Former Benambra mine
The former Benambra mine in East Gippsland is located 19 km east of Benambra and 30 km north-east of Omeo.
Background
The site operated as a copper and zinc mine between 1992 and 1996. Ore was extracted from an underground mine and processed at the plant at Waxlip Spur. The operation also included a tailings storage facility (TSF).
The mine was placed into administration in 1996 after the operator defaulted on their environmental and rehabilitation obligations. After the mining licence expired in 2004, the State of Victoria took over ownership of the site and assumed responsibility for its rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation activities
The Earth Resources Regulator managed the permanent closure of the entrance to the underground mine, which occurred in 2006.
Previous, current and future rehabilitation activities related to the TSF and Waxlip Spur sites are outlined below.
Tailings Storage Facility (TSF)
The TSF was rehabilitated to a safe and stable state in 2006. It continues to be maintained and monitored by the Earth Resources Regulator. This includes undertaking monthly water quality sampling to monitor pH, copper and zinc concentrations, and publishing the latest results here.
An accessible version of this document is currently not available. Work to create an accessible version may already be in progress or an accessible version can be provided on request. Please contact us if you need further information about this document.
In 2018, an infrastructure mining licence for the TSF was granted to WHSP Stockman Pty Ltd as part of the company’s proposal to establish a mine in the area. Under its agreement with the Victorian Government, the company will take over responsibility for managing the TSF once it receives final regulatory approval and commences mining. More information is available on the Stockman Project page on the company’s website.
Waxlip Spur
Since assuming responsibility for the Waxlip Spur site, the Earth Resources Regulator has undertaken various environmental rehabilitation works outlined in the table below. Work currently underway is focused on gathering essential data about the site, which will inform plans for its long-term rehabilitation to a safe, stable and sustainable landform.
In the meantime, the regulator continues to maintain and monitor the site, which includes undertaking monthly water quality sampling, published here.
An accessible version of this document is currently not available. Work to create an accessible version may already be in progress or an accessible version can be provided on request. Please contact us if you need further information about this document.
| Year | Works completed |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Processing plant infrastructure removed and initial works to rehabilitate landform completed. |
| 2018 | EPA-appointed auditor engaged to undertake environmental audit and verify additional site clean-up plan requirements. |
| 2020 | Additional site works to improve water drainage, remove acidic sediment and control erosion completed. |
| 2024 | Detailed site investigation, encompassing geotechnical and environmental testing (including soil, perched water, surface water and sediment testing), completed. Results to inform the development and assessment of remedial options. |
The next step involves assessing the remedial options to determine the most feasible long-term approach to rehabilitating Waxlip Spur. The regulator anticipates this work to be completed by early 2025.
Community updates
The Earth Resources Regulator is committed to keeping the community informed about rehabilitation activities being undertaken at the former Benambra mine site. In addition to publishing information here, new information is provided via email or by attending community meetings.
Please contact errfeedback@deeca.vic.gov.au if you would like to receive email updates about rehabilitation activities at the former Benambra mine site.
Enquiries and feedback
If you have any questions, concerns or feedback about rehabilitation activities at the former Benambra mine site, please contact the Earth Resources Regulator via errfeedback@deeca.vic.gov.au and provide a phone number if you would prefer a call back.
Page last updated: 10 Sep 2024