from Bismarck
Archipelago to Bougainville and/or Buka, all the other selected noteworthy species are restricted
(endemic) to the Solomon Islands in distribution.

5.3.4.1.3

Protected Areas

The Guere Forest Conservation and Marine Protected Area is located at the southern extent of the
tenement. GFCMPA was established based on local community consultations and is not a declared
protected area under the Protected Areas Act 2010 of the Solomon Islands.
As a result of stakeholder mapping workshops, 10% and a 20% target options for key conservation
protection and management areas have been identified (by TNC through the Ridges to Reefs
Conservation Plan for Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands (TNC, 2010) in partnership with the
LLCTC). As a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Solomon Islands is
required to set aside at least 10% of their country in protected areas to slow the global loss of
biodiversity.

5.3.4.2

Potential Impacts
The key impacts to terrestrial ecological values identified were:

habitat removal resulting in habitat transformation and/or loss

habitat fragmentation

edge effects

pollution of local habitats

overhunting and uncontrolled vegetation clearing due to increased human population

indirect impacts including:

5.3.4.3

increased noise generated by chainsaws, traffic, excavation machinery, some blasting,

generators and general operational machinery

increased artificial light at night that can potentially have adverse effects on wildlife

vehicle strike of wildlife due to new and increased road lengths requiring fauna to cross and
the increased numbers of vehicles operating

dust emissions

erosion impacting riparian habitats due to high rainfall combined with earthworks activities
such as mining and excavations, construction of roads and tracks, and infrastructure

increase in predation due to reduced cover or change in habitat, and

accidental introduction of invasive species, weeds, feral animals and/or exotic species.

Management Objectives

Habitat removal, modification and fragmentation is minimised.

Indirect impacts from construction and operation activities are minimised.

Rehabilitation progressively restores ecosystem function where possible.

PAGE 55

5.3.4.4

Management Strategies
Proposed actions for managing potential impacts to terrestrial ecology, and associated facilities,
staging, monitoring and corrective actions, are provided in Table 5-5.

PAGE 56

Table 5-5 Terrestrial Ecology Management Strategies

Port

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Infrastructure

Stage

Haulage

Habitat removal resulting in

habitat transformation and/or
loss

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Areas of conservation
significance are
avoided where
possible.

Progressive clearing,
mining and
rehabilitation methods
are implemented.

The Guere Conservation Forest and Marine

Protected Area will be excluded from the mine
lease area.

Ongoing liaising with relevant

stakeholders will be undertaken
regarding the avoidance of this area.

NA

Mine deposits west of the Lombarie River will be

removed from the mine plan for conservation
purposes.
Mine areas and proposed infrastructure will cover
very specific areas within the tenement, and
remaining large tracts of natural vegetation and
habitat areas will be retained and protected from
direct disturbance by the Project, thereby ensuring
that they continue to serve as biodiversity refuges.
Forested areas between mine sites will be
maintained as ecological corridors wherever
possible.
A rapid critical fauna habitat assessment will be
undertaken in potential infrastructure areas (e.g.
locations for stockpiles, accommodation, etc.) to
determine if there is critical habitat, particularly for
endemic and threatened species.

Ongoing liaising with relevant

stakeholders will be undertaken
regarding the avoidance of this area.
NA

NA

Where critical fauna habitats are

identified within the Project area, an
assessment will be undertaken to
determine whether these can be
avoided.

Individual mining blocks within a mine area will

be designed to measure 50 x 50 m aligned along
working panels. Mining in blocks will limit the
areas of disturbance at a given time and will allow
terrestrial fauna inhabiting the immediate
surrounding block to move further towards the
adjacent habitat to be retained.
The limits of clearing for each 50 x 50 m block
will be clearly shown on plans and on the ground
(e.g. by using flagging tapes and signage) during
construction and operation.

Progress of mining will be continuously

monitored in order to plan further
clearing and rehabilitation activities.

Where avoidance is possible, the

critical fauna habitat will be
shown clearly on plans and
relevant staff will be made aware
of their locations and protection
measures.
NA

Relevant staff to be made aware of

boundaries prior to commencing
clearing.

PAGE 57

NA

If clearing beyond limits occurs,

revise on-site marking and reestablish awareness of staff.

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Management Action

Design and implementation of Erosion and

Sediment Control Plan will occur during the
construction and operations of the mining areas,
haul roads, and infrastructure, including surface
protection measures to stabilise the soil, topsoil
management, and sediment control.
A pre-clearing procedure or protocol will be
prepared prior to construction stage that will
contain detailed protocols to reduce impacts to the
surrounding areas and resident fauna during
clearing. It will include handling and management
procedures for fauna, habitat features, cut logs,
seed collection activities, and sustainable practices
in disposing vegetation waste. For each mine
block, the pre-clearing protocol will provide an
inventory of trees to be removed.
Where feasible, checking of trees and
microhabitats for the presence of fauna (with
particular focus on threatened and endemic
species) will be conducted prior to felling, with
safe removal and relocation of wildlife into nearby
similar habitat to be retained. Transportable
habitat features, such as large logs and boulders,
will be placed in adjacent habitat areas to be
retained to re-establish potential fauna refuge sites.
Where feasible, native seeds and wildlings will be
collected prior to clearing and propagated for use
in later revegetation activities. A plant nursery will
be established for seedling production and
research to facilitate rehabilitation of mined areas.
Infrastructure to be decommissioned may be
dismantled and rehabilitated so as to revert the
land to its original use. Specific areas may be
converted to other uses following
disturbance/mining (e.g. agroforestry, plantation,
gardens or protection areas). There may also be

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Regular inspections of erosion and

sediment controls and monitoring of
water quality and sediments as per
monitoring plans.

NA

Monitor clearing works to assess

compliance with pre-clearing protocol.

Record areas of clearing.

NA

Record impacts to fauna during

clearing activities, including
relocations, injury or death.

Local forester/s shall be engaged to

oversee and manage the collection, and
eventual revegetation or regeneration
activities, as appropriate.

Record details of seed and

wildlings collections made.

Monitor community consultation

processes for desired outcomes of
decommissioning.

NA

PAGE 58

Record tree inventory and assess

potentially significant species to
be relocated or transplanted.

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage

Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

infrastructure that is retained.

Mine access roads will be progressively
rehabilitated as areas are mined out and they are
no longer required. This will include removal of
sheeting and ditches, regrading, erosion and
sediment control measures, restoration of
watercourse crossings, topsoil application, vetiver
planting or hydroseeding where needed.
An offset option to compensate for mine blocks
that cannot be readily restored in terms of
vegetation is the regeneration/revegetation of
logged over areas within the tenement.
Regeneration/revegetation offsets will be
progressive and will commence once mine blocks
that cannot be rehabilitated are identified.
Rehabilitation techniques will vary depending on
the site-specific characteristics and degree of
degradation of an area, as follows:

regeneration may be done that may include

protecting the area from further disturbance
(e.g. through community engagement),
topsoil management, allowing natural
processes to continue for vegetation to
develop and recover naturally, and potential
hydroseeding (an option to be investigated)
enrichment plantings may be used to enhance
growth of emerging vegetation, for which
species with known ecosystem function will
be raised in large numbers and planted
between natural vegetation, or
agroforestry plantings to incorporate the use
of food crops/trees, including pure stand
gardens of timber species as appropriate.

Monitoring of the effectiveness of

rehabilitation techniques and
requirements for maintenance.

Each offset area will be monitored to

ensure that conditions have improved
over time in terms of vegetation cover,
native plant species composition,
survival rate of out-planted seedlings
and/or wildlings, and flora and fauna
species richness and diversity.
Ecosystem Function Analysis or similar
technique will be undertaken to allow
changes in species composition and
structure over time to be identified and
the effectiveness of rehabilitation
activities to be assessed.

PAGE 59

Internal performance of
rehabilitation will be reviewed
quarterly to half-yearly.
Rehabilitation areas will be
maintained as required to
promote establishment of
vegetation, such as suppression of
weeds.
Maintain offset areas if required
for rehabilitation, such as through
surface stabilisation, weed control
or supplementary plantings.

Internal performance of the

rehabilitation strategy will be
reviewed quarterly to half-yearly.
Rehabilitation areas will be
maintained as required to
promote establishment of
vegetation, such as suppression of
weeds.

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Management Action

A vegetation monitoring program will be

established to determine the scale of the
ecological impact on species and habitats and
quantify the change in biodiversity over time in
the Project area. The monitoring sites will be
established in areas of vegetation both within and
proximal to disturbance areas. The monitoring
program will include the following:

Monitoring

Monitor appropriateness of sites

selected for vegetation monitoring
program (e.g. in terms of disturbances
occurring).

Information collected during

monitoring will be used in
adaptive management, in order to
continually improve the
outcomes of regeneration and
long-term land management, and
will form a valuable baseline of
data to measure the success of
mine rehabilitation.

Monitor appropriateness of fauna

selected as indicators of habitat change.

Monitoring results will be used to

highlight areas and provide
recommendations for
improvement if mitigation
measures are found to be
inadequate.

Monitor implementation of package

through community consultation
process.

Identify and include issues

requiring further education for
communities or staff.

a series of 20 x 20 m monitoring quadrats

established in areas within and outside the
disturbance area
several fixed photograph points and
photographs taken from each monitoring
point in order to document the change in the
site over time, and
sampling of both the canopy and the
understorey vegetation in each quadrat.
Monitoring will be undertaken of selected
threatened flora and fauna species in order to
identify whether populations are being impacted
by the Project. Fauna species targeted for
monitoring will be responsive to habitat change.
Monitoring will include:

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

verification of potential impacts to threatened

species
changes in population numbers over time,
and
rating the success of implemented mitigation
and conservation measures.
An environmental education package for the
nearby local communities and the Project staff will
be prepared and implemented in collaboration
with stakeholders to highlight the importance of
the existing biodiversity within the tenement and

PAGE 60

Habitat fragmentation and

edge effects reducing habitat
value of forests remaining
around development,
including increased predation
Pollution of local habitats

Over hunting and

uncontrolled vegetation
clearing due to population
influx issues and over
crowding

Generation of excessive noise

reducing habitat usage and
disturbing fauna

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage

Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Choiseul Island. Educational topics will include

impacts of unsustainable forest use and alternative
sustainable uses, as well as active measures and
participation opportunities such as rehabilitation
and monitoring programs.
Refer to above management actions.

No impacts to habitats
from contaminant
pollution.

Control use of natural

resources in the Project
area.

Minimise noise
generation adjacent
habitat areas.

All potential pollutant materials (such as fuel, oil

and chemicals) will be appropriately stored (e.g. in
bunded facilities) and handled as per the Projects
Handling and Spill Management Plan.
Wastes will be stored, handled and disposed of in
accordance with the Waigani Convention and the
Projects Waste Management Plan, including solid
non-hazardous and hazardous wastes.
Potential contaminated materials will be
appropriately treated or disposed of prior to being
released to receiving environments.
Policy and Surface Access Right agreement will be
implemented that provides access and hunting
within the Project area to relevant communities.
Signs restricting access to resources or areas may
also be erected.
A strict no hunting and forest clearing rule will be
implemented among Project staff. An
environmental education package for the nearby
local communities and the Project staff will be
prepared and implemented.
The speed of vehicles will be limited on all roads.
Equipment movements will be scheduled to avoid
sensitive times (e.g. night time) wherever possible.
All vehicle and plant operators will be made
aware of the location of sensitive receptors and

Assess potential for any spills to impact

habitat areas.

Take further action to protect

habitat area where possible.

Assess potential for any improperly

handled waste to impact habitat areas.

Take further action to protect

habitat area where possible.

Monitor level of contaminant prior to

release (e.g. water quality or soil levels).

Treat further if necessary prior to

release.

Monitor which local communities are

accessing Project areas.

Communicate access and

resource restrictions with staff and
local communities.

NA

NA

Monitor condition of roads and

movements of vehicles.

Roads will be maintained as

necessary.

PAGE 61

Increased level of artificial

light

Vehicle strikes

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Minimise artificial light

impacts on fauna.

Low rate of vehicle

strike of fauna.

Dust emissions

Excessive soil erosion impact

on riparian habitats

Management Action

the procedures for minimising noise.

All vehicles, plant and machinery will be
maintained in proper working order to avoid
unnecessary engine or exhaust noise.
If feasible, anti-glare lighting will be used to
minimise disruption to vision of nocturnal wildlife
(e.g. bats, owls, giant rats, etc.).
If feasible, anti-glare lighting sleeves or shields will
be used to control/manage direction of light from
vehicle headlights.
If feasible, light sources with directional lighting
and screens will be used to focus light on
operations only.
Design of roads to be relatively low speed.

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Keep a servicing schedule for all

machinery and vehicles.

Maintain or repair machinery as

necessary.

Monitor impacts to nocturnal fauna

from artificial lighting.

Implement alternative lighting

measures if high disturbance
evident.
If high rates of vehicle strikes of
fauna, investigate increased use of
anti-glare or diversion of fauna.
Implement alternative lighting
measures if high disturbance
evident.
NA

Monitor vehicle strikes or other

evidence of fauna crossings.
Monitor impacts to nocturnal fauna
from artificial lighting.
NA

Road rules will be clearly conveyed through driver

training and signage, and strictly enforced as a
component of the Project safety policies and
procedure.
Specific mitigation to be designed and
implemented if required for areas where
frequency of wildlife strikes is found to be high.

Monitor driver behaviour, including in

relation to native fauna crossing roads.

NA

Wildlife accident trends will be

monitored to determine species prone
to vehicular strikes, specific areas where
accidents commonly take place and at
what time of day.

Drivers will report incidents

concerning wildlife.

Dust generated from vehicular traffic and material

handling activities will be controlled by
management of vehicle speeds and/or application
of water for dust suppression, particularly during
windy/dry conditions.
Engineering design and surface protection
measures will be implemented during the

Monitoring activities for sensitive

receptors will be as per Air Quality
Monitoring Plan.
NA

Areas with high incident rates will

require specific mitigation (e.g.
exclusion fencing, culvert or
underpass, suppression of
attractive vegetation that could
provide food, shelter or nesting
sites).
NA

NA

PAGE 62

Accidental introduction of
invasive species, weed, feral
animals and/or exotic species

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage

Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

construction and operations of the mining areas,

haul roads, and infrastructure to stabilise the soil.
Construction and mining will be carried out in
stages to minimise the area that will be disturbed
at one time.
Progressive rehabilitation in the form of backfilling
of overburden, topsoil management and
regeneration/ revegetation activities will be
conducted as mining progresses.
Sediment traps and basins will be constructed
downslope of clearing and earthworks to minimise
sediment-laden runoff entering receiving
environments.
All ships prior to entry will be compliant with
Solomon Islands quarantine procedures and
relevant operating practices.
Monitoring activities will include weeds invading
forest adjacent mine areas and increases in
number of predators, pests, species not originally
part of the local assemblage (introduced species).

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Monitor shipping compliance with

quarantine procedures.
NA

If a possible introduced species

has been detected, an
investigation will be carried-out
to ascertain its place of origin and
possible mode of
introduction/transfer.

PAGE 63

5.3.5

Air Quality
The environmental values, potential impacts and risks, and mitigation measures for air quality are
summarised in this section, and further described in Chapter 4 and the Impact Assessment Report
Air Quality.

5.3.5.1

Environmental Values
The Solomon Islands have relatively few sources of pollution. The majority of the population (85%)
operates on a subsistence economy of farming and fishing. The main industries are timber and
mining, with tourism as an important source of income. As such, the main sources of pollution
would be combustion emissions from the burning of solid fuels.
There are 28 sensitive receptors identified within the study area.

5.3.5.2

Potential Impacts
The CALPUFF dispersion model was used to estimate potential ground level concentrations of total
suspended particulates (TSP), particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10), particulate matter less
than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), deposited dust and heavy metals. Predicted emissions from the mining
operations are based around the proposed operational activities and publically available emission
factors. Existing environmental pollutant monitoring for Choiseul Island was also undertaken.
Potential impacts from the mining operations are based around the comparison of predicted
cumulative dust concentration at potentially affected receptors with regulatory criteria which are
aimed at protecting human health.
Construction activities are considered to be short-term and intermittent in nature. The emissions from
mining and associated operational activities are assumed to be greater than those of the construction
stage.
The primary potential impacts from the Project are considered to be dust emissions generated by:

construction of roads, port, and infrastructure

material excavation and truck loading

dumping material onto stockpile or into void

stockpile caused by wind erosion

machinery working stockpiles or voids

reclaiming stockpiles and loading onto short-haul trucks

road vehicles agitating soil while hauling material on unsealed roads

dumping ore into screening plant

screening plant operations

loading ore onto barge

transferring ore from barge to ship.

