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A spokesperson for Balmaine Gold said the site 'had a small amount of pooling of water against the western corner of the tailings dam wall.'
"As part of ERR's regular TSF inspections they noted this and issued a notice. Balmaine have rectified the issue (works that would have been conducted anyway regardless of the notice) from time to time the tailing distribution can occasionally become uneven, and this can cause pooling which then gets rectified."
EARLIER
Victorian mines watchdog Earth Resources Regulation has issued a second safety notice to Ballarat Gold Mine owner Balmaine Gold over the operations of its tailings storage facility.
The facility at Terrible Gully receives waste from mining activity and was established in 2005. It is the mine's only waste storage site.
In a statement, executive director of Earth Resources Regulation Anthony Hurst said the mine was recently issued the notice.
"Last week Balmaine Gold was issued another notice after inspectors observed water pooling on the western side of the tailings storage facility, which could impact the integrity of the external wall," Mr Hurst said.
"The licensee is complying with the notice and we'll continue to monitor their activity. Following the request for further information Balmaine Gold has re-submitted its application to increase the tailings storage capacity at Ballarat Gold Mine."
"We've provided clear advice about the process for applications. Licensees are responsible for ensuring they have the approvals required to meet operational needs."
Earth Resources Regulation issued a directive in May 2021 to the owners to cease use of the dump as rock piles had exceeded a height safety limit. The breach was not regarded as serious.
The company was ordered to develop and implement a plan to control risks associated with the use of the waste rock dump. Operations were allowed to continue with other areas at the mine approved to store waste rock.
Balmaine Gold says the company anticipates the Terrible Gully tailings facility will be at capacity by 2021's end, and is currently undertaking investigations and design work for a new tailings dam in adjoining Whitehorse Gully.
"Licensees are responsible for ensuring they have the approvals required to meet operational needs well in advance," Mr Hurst said.
"If our assessment of the application meets the requirements under Victoria's mining law, it will be referred to other agencies for their consideration too. Planning permission also needs to be in place before we can approve the application."
Balmaine Gold was contacted for comment.
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