The approval of a gold mine in the Solomon Islands: environmental planning issues.

Ross Mining presented its feasibility study for a mine in the Gold Ridge area to the Solomon Islands government in 1996, in support of its application for a mining lease. The study included technical, environmental impact and social impact assessments, the latter contributing also to the negotiation of land access. A commitment to contain all tailings and waste rock on site in stable, rehabilitated structures was central to the assessment of environmental impact but posed a range of technical challenges, as the area has high rainfall and is seismically active. A conventional dam with zoned earth fill is to be constructed in five stages across a suitable valley; independent expert advice was sought on its design and its static and dynamic stability was assessed using computer-based modelling packages. Independent environmental auditing of the mine is to be carried out every two years.
Ross Mining presented its feasibility study for a mine in the Gold Ridge area to the Solomon Islands government in 1996, in support of its application for a mining lease. The study included technical, environmental impact and social impact assessments, the latter contributing also to the negotiation of land access. A commitment to contain all tailings and waste rock on site in stable, rehabilitated structures was central to the assessment of environmental impact but posed a range of technical challenges, as the area has high rainfall and is seismically active. A conventional dam with zoned earth fill is to be constructed in five stages across a suitable valley; independent expert advice was sought on its design and its static and dynamic stability was assessed using computer-based modelling packages. Independent environmental auditing of the mine is to be carried out every two years.