For the preliminary modelling undertaken, exceedences of the amenity impact assessment criteria for
TSP and dust deposition were predicted primarily in the villages surrounding the port area
(designated Port C1-2). Impacts were predicted to be above the amenity criteria of 90 g/m3 for TSP
and 2 g/m2 per month for dust deposition for the village of Keva.

PAGE 64

This elevated coarse particulate impact is expected to be due to the proximity of the village to the
port and mining activities and the predominant wind direction, which would be expected to blow
winds from the mining and port activities toward the village.
The representative worst case Choiseul scenario indicated up to 5.3 g/m3 annual TSP and 0.8 g/m2
per month annual dust deposition impacting the amenity of the Makangga village.
Exposure to particulate matter has been linked to a variety of health effects, including respiratory
problems (such as coughing, aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis) and non-fatal heart attacks.
Short-term (24-hr) elevated concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 are expected for most of the area
surrounding the Choiseul mining activities out to a distance of between 5 km to 10 km. It should be
noted that these elevated concentrations represent the worst case impacts under specific
meteorological conditions and will not occur during all time periods throughout the year.
Of the 28 receptors included in the dispersion modelling for Choiseul, 20 are predicted to
experience cumulative dust concentrations higher than the adopted PM10 24-hr criteria. An estimated
71% of the predicted occurrences of 24-hr average cumulative concentrations exceeding the criteria
occur during the wet season, suggesting a low likelihood of exceedences occurring in reality.
Long-term (annual) elevated PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were predicted to be predominantly low
with the exception of exceedences identified for the area around the C1-1 and C1-2 port areas. It
should be noted that most predicted long-term PM10 concentrations fell below 10 g/m3 (against a
criteria of 30 g/m3) with two (Keva and Kuduru) of the surrounding 28 receptor locations predicted
to exceed the long-term criteria for PM10. For the majority of villages the predicted Project
contribution to annual PM2.5 concentrations were 10% or less of the estimated existing background
annual PM2.5 concentrations.
No heavy metal concentrations (including arsenic, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, cadmium, and
nickel) are predicted to exceed the impact assessment criteria for heavy metals set by either
Queensland DERM or NSW OEH.

5.3.5.3

Management Objectives

5.3.5.4

Dust emissions and impacts on sensitive receptors are minimised.

Management Strategies
Proposed actions for managing potential impacts to air quality, and associated facilities, staging,
monitoring and corrective actions, are provided in Table 5-6.

PAGE 65

Table 5-6 Air Quality Management Strategies

Dust emissions from material

excavation, loading, and
dumping onto stockpiles

Infrastructure

Construction

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Surface of material to be worked or moved will be

watered during windy/dry conditions.
Utilise boundary water sprays while excavating in high
risk areas (e.g. if working close to sensitive receptors),
where practicable.
Machinery operators to be appropriately trained and
competent during loading and unloading activities to
minimise material drop heights.
Restrict works during periods windy/dry conditions.

Monitor site and material conditions for

watering need.
NA

Water as needed.

Ensure site inductions include

loading/unloading techniques.

NA

Monitor site conditions.

Cover stockpiles when not being actively worked or

during windy/dry conditions, where practicable.
Restrict vehicle and machinery movements to defined
road accesses.
Develop and implement an Air Quality Monitoring
Plan that includes areas of construction that are in
close proximity to sensitive receptors. Include in plan
procedures for complaints.

Monitor site operations and conditions.

Modify work practices as

needed.
Modify operations to suit
conditions.
NA

Operation

Port

Dust emissions from

construction activities

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

No dust complaints
during construction.

No dust complaints
from mine operations.

NA

Refer to above actions.

NA

Monitoring results used to

ground truth predictive
modelling. If complaint
received, conduct
monitoring at sensitive
receptor where complaint
originated. Record details
and corrective actions on
Complaint Response Form
(Appendix C).
NA

Monitor moisture content of ore

stockpiles and prior to handling during
dry periods. Prior to shipping, monitor
moisture content to ensure not too high.
Monitor site conditions.

If material moisture content

below DEM level, apply
water to stockpile or cover
load (as appropriate).
Modify work practices as

Maintain ore moisture above relevant Dust Extinction

Moisture (DEM) level 5.

Mining areas located in close proximity to receptors

Monitor PM10 and dust deposition at

pre-determined sensitive receptors and
frequencies as per plan.

NA

The moisture content at which a material is theoretically deemed to emit no dust (as per AS4156.6:2000).

PAGE 66

Dust emissions from

stockpiles

Dust emission from screening

plant dumping and
operations

No dust complaints
from material haulage.

Management Action

will be mined during wet/cool periods where possible.

Include mine area operations in close proximity to
sensitive receptors in the Air Quality Monitoring Plan.

Dust emissions from hauling

material on unsealed roads

Criteria

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage

Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

No dust complaints
from screening
operations.

Monitor PM10 and dust deposition at

sensitive receptors and frequencies as
per plan.

needed.
If complaint received,
conduct monitoring at
sensitive receptor where
complaint originated.

Works during periods of windy/dry conditions will be

minimised.
Stockpiles will be watered or covered when not being
actively worked or during windy/dry conditions.
Wind breaks will be installed around longer-term
stockpiles where practicable and able to reduce
impacts to a sensitive receptor.
Minimise haul road length during detailed design and
construction.
Apply water to roads using water trucks during
windy/dry conditions.
Apply surfactants to roads if practicable.

Monitor site conditions.

NA

Record details and

corrective actions on
Complaint Response Form
(Appendix C).
Modify operations to suit
conditions.
Modify operations to suit
conditions.
NA

NA

NA

Monitor site and road conditions.

Water as needed.

Monitor effectiveness of watering roads

for dust suppression.

Haul roads will be sealed near to sensitive receptor

where possible.

Dust monitoring may be undertaken

where haul roads near sensitive
receptors (as part of Air Quality
Monitoring Plan).
NA

Investigate appropriate
surfactants if considered
necessary.
Investigate options for
further mitigation if dust
levels high.

Use haul trucks with larger capacity to optimise

number of haul trips needed.
Limit haul road speeds. Reduce speeds during
windy/dry conditions. Reduce speeds on approach or
near to villages.
Restrict transport and access to defined roadways.
Refer to above actions for restricting works,
minimising drop heights, and applying water during
windy/dry conditions.

Monitor site and stockpile conditions.

NA

NA

NA

NA
Monitor site conditions.

NA
Modify work practices as
needed.

PAGE 67

Dust emissions from material

loading to ships

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage

Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Minimal dust emissions

during ship loading.

Refer to above actions for restricting works,

minimising drop heights, and applying water during
windy/dry conditions.
Loads will be covered where possible once loaded.

Monitor site conditions.

Modify work practices as

needed.

NA

NA

PAGE 68

5.3.6

Noise
The environmental values, potential impacts and risks, and mitigation measures for noise emissions
are summarised in this section, and further described in Chapter 4 and the Impact Assessment Report
- Noise.

5.3.6.1

Environmental Values
Sensitive receptors have been identified in the Project surrounds comprising coastal pacific villages
and facilities, including:

village dwellings, comprising single and double-storey weatherboard houses and traditional
village huts

primary school and secondary school facilities located in the villages

places of worship in the villages

hospitals and clinic areas in the villages.

Noise monitoring was carried out at sites over a seven day period to characterise the ambient noise
levels in the surrounding villages adjacent to or within the mining tenement. The measured noise
levels at all monitoring locations were generally similar in characteristics. The noise environment
typically comprised noise sources of birds, insects, human activity, domestic animals and weather
effects. Villages were also exposed to short periods of noise from boats and/or helicopters accessing
the village and the use of small petrol power generators.
The monitoring data presented indicates that the background noise levels are typically higher at night
than during the daytime. Short observations during the night, and advice from local representatives,
indicated that the noise levels during the night were dominated by insect noise.
Where compliance with background noise levels is demonstrated at the nearest sensitive receptor
locations, it is expected that compliance is also achieved at locations further from the mine activities.
Based on the IFC guidelines and results of the background noise monitoring, noise criteria (as
LAeq(1h) 6) for the Project have been determined as being:

Day (7 am to 10 pm): IFC maximum level = 55, or measured background + 3 dB = 37.

Night (10 pm to 7 am): IFC maximum level = 45, or measured background + 3 dB = 45.

Therefore the lower of these criteria have been applied to the noise assessment (37 dB).

5.3.6.2

Potential Impacts
A three-dimensional noise model of the proposed project area was created in SoundPLAN (Version
7.0) environmental noise modelling software. The predicted noise emission levels from modelling
scenarios have been compared to the operational criteria.
Noise emission from mobile and fixed mining equipment during operational stage is likely to have
the most noise impact on nearby sensitive receivers. There also exists the potential for noise impacts
to surrounding sensitive receivers during the construction of all facilities and infrastructure. Less
equipment is proposed for construction than is likely to be required during operation of the mine,
therefore construction noise impacts are likely to be smaller than the forecast operational noise
levels. Equipment such as bulldozers, front end loaders and articulated trucks were predicted to
contribute the highest noise levels to nearby sensitive areas from mining operations, rigid trucks
along haul roads, as well as the grizzly screens and barges at the port.

LAeq(1h) is a 1 hour average equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level.

PAGE 69

It is also noted that noise impacts on the existing acoustic environment from potential quarry
activities may be significant, and this will be assessed at the detailed design stage.
Noise emissions from mining operational activities are forecast to result in noise levels that exceed
the Project criteria at a total of five sensitive locations over the life of the mine as follows:

Boeboe and Makala were predicted to have minor exceedance, which is unlikely to have
significant impact on building occupants

Makangga was predicted to have noise levels that are clearly audible, however would still be
likely to fall within the upper limit defined by the noise level guidelines set by the IFC

Memese and Siruku were predicted to have noise levels likely to have a significant impact, with
significant treatment required to mitigate this.

One location is forecast to exceed noise criteria from port operational noise emissions at Memese,
which may have very high impacts from the operation of Port C1.1.

5.3.6.3

5.3.6.4

Management Objectives

Reduce noise emissions from the construction and operation of the Project.

Minimise risks to sensitive receptors from noise impacts from the Project.

Management Strategies
Proposed actions for managing potential impacts from noise emissions, and associated facilities,
staging, monitoring and corrective actions, are provided in Table 5-7.

PAGE 70

Table 5-7 Noise Management Strategies

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Port

Stage

Infrastructure

Noise emissions from mine

and associated infrastructure

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Risks of noise impacts

to sensitive receptors is
assessed and designed
for.

Where possible, mining operations will be set back a

minimum of 1.5 km (if flat terrain) from sensitive
receptors to avoid noise impacts.
Set-backs may be less across hilly terrain.
Detailed noise modelling may also be carried out at
detailed design stage in order to refine noise
predictions at all sensitive receivers and finalise the
preferred treatments.
Siting of access roads will be planned as far away from
noise-sensitive receptors as possible and will be
designed with consideration of minimising
requirements for vehicle reversing.
Additional noise impacts from potential quarry
activities will be assessed at the detailed design stage
once the location and extent of such areas are
finalised.
Where a set-back cannot be provided, and there is
considered to be very high risk to a village from noise
impacts, there may need to be significant acoustic
isolation to the facades of affected houses.
Investigations into acquisitions or relocations may also
be needed.
Where a set-back cannot be provided, and there is
considered to be high risk to a village from noise
impacts, there may be a need for construction of large
noise barriers, earth berms or stockpiles to surround
mine operations, and low noise equipment used or
installation of advanced engine and exhaust noise
control equipment.
Where a set-back cannot be provided, and there is
considered to be medium risk to a village from noise
impacts, there may be a need for construction of noise
barriers, earth berms or stockpiles close to the noise

Assess potential for set-backs during

detailed design of mining operations
and infrastructure areas.

NA

Assess changes that occur at detailed

design to establish whether additional
modelling is necessary.

Include modified results in

mitigation processes.

NA

NA

Ensure detailed design incorporates

additional potentially noisy facilities
and required mitigation measures.

NA

If implemented, consideration will be

given to undertaking monitoring to
confirm compliance with noise criteria.

If measures do not comply

with criteria, investigate
alternatives for a specific
location.

If implemented, consideration will be

given to undertaking monitoring to
confirm compliance with noise criteria.

If measures do not comply

with criteria, investigate
alternatives for a specific
location.

If implemented, consideration will be

given to undertaking monitoring to
confirm compliance with noise criteria.

If measures do not comply

with criteria, investigate
alternatives for a specific
location.

PAGE 71

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

If implemented, consideration will be

given to undertaking monitoring to
confirm compliance with noise criteria.

If measures do not comply

with criteria, investigate
alternatives for a specific
location.

Further investigation into an appropriate

noise monitoring program will be
undertaken during detailed design
phase.

NA

Follow communications protocols

between Project Managers, engineers
and community consultation staff to
provide timely information.
Machinery operators will be responsible
for being aware of noise levels being
emitted during their works.
NA

If complaint received,
revise communications
protocols or their
implementation.
If noise levels considered
to be higher than usual, the
need for maintenance or
repair will be investigated.
NA

NA

NA

Monitor machinery movements close to

sensitive receivers during night-time
shifts.
General inspections to include
conditions of roads.
NA

NA

Operation

Construction

Stage

Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

source (to block line of sight), use of low noise

equipment, and advanced noise control techniques
applied.
Where a set-back cannot be provided, and there is
considered to be low risk to a village from noise
impacts, design speeds should be controlled in and
around mine and stockpile areas, road gradients
should be minimised, and appropriate noise
management techniques should be used (see below
measures).
A noise monitoring program may be considered to:

No noise complaints
from mining
construction and
operations.

assess whether plant is complying with the Project

noise criteria or if mitigation measures are
functioning as planned
confirm that the Project noise criteria are being
met at the affected sensitive receivers, or
respond to complaints from a sensitive receiver.
Local residents will be informed when excessive noise
from construction or operation is predicted to occur.

Where possible, equipment and machinery

movements will be scheduled during daylight hours.

Internal roads will be maintained as needed.

Only necessary equipment and power should be used

All vehicle and plant operators will be made aware of

locations of sensitive receptors and active measures to
be taken to limit noise during induction training.
Machinery operators to be appropriately trained and
competent for loading and unloading activities to
minimise material drop heights.
Vehicle speeds will be limited on internal roads.

PAGE 72

Maintain as necessary.
NA

Criteria

Management Action

on-site.
Vehicles and plant will not be left idling unnecessarily
and will be shut down between uses.
Low noise plant and equipment will be purchased and
used where possible.
Exhausts will be fitted with suitable mufflers.

Noise emissions from haul

roads

Vehicles, plant and machinery will be regularly

maintained to avoid unnecessary engine or exhaust
noise.

Truck operators will clear and lock tailgates after

unloading.
Vehicle warning devices such as horns should only be
used as safety precautions (not general signalling).
Where possible, noisy fixed (or semi-mobile) plant
should be located away from sensitive receptors and
potentially in a suitable enclosure or with other
measures to reduce noise emissions.
Where possible, haul roads will be set back a
minimum of 1.3 km (if flat terrain) from the nearest
village to minimise noise impacts.

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage

Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

No noise complaints
from haulage.

Set-backs may be less across hilly terrain.

Haul routes shall be designed with restricted speed
limits (particularly on approach to sensitive receptors)
and with minimal requirement for vehicle reversing.
Where a set-back cannot be provided, and there is
considered to be very high risk to a village from haul
road noise impacts, there may be need for
construction of very high noise barriers or earth berms
3-4 m above line of sight, modification of haul routes,
or acquisition or relocation of houses.

NA

NA

Compliance with the manufacturers

noise specifications should be
confirmed when the equipment arrives
at site and during commissioning.

Maintain or replace
equipment as necessary.

Testing for compliance should be

carried out periodically during
operation.
A schedule of vehicle servicing and
equipment maintenance will be used to
ensure regular maintenance is carried
out.
NA

Machinery requiring
maintenance will not be
used on-site until repaired.
NA

NA

NA

If necessary to assess impact, monitor

noise emissions from such plant.

Move or apply mitigation

measures as necessary.

Assess potential for set-backs during

detailed design of haul roads.

NA

NA

NA

If implemented, consideration will be

given to undertaking monitoring to
confirm compliance with noise criteria.

If measures do not comply

with criteria, investigate
alternatives for a specific
location.

