Whitehaven Coal : MCC-CCC Meeting Minutes Environmental Monitoring Report and Presentation October 2023

Notes:	Notes of the 43rd Meeting of the Maules Creek Coal Community Consultative Committee	Wednesday 25 October 2023
	Held at Boggabri Golf Club at 2:00 pm.

Members Present: Angus Frend (AF) - WHC, Darren Swain (DS) - WHC, Elizabeth O'Hara (EOH) - Community Representative, Jabin de Keizer (JdK) - WHC, Libby Laird

1. - Maules Creek Community Representative, Michelle Henry (MH) - Narrabri Shire Council, Robyn Grover (RG) - Community Representative, Steve Eather (SE) - Community Representative.

Apologies: Cr Brett Dickinson (BD) - Narrabri Shire Council, Emma Bulkeley (EB) - WHC, Lyndell Crowley (LC) - Community Representative, Talan Breaden (TB)

• WHC.

Independent Chair: David Ross (DR)	Independent Secretary: Debbie Corlet (DC)
Agenda Items		Who to Present
1.	Welcome and Apologies		DR
2.	Declaration of pecuniary or other interests		DR
3.	Confirmation of the Minutes of the previous meeting - Wednesday 30 August 2023		DR
4.	Business arising from the previous minutes		DR
5.	Company Overview		WHC
6.	Mine's Environmental Performance
7.	General Business
8.	Next Meeting - Wednesday 14 February 2024		ALL

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	Agenda Item	Discussion	Action/By Whom
1.	Welcome and Apologies - DR welcomed everyone to the fourth and final meeting of the year.
2.	Declaration of Pecuniary or Other Interests - DR is paid a fee as chair as is DC for typing the minutes.
		EOH has a small bundle of WHC shares. RG has a family member working at Maules Creek.
3.	Confirmation of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting - Members were comfortable with the minutes
		from the previous meeting.
4.	Business Arising from the Previous Minutes	ACTION 1 - DS to
		DR noted that there had been no interest in new membership on the committee. Will continue to keep trying.	provide
		Continuation Project
		DR noted that LL had sent through questions shortly after last meeting as well as requested presentation on	slides from last
		meeting.
		continuation project that still required a response.
		Subsequently, DS provided members with a briefing note in response and committed to providing slides shortly.	ACTION 2 - DS to
		EOH observed that, at the last meeting, the length of the pipeline was mentioned. Was it 10.5 kms? Total length to be	confirm the total
		length of water
		confirmed.
		pipeline.
		LL - Briefing note to be added to the Minutes.	ACTION 3 - DR to
			add Briefing Note to
			the Minutes.
5.	Maules Creek Update	ACTION 4 - WHC to
		Health and Safety Performance	ensure acronyms are
		spelt out in future
		AF - Discussed the health and safety performance for the mine.	presentations.
		LL - We need the acronyms spelt out please.
		Air Quality Monitoring	ACTION 5 - WHC to
		change colours in
		AF noted that there were no exceedances were recorded at either the HVAS (high volume air sampler) or the TEOM	slides so they stand
		out more.
		(PM10) over the previous quarter.
		EOH - With respect to PM 2.5, which is a critical measure of impacts of air quality and dust, could a future slide be put	ACTION 6 - MCCM
		to explore feasibility
		together that compares Maules Creek mine with the other locations shown on the PM10 slide?
		of having rolling
		DS - We'll take it as an action to see if it is feasible before we can say a slide can be produced.
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Agreed to by members.

LL - Is the Annual Review out for this year?

AF - No, 2023's review is with the DPE; however, the Review for 2022 is out: - https://tinyurl.com/2fdkp5ty

Tyre Disposal 2023 - No tyres have been disposed of in 2023.

AF also talked to some notes of the Biodiversity Offset Trip, undertaken by the CCC in August (see graph on page 17 of slides).

EO - requested that photos and reasonably detailed notes be provided especially as we didn't stop during the trip.

Biodiversity Management

Feral Animal Management - Most recent routine WHC Biodiversity Feral Animal Control program (July to September 2023) - 1,153 out of total 1,767 pigs trapped or baited were from the Maules Offset properties. 232 out of total 461 goats harvested were from the Maules Offsets properties. 158 out of total 282 Canid Pest Ejectors (1080) consumed were from the Maules Offset properties.

Weed Control - During last quarter, the following weed control was undertaken via sport spraying / jetting on the Maules Offset Properties - 125ha of Broadleaf weeds such as Pattersons Cruse, Turnip, Saffron Thistle and Variegated thistle has been treated. 5.86ha of Woody Weeds and others, such as Box Thorn, Prickly Pear and Reveg Holes has been treated. There was also 41ha of tracks sprayed as part of the track maintenance.

Annual Fauna and Flora Monitoring - has commenced.

AF also noted that works are being undertaken to maintain fire breaks as well as construct new fire break tracks on additional offset properties. Tree planting at Onavale will also be completed in next quarter.

