A limited amount of construction has been approved to re-commission a waste storage facility at McArthur River Mine.
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According to a McArthur River Mine 2016 information sheet, the waste storage, called Tailings Storage Facility Cell One, is the original storage facility and is adjacent to Surprise Creek.
"It has not been used since 2007 and has been capped with clay and covered with grasses."
The Northern Territory Government has approved limited civil and construction works for the re-commissioning.
But, further approvals are required before the waste facility can become operational again.
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Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby said the project supports jobs while also protecting the environment.
"As Minister, I am focused on ensuring that the McArthur River Mine is regulated in a sustainable and responsible manner to maximise economic benefits and minimise environmental impacts.
"This limited amendment to the mine management plan authorises civil and construction works for the re-commissioning of Tailings Storage Facility Cell One."
The assessment was undertaken by an Independent Technical Review Board, as well as the Department of Primary Industry and Resources for its compliance with the Mining Management Act.
The works also require sign-off from an independent certifying engineer to assess the design and construction of works, and will be subject to the ongoing role of the Independent Monitor with oversight of all operations.
The approval takes into account the NT Environment Protection Authority Assessment Report on the MRM Overburden Management Project and a condition of the authorisation is that the mine site is to be developed and operated in accordance with relevant legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The McArthur River Mine has only recently recommenced operations following the ferocious Cyclone Trevor, which saw wind speeds of more than 200km/h.
The mining company temporarily suspended mining operations on March 22, as the tropical cyclone hit the Northern Territory coast as a category four.
The majority of the workers were evacuated in line with the mining company's standard cyclone procedures.
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