PAGE 73

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Where a set-back cannot be provided, and there is

considered to be high risk to a village from haul road
noise impacts, there may be a need for construction of
high noise barriers or earth berms 1-2 m above line of
sight, modification of haul routes, or potential
upgrades to affected receivers.
Where a set-back cannot be provided, and there is
considered to be moderate risk to a village from haul
road noise impacts, there may be a need for using low
noise vehicles, installation of advanced truck engine
and exhaust control equipment, or construction of
noise barriers or earth berms blocking the line of sight
to the village.
Where a set-back cannot be provided, and there is
considered to be low risk to a village from haul road
noise impacts, there may be a need for using best-inclass vehicles, good maintenance procedures, and
regular grading and maintenance of roads.
Haul roads will be maintained as needed.

If implemented, consideration will be

given to undertaking monitoring to
confirm compliance with noise criteria.

If measures do not comply

with criteria, investigate
alternatives for a specific
location.

If implemented, consideration will be

given to undertaking monitoring to
confirm compliance with noise criteria.

If measures do not comply

with criteria, investigate
alternatives for a specific
location.

If implemented, consideration will be

given to undertaking monitoring to
confirm compliance with noise criteria.

If measures do not comply

with criteria, investigate
alternatives for a specific
location.

General inspections to include

conditions of roads.
Vehicle operators will be responsible
for being aware of noise levels being
emitted during their works.

Maintain as necessary.

Operation

Construction

Stage

Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Where possible, vehicles will be fitted with noise

reducing devices. Exhausts will be fitted with suitable
mufflers.

Vehicle warning devices such as horns should only be

used as safety precautions (not general signalling).
Truck operators will clear and lock tailgates after
unloading.
Vehicles will be regularly maintained to avoid
unnecessary engine or exhaust noise.

NA

If noise levels considered

to be higher than usual, the
need for maintenance or
repair will be investigated.
NA

NA

NA

A schedule of vehicle servicing will be

used to ensure regular maintenance is
carried out.

Machinery requiring
maintenance will not be
used on-site until repaired.

PAGE 74

5.3.7

Cultural Heritage
The environmental values, potential impacts and risks, and mitigation measures for cultural heritage
are summarised in this section, and further described in Chapter 4 and the Impact Assessment Report
Cultural Heritage appended to the EIS.

5.3.7.1

Cultural Heritage Values

The existing social values for the cultural heritage of SMM Solomons tenement can be divided into
values for archaeology and values for ethnography.
The National Sites Survey shows that artefact types relevant to Choiseul Island include a strong
marine material component, for example, clamshell used in the manufacture of adzes, kesa
(customary money) and other shell valuables such as ziku (clamshell armbands). It appears that the
only cultural heritage sites recorded proximal to the tenement area during this 1978 survey were
canoe landing sites along the north eastern coastline; at Rokoso, Ghimbi and Sao (Miller 1979).
The baseline studies for Choiseul Island identified eight primary cultural heritage site types associated
with the Project area:

skull sites

burial sites

skeleton sites

fort sites

sacrifice sites

ceremonial sites

heritage building sites

World War II (WWII) sites.

Skull sites, burial sites and skeleton sites can be classified together as varieties of mortuary sites;
while fort sites are a variety of settlement sites. Sacrificial and ceremonial sites can take the form of
shrines, worship sites, spirit sites, story sites, and sometimes have material components such as stone
or coral arrangements.
Cultural heritage sites were most often located on either high topographic points of the tenement
area (ridges, peaks) or adjacent to waterways (rivers, streams). No midden sites were observed during
ground survey; however the relatively limited coastline scope, combined dense vegetation and a
history of tsunami activity have likely limited the potential for both midden observation and
preservation.
Tribes and clans consulted throughout the tenement area invariably stated that all their cultural
heritage sites were of high significance to them (Crouch 2012). However, it could be said that
mortuary sites and kesa cache sites held special significance to groups (Crouch 2012). Negotiation
regarding the management and mitigation of cultural heritage sites exists, but are subject to
subsequent tribe or clan meetings involving all members of the landowning group (Crouch 2012).
Where cultural heritage sites have been previously disturbed (generally by logging activity),
representatives indicated that the undisturbed portion of the site retained high significance, while
there was some potential to negotiate further impacts to already disturbed areas (Crouch 2012).

PAGE 75

In terms of archaeological significance, settlement sites provide high potential for yielding future
insights into the nature and antiquity of Choiseul Island cultural heritage through the likelihood of
(dateable) subsurface cultural materials (Crouch 2012). Mortuary and shell valuable sites are likewise
of high archaeological significance (Crouch 2012).
In terms of ethnographic significance, language and the oral tradition attached to cultural heritage
sites provide in-depth insights into everyday lives of the inhabitants of Choiseul Island. They are also
singularly important in identifying the origin of settlement patterns and migration of Melanesian
traditions throughout the South Pacific. As well providing a rich and complex history of the ancestors
of the inhabitants of the area, the oral histories provide a complex kinship matrix which is yet to be
explored in depth.

5.3.7.2

Potential Impacts
The following impacts to existing cultural heritage values within the tenement area have the potential
to occur during the Project:

Destruction or disturbance of known cultural heritage sites, whether tangible or intangible,

which may lead to the loss of world and Solomon Islands heritage.

During earth-disturbing activities, the accidental destruction or disturbance of unknown cultural

heritage sites is possible, which may lead to the loss of world and Solomon Islands heritage.

Any mining activity within the tenement may act to further alienate the relationship of local
people to their indigenous cultural world, a process already initiated and developed through
colonialism, missionisation, and logging activities (Macdonald 2012).

Through Western influence, particularly the cash economy, people may be drawn further away
from their indigenous languages, patterns of settlement and livelihood, and increasingly towards
the externally-derived equivalents (Macdonald 2012).

The tribes and clans within SMM Solomons tenement have been, to an extent, alienated from
their indigenous culture through historical processes, and there is a very high probability that
mining activity would only deepen this process, leading to the loss of indigenous cultural
patterns (Macdonald 2012).

Should mining activity occur where there already exists a cultural heritage site, then there is the
risk that a material reminder for local people of their traditions and history may be forever
effaced (Macdonald 2012).

Disturbance, destruction or removal of cultural heritage sites may lead to the degradation of
cultural knowledge in younger generations. This may also contribute to the eventual extinction
of cultural knowledge.

Disturbance, destruction or removal of cultural heritage sites may increase the disintegration of
the social and cultural landscape within SMM Solomons tenement.

5.3.7.3

Management Objectives

Identify all known cultural heritage sites belonging to all tribes and clans within the tenement.

Avoid, where possible, all known cultural heritage sites (both tangible and intangible).

Where avoidance is not possible, manage cultural heritage sites in consultation with the tribal or
clan landowners.

PAGE 76

5.3.7.4

Management Strategies
Proposed actions for managing potential impacts to cultural heritage, and associated facilities,
staging, monitoring and corrective actions, are provided in Table 5-8. Refer to Appendix D of this
EMP for the Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP).

PAGE 77

Table 5-8 Cultural Heritage Management Strategies

Infrastructure

Construction

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Port

Stage

Haulage

Irreversible damage or
disturbance of known or
unknown cultural heritage
sites

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

No known cultural heritage

sites disturbed without
permission.

Cultural heritage surveys will be undertaken over

remainder of known sites within the tenement in
accordance with the CHMP (Appendix D) by
suitably qualified personnel and local
representatives prior to the commencement of the
construction phase.
Where practicable, known significant cultural
heritage sites will be avoided by Project works.
Site clearance, provided by the landowning tribe
or clan, will be required for each cultural heritage
site identified.

Refer to CHMP prior to and during

cultural heritage surveys to ensure
requirements complied with.

Monitoring of all earth-disturbing

activities where works are occurring
near to a known cultural heritage site
and the maintenance of established
buffer zones.

Cultural heritage report

will be prepared based on
surveys, including
locations and descriptions
of sites and site
significance matrix.
If accidental disturbance
occurs where avoidance is
required, work in the area
will cease immediately
until the site is
investigated.
Incidents involving
accidental disturbance of
known cultural heritage
sites will be reported and
recorded.

Minimal number of incidents

A site significance matrix will be developed by

suitably qualified archaeologist, anthropologist,
cultural heritage specialists and landowning tribe
or clan (the cultural heritage team), who will
determine the nature and significance of each site
and record it in the site significance matrix. Matrix
will take into account perceptions of landowners
and scientific, historic, educational and aesthetic
significance.
To prevent the accidental destruction or

Ensure all known sites assessed in site

significance matrix in accordance with
the CHMP (Appendix D).

When a chance find is identified by a

PAGE 78

Regular internal auditing of

incidents involving known
cultural heritage sites and
measures taken will be
reviewed to prevent further
incidents.
A site significance matrix.

Regular internal auditing of

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Monitor, all operations at the location

where the chance find was identified
will be halted, all operations within a
50 m radius of the chance find will be
halted, and a suitably qualified
archaeologist will be engaged to assess
the chance find.
SMM Solomon to monitor that results of
surveys contain required information
(including detailed site description,
photographs, size, typology, and
necessary buffer zones) and are
incorporated into CHMP).

incidents. Monitors will

meet the requirements of
the CHMP and have
training in the
identification of cultural
heritage materials and use
of a GPS.
All documentation will be
supplied to SMM Solomon
through an annual
summary report. A final
report will be prepared
once all earth-disturbing
activities are completed.
NA

Operation

Construction

Stage

Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

involving chance finds.

disturbance of cultural heritage sites and chance

finds, a monitor will be present at all times while
earth-disturbing activities are occurring at any
given site.

Cultural heritage sites

appropriately managed in
accordance with the CHMP.

Contractors will report to SMM Solomon all the

results of each cultural heritage survey and
integrate the results into the CHMP.

A community liaison officer will be on-site and

available at all times to undertake responsibilities
in accordance with the CHMP.

Each of the cultural heritage sites identified will

have a permanent 50 m buffer zone (radius from
the GPS point) established around it where
possible. The buffer zone will:
be disclosed to all workers and contractors
during induction
not be marked in any way because of privacy
issues, and
signify an exclusion zone from mining
activities where possible.
The CHMP will be implemented by suitably
qualified personnel and local representatives.

The CHMP will describe the training and

awareness requirements necessary for its effective
implementation. All personnel responsible for the
execution of the tasks and requirements contained
within the CHMP are competent on the basis of
education, training and experience.

The community liaison officer will be

trained by SMM Solomon in all cultural
heritage legislation and requirements, as
well as cultural development training.
Monitoring of all earth-disturbing
activities where works are occurring
near to a known cultural heritage site
and the maintenance of established
buffer zones.

Ensure new cultural heritage sites

surveyed are incorporated into the sitesignificance matrix.
SMM Solomon will ensure sufficient
resources are allocated on an ongoing
basis to achieve effective
implementation of the CHMP.

PAGE 79

Regular internal auditing of

cultural heritage site
management.

Site-significance matrix
Training associated with
the CHMP will be
appropriately documented
by means of a training
needs assessment, training
plan and records of training

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Gradual loss of relationship

of local people to their
indigenous cultural world

Impact of Western
influence, particularly the
cash economy on cultural
heritage.

Loss of indigenous cultural

patterns

Effacement of material
reminders for local people
of their traditions and
history

Gradual loss of cultural

knowledge in younger
generations

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

An archaeological salvage operation will be

carried out when a suitably qualified archaeologist
(in consultation with the landowning tribe or clan)
determines that a chance find must be salvaged as
a last resort management option.
Opportunities with tribes, clans and nongovernment organisations (with the view to
promote initiatives that foster the growth of
facilities, such as museums, art galleries, crafts and
cultural research within Choiseul Island), as well
as with the Solomon Islands Museum, will be
explored and potentially developed.
A cross cultural training program for all employees
and contractors will be developed by liaison
officer in conjunction with a suitably qualified
cultural heritage specialist. Liaison officer shall
continue to encourage members of tribes and
clans to participate in the cross cultural activities
as instructors.
Possible loss of, or restricted access to, hunting,
fishing, gathering, agricultural and cultural
heritage sites will be negotiated with affected
landowners in the Surface Access Right.

Monitoring will be undertaken to ensure

salvage operation works are carried out
appropriately.

As mentioned above, the site significance matrix

will assist in preventing the accidental loss or
disturbance of known cultural heritage sites of
significance. Also, opportunities for initiatives that
foster the growth of facilities will be explored.
Opportunities with tribes, clans and nongovernment organisations (with the view to
promote initiatives that foster the growth of
facilities, such as museums, art galleries, crafts and
cultural research within Choiseul Island) will be
explored and potentially developed.

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

undertaken.
The process and outcomes
of salvage operation works
will be documented.

Development of such initiatives will be

monitored by the liaison officer in
consultation with the individual tribes
and clans.

Consultation and planned

initiatives will be
documented and
communicated to relevant
stakeholders.

All employees and consultants have

cultural awareness training prior to
commencing work on-site, undertaken
in accordance with the CHMP
(Appendix D).

A register of trained
personnel will be
maintained.

Monitor the implementation of the

Surface Access Right, including access
to customary activity areas and cultural
heritage sites, and safety training when
accessing areas in the vicinity of mining
activities.
NA

Any dispute or noncompliance with the

Surface Access Right will
be recorded and attended
to by the liaison officer.

NA

Any dispute or noncompliance with the

Surface Access Right will
be recorded and attended
to by the liaison officer.

PAGE 80

Site significance matrix

Operation

Monitoring

Construction

Management Action

Infrastructure

Criteria

Port

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Loss of cultural knowledge

Some allowances for the potential loss of cultural

knowledge will be considered in the Surface
Access Right or Mining Agreement.

NA

Disintegration of the social

and cultural landscape
within SMM Solomon
tenement.

As mentioned above, the site significance matrix

will assist in preventing the accidental loss or
disturbance of known cultural heritage sites of
significance.

NA

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Any disputes with the

agreement/s will be
recorded and attended to
by the liaison officer.
Site significance matrix

PAGE 81

5.3.8

Waste Management
The environmental values, potential impacts and risks, and mitigation measures for waste
management issues are summarised in this section, and further described in Chapter 4 and the
Impact Assessment Report Waste Management.

5.3.8.1

Environmental Values
Waste can be characterised as any solid material, liquid or solid hazardous waste that is being
discarded by disposal, recycling, burning or incineration.
Non-hazardous solid waste includes the following: food, inert construction/demolition materials,
scrap metal and steel, plastics, paper/cardboard, glass, tyres, packaging materials, sewage sludge,
empty motor and hydraulic oil drums, grease, etc.
Hazardous waste shares one or more of the following qualities: ignitibility, corrosivity, reactivity, or
toxicity, or other physical, chemical, or biological characteristic that may pose a potential risk to
human health or the environment if improperly managed. The following hazardous wastes are
expected to be generated on the Project: waste oil (motor, transmission and lubrication), hydraulic
waste oil, engine coolant, paint, solvent, used oil filters, batteries, explosives, fire retardants and
extinguishers, other impacted packaging, biomedical waste, grease trap and waste from oil/water
separation unit, laboratory waste, and electronic waste.
Solid waste is an emerging problem in the Pacific Islands, however there is a general lack of baseline
data for waste. Collection systems are usually limited to urban centres and are not always consistent
or reliable. Recycling in the Pacific Islands is difficult due to high shipping costs, small recyclable
flows, and difficult operating environments for machinery. Waste disposal technology in the
Solomon Islands currently consists of open dumps, burning and incineration. Reports from site visits
to Honiara confirmed that burning of waste in empty oil drums occurred on a regular basis along
with burning of waste in the open dump in Ranadi.
It was noted on Choiseul Island that households generated a minimal amount of rubbish, most of
which was food waste. There was no regular rubbish collection nor was there a general dumping
area. Some litter was disposed of to the water and gathered at the shoreline. Waste was disposed of
through burning.

5.3.8.2

Potential Impacts
Construction and operation of the mine and associated infrastructure works will generate wastes,
which have the potential to result in the following impacts:

land and water contamination from non-hazardous and hazardous waste spills

increased demand on energy, water and natural resources

changes in land use where required for waste storage and landfill

impacts to visual amenity

increase in traffic

noise impacts from waste transport and processing equipment

decreased air quality from odours and gases

impacts to public health and safety

loss and disturbance of habitat for flora and fauna, and increases in pest species

PAGE 82

5.3.8.3

5.3.8.4

litter pollution (waste that has not been properly handled, stored, transported or disposed of).

Management Objectives

Waste is managed in accordance with the hierarchy of (from most preferred to least preferred):
prevention, reduction, re-use, recycling, energy recovery, disposal.

