Review of the environmental impacts of the In-situ acid leach mining process

The EPA requests submissions from suitably qualified consulting firms or individuals to conduct a review of the environmental impacts of the acid In-Situ Leach mining process, as used or proposed for use in South Australia.

The specific objective of the consultancy is to conduct a review of the acid ISL mining process with regard to:

·its environmental impact, with particular regard to:

·hydrogeology, groundwater management and impacts on aquifers,

·the management of process liquids, spill response and clean up,

·surface disturbance, including vegetation clearance,

·waste management, recovery and disposal (both liquid and solid),

·issues relating to rehabilitation on cessation of operations (including aquifer and surface rehabilitation).

·international experience with its practical application

·its current application in South Australia, including whether there are more appropriate leaching techniques for extraction of uranium from the ore .

·how existing proposals and operations in SA may be improved to reduce any risk to the environment.