Environment at Angas

Flora and fauna

As a result of previous quarrying activity, little native flora remained on the site when Terramin commenced exploration, however, several dry land teatrees, thought to be more than a hundred years old, have been preserved. Established species of native trees have now self seeded around the site.

Terramin has committed to a substantial revegetation programme as part of its mining lease conditions. Native species including local melaluca and saltbush have already been planted across the lease and the revegetation programme is ongoing.

All earth bunds have been hydroseeded with rye corn or saltbush.

A small number of native animals are observed on the site.  Terramin conducts regular monitoring as part of its mining lease conditions.

Noise attenuation

Mining and processing noise is reduced by earth 'bunds', or retaining walls, that surround the operation. Ore processing operations are structured to ensure minimal noise disturbance and sound abatement measures are complemented by the surrounding topography and prevailing winds that blow away from the Strathalbyn township.

Dust reduction

Angas uses an active planting programme to reduce dust.  The earth bunds reduce any dust dispersal and recycled water is used for dust suppression. 

Water conservation and recycling

Operations at the Angas Zinc Mine are self sufficient from a water consumption perspective.  Ground water entering the mine workings is pumped to the surface, treated and used in the processing plant or for dust suppression.  The water is used with the authorisation of the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation.  It is high in salts and would not be suitable for consumption or irrigation.  The only mains water used is for human consumption.  Mains water is then recyled via a bio-cycle sceptic system and used for irrigation. 

Rainwater tanks have been installed on buildings - the collected water is used for irrigating new seedlings.

The Angas Zinc Mine has a zero discharge policy which means that no water or waste leaves the site - everything is recycled back into processing and mining, including our water.

Zinc and lead levels

Surveys show anomalous levels of naturally-occurring lead and zinc in the area, relative to other regions where such mineralisation does not occur. Terramin's mining and processing operations will not exceed National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) soil limits for lead.

Quarterly Environmental Report

The Angas Zinc Mine publishes quarterly environmental reports for the Strathalbyn Community Consultative Committee and the Department of Primary Industry and Resources, South Australia (PIRSA), in accordance with the conditions of its mining lease.

 Please refer to the PIRSA website for further information or to acces the reports.