A Waste Management Plan is developed and implemented in accordance with the Waigani
Convention.

Proper handling, transport, storage and disposal of all waste, and in particular hazardous waste.

Avoid contaminant spills through design measures, with any spills immediately contained.

Occupational health and safety procedures relating to waste management and Emergency
Response Plan are implemented.

Waste management education, training and awareness programmes implemented for all staff,
visitors and waste management workers.

Management Strategies
Proposed actions for managing potential impacts for waste management, and associated facilities,
staging, monitoring and corrective actions, are provided in Table 5-9.

PAGE 83

Table 5-9 Waste Management Strategies

Infrastructure

Construction

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Waste management
procedures in place prior
to construction
commencing.

Develop and implement a Waste Management

Plan in accordance with the Waigani
Convention. The Waste Management Plan will
include Project and site-specific details on
waste types, procedures and facilities known
following detailed design.
New waste sources will be reviewed during
planning, siting, and detailed design activities,
including during equipment and process
modifications, to identify expected waste
generation, pollution prevention opportunities,
and necessary treatment, storage, and disposal
infrastructure.
Implement staff training programme and
inductions for waste management.

An inspection and monitoring program

will be implemented as part of the
Waste Management Plan.

Develop a schedule for internal

audits and regular review of the
Waste Management Plan.

Ongoing data to be collected about the

process and waste streams from
facilities, including characterisation of
waste streams by type, quantities, and
potential use/disposition.

Record expected waste streams

and proposed design and
management into Waste
Management Plan.

Monitor new staff to be inducted.

Prevention/Reduction: Careful project planning

and waste avoidance in the purchasing policy
ensures materials brought on-site are
minimised. Extra materials may be returned to
the supplier or other local users. Encourage
waste segregation.
Reuse: Solvents, metals and oils from catalysts
can be recovered and reused for a secondary
purpose. Vegetation waste and overburden will
be reused for rehabilitation. Consultation with
the community regarding the reuse and
recycling of waste streams should occur to
identify local markets for solid non-hazardous
waste. Encourage water reuse.
Recycling: Preference will be given to
purchasing recyclable materials where possible.
Recyclable materials will be recovered where
feasible throughout the Project life cycle.
Feasibility of local and export markets for

Checks and balances to be in place for

purchasing materials. Monitor and
record waste quantities and streams to
identify better waste minimisation
strategies.

Keep a record of inducted staff.

Update induction content as
Project progresses.
Perform regular internal waste
audits.

Operation

Port

Stage

Haulage

Increased waste generation

and demand on resources

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Waste management
planning follows
hierarchy of prevention,
reduction, reuse,
recycling, energy
recovery and disposal.

Monitor additional waste streams from

Project in order to identify reuse
potential.

Types and quantities of waste

reused will be recorded.

Monitor additional waste streams from

Project in order to identify recycling
potential. Waste separation practices to
be encouraged and monitored by waste
manager (or equivalent).

Types and quantities of waste to

be recycled will be recorded.
Additional waste streams for
recycling to be advised by waste
manager.

PAGE 84

Land and water contamination

Criteria

Management Action

Waste storage procedures

are implemented.

recyclables will be investigated. Appropriate

signage to be posted regarding waste
segregation to allow better storage and sorting
of recyclables.
Energy Recovery: Potential options for energy
recovery from waste will be investigated as part
of the Waste Management Plan.
Disposal: Waste materials that remain after the
implementation of feasible waste prevention,
reduction, reuse, recycling and energy recovery
methods will be treated and disposed of to a
properly designed, permitted and operated
sanitary landfill as per IFC guidelines.
Design of storage to be suitable for conditions
of use.

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Design of bulk storage containment to be

resistant to all sources of corrosion (particularly
product spills).
All waste storage areas to have rainfall runoff
collection drains, containment berms and
appropriate treatment before disposal.
No uncontrolled discharges from landfill or
waste storage facilities.
Waste transfer stations to consist of concrete
half-walls and concrete floors to minimise risk
of contamination.
Hazardous waste to be temporarily stored in a
secure, signed and impervious location. Storage
areas to be appropriately signed in accordance
with the Waigani Convention (note: Annexes I
and II have specific codes for hazardous waste).
Oil filters to be stored in a marked container
that allows the oil to drain out but not escape
from storage.
Storage tanks and drum storages to be bunded.

NA

NA

Monitor waste streams generated and

application of hierarchy of prevention,
reduction, reuse, recycling, and
recovery prior to disposal.

Quantity of waste disposed of will

be recorded.

Regular inspection of waste storage

facilities to check if being used
appropriately and for purpose.
NA

Immediate or timely attention to

any use or maintenance issues.

Regular inspection of waste storage

facilities

Immediate or timely attention to

any maintenance issues.

Monitor sites prior to and/or during

discharges.
Regular inspection of waste transfer
stations to check if being used
appropriately.
Regular inspection of waste storage for
each of the waste streams (e.g. used oil).

Treat or limit volumes prior to

discharge if necessary.
Immediate or timely attention to
any use or maintenance issues.

Regular inspection of oil filter storage.

Immediate or timely attention to

any use or maintenance issues.

Regular inspection of waste storage

facilities to check if being used
appropriately and for purpose.

Immediate or timely attention to

any use or maintenance issues.

PAGE 85

NA

Immediate or timely attention to

any use or maintenance issues.

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Waste handling
procedures are
implemented.

Waste transport
procedures are
implemented.

Waste disposal
procedures are
implemented.

Management Action

Monitoring

Hazardous substances/waste to be handled by

trained staff and disposed of at an appropriately
licensed facility off-site.
Transfer of hazardous liquids to be undertaken
in an area that is bunded and impervious.
Spill management kits, personal protective
equipment (PPE) and relevant operator
instructions/emergency procedures to be made
available at all fuel transfer points and
hazardous chemical storage facilities along with
proper reporting protocols.
Spills to be immediately contained and cleaned
up, and receiving environment remediated
where necessary. Contaminated soil to be
disposed of appropriately. Prevent spills
entering the general stormwater drainage
system.
Material Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS) for
hazardous substances to be kept on-site with
multiple translations provided for the
multicultural workforce members.
Waste oils to be skimmed routinely from
temporary oily wastewater ponds and stored in
on-site waste oil tanks for off-site disposal.
Design suitable drainage within fuel transfer
areas.
All hazardous waste shall be transported and
tracked in accordance with the Waigani
Convention (Article VI), including notification
procedures and permits.

Monitor competence of staff potentially

handling hazardous substances and
training.
NA

Update training as necessary.

Keep a record of staff training.

Monitor procedures through a Handling

and Spill Management Plan &
Emergency Response Plan.

Regular review of Handling and

Spill Management Plan.

If necessary, monitoring of land or water

contamination will be done.

Report all spills. and record

details on the Incident Response
Form (Appendix B). Regular
review of incidents. Changes to
facilities or procedures if
necessary.
Internal audits of presence of
MSDS where hazardous
substances kept/used.

No waste to be buried or disposed to land onsite outside of approved waste disposal

facilities.
Unknown substances to be identified before
disposal.

NA

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

All required waste tracking to be

undertaken (e.g. through a waste
tracking manifest) and a nominated
waste manager or similar role to be
responsible.
All required waste tracking to be
undertaken (e.g. signed, transported and
tracked through a waste tracking
manifest) in accordance with the
Waigani Convention.
All required waste tracking to be
undertaken (e.g. signed, transported and

Record and internally audit waste

tracking.

PAGE 86

Record and internally audit waste

tracking.

Record and internally audit waste

tracking.

Change in land use

Visual amenity

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Minimal long-term
impacts to land use.

Stored or disposed waste

is not visible to public.

The sanitary landfill for the Project will be sited,

designed and operated to isolate wastes from
the environment. Consideration during design
will be given to incompatible land uses,
proximity to sensitive receptors, geology and
hydrogeology, use of water and groundwater
resources, and susceptibility to natural hazards.
A groundwater, leachate and site monitoring
system shall be installed to assess that the
engineered landfill systems effectively isolate
the waste during the operation and closure of
the landfill. Details of monitoring and on-site
treatment of leachate to be included in Waste
Management Plan.
Consult with stakeholders about location of
landfill.
Consult with stakeholders regarding the
decommissioning, rehabilitation and possible
future use for the landfill.
Upon decommissioning, the waste storage
facilities and landfill will be rehabilitated and
subject to a contaminated land assessment over
the Project or landfill lifetime, where relevant.
Rehabilitation will include regrading to fit the
surrounding landscape, a soil and topsoil cover
applied, revegetation with appropriate species,
and erosion and sediment control measures.
Ensure waste storage facilities and landfill are
secured and fenced off from the general public.
Ensure waste storage facilities and landfill are
located and fenced appropriately to avoid
visibility from the general public.
Landfill to be covered daily by thin layer of dirt.

tracked through a waste tracking

manifest) in accordance with the
Waigani Convention.
NA

NA

Monitoring results to be analysed prior

to release of water.

Treatment to occur if collected

leachate below water quality
standards.

NA

Results of consultation and design

to be communicated to
stakeholders.
Results of consultation and design
to be communicated to
stakeholders.
Any contaminated areas will be
rehabilitated or remediated to
enable former or proposed use.

NA
Contaminated land assessment may
include groundwater and leachate
monitoring of landfill.

Regular inspections of fencing.

Regular inspection of fencing.
NA

Immediate or timely attention to

any maintenance issues.
Immediate or timely attention to
any maintenance issues.
NA

PAGE 87

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Increased noise

Criteria

Management Action

Immediate or timely attention to

any use or maintenance issues.
NA

NA

Consult with any nearby sensitive receptors

about the potential for noise nuisance from
general operations waste equipment.

Noise monitoring equipment may be

used where in close proximity for waste
operations. Noise limits to be observed
and measured outdoors at sensitive
receptors.
Purchasing policies to include
provisions for low noise equipment
where feasible.

Waste collection vehicles to keep

a log of start and completion
times.
Complaints received will be
recorded and additional noise
monitoring undertaken if
necessary at the relevant receptor.

Purchase waste transport equipment to have the

lowest noise output levels as is reasonably
practical.

Maintain waste vehicles and equipment

regularly to minimise noise.

Waste collection, transport and landfill

operations shall occur during daylight hours
only.
Select location of waste transfer facilities,
landfill and transport routes with stakeholder
consultation and consideration for the proximity
to sensitive receptors.
Waste will be compacted promptly and covered
immediately (or daily at the landfill).
Open tipping face area at landfill will be
minimised.
Waste water will be treated where necessary,
which will minimise odour.
Tipping activities to be restricted during periods
of adverse weather such as high winds or
extreme events.
Seal sump covers.

Odour and gas generated

from waste is minimised.

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Regular inspection of waste storage

facilities.
NA

No noise complaints
from waste operations.

Monitoring

Store waste in appropriate receptacles and in

designated waste storage areas.
Areas visible to the public surrounding the
landfill will be selectively landscaped to
improve visual amenity.
Timely collection of waste to occur from
various generation points.

Reduced air quality

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Scheduled servicing and preventative

maintenance inspections to be
undertaken.
Schedule to be developed for efficient
collection of waste from various
generation points.
NA

Where necessary,
equipment/vehicles to be fitted
with noise control devices after
purchase.
Update servicing schedule as
necessary.
Waste collection vehicles to keep
a log of start and completion
times.
Results of consultation and design
to be communicated to
stakeholders.

NA

NA

NA

NA

Assess odour levels prior to discharge.

Additional treatment applied if

necessary prior to discharge.
Landfill operations to be
suspended if forecast or current
high winds or cyclones.
NA

Monitor weather conditions.

NA

PAGE 88

Port

Public health and safety

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Risks to health and safety

from waste are
minimised.

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Aerate landfill leachate storage areas.

Food waste to be stored in covered waste
receptacles to prevent odours.
Loads will be covered to prevent litter,
contamination and odour during waste
transport, and minimise potential for air
emissions during dry or windy conditions.
A landfill gas collection, monitoring and flaring
system shall be installed to monitor and handle
biogas emissions.

NA
Regular inspection of waste storage
facilities.
Monitor that waste transport staff are
appropriately trained and aware of
waste management procedures.

NA
Immediate attention to food
storage issues.
NA

Monitor effectiveness of landfill biogas

system and compliance with ISO
standards.

Provide sufficient ventilation to allow dispersion

of odour and air emissions (e.g. holes in tops of
bins).
Segregate corrosive substances from
incompatible materials that may react
dangerously.
Follow recommendations regarding the
handling, storage, transport and disposal of
hazardous materials in accordance with
Waigani Convention.

Assess odour levels at waste storage

facilities.

Improve biogas collection,

monitoring or flaring system as
necessary to improve
effectiveness and compliance.
Immediate or timely attention to
any use or maintenance issues.

Monitor identification, signage and

tracking of waste streams.

Record any incidents from

corrosive substances.

Inspect waste facilities regularly for

compliance with design and standards.

Record all complaints or

incidents. Regular review of
incidents and make changes to
facilities or procedures if
necessary.
Immediate attention to food
storage issues.

Food waste to be stored in covered waste

receptacles to prevent health and safety
concerns.
Ensure waste storage facilities and landfill is
fenced off and secured to prevent access by the
general public.
Include a training section on use of waste
receptacles and waste segregation in the general
induction process. Provide general ongoing
education regarding proper segregation of
waste.
PPE, relevant operator instructions and
emergency procedures to be made available at
all hazardous waste storage and handling
locations.

Regular inspection of waste storage

facilities.
Regular inspections of fencing.

Immediate or timely attention to

any maintenance issues.

Check competence and training of staff

conducting waste management
activities.

Maintain records of qualifications

and training.

Check presence of correct MSDS onsite, with multiple translations provided

for the multicultural workforce.

NA

PAGE 89

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Criteria

Management Action

Provide sufficient ventilation of waste storage

facilities and landfill to allow dispersion of
odours and air emissions.
Ensure no ignition sources are within the
vicinity of any hazardous material areas.

All hazardous materials received, stored and

transported off-site to be recorded.

Provide an emergency response unit.

Follow recommendations regarding the
handling, storage, transport and disposal of
hazardous materials in accordance with
Waigani Convention.

Loss or disturbance of species

and habitat

Litter pollution

Stage

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Impacts to flora and

fauna are minimised.

No evidence of litter
pollution.

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting, Corrective

Action

Assess odour levels at waste storage

facilities.

Immediate or timely attention to

any use or maintenance issues.

NA

Cease work and remove ignition

source or hazardous material
immediately.
Record and internally audit waste
tracking.

All required waste tracking to be

undertaken (e.g. signed, transported and
tracked through a waste tracking
manifest) in accordance with the
Waigani Convention.
NA
Inspect waste facilities regularly for
compliance with design and standards.

NA
Record all complaints or
incidents. Regular review of
incidents and make changes to
facilities or procedures if
necessary.
NA

Avoid disturbance to vegetation with significant

ecological value, or minimise impacts where
possible, in siting facilities and landfill.
Fence off applicable waste facilities to limit
access by fauna.
Follow recommendations regarding the
handling, storage, transport and disposal of
hazardous materials in accordance with the
Waigani Convention.

NA

Ongoing education regarding waste

management procedures and rules regarding
littering to be provided to staff.
Regular litter collection to be undertaken, loads
covered where possible, and proper receptacles
provided on-site (e.g. lids on bins).

NA

Record all complaints or

incidents. Regular review of
incidents and make changes to
facilities or procedures if
necessary.
NA

Schedule to be developed for efficient

collection of waste from various
generation points.

Waste collection vehicles to keep

a log of start and completion
times.

Check fencing and presence of fauna in

waste facilities.
Inspect waste facilities regularly for
compliance with design and standards.

PAGE 90

Maintain or replace as necessary.

5.3.9

Transportation
The environmental values, potential impacts and risks, and mitigation measures for transportation are
summarised in this section, and further described in Chapter 4 and the Impact Assessment Report Transportation.

5.3.9.1

Environmental Values
There is little existing transportation infrastructure on Choiseul Island. Much of the 123 km of road
network is in poor condition, as are the majority of the 19 public wharves.
Solomon Airlines operates scheduled air services to airstrips at Choiseul Bay (near the administrative
centre of Taro) and Kagau Island. There are no public roads, wharves or airstrips in the vicinity of the
Project area. Logging tracks are relatively widespread across Choiseul Island, but these are generally
not well constructed and are therefore subject to erosion and deterioration over time.

