A hydrogeological investigation was begun in 1997, which investigated groundwater in Yarramalong and Dooralong Valleys. The study investigated groundwater extracted from monitoring wells and registered bores located within the area. WACJVcommissioned Mackie Environmental Research to further the groundwater investigations and in particular to assess the potential impacts on near-surface aquifers and groundwater systems.

Given some recent questions and comments from the community it is important to address early the issue of protection of groundwater.

All research to date shows that this project will not deplete groundwater.

The groundwater that will be affected by the mine is well below that which is used for farming and domestic water supplies. Water in the mine will be pumped via underground piping in the mine to the pit top at the surface. It is saline and unusable for any purpose without treatment.

In the early stages of the mine all water pumped out will be used on site. After this initial period there will be surplus water produced. In order to improve the quality of this water and make it suitable for other uses, a water treatment plant will be installed. Once treated, it can then be available for other purposes such as industrial water supply or supplying the surface rivers for environmental flows, or even directly into the water supply system.

This water saving initiative will in fact increase the total usable water for both the community and the environment.

The Community Liaison Committee and Wyong Council have been briefed on these facts and this outcome.