Approvals - Continuation Project EIS - Environmental studies / modelling and community consultation ongoing. Scoping Report lodged with DPE in October 2023. SEARs (Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements) expected by end of 2023. Scope of all environmental assessments to be reviewed upon receipt of SEARs.

DR reminded members that, as the SEARs are not expected until the end of the year, this means that the EIS will not be completed for at least 12 months.

Modification 9 - BOS and ETL - A Response to Submissions (RtS) report will be provided to DPE responding to agency, organisation, and individual submissions. Submission of report timing extended to end of 2023.

PM2.5 slide in

future.

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		AHS - ~20-24 autonomous trucks operating at any one time. AHS at Maules Creek has passed 100,000 hours of
		operation. Over 200 people are trained and competent in AHS operations at Maules Creek (In-pit, Mine Control and
		Engineering teams).	ACTION 7 - WHC to
			condense the AHS
		DS noted that the AHS transport the over-burden not the coal.	slide page.
		LL - Will they also go electric in the future.
		DS - We'll include in future presentations if this occurs.
		Community - Donations / Sponsorship July to September 2023 - $71,575.32 spent in the local community. Highlights -
		St Xaviers Narrabri - new school playground, Quirindi Show Society - Sponsorship of the PBR rodeo.
		LL - What is the definition of regional sustainability?
		DS - Could be Westpac Rescue. Could be health related in that space. That equates to about 2/3rds of that $71,575.32
		handed out over quarter. Anything that adds value and builds resilience in the region.
6.	General Business
		LL - The clearing season in 2023 - how much was cleared and where was it cleared. Requested a map and where on the	ACTION 8 - WHC to
		provide information
		site was it cleared in 2022 and 2023 and plus, I'd like to see your Forward Plan. Plus, a slide on clearing moving forward
		on clearing for 2022,
		for 2024. Finally, on behalf of the Maules Creek CWA, we ask that you don't clear, even if you have approval.
		2023 and 2024 as
		DS - Nothing has changed with respect to what is in our Forward Plan.
		well as on slide for
		AF - 32 hectares were cleared this year.	next meeting.
		LL - In relation to your Modification (Expansion / Mobile rock crusher moved), was there clearing in relation to that and	ACTION 9 - WHC to
		where would that have been done?
		provide details on
		AF - It would have been 2022. I can't answer that right now.
		the clearing for the
		EOH - About the tyres - what research are you undertaking at the mine? Who have you engaged with?	mobile rock crusher.
		DS - The report submitted to the EPA is on behalf of both Tarrawonga and Maules Creek. We can look into sharing of
		that information once the EPA has reviewed the report.
		EOH - Re March 2020 blast. The High Court will hear WHC's appeal on Friday that the Judge hearing the case be
		removed. I know you can't comment on it. It's one of 20 land cases in the court at the moment. It causes a great degree
		of anxiety in the community. I think the community deserve to know the details.
		DS - As nothing has changed (since our last meeting), can take it as a comment only.
		DS - Fact Sheet on the Continuation Project will be released shortly.
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7.

LL - Highlighted the importance of biodiversity and offsets.
Presentation by DR re the Revised CCC Guidelines
DR observed that the revised guidelines have been released with only incremental changes in comparison to the
previous guidelines. He discussed: the different roles on the CCC; the minutes and how they are managed; the code of
conduct including interviews with the media; and finally, the Terms of Reference (see attachment).
Next 12-months
DR then invited committee members to suggest what could be the focus on meetings through 2024. After a lengthy
discussion, a list of suggestions was raised (see Appendix 2). DR noted that, as many of the requests may be aligned
with information that needed to be prepared as part of the expansion project, DR would contact DS early in the new
year to determine what presentation(s) could be given in the February meeting (e.g. social impact assessment).
Committee members agreed that meetings are to be moved forward to 1 pm from 2 pm. Most members signed the
new code of conduct. DR invited members, if they wished, to take the code home and review and bring back for
February meeting.
A discussion took place with respect to the rolling groundwater graphs and whether better graphs were required. It was
noted that the graphs were a legacy of committee members who had previously thought the rolling graphs provided	ACTION 10 - Provide
important information. That is, the CCC wanted the history.	shorter hydrographs
DS and AF noted that they could shorten the graphs for members.	for meetings.

1. - Our perspective from on-ground observations is that the bore levels are dropping. The water is impacted by what is going on.
   DS - noted the data in the groundwater hydrographs showed that was not the case.

DR - It could be arranged to have a hydrologist or even someone from the compliance section within DPE come and	ACTION 11 - DR to
present about what they do.	review Guidelines to
	see if community
LL - We don't have an Environmental Rep or an Aboriginal Rep as required under the conditions. Or could they be from	members can join
outside region and attend via video?	who live outside the
DR - As mentioned, I've struggled to find people to come on. The challenge is always the internet reception for a lot of	area.
people.

Next meeting date

Wednesday 14 February at 1:00 pm.

Meeting Closed: 4:31 pm.