5.3.9.2

Potential Impacts
The proposed Project transportation infrastructure will comprise an ore haulage, mine, bench and
facility access and service road network and port facilities (C1.1 and C1.2) at two locations. The port
will incorporate ore handling, export infrastructure, handling and storage facilities for general cargo,
and personnel transfer on and off-site.
The potential impacts associated with the construction and operation of this transportation
infrastructure are as follows:

erosion of soil and sedimentation downslope of areas cleared for construction of roads, leading
to increased turbidity of fresh and marine waters and impacts to aquatic habitat downstream

increased turbidity of marine systems due to dredging (if required), excavation, reclamation and
pile driving for construction and operation of port facilities

impacts to visual amenity, vegetation and traffic safety due to dust generated during dry periods
through the movement of haul trucks and other heavy vehicles and equipment

impacts to communities, the workforce and local fauna from noise emissions due to vehicular
traffic and mining and port operations, particularly during night operations

impacts to air quality from vehicle and machinery exhaust emissions

impacts to ecosystems and communities from hydrocarbon, nickel ore or other contaminant
spills during mining, haulage and shipping operations, as well as general activities associated
with transport infrastructure

incidents involving vehicles and local pedestrians

congestion of shipping traffic

loss of vegetation and fauna habitat from clearing for transport infrastructure

impacts to fauna from vehicle strikes, particularly during night operations

introduction and spread of weeds and plant diseases due to construction of roads and movement
of vehicles and equipment, and

positive impacts to the local transport linkages, including air and sea.

Vegetation clearing is minimised or rehabilitated wherever possible.

5.3.9.3

Management Objectives

PAGE 91

5.3.9.4

Management Strategies
Proposed actions for managing potential impacts for transportation functions, and associated
facilities, staging, monitoring and corrective actions, are provided in Table 5-10.

PAGE 92

Table 5-10 Transport Management Strategies

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Haulage

Erosion and sediment

movement

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Design and operating

practices take into
account provision of
effective erosion and
sediment control.

Management Action

Monitoring

No complaints about
dust.

In general, Project roads will be routed to avoid

excessive gradients, constructed with gravel sheeting
where possible, and incorporate effective drainage
management structures to channel runoff away from
the road surfaces and minimise erosion.
Project roads will be designed generally in accordance
with the Austroads suite of guides for Rural Road
design and/ or the Queensland Transport and Main
Roads Design Manuals.
Mine haul roads will be routed to target a gradient of 1
in 10, where practical, due to the difficult terrain, with
a maximum design gradient of 1 in 7 in extreme cases
where a 1 in 10 routing is not practical. Sheeting will
be provided on all road surfaces to enhance the safety
of the roads.
Drainage facilities for roads will include a network of
culverts, pipes and drains, as well as sediment control
devices.
Appropriate construction, dredging (if required), port
and stormwater management including sediment
control ponds will be implemented in the port
catchments.
Water trucks will be used along roads as necessary,
particularly in windy/dry conditions.

Noise emissions

No complaints about
noise.

All vehicles and mobile equipment will be fitted with

exhaust muffling devices where possible.

Monitoring near to sensitive receptors

may be done on a case-by-case basis.

Air emissions

Low air emissions from

vehicles and machinery.

Modern, fuel-efficient vehicles and equipment with

low emission ratings will be used wherever possible.

NA

Dust generation

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Road surfaces will be regularly

inspected for evidence of erosion.

Roads will be maintained

and re-sheeted as required.

NA

NA

A full-time maintenance crew will be

provided to conduct regular road
inspection, repair and replacement as
required.

Hauls roads will be

maintained as required.

Drainage structures will be regularly

inspected for sediment build-up.

Drainage structures will be

maintained as required.

NA

NA

Monitor site conditions. Air quality

monitoring may be undertaken for
sensitive receptors.

Water as necessary.
Complaints will be
responded to
appropriately.
Complaints will be
responded to
appropriately. Additional
mitigation measures or
procedures may need to be
implemented to reduce
noise impacts.
NA

PAGE 93

Construction

Operation

Infrastructure

Contaminant spills

Stage

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Transport of dangerous
and hazardous materials
in accordance with
Waigani Convention.

Management Action

Vehicles and equipment will be serviced and

maintained according to the manufacturers
recommendations. Mechanical workshops will be
incorporated in the MIAs and will be supported by
fleet-servicing trucks for this purpose.
Imported hazardous cargo will be required to comply
with the IMDG Code and the Waigani Convention.
Unpacking (handling) and storage facilities will be
provided.
The port areas will have containment and clean-up
equipment and dispersing materials readily available
to deal with a cargo spillage (particularly bulk fuel).
Operating personnel will be trained in responding to
such an emergency through an Emergency Response
Plan.
Runoff will be diverted from infrastructure with
possible oil and chemical contamination (such as
vehicle servicing workshops and washdown bays) to a
water treatment system with an oily water separator.
Practices will be implemented to minimise the risk of
nickel ore spills during stockpiling and handling,
including drainage management measures installed to
prevent stockpiles from being inundated with
stormwater and to provide collection and treatment of
runoff.
Spills during road transport will be minimised through
road design, the use of modern fuel transport vehicles,
and safe material handling practices.

Hazardous wastes will be stored, handled and

disposed of appropriately. Such waste will be securely
contained in a sealed vessel capable of long-term
storage and shipped off-site to an accredited facility for
processing by a third party.

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Keep a servicing schedule for all

vehicles and machinery.

Maintain and repair

vehicles as necessary.

Waste tracking manifests will be used to

identify and track waste as per Waste
Management Plan.

Ensure facilities appropriate

for all imported hazardous
substances.

Inspect port facilities regularly to ensure

spill kits and dispersing materials are
readily available.

Record any incidents.

Treated water will be tested to monitor

quality prior to release.

Further treatment required

if necessary to comply with
water quality standards.

Monitor drainage from stockpiles to

ensure control and treatment prior to
discharge to the receiving environment.

NA

Monitor for any contaminant spills

evident along roads and investigate
sources of spills. Hazardous waste
management training provided to
personnel.

Any spillages will be

contained and cleaned up,
with responsible disposal
of any contaminated soil.
Spill kits provided at fuel
transfer points and
hazardous substance
storage facilities.
Ensure facilities appropriate
for all hazardous
substances present.

Waste tracking manifests will be used to

identify and track waste as per Waste
Management Plan.

PAGE 94

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

All vehicle and

equipment operators are
competent in their
operation and tasks.

All drivers of vehicles using Project roads will be

required to demonstrate competence and hold a valid
licence for the category of vehicle being driven.

Operator qualifications and competence

will be assessed prior to employment
and/or prior to commencing a relevant
activity on-site.
Traffic movements will be monitored by
all staff at all times.

Retain records of all

operator qualifications and
training.

Operation

Monitoring

Construction

Management Action

Infrastructure

Criteria

Port

Traffic conflicts

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Control of vehicle access to the Project roads will be

applied at the entry point and identifying numbers
fixed to each side of Project vehicles.

All Project vehicles will be roadworthy and include

additional safety measures such as roof or cab
mounted orange warning flashing lights. Radios will
be fitted to Project vehicles to enable identification
and communication between drivers.
Road rules will be clearly conveyed through driver
training, site induction, and road signs.

Although pedestrian traffic will not be catered for, road

pavement widths of between 8 m and 15 m will allow
the reasonable passage of pedestrians separate from
vehicular traffic. Roads within the MIA, port and
accommodation camp will be appropriately controlled
and signed to minimise the risk of vehicle/pedestrian
conflict.

Monitor use of roads by pedestrians in

order to identify if restrictions needed
for safety.

All transhipment locations and shipping routes require

verification for safe navigation by a suitably qualified
marine authority.
Harbour traffic will be controlled by port management
to minimise the risks of marine collisions through

NA

Unidentified vehicles will

be reported. Unauthorised
third parties driving
vehicles on Project roads
will be instructed and/or
warned of restricted access.
Near misses or incidents
involving road traffic will
be reported immediately
and recorded as an
incident.
Near misses or incidents
involving road traffic will
be reported immediately
and recorded as an
incident. A quarterly
review of traffic incidents
will be carried out and
measures implemented if
needed.
Near misses or incidents
involving pedestrian traffic
will be reported
immediately and recorded
as an incident. A quarterly
review of traffic incidents
will be carried out and
measures implemented if
needed.
NA

Traffic movements will be monitored by

all staff at all times.

Near misses or incidents

involving port traffic will

Vehicle traffic movements will be

monitored by all staff at all times.

Vehicle traffic movements will be

monitored by all staff at all times.

PAGE 95

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

arrivals scheduling, radio communication with vessels,

and marked navigation areas.

Loss of vegetation
communities

Loss of fauna and habitat

Weeds, pests and

pathogens

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Vegetation retained or
rehabilitated wherever
possible.

Road design and

operation considers
fauna sensitivity.

Avoid introduction and

spread of pests and
disease.

Vegetation clearing for roads and port facilities will be

minimised and additional clearing avoided where
possible. Progressive rehabilitation of mine access
roads will be undertaken as mining progresses,
including removal of sheeting, regrading to match
topography, removal of drainage structures and
restoration of natural drainage, topsoil application,
vetiver planting and potentially hydroseeding.

Monitoring of the effectiveness of

rehabilitation techniques and
requirements for maintenance.

No infrastructure will be constructed within or through

a protected area.
Vehicle strike will be minimised by the relatively slow
vehicle speed environment (50-60 km/hr).

NA

The impact to fauna and their habitat from clearing

will be reduced by minimising road widths where
possible and progressive rehabilitation of mine access
roads.
Refer to mitigation of dust generation above.
Quarantine procedures and inspections will be
implemented at the port to minimise the risk of
importing exotic species and pathogens.
Compliance with the International Maritime
Organisations Guidelines for the Control and
Management of Ships Ballast Water to Minimize the
Transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and
Pathogens will be a condition of engagement of
shipping companies.
Washdown facilities will be used to remove and
collect weed materials from vehicles, containers and
mobile equipment, which will be installed in the port,

be reported immediately
and recorded as an
incident. A quarterly
review of traffic incidents
will be carried out and
measures implemented if
needed.
Internal performance of
rehabilitation will be
reviewed quarterly to halfyearly. Rehabilitation areas
will be maintained as
required to promote
establishment of
vegetation, such as
suppression of weeds.
NA

Vehicle speeds to be monitored and

limits enforced.

NA

NA

NA

NA
Inspections of cargo to be undertaken in
accordance with quarantine
requirements.
Inspections of ocean going vessels in
the port and their records demonstrating
compliance will be undertaken by port
management.

NA
Quarantine inspections and
actions taken to be
appropriately recorded.
Inspections and actions
taken to be appropriately
recorded.

Regularly inspect facilities for waste

build-up.

Residual wastes collected

and removed to the Project
landfill or an accredited

PAGE 96

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

MIA and accommodation camp areas. At each facility,

an oily water separator and a sediment pit will be
provided to manage waste water.

facility as required.

PAGE 97

5.3.10 Society and Community Values

The environmental values, potential impacts and risks, and mitigation measures for social values are
summarised in this section, and further described in Chapter 4 and the Impact Assessment Report
Social and Community.

5.3.10.1

General Social Values

Choiseul Province had a total population of 26,372 according to the last census taken in 2009; most
of the population is located in small coastal villages.
The people of Choiseul Province are largely of Melanesian and Micronesian descent.
The people of Choiseul Island speak local languages which originate from the Austronesian language
family (Lewis 2009; Hitchcock 2011). Most people are multi-lingual; whilst English is the official
national language, Solomon Islands Pijin is more widely spoken (School et al. 2002).
In 1999, the three main religions in Choiseul Province, in order of largest followings, were the
United Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA).

5.3.10.1.1

Governance

Governance is provided through four social institutions:

National and provincial government: National and Provincial 7 Government administration is

largely centralised and administered by National Government Ministries from Honiara. Choiseul
Province has three constituencies; each with one parliamentary representative who sits in the
National Parliament. There are 14 wards (Choiseul Provincial Government 2009). Each
provincial ward has an elected member who represents the people in the Provincial Assembly
(Rural Development Division 2001; Choiseul Provincial Government 2009).

Tribal or clans: Society on Choiseul is organised into patrilineal descent groups self identified as
tribes and clans (H.W. Scheffler 1965, McFee 1965) [1]. Within SMM Solomons tenement, a
number of tribes and clans have been identified; each tribe and clan is governed by a chief.

Villages and populated places: Male chiefs govern village affairs and land issues in civil society
on Choiseul Island. Traditionally, women do the bulk of the caring of children and a large
proportion of food production work. Men are typically involved in organising cash crops (copra,
cocoa, honey and spices), fish for sale and handle cash and also spend a significant amount of
time participating in village governance (attending to meetings and leadership issues surrounding
families and community affairs).

The Church: Local churches play a role in:

Public policy and decision making about governance and constitutional reform matters.

Dispute resolution, i.e. dealing with domestic violence, marriage and family life counselling
along and low level disputes such as arguments over land and property.

Citizenship and character building. Churches are involved in preaching, teaching,

encouraging and enabling people to be good and responsible citizens (Bird 2007).

Department of Provincial Government and Constituency Development (DPGCD), 2006.

PAGE 98

5.3.10.1.2

Political Situation

The political history of the Solomon Islands has been tumultuous. Previous governments were
characterised by unstable parliamentary coalitions between the various political parties and
frequently subject to, votes of no confidence and leadership and cabinet changes (US Department of
State 2011). The impacts from the ethnic conflicts during the period of 1999-2001 continue to affect
the country.

5.3.10.1.3

Social Services

Data from 2009 indicates 24 Social Services in operation on Choiseul Island of which four are
located in urban areas and 20 in rural areas (2009 Census).
Health
There are limited health services available on Choiseul Island. People living in or near the Project
Area on Choiseul Island indicated that they must travel long distances to hospitals in Taro, Sasamuga,
Gizo (Western Province) or the National Referral Hospital in Honiara for any major health care
needs. Several local clinics also exist on Choiseul Island, but are limited in their service offering by
lack of medical supplies and limited resourcing and equipment. Wagina Clinic on Wagina Island is
the largest clinic available to local village communities in and around the project area.

Education
According to the Provincial Government of Choiseul, there were a total of 49 primary schools, 6
secondary schools and 1 Rural Training Centre in Choiseul in 2007. The teacher to pupil ratio was
1:24, but most teachers were untrained.
The literacy rate at the time was (5 - 85+years) which is equivalent to 73.3 percent, higher than the
national average of 64.4 percent (Choiseul Province 2007).
Recently released 2009 census data suggests literacy rates in Choiseul Province have grown since
2007 with 95.9% of men and 95.7% of women over 15 years of age reported to be literate
(SIG,2009). These rates are significantly higher than overall Solomon Island literacy rates (88.9% for
men and 79.2 % for women) and also indicated inequity exists for women generally.
Policing
Police headquarters for Choiseul Province is located to the north of the Island in the capital Taro.
Policing of the Project area is provided by up to three officers based at the Wagina Police Station
located on an Island south of the mainland, approximately 20 minutes by boat.
Key policing issues identified in The Choiseul Provincial Government Medium Term Development
Plan 2009 included:

A general breakdown of the standard of behaviour among young people.

Lack of respect for elders and traditional customs and beliefs by youth.

Increase in alcohol and drug misuse.

The Provincial Government is working with the National Government, the LLTC and local health
service providers to address these issues.

PAGE 99

5.3.10.1.4

Existing Social Issues and Conditions

In rural parts of Choiseul Island, the cash economy is largely sustained through local market trading,
cash crop farming, local businesses (such as canteens, trade stores and petrol depots) and
employment in government and the forestry and mining sectors. Currently the cash economy assists
rural people to supplement their subsistence lifestyles and insulate themselves during periods of
economic hardship and poor crop yield.
Despite the positive benefits to individual households, it is argued by some, that the cash economy
has eroded the social fabric of many communities in the Solomon Islands and damaged the
communal spirit of caring and sharing (Janson, Mullen, Pollard, Maemouri, Watoto and Iramu,
2006). In addition, it has encouraged social problems (due to an increase in alcohol and drug use)
and resulted in decreased agricultural productivity (due to population growth and resulting pressure
on agricultural land). Because the majority of farming is traditionally done by women in rural
communities, these pressures have subsequently increased womens workload.
The distinctive cultural values and practices of Choiseul Province remain today although there is
concern from elders that these values and practices are being eroded due to younger generations
being exposed to and adopting aspects of western culture. Local communities provide security and
support to local households and individuals in need through voluntary community based
contributions. Individual wealth accumulation to improve village quality of life is not viewed as a
priority.
The Choiseul Development Plan 2009 -2011 reports that youth on Choiseul have few opportunities
outside the traditional subsistence system once they leave school (CDP 2009).

