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Zirconium mine responds to submissions
14 Jan 2014
Alkane Resources says it has made modifications to the design of a mining project near Dubbo to address noise, dust and traffic concerns following feedback from the community.
Alkane Resources is planning a billion dollar zirconium mine at Toongi south of Dubbo.
It hopes to begin operations at the zirconium and rare earths mine by mid 2016.
The project received more than 60 submissions from the public with about half citing concerns about noise, traffic and dust.
The Taronga Western Plains Zoo's concerns include the impact of noise on its rhinoceros pens.
Alkane says in its response a special bitumen seal could mitigate noise on some sections of Obley Road, including entrances to the historic Dundullimal homestead and the zoo.
The company is also suggesting the Government consider reducing the speed limit to 80 kilometres per hour and a noise barrier could be built near the rhinoceros breeding pens.
Alkane Resources is also looking to transport chemicals to the mine via rail.
The company has appointed a logistics consultant to determine where chemicals, to be used at the mine, can be sourced from and if they can be transported by rail to Dubbo.
It would mean the chemicals would only be transported by road from Dubbo to the mine.
The Department of Planning is assessing the project.