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			Appendix 1: Actions
Page No	Action No	Description	Date Raised
2	1	DS to provide Continuity Project slides.	25 October 2023
2	2	DS to confirm the total length of water pipeline.	25 October 2023
2	3	DR to add Briefing Note to the Minutes.	25 October 2023
2	4	WHC to ensure acronyms are spelt out in future presentations.	25 October 2023
2	5	WHC to change colours in slides so they stand out more.	25 October 2023
2	6	MCCM to explore feasibility of having rolling PM2.5 slide in future.	25 October 2023
4	7	WHC to condense the AHS slide page.	25 October 2023
4	8	WHC to provide information on clearing for 2022, 2023 and 2024 as well as on slide for next meeting.	25 October 2023
4	9	WHC to provide details on the clearing for the mobile rock crusher.	25 October 2023
5	10	Provide shorter hydrographs for meetings.	25 October 2023
5	11	DR to review Guidelines to see if community members can join who live outside the area.	25 October 2023

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Appendix 2: 2024 Options

Description

Invite Social Impact Assessment staff to present.

DR to invite Minerals Council Tyre Stewardship staff to present.

Future site tour options:

• Leard Forest Site Tour and presentation.
• Tour of bores with hydrologist

Provision of Bush Fire Management Plans, once revised.

Management of roads and access for fire management

Results of bird surveys

Experts for noise, dust and water to attend if interest is there

When do the water models get updated?

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Maules Creek Coal Mine

Community Consultative Committee

Environmental Monitoring Q3 2023 Meeting #43

Maules Creek Coal Mine

Community Consultative Committee

Meeting #43

Environmental Monitoring Report

For the Q3 period, July - September 2023

Attended Noise Monitoring

Maules Creek Coal (MCC) engaged an independent acoustic consultant to conduct LAeq (15minutes) and LA1 (1 minute) attended noise monitoring at six monitoring locations on site.

1. LAeq, 15minute; GENERATED BY MCCM AGAINST OPERATIONAL DAY NOISE CRITERIA; JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023. The results show that MCCM is within EPL 20221 compliance limits, that operations did not exceed the applicable LAeq (15minute) criteria of 35dB and the EPA's Noise Policy for Industry compliance guidelines.

Table 1 ‐ July Noise Monitoring

Table 2 - August Noise Monitoring

Maules Creek Coal Pty Limited ABN 70 140 533 875

WHITEHAVENCOAL.COM.AU

Therribri Road, Boggabri NSW 2382 | P 02 6749 7800 | F 02 6749 7899 PO Box 56, Boggabri NSW 2382

Maules Creek Coal Mine

Community Consultative Committee

Environmental Monitoring Q3 2023 Meeting #43

Table 3 - September Noise Monitoring

Wind Direction during Attended Monitoring

Wind direction data is collected from the Maule's Creek Coal Mine (MCCM) Automated Weather Station (AWS). Wind data for the duration of the attended monitoring assessment, recorded at the MCCM AWS is presented in the table below.

Table 4 ‐ Prevailing Wind Direction

Monitoring Date	Prevailing Wind Direction
July	S
August	ESE
September	ESE

Blast Monitoring

There was 32 blasts at MCCM during Q3 2023. All blast monitoring results recorded within the reporting period have complied with applicable overpressure and ground vibration limits specified in the respective approvals.

Table 5 - Blast Results Summary

Parameter

Units

Frequency

Number

Average

Max

100%

Exceedance

Limit

(Yes / No)

Noise

dB

32

92.77

117.4

120

No

(Lin Peak)

All

Vibration

mm/s

32

0.15

0.80

10

No

Maules Creek Coal Pty Limited ABN 70 140 533 875

WHITEHAVENCOAL.COM.AU

Therribri Road, Boggabri NSW 2382 | P 02 6749 7800 | F 02 6749 7899 PO Box 56, Boggabri NSW 2382

Maules Creek Coal Mine

Community Consultative Committee

Environmental Monitoring Q3 2023 Meeting #43

Air Quality

A. Total Depositional Dust

The 12 monthly rolling annual average remains below the relevant Project Approval (PA 10_0138) criteria of 4g/m2/month for the respective monitoring points.

Table 6 - Depositional Dust Gauge Results [g/m2/month]

	MONTH	MC1	MC2		MC3	MC4
	July	5.1c	0.9	0.6		3.3
	August	0.8	0.3	0.4		0.1
	September	1.9	2.1	1.8		0.6
	12 MONTH ROLLING AVERAGE	1.5	2.0		2.5		1.2

1. samples contaminated by bird dropping, decomposed insects or vegetable matter.

		Depositional Dust Gauge
	6	MC1
	Insoluble
	5
	Solids
.month	4	Ash Residue
3	Rolling Annual
2
Average
2	1
g/m	Annual Criteria
0

* Blank cells indicate sample periods where the sample has been contaminated and excluded from the results tables due to contaminated material (insect larvae, bird droppings, vegetation etc.).

Maules Creek Coal Pty Limited ABN 70 140 533 875

WHITEHAVENCOAL.COM.AU

Therribri Road, Boggabri NSW 2382 | P 02 6749 7800 | F 02 6749 7899 PO Box 56, Boggabri NSW 2382