5.3.10.1.5

Visual Amenity Values

The existing character of the landscape on Choiseul Island in the proximity of the Project
infrastructure primarily comprises of coastal forest, lowland communities and upslope rainforest.
Almost all of the upslope rainforest is old growth. The rainforest is typically dominated by canopy
species approximately 30-40 m in height; understory is dense and comprises of mainly young trees
and other saplings, as well as small palms and ferns. Previous logging operations have left logging
tracks and other cleared areas which have been eroded over time.
The ports and associated infrastructure will mainly be located within coastal forest, where some of
this area has already disturbed land, notably at both Port C1.1 and Port C1.2. The mining areas and
most of the proposed haul, facility access and service road length will be constructed in natural
vegetation.
Communities located in the general vicinity of the Choiseul Tenement, including those located near
the port sites, are situated on or near the coastline and are typically surrounded by tall vegetation,
garden areas and/or hills. Project infrastructure and mining areas will therefore be generally less
visible in the immediate vicinity of a village and more visible across embayments (particularly in
respect of port infrastructure) or where Project components are located in elevated areas of the
landscape.

5.3.10.1.6

Land Use and Tenure Values

Land tenure within SMM Solomons tenement is defined in terms of tribal or clan kinship and it
includes tribal and clan boundaries, customary management of land and seas and the regulation and
maintenance of these boundaries.

PAGE 100

The introduction of logging and monetary compensation for the use of land and resources has
required tribes and clans to define their boundaries in terms of Western mapping and geospatial data,
and this need for clearly demarcated boundaries has precipitated inter-tribal and clan conflict. In
Choiseul Island, the tribes and clans have had to define a process to determine the exact location of
their boundaries for a variety of reasons including compensation for logging. This process is currently
underway in SMM Solomons tenement.
Customary land use in Choiseul Island has always included subsistence horticulture, hunting,
gathering, fishing, travel and land use for religious purposes (Jansen and Sirikolo 2010; Kwa'ioloa
and Burt 1997; McDonald 2009; H. W. Scheffler 1965). These uses remain unchanged within SMM
Solomons tenement; however they have been adapted to the changes and technologies introduced
by missionisation, colonialism, logging, and prospecting.
There are several roads within SMM Solomons tenement that have been abandoned by logging
companies and which are currently being used by villagers for easier access to the interior of the
tenement and a better selection of garden areas.
The majority of the crops used by villagers were introduced some 4,000 years ago from South East
Asia (Grant and Miller 2004). More recent introduced crops such as rice, tobacco and coffee are also
cultivated in some areas in Choiseul Island in a small scale (Grant and Miller 2004); however within
SMM Solomons tenement, coffee and tobacco gardens are rare and there is no cultivation of rice.
Small trade stores are the most frequent source of these commodities.
Plantations, gardens and fishing and hunting areas are selected following customary selection
criteria, however village sites are selected using Western criteria such as convenience of access. In
some areas, old logging camps are being used as readymade villages.

5.3.10.1.7

Socio-Economic

The local economy in the Project area is characterised largely by subsistence activities including
farming (gardening and coconut gardens), small-scale animal husbandry, fishing and logging.
Within Choiseul Province there are 591 small village based enterprises, of which approximately
63 % are small trade stores.
There are low levels of employment in Choiseul; cash generating employment is by logging
companies and SMM Solomon exploration.
Additional income earning activities are; copra production, saw milling and timber sales, marine
resource harvesting, and market gardening.
A Land Resources Study revealed that Choiseul Province has limited agricultural opportunity areas
with only 153 km2 of land suitable for agricultural development. Livestock husbandry is on a
domestic scale.
Forestry is a major industry in Choiseul; it is an important source of jobs, tax and duty revenues to
both national and provincial governments. Unsustainable commercial logging occurs in Choiseul.
Fishing for direct consumption is an important subsistence activity in Choiseul province, with more
than 80 % of households participating in this activity. Households also frequently engage in the
harvesting of shellfish, crab/lobster, and turtles for direct consumption.
Tourism is in its infancy in Choiseul Province despite the pristine natural environment which
presents opportunities for eco-tourism development.
Various organisations are established and operating in Choiseul province to enhance economic
development.

PAGE 101

5.3.10.1.8

Health

Reports prepared by UNICEF and the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services,
show a high prevalence of infectious diseases, respiratory diseases and an increasing incidence of
non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease. Research shows skin diseases
and ear infections in Choiseul had higher occurrences than the national average in 2009. During
community consultation conducted on Choiseul in November 2011 diarrhoea was reported by five
out of eight villages as a major health issue. This may be attributed to water sources and usage, and
lack of sanitation facilities.
On Choiseul health infrastructure consists of a 75-bed Provincial Hospital, two Area Health Centres,
10 clinics,12 nurse aide posts and one mini-hospital. There is only one doctor allocated to the
26,000 people on the island. Registered nurses are shared according to the needs of the area and for
effective coverage.
Information and data on health issues, incidences of diseases, sanitation and health facilities for the
17 Project affected villages was collected during the community consultation phase of the Social
Impact Assessment. Malaria, respiratory illnesses (specifically pneumonia) and diarrhoea were
reported as the main health issues affecting the villages. Cardiovascular diseases such as
hypertension and diabetes are identified major non-communicable diseases.
The primary sources of water in the villages are rivers or streams with rainwater stored as alternate
source for domestic purposes. The importance of safe and clean drinking water is emphasised as it is
inextricably linked with the control and management of water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea.
The lack of sanitary toilet facilities within villages pose significant health risks.
A lack of health facilities and difficulty accessing them were reported as major issues for the 17
projected affected villages. Villagers consult traditional health practitioners and use traditional health
treatments (i.e. bark of trees) for diarrhoea, fever and other diseases.

5.3.10.1.9

Workforce and Influx Management

The entry of approximately 500 workers from overseas and the expected influx of other support and
service personnel could result in a population in excess of 5,000 people in the Wards of Kirugela
and Katupika where the tenement is located.
Incoming workers must be successfully integrated with local employees and residents to minimise
any impacts on the lifestyles, culture and traditions of the island.
The workforce must be housed and managed in order to minimise any impacts on land, food
security, health and island infrastructure.
There is potential for disruption to island life should tension and conflict erupt hence worker
behaviour must be managed.
The project brings opportunities to expand on skills, knowledge and experience which will build
future capacity on Choiseul Island. Employment opportunities should improve the lifestyles of the
local people as they continue their transition to a cash economy.

5.3.10.2

Potential Impacts

Potential negative impacts from the Project to social values include:

disturbance to daily lives and activities of local villages

social inequality

loss of flora for social uses

PAGE 102

population increase in general

increased population leading to increased demand for social services and infrastructure

increased anti-social behaviour

gender imbalance in local population

loss of existing access routes to and from villages and garden areas at port site

potential relocation of local caretakers on port site lands

delayed or restricted access to local fishing grounds in harbour and port area exclusion zone

adverse visual changes to landscape, skyline and sea views at Memese, Siruka Bay, and
Ologholata Harbour (in particular), as well as viewed from the marine area adjacent to Project
components

poorer quality of sleep or impediment to hunting resulting from light spill

impacts to the tribe and clan systems resulting in:

loss of connection to the landscape

loss of tribal and clan oral tradition

loss of tribal and clan structure

loss of stability and certainty of the ownership of land

disintegration of the tribal and clan systems

fragmentation of society at large

impacts to customary land ownership resulting from the legal determination of tribe and clan
boundaries, the influx of new residents and the increased demand for land

increased land disputes resulting in:

the loss of social license to mine

the dissolution of the kastom land tenure system

impacts to subsistence horticulture resulting from the loss of existing and potential garden areas,
the introduction of new crops and the increased demand for crops

the loss of gardens which were established by ancestors

impacts to hunting, fishing and shellfish gathering resulting from population influx, the loss of
access, the loss of habitat and decrease in availabilities

a potential reduction in suitable sites for new villages within the tenement

negative impacts resulting from infrastructure:

increased demand for food supply

introduction of new products

change to relative wages

change to structure of local economy

increase in incidence of diseases resulting in increased demand for health services

PAGE 103

accidents and injuries and exposure of workers to hazardous substances and wastes

exposure to dust and noise

water contamination and potential decrease in water supply

traffic conflicts

other tension and conflict

threat to traditional values and cultural practices

competition for skilled workers

increased pressure on land values, infrastructure and accommodation.

Potential positive impacts from the Project to social values include:

improvements to transport options and linkages

increase in general standard of living

access and usage of old mining areas and/or infrastructure

increased expenditure on social infrastructure, services and programs

increased employment and opportunities

increased household incomes and cash economy

increased business opportunities

increased educational and training opportunities and resulting improved skills

improved tourism industry and opportunities

additional health infrastructure/facilities

improvement of basic utilities and resources and government services.

5.3.10.3

Management Objectives

To facilitate the development of local communities through Project related opportunities.

To minimise the impacts on social services, infrastructure and social or cultural values due to the
increase in population.

To prevent and manage any incidences of increased anti-social behaviour attributable to the
Project.

To communicate and address any loss of existing access routes to villages, gardens and marine
areas.

To minimise negative visual amenity changes resulting from the Project from viewpoints on land
and water.

To minimise any adverse potential impacts on the land use and tenure social values.

To minimise any potential adverse health impacts that may result from the Project by proactively
conducting health monitoring and implementing preventative measures.

The opportunities for local people to be trained and employed by the Project are optimised.

PAGE 104

5.3.10.4

Management Strategies

Proposed actions for managing potential impacts to social values, and associated monitoring and
corrective actions, are provided in Table 5-11.

PAGE 105

Table 5-11 Social Impact Management Strategies

Infrastructure

Construction

Criteria

Management Action

Local Villagers
continue the activities
that characterise their
daily lives.

Social inequality
(particularly aged,
disabled, single parent
families and minority
ethnic groups)

Loss of flora for social

uses and cultural
significance

Set up a Stakeholder Reference Group

comprised of representatives from local
villages.

Internally audit meeting

minutes from Stakeholder
Reference Group.

Develop and implement a

Community/Stakeholder Consultation Plan to:

Have as an agenda item on

community/stakeholder consultation
meetings.

Report on community/
stakeholder consultation
activities, topics raised,
outcomes and follow up
actions.

Implementation of Grievance Procedure.

Vulnerable groups do
not expand in
membership.

Explore opportunities for Joint initiatives with

relevant stakeholders (such as government, church
and community leaders) to develop strategies and
programs to address potential social inequality.
Include provision for initiatives aimed at building
capacity and self sufficiency among vulnerable
groups.

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Ongoing communication about the impacts

associated with the construction period prior to
construction.

manage the flow of information to and from the

community;
set out the mechanisms for community
engagement;
manage the interaction between the workforce
and the community;
manage Project related issues that impact the
community.

Monitoring

Operation

Port

Disturbance to daily lives

and activities of local
villagers

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

No loss of flora for

social uses.

Work jointly with relevant stakeholders (e.g.

forestry officers) and land owners to ensure that
clearing and felling of Rie trees and other flora of
social importance, such as medicinal herbs, is

Monitor the effectiveness of the

Community/Stakeholder Consultation
Plan.
Ensure all procedures outlined in the Plan
are implemented.

Periodically review
membership of Stakeholder
Reference Group to ensure
effective representation.
Review Community/
Stakeholder Consultation Plan
annually, revise and update.

Monitor and action complaints received

as per the procedures outlined in the
Grievance Procedure.

Have as an agenda item on

community/stakeholder consultation
meetings.
Review initiatives and assess effectiveness
quarterly.

NA

Internally audit complaints

received and remedial actions.
Record number of and nature
of complaints received and
follow up on corrective actions.
Internally audit meeting
minutes.
Report on community/
stakeholder consultation
activities, topics raised,
outcomes and follow up
actions.
NA

PAGE 106

Criteria

Management Action

done selectively with due consideration to

environmental and cultural values.
A pre-clearing procedure will be prepared prior to
construction stage that will contain detailed
protocols to reduce impacts to the surrounding
areas during clearing. For each mine block, the
pre-clearing plan will provide an inventory of trees
to be removed.
Encourage research into local culture and tradition
which involve use of local flora.

Influx of informal settlers

Increased demand for

social services &
infrastructure

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Include Rie trees and other flora of social

importance for replanting during site rehabilitation
works in consultation with communities or other
stakeholders.

Controlled influx of
informal settlers.

No increased demand
for social services and
infrastructure resulting
from the Project.

Collaborate with stakeholders, formal and

informal (traditional) governance structures and
landowners to address informal influx issues and
associated impacts.

Provide health services and training to all SMM

workers.

Provide Project infrastructure including medical

centre, accommodation, shop etc. for workers.

Monitor clearing works as each area is

cleared to assess compliance with preclearing procedure.

Record areas of clearing and

internally audit pre-clearing
procedure to ensure alignment.

Have as agenda item on

Community/Stakeholder Consultation
meetings.
Where feasible, native seeds and wildlings
will be collected prior to clearing and
propagated for use in later revegetation
activities.

Participate in annual report of

progress.

Nurseries will also be established to raise

seedlings and wildlings for future
revegetation activities.
Have as an agenda item on
community/stakeholder consultation
meetings.

Local forester/s shall be

engaged to oversee and
manage the revegetation and
regeneration activities as
appropriate.

Internally audit meeting

minutes.
Report on community/
stakeholder consultation
activities, topics raised,
outcomes and follow up
actions.

Record all visits to SMM Sol. medical

services by workers.

Report on medical treatment

for workers.

Gather data on issues identified and

addressed by health professional to
identify any trends or patterns.

Identify any trends in health

issues.

Monitor project infrastructure plans to

ensure all buildings are constructed to
plan.

PAGE 107

Isolate cases of contagious

diseases and report to Solomon
Island health authorities.
NA

Increased health risks

Monitoring

Provide health education and training for workers.

Record attendances for health training

programs.

Allow local people access to project medical

services on-site subject to availability, also when
not engaged in project support medical staff will
be available to attend local villages to provide
medical support.

Gather data on issues identified and

addressed by health professional to
identify any trends or patterns.

No outbreaks or
increases of
illnesses/disease
attributable to the
Project.

Have a policy on medical treatment of local

workers and family members.
Collaborate with relevant organisations to develop
strategies to increase the provision of local social
services for residents on Choiseul.

Monitor implementation and effectiveness

of policy.
Have as an agenda item on
community/stakeholder engagement
meetings.

Ensure all workers undergo a medical before being

hired.

Copies of all medicals to be maintained as

part of personnel records.

Ensure medical facilities are available on-site to

provide first aid and assist with immediate
treatment of illnesses.

Record all visits to medical facilities and

track trends in illnesses/diseases.

Provide health education at site on good nutrition

and diet and encourage workers to share the
information with family and tribal members.

Review training program

annually and update and
revise.
Record all visits to project
medical services by local
people.
Identify any trends in health
issues.

Serious cases to be referred through appropriate

channels.

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Management Action

Infrastructure

Criteria

Port

Stage

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Record attendance of employees at any

health education programs.

PAGE 108

Isolate cases of contagious

diseases and report to Solomon
Islands health authorities.
Review policy annually.
Internally audit meeting
minutes from community/
stakeholder engagement
meetings.
Address outstanding actions.
Internally audit personnel
records to ensure all employees
have undergone a medical
prior to arriving in the Solomon
Islands if expatriate or on site if
local.
Report on number of and
reason for medical visits.
Identify any trends in health
issues. Isolate cases of
contagious diseases.
Report any serious outbreaks of
disease or illness in the camp
to Solomon Islands Health
authorities.
Internally audit Occupational
Health and safety statistics.
Benchmark against national

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Encourage regional health workers with their

health education programs for women and
children

Increased anti-social
behaviours

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Collaboration with relevant organisations in the

design and implementation of:

No anti-social
behaviours attributable
to the Project.

health promotion
disease prevention
infectious disease control, and
STD/HIV-AIDS prevention programs.
Work with local structures, including relevant
stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, churches,
leaders and NGOs to develop strategies to
minimise anti-social behaviours, adverse health
and safety impacts and law and order issues.

Discourage the irresponsible consumption of

alcohol by developing a Fit for Work policy,
procedures and training program.

statistics.
Address any trends or
anomalies.

Monitor health statistics and reports

produced by health authorities and other
qualified, relevant agencies.
Have as an agenda item on
community/stakeholder engagement
meetings.

Report on health training

programs as part of OH& S
reporting.
Report on health issues
discussed and addressed at
community/ stakeholder
consultation meetings. Address
outstanding actions

Have as an agenda item on

community/stakeholder consultation
meetings.

Internally audit meeting

minutes.

Monitor alcohol stock and sales in the

camp. Monitor training attendances at
programs designed to modify behaviours.

Record and maintain fit-forwork testing results.

Report on community/
stakeholder consultation
activities, topics raised,
outcomes and follow up
actions.

Record absences, terminations

and instances of disciplinary
action.
Review Fit-for-Work policy,
procedures and training
program annually.

Develop a family friendly culture by having

policies and procedures that allow workers to
attend to family responsibilities.
Work with chiefs and local law enforcement

Monitor absences due to family

responsibilities.

Adjust alcohol stock levels and

sales to reduce issues.
Record absences from the
workplace and trends.

Have this as an agenda item for

Internally audit effectiveness of

PAGE 109

Criteria

Management Action

officers to prevent anti-social behaviour through

intervention strategies.
Encourage traditional values and cultural practices
by incorporating them in the workplace where
possible.

Provide all on site staff with comprehensive cross

cultural awareness training run by a community
liaison officer selected from Choiseul Island
Potential relocation of
local care takers of
logging buildings on Port
site lands

Delayed or restricted
access to and from
villages near port areas

Monitoring

Surface access rights

are addressed.

Minimal delays and

restrictions to and from
villages near port areas.

community consultation meetings.

Manage workplace practices to
accommodate cultural norms where
appropriate and practicable. Schedule
employees for cross cultural awareness
training as part of the induction process.

Old mining areas and/or

infrastructure are made
available for social use
(after mine closure)

community consultation
strategy.
Internally audit workplace
practices for cultural
appropriateness annually.

Monitor grievances arising from cultural

misunderstanding.

Report on number of
employees attending cross
cultural awareness training.
Review program annually.

Loss of housing and garden area may need to be

addressed with landowners and/or affected
peopled through negotiation of surface access
rights

Monitor surface access rights agreement

to ensure all terms are upheld.

Report on surface access rights

agreement.

Early and ongoing communication with affected

communities to discuss the possible construction
related shipping activities.

Have as an agenda item on

community/stakeholder consultation
meetings

Internally audit meeting

minutes.

Address any nonconformances.

Consider logistical strategies to achieve safe access

for local people to their home village and
important river fishing and garden areas.
Delayed or restricted
access to local fishing
grounds in harbour and
Port area exclusion zone

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Report on community/
stakeholder consultation
activities, topics raised,
outcomes and follow up
actions.

Minimal delays and

restrictions to local
fishing grounds in
harbour and Port area
exclusion zone.

Early and ongoing communication with affected

communities to discuss the possible construction
related shipping activities.

Have as an agenda item on

community/stakeholder consultation
meetings

Internally audit meeting

minutes.

Old mining areas

and/or infrastructure
are made available for
social use (after mine
closure)

Identify infrastructure to be left intact post-mine

closure in consultation with local communities
and other stakeholders as per Mine Rehabilitation
and Closure Plan.

Have as an agenda item on

community/stakeholder consultation
meetings

Internally audit meeting

minutes.

PAGE 110

Report on community/
stakeholder consultation
activities, topics raised,
outcomes and follow up
actions.

Report on community/
stakeholder consultation
activities, topics raised,

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

outcomes and follow up

actions.
Adverse visual changes to
landscape, skyline and
sea from various
viewpoints on land and
sea

Views of the landscape,

skyline and sea from
viewpoints adjacent to
the Project have
minimal changes.

Internally audit complaints

received and remedial actions.

Buildings, such as those at the staff village should,

where feasible, blend in with the architectural
style of the Solomon Islands.

Review construction, rehabilitation,

architectural and landscaping plans to
verify design issues relating to visual
impact where practicable.

Retaining vegetation close to infrastructure

boundaries to provide visual screening.

Have as an agenda item for community

consultation/stakeholder meetings.

Minimising road and service corridor clearing to

only the extent required to establish the Project
components.

Monitor plan and supervise clearing to

ensure it meets the plan.

Follow up on any outstanding

corrective actions.

Rehabilitating land cleared for Project construction

purposes (i.e. those areas not required to be
permanently cleared).

Inspect to ensure alignment with the Mine

Rehabilitation and Closure Plan.

Review and revise Mine

Rehabilitation and Closure
Plan.

Progressively rehabilitating mining areas as mining

operations proceed, to minimise the exposed area
visible at any one time.

Inspect to ensure alignment with the Mine

Rehabilitation and Closure Plan.

Review and revise Mine

Rehabilitation and Closure
Plan.

Monitor number of complaints received

due to reduced visual amenity.

Report on number of
complaints received and
corrective actions.
Internally audit construction,
rehabilitation, architectural and
landscaping plans against
legislation and standards
regarding visual amenity.
Report on non-conformances
and corrective actions taken.

Poorer quality of sleep or

impediment to hunting
resulting from light spill

Aligning roads behind ridgelines wherever

feasible.

Selecting colours for buildings and major

structures that blend with the background
landscape

As per architectural designs.

Review and revise architectural

designs if colours do not
achieve desired outcome.

Landscaping major infrastructure areas including

the accommodation camp and MIAs and land fill.

As per landscape plan.

Review and revise landscape

plan.

Using low glare and/or directional lighting, light

barriers and diffusers to mitigate light impacts in
sensitive areas.

Monitor number of complaints received

due to light spill. Inspect areas impacted
by light spill at night to assess compliance
with management action.

Report on complaints received

and corrective actions.

Light spill does not

adversely affect
residents sleep patterns
or activities.

PAGE 111

Report on non-compliance.

Litter and waste

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Stage

Haulage

Dust generation

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Impacts to the tribe and

clan systems

Impacts to customary
land ownership

Increased land disputes

leading to the dissolution
of the kastom land tenure
system

Criteria

No dust complaints
during construction
and operations.

No visible litter and

waste. All litter and
waste stored
appropriately.
Current tribe and clan
systems remain in
place.
Customary ownership
established.

Management Action

Implement Air Quality Management Strategies as

outlined in Table 5-8.

Monitoring

Monitor the number of complaints

received regarding the impact of dust on
visual amenity. Monitor effectiveness of
Air Quality Management Strategies.

Waste Management Plan developed and

implemented outlining correct storage and
disposal of refuse and hazardous wastes in
accordance with the Waigani Convention.
Work collaboratively with the tribes and clans and
stakeholders to address land tenure issues relating
to tribe and clan kinship systems.
Employ residents from the tenement area.

Certification of Waste Management Plan

by Project Manager is a Hold Point for
commencement of works.

Liaise with stakeholders to ensure only licensed

operators can start businesses.

Check all suppliers of goods and services

are licensed operators.

Have preferred supplier agreements with local

businesses.
Have a cross cultural training program for workers
(see cultural heritage section).

Record all attendances at cross cultural

training program.

NA
Record point of origin for all employees
and maintain in personnel records.

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Report on complaints received

and corrective actions.
Report on non-compliance.
All other reporting and auditing
as outlined in Table 5-8.
Regular internal audits of the
Waste Management Plan will
be undertaken to inform and
update procedures.
Should acquisition be required,
consult and support the tribes
and clans through that process.
Record number of local people
employed. Increase number of
local people employed if
proportion is low.
Internally audit supply
agreements

Review and revise cross

cultural training program to
ensure it is current and
effective.
NA

Encourage members of the tribes and clans within

the tenement to participate in the cross cultural
activities as instructors.
Work collaboratively with the tribes and clans and
other stakeholders to address land tenure issues
relating to tribe and clan kinship systems.

NA
Monitor effectiveness of Surface Access
Agreement.

Report on any issues arising

from discussions on Surface
Access Agreement.

Employ local people.

Record point of origin for all employees.

Maintain as part of personnel records.

Record number of local people

employed.
Increase number of local
people employed if proportion

PAGE 112

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

is low.
Impacts to subsistence
horticulture

Loss of gardens
established by ancestors

Impacts to hunting,
fishing and shellfish
gathering resulting from
population influx, the
loss of access, the loss of
habitat and decrease in

Minimise loss of
gardens.

The loss of subsistence gardening related areas

will be compensated as per the Surface Access
Rights agreement and/or the mining lease
agreement.

Employ residents from the tenement area and limit

employment of non-residents.

Have this as an item on the agenda for

community/ stakeholder consultation
meetings.

Report on community/
stakeholder consultation
strategy.
Identify areas for improvement.
Review and update procedures
accordingly.

Record point of origin for all employees.

Maintain as part of personnel records.

Review topics raised in

community/ stakeholder
consultation and ensure they
have been appropriately
actioned.
Report on number of local
people employed.

Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure only

licensed operators exist within the tenement area.
Have a cross cultural training program for all staff
and workers (see cultural heritage section).

Check all suppliers of goods and services

are licensed operators.
Record all attendances at cross cultural
training program.

Encourage members of the tribes and clans within

the tenement to participate in the cross cultural
activities as instructors (see cultural heritage
section).
Management of existing gardens should be dealt
with in the Surface Access Rights agreement.

NA

Increase number of local

people employed if proportion
is low.
Internally audit supply
agreements.
Review and revise cross
cultural training program to
ensure it is current and
effective.
NA

NA

NA

Address the loss of subsistence related areas as per

the Surface Access Rights agreement and/or the
mining lease agreement.

Have this as an item on the agenda for

community/ stakeholder consultation
meetings.

Report on community/
stakeholder consultation
strategy.
Identify areas for improvement.
Review and update procedures
accordingly. Review topics

PAGE 113

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

availabilities.

Impacts to land use

resulting from clearing
and rehabilitating mined
areas

Workplace related
accidents and injuries
and exposure of workers
to solid, liquid and
hazardous wastes

Zero workplace related

accidents and injuries.

Restrict recreational fishing, shellfish gathering

and hunting.
Consult with the landowning tribes and clans prior
to any clearing of Project areas to discuss how
areas will be cleared, during the clearing and
rehabilitation stages.

Secure tenement and port area.

raised in community/
stakeholder consultation and
ensure they have been
appropriately actioned.
Report on security breaches.

NA

NA

Implementation of effective and efficient

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
Programs.

Develop and monitor Workplace OH&S

indicators.

Internally audit OH&S system

and report on nonconformances and corrective
actions.

Benchmark against OH&S best practice.

Report on Workplace OH&S.

Provide relevant PPE to workers.

Monitor employees to ensure correct PPE

is worn.

Establish company clinic and ensure that it can

manage and respond to cases of accidents and
injuries.

Monitor capacity of clinic to respond to

and manage workplace accidents and
injuries.
Record all visits to the clinic by workers
and identify any trends. Implement
actions to address findings where
practicable.

Water and food

contamination

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Eliminate
contamination of water

Undertake air quality monitoring as per the Air

Quality Monitoring Plan.

Monitor drinking water and action when

contaminant levels have been breached.

Provide suitable drinking water and wastewater

facilities to workers at worksites and
accommodation camp.
Appropriate waste management facilities and
procedures will be implemented to minimize

Monitor waste management strategies and

implement corrective actions when
hazards are identified.
Regular inspection of waste storage
facilities in accordance with Waste

PAGE 114

Report hazards and action

corrective measures.
Review suitability of PPE and
address through suppliers if
necessary.
Internally audit clinic and
report on non-conformances
and corrective actions.
Report on health issues and
corrective actions.
Alert health authorities if there
is an outbreak of disease/
contagious illness.
Report on water monitoring
activities.
Report on waste management
activities.
Internally audit inspection
reports from waste storage

Criteria

and food supplies.

Exposure to dust and

noise

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Minimise exposure to
dust and noise.

contamination to water and food from wastes (in

accordance with Waste Management Plan).

Management Plan.

facilities and waste transfer

stations.

Appropriate hazardous material handling,

transport, storage and disposal procedures will be
implemented as per the Handling and Spill
Management Plan, and Waste Management Plan.

Regular inspection of waste storage and

transfer stations to check if being used
appropriately.

Impacts from the Project on community water

supply will be addressed on a case by case basis
and may involve the provision of water, relocation
of water sources, or provision of rain
water storage.

Monitor community complaints and

action as appropriate.

Implement noise mitigation measures as specified

in this EMP and as appropriate to site conditions.

Monitor noise levels where necessary at

identified sensitive receptors.

All vehicles and mobile equipment will be fitted

with exhaust muffling devices.
In order to minimise dust emissions, mitigation
measures may include:

NA

water the surface of the material being worked

or road surfaces
minimize drop heights
restrict works during windy/dry conditions
cover stockpiles when not actively worked or
during windy/dry conditions, and

Monitor dust levels as per Air Quality

Monitoring Plan.
Monitor weather forecasts and implement
preventative actions.

PAGE 115

Timely attention to any noncompliance or maintenance

issues.
Internally audit inspection
reports from waste transfer
stations.
Timely attention to any noncompliance or maintenance
issues.
Report on number and nature
of complaints/ grievances
received from the community
in relation to water supply and
any follow-up actions.
Review topics raised in
community/ stakeholder
consultation and ensure they
have been appropriately
actioned.
Report on number and nature
of complaints/ grievances
received from the community
in relation to noise and any
follow-up actions.
NA
Report on number and nature
of complaints/ Grievances
received from the community
in relation to dust and any
follow-up actions.

Port

Infrastructure

Construction

Operation

Threat to food security

Stage

Haulage

Traffic conflicts affecting

local population

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Criteria

Zero traffic conflicts

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

restrict access to define roadways.

All drivers of vehicles using Project roads will be
required to demonstrate competence and hold a
valid licence for the category of vehicle being
driven.
Control of vehicle access to the Project roads will
be applied at the source and enforced.

Operator qualifications and competence

will be assessed prior to employment
and/or commencing a relevant activity onsite.
Have traffic management plan in place.

Internally audit qualifications,

licenses and training records to
ensure all drivers/operators are
competent and licensed.
Review traffic management
plan regularly and update as
required.
Review traffic management
plan regularly and update as
required.
Internally audit maintenance
plan and schedule to ensure
vehicle compliance.

Road rules will be clearly conveyed through driver

training and strictly enforced as a component of
the Project safety policies and procedures.
All Project vehicles will be roadworthy including
provision of lights and roof or cab mounted
orange warning flashing lights and identifying
numbers.

Supply levels of fresh

produce in local
market are adequate.
Costs do not escalate.

Have traffic management plan in place.

Have maintenance plan and schedule in
place. Inspect vehicles regularly.

Internally audit inspection

reports for compliance.

Pedestrian access along roads will aim to be

restricted.

Regular security patrols on main roads to

identify pedestrian usage.

Roads within the MIAs, ports and accommodation

camps, which will cater for some workforce
pedestrian movements, will be appropriately
controlled, signed and marked to minimise the
risk of vehicle/pedestrian conflict.
Harbour traffic will be controlled by port
management to minimise the risks of marine
collisions through arrivals scheduling, radio
communication with vessels, and marked
navigation areas.
Collaborate with the community to enable people
to expand their gardens and plant crops required
by the mining operation and for local
consumption.

Truck and equipment operators to report

pedestrian use.

Monitor harbour traffic movements.

Address any nonconformances.

Record any near miss or actual
incidents involving pedestrians.
Implement compliance actions
if possible.
Record pedestrian use and
develop management
plan/action.
Report on harbour traffic
movements.
Address any non-compliances
through fines etc.

Monitor the market for adequate supplies.

Monitor cost of fresh produce. Make this a
regular agenda item for discussion at
community consultation meetings.

Maintain purchasing records

and a budget for the camp.
Monitor ratio of local sourced
fresh produce to bulk
purchased processed food.
Change suppliers if supplies of

PAGE 116

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

fresh food are becoming

constrained or costs are
escalating.

Change in traditional diet

Tension and conflict

Collaborate with relevant organisations regarding

training and education to address any changes to
the food, production and gathering process.
Source the bulk of the produce required for the
mine camps outside of Choiseul Island

Monitor the market for adequate supplies.

Monitor cost of fresh produce.

Increase in the
purchase of processed
food.

Provide education at site on good nutrition and

diet and encourage workers to share the
information with family and tribal members.
Encourage regional health workers with their
health education programs for women and
children

Make this a regular agenda item for

discussion at community consultation
meetings.

Local employees in the

workforce.

Recruit locally where possible particularly in the

camps and road construction.

Maintain employment records. Track

trends in local employment and
termination.

Local people are

participating in training
programs.

Provide training for local people during

construction preparing them for roles in the
operation.

Maintain training records and record

whether or not the trainee is a local
person.

PAGE 117

Monitor ratio of local sourced

fresh produce to bulk
purchased processed food.
Change suppliers if supplies of
fresh food are becoming
constrained or costs are
escalating.
Internally audit meeting
minutes.
Report on community/
stakeholder consultation
activities, topics raised,
outcomes and follow up
actions.
Internally audit employment
records.
Report on new local hires and
local turnover relative to total
workforce.
Set targets for local
employment and implement
local recruitment and retention
strategies if local employee
numbers are low.
Internally audit training
records.
Report on number of people
attending training programs
and track number of local

Criteria

Management Action

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

participants.

Threat to traditional
values and culture

Goods and services are

provided by local
people where
available.

Movement of workers
is restricted.

Liaise with stakeholders to ensure only licensed

operators can start businesses. Have preferred
supplier agreements with local people.

Check all suppliers of goods and services

are licensed operators.

Increase training places for

local people or review training
content and delivery methods if
participation rates are low.
Internally audit supply
agreements.

Maintain preferred supplier agreements

and monitor level of trading.

Report on number of preferred

suppliers and expenditure.

Collaborate with stakeholders, traditional

governance structures and landowners to address
informal influx issues and associated impacts.

Make this an agenda item for discussion at

stakeholder meetings.

Manage the movement of workers around the

island.
Ensure that they remain within the camp during
days off and that they are transported directly to
and from the camp for start and finish of roster.

Gender inequality

Women being
employed and trained.

Provide recreational activities and relaxation area

in camp, and personal items available for
purchase in camp.
Actively recruit local women for positions to
improve equity in the workplace.

Have security processes in place to

monitor personnel entering and leaving
camp.

Actively source local suppliers.

Internally audit employee
records to check point of hire
and ensure correct work
permits are in place.
Terminate employees who do
not have the correct work
permits.
Internal audit transport and
camp records for consistency.
Report instances of
unauthorised movement.
Establish disciplinary process to
manage unauthorised absences
from camp/worksite.

Monitor number of applications received,

number of women interviewed and
number of women engaged each month
(EEO stats).

Maintain employment records,

including numbers and roles of
female participation.

Track trends in the employment and

termination of women.

Have an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

policy and set targets for the employment of

Benchmark number of female employees

PAGE 118

Review EEO policy and

procedures regularly.

Criteria

Management Action

women.

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

Record complaints/ grievances.

Monitor EEO related

complaints/grievances raised by women
and track trends in the nature of the
complaints.

Compare number of local

women employed/ terminated
against targets.

Monitor number of women in training

programs, attendances, terminations and
completions.

Maintain training records and

track number of female
attendees.

Ensure accommodation and ablution facilities are

available for women with appropriate measures to
ensure security and privacy.

Inspect accommodation and ablution

facilities regularly.

Review content and delivery

method for gender bias and
appropriateness and update
accordingly.
Record female occupancy in
the camp.

Collaborate with organisations that seek to

empower women in the workplace and in the
community.

Have as an agenda item on

community/stakeholder consultation
meetings.

Ensure women have access to training for all roles

in the mining industry to build skills and capacity.

against targets.

Explore the possibility of joint initiatives with

partner organisations and local womens groups to
address gender inequality issues.

Record number and nature of

complaints/ grievances in the
camp and actions taken.
Review initiatives and assess
effectiveness regularly.
Review joint initiatives for
effectiveness.
Internally audit meeting
minutes.
Report on joint initiatives.

Transportation

Competition for skilled

workers

Current carrying
capacity on air and sea
carriers is maintained.

The Project will use dedicated barges to deliver

goods and materials to Project ports and a
contracted fast ferry service for staff transportation.

Monitor employee use of island transport

services.

Entrants to the mine

come from a range of
backgrounds and

Set the criteria required for entry into the

workforce.

Keep records of all applications,

interviews, testing and medical
procedures during the recruitment

PAGE 119

Record number and cost of

employee transport.
Limit employees using island
transport services when Project
transport has been provided.
Internally audit employment
records.
Review employment processes

Criteria

Management Action

industries. Conditions
of employment are
comparable to that of
other industries.

Monitoring

Auditing, Reporting,
Corrective Action

Operation

Construction

Stage
Infrastructure

Port

Haulage

Facility

Mine

Potential Impact

process.

annually.

Record reasons for hire/rejection of

candidate.
Project wages to be suitably comparative to the
type of work and to other industries

Monitor and benchmark pay scales and

conditions with that of comparative
industries.

PAGE 120

Internally audit payments to

employees.
Adjust pay scales annually.

Appendix A
Weekly Environmental Inspection Template

Weekly Environmental Inspection Template

Time and date of inspection:
Location of inspection:
Current and/or forecast weather:
Issue:
Are all erosion and sediment controls in
place, properly constructed and
functioning/able to function?
Is there evidence of erosion?

Are stockpiles protected adequately?

Volume and water quality of sediment

basins checked/discharged?
Are constructed drains and channels
clear?
E.g. of debris and sediment
Are hazardous substances stored
appropriately?
Are spill kits present and maintained?
Any evidence of spills or leaks?
Any spills reported?
Any litter or waste evident outside of
appropriate receptacles?
If clearing, are adequate flora and fauna
protection measures in place?
E.g. exclusion zone marked on-site,
fauna spotter-catcher present
Any weed infestations or pest problems
evident?
Name of recorder and/or witness/s
Time and date recorded

Yes/No/NA

Comments and Actions

Appendix B
Incident Response Form Template

Incident Response Form Template

Type of incident

Time and date incident occurred

Any injured persons?

Exact location of incident

Any dangerous goods in the vicinity

Size of spill or leakage

Presence of any sensitive areas nearby (e.g.

streams, shoreline, marine ecosystems,
villages, protected areas)
Extent of damage evident

Nature of terrain and access to incident

Weather or other site conditions (e.g. high

wind and direction, rain, extreme heat)
Additional incident information

On-site actions or remediation taken

Name of recorder and/or witness/s

Time and date recorded

Appendix C
Complaint Response Form Template

Complaint Response Form Template

Type of complaint (e.g. dust, odour, noise,
traffic, access, water quality or flow)

Time and date of complaint

Form of complaint (e.g. written, verbal, in
person)
Name and address of complainant

Name of staff responding to complaint

Initial response to complaint

Further investigations needed

Corrective actions taken

(include any additional responses to
complainant)

Name of recorder
Date recorded

Appendix D
Cultural Heritage Management Plan

Cultural Heritage Management Plan

Objectives
A Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) was developed as part of the Environmental
Management Plan (EMP). The objectives of the CHMP are to:

Identify known cultural heritage sites belonging to all tribes and clans within SMM Solomons
tenement

Avoid, where possible, all known cultural heritage sites (both tangible and intangible)

Where avoidance is not possible, to manage cultural heritage sites in consultation with the tribal
or clan landowners.

Legislation
National legislation pertaining to the preservation of cultural heritage in the Solomon Islands is not in
existence, however there is a Provincial Ordinance in existence in Choiseul Province which outlines
a process which must be abided by in relation to development in the province and cultural heritage.
Choiseul Province Ordinance, Part IV 13(1) dictates that the register of protected places must be
consulted and that all places of historical, cultural or archaeological significance be surveyed prior to
development activity. The Provincial Ordinance also dictates that cultural heritage surveys be carried
out by persons of suitable professional qualifications.
The Environment Act 1998 is brief in its requirements concerning cultural heritage where an EIS is
being carried out. The sole requirement states that a survey must be carried out concerning National
Heritage items or traditional artefacts in Section 23 of the Act.
SMM Solomon as a signatory of the ICMM subscribes to the responsible extraction and production of
minerals and metals and recognises that mining activities will affect the land, territories, resources
and way of life of indigenous peoples. ICMM members recognise the right of Solomon Islanders to
maintain their culture including their cultural heritage whether tangible or intangible. ICMM and its
members subscribe to the UN Guidelines on the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of Indigenous
Peoples, which focuses on ensuring the protection of indigenous knowledge, intangible heritage,
tangible heritage and the promotion of their cultural expressions that are generally collectively
maintained and inter-generational in nature.
All international guidelines subscribed to by ICMM have been taken into account when developing
the CHMP.
Cultural Heritage Surveys
Cultural heritage surveys will be undertaken of all known cultural heritage sites within the tenement
prior to the commencement of the construction phase 8.
The cultural heritage surveys will be conducted subsequent to community consultation and the
authorisation of all tribes and clans asserting ownership of the area to be surveyed.
Where a land dispute exists, community consultation and authorisation must be sought from all
parties to the dispute. Where one party withholds authorisation, the cultural heritage survey will not
be carried out.
Attendance to cultural heritage surveys by members of the landowning tribe or clan must be
compensated in accordance with the inclusions to the surface access right or the mining agreement.
8

Some cultural heritage surveys have already been carried out as part of the Environmental Impact Statement process. These surveys do
not need to be repeated.

Cultural heritage surveys will be carried out by the following qualified personnel:

Suitably qualified archaeologist.

Suitably qualified anthropologist.

A liaison officer who is a person of Solomon Islander descent but not belonging to the island on
which the tenement is located

Any number of persons elected by the tribe or clan or the Chief of said tribe or clan who are
knowledgeable in relation to the area and to the cultural heritage sites to be surveyed.

Outcomes of Cultural Heritage Surveys

Cultural heritage surveys are expected to produce a cultural heritage report which will include:

Desktop research in accordance with Provincial Ordinances.

Appropriately recorded (including detailed site description, photographs, size and typology)
cultural heritage sites and necessary buffer zones

Buffer zones of 50m (radius from the GPS point) established around each identified cultural
heritage site within SMM Solomons tenement.

Agreement for the cultural heritage management approach by the tribe or clan of the area where
the cultural heritage survey is carried out.

An updated version of the cultural heritage section of the EIS which is confidential and not stored
where it may be discovered, sighted or copied by any person.

Site significance matrix.

Site specific cultural heritage management plan.

Buffer Zones
Each of the cultural heritage sites identified as highly significant in the site significance matrix will
have a permanent 50m buffer zone (radius from the GPS point) around it. The buffer zone will:

Be disclosed to the following SMM Solomon workers who will be bound by a confidentiality
agreement:

Exploration manager

Site manager

Community liaison officer.

Not be marked in any way because of privacy issues.

Signify an exclusion zone from mining activities where possible.

Site Significance Matrix

A site significance matrix will be developed including all the known cultural heritage sites identified
during the EIS phase of the Project. The matrix will:

Be developed by a suitably qualified archaeologist and a suitably qualified anthropologist

Be developed by the cultural heritage specialists and the landowning tribe or clan

Contain a detailed record of the significance of each site taking into account:

The perceptions of significance expressed by landowners

The scientific, historical, educational, and aesthetic significance of the site.

Be the basis for a site specific cultural heritage plan should the cultural heritage site need to be
disturbed.

Where avoidance is not practicable, outline a process of negotiation and compensation for the
landowning tribes.

Management and Monitoring

SMM Solomons preferred management approach for known cultural heritage sites is avoidance.
However it is possible that previously unknown cultural heritage sites may be identified during earth
disturbing activities. To prevent the accidental destruction or disturbance of cultural heritage sites
and chance finds, a monitor will be present at all times while earth disturbing activities are occurring
at any given site.
Roles and Responsibilities
SMM Solomon will ensure sufficient resources are allocated on an ongoing basis to achieve effective
implementation of the CHMP. The CHMP will describe resources allocated and responsible for the
execution of each task and requirement contained therein. It will also describe how roles and
responsibilities are communicated to relevant personnel.
Community Liaison Officer(s)
SMM Solomon will ensure that a community liaison officer is on site and available at all times. The
community liaison officer will:

Be of Solomon Islander descent 9.

Be well versed in all legislation and requirements pertaining to cultural heritage within SMM
Solomons tenement.

Run all cultural heritage related community consultation meetings.

Provide all on site staff with comprehensive cross cultural training.

Visit each tribal and clan Chief regularly with the object of providing Project updates where
cultural heritage is concerned and to obtain feedback regarding cultural heritage related issues

Collaborate on cultural development initiatives such as funding for museums, art galleries, crafts,
cultural research and partnerships with the Solomon Islands Museum.

Monitor(s)
SMM Solomon will ensure that a monitor is present during all earth disturbing activities. The monitor
will:

Be selected by the tribe or clan on whose land the earth disturbance is occurring. Where a land
dispute is in progress, a monitor from each tribe or clan claiming the area will be present.

Be knowledgeable in all aspects of cultural heritage relating to his/her tribe.

Be knowledgeable and enforce the CHMP procedures.

It is highly recommended that the liaison officer not belong to any of the tribes or clans within SMM Solomons tenement as

this may be the cause of problems because of conflicts of interest and confidentiality.

Be knowledgeable in all aspects of the procedures and management of previously unknown

cultural heritage sites.

Training, Awareness and Competency

SMM Solomon will be responsible for all training required in connection with the CHMP and all its
conditions.
CHMP

SMM Solomon will ensure that all SMM Solomon personnel responsible for the execution of
tasks and requirements in the CHMP are competent on the basis of education, training and
experience.

SMM Solomons training activity associated with the CHMP will be appropriately documented
by means of a training needs assessment, training plan and records of training undertaken.

Community Liaison Officer

SMM Solomon will provide training in all legislation and requirements pertaining to cultural
heritage within SMM Solomons tenement.

SMM Solomon will provide cultural development training.

Monitor(s)

SMM Solomon will provide training in the identification of cultural heritage materials.

SMM Solomon will provide GPS training.

Cross Cultural Training

A cross cultural training program for all SMM Solomon employees and contractors will be developed
by an SMM Solomon liaison officer in conjunction with a suitably qualified cultural heritage
specialist. The cross cultural training program will:

Be conducted with every SMM Solomon employee and consultant prior to the commencement
of any type of work on-site

Include protocols for visiting villages and surrounding lands and forests which may have
significant cultural heritage values

Discuss the purchase protocols of locally produced items and products

Instruct in the protocols of hunting, fishing and gathering within tribal and clan lands.

Provide an overview of Melanesian culture with a focus on the tribes and clans within SMM
Solomons tenement.

Members of the tribes and clans within SMM Solomons tenement should be encouraged to
participate in the cross cultural activities as instructors.
Inclusions to the Surface Access Right or Mining Agreement
Inclusions to the surface access right or the mining agreement will be developed by a legal
professional with the assistance of SMM Solomon liaison officer and a suitably qualified cultural
heritage specialist.
Key Performance Indicators
Table 5-12 outlines the indicators for measuring and verifying performance in relation to the CHMP.

Table 5-12 Key Performance Indicators

ID
#

Performance Indicator

Measurement

Internal
Auditing
Frequency

Number of known cultural heritage

sites disturbed without permission.
Number of cultural heritage sites
appropriately managed in accordance
with the CHMP.

Number of incidents

Quarterly

Relative
Management
Plan
Objective
1,2

Number of sites
appropriately
managed

Quarterly

1,2

Further performance indicators to be developed and agreed between the tribes and clans, the
community liaison officer and SMM Solomon.
Reporting and Notification
Site clearance, provided by the landowning tribe or clan, will be required for each cultural heritage
site identified during the EIS phase. The cultural heritage team will determine the nature and
significance of each site identified during the EIS phase and record it in the site significance matrix.
All documentation will be supplied to SMM Solomon through an annual summary report and a final
report will be prepared once all earth disturbing activities are finalised.
Reporting of Contractor Cultural Heritage Surveys
Contractors will report to SMM Solomon all the results of each cultural heritage survey and integrate
all the results into the EIS including:

Cultural heritage assessment.

Recording and mapping of cultural heritage sites (both tangible and intangible).

Desktop research.

Procedures for all earth disturbing activities.

Reporting of Chance Finds

When a chance find is identified by a Monitor, SMM Solomon will:

Halt all operations at the location where the chance find was identified.

Halt all operations within a 50m radius of the chance find.

Engage a suitably qualified archaeologist to assess the chance find and determine a management
strategy.

Archaeological Salvage Operations

An archaeological salvage operation will be carried out when a suitably qualified archaeologist
determines that a chance find must be salvaged. The archaeological salvage operation must:

Be determined in consultation with the landowning tribe or clan

Be carried out according to provincial and national legislation and international standards

Be the last resort in the CHMP.

Confidentiality
In accordance with the outcomes of the community consultation carried out during the EIS phase, all
information collected in relation to cultural heritage sites will:

Be kept confidential

Not be accessible to anyone other than the authorised personnel.