Lime Quarry uncertainty for Shire

The Shire of Denmark cannot guarantee when the Ocean Beach Lime Quarry will recommence operation after being forced to shut down in October, following a series of repeated environmental and operational breaches.

The quarry, which produces around 15,000 tonnes of limestone and $120,000 for the Shire annually, has come under scrutiny from the Environmental Protection Authority, Departments of Mines and Petroleum and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs after inspections revealed the concerns.

The three authorities outlined a number of “non-compliance issues” including exceeding the allowable excavation depth, invalid Aboriginal heritage surveys and failure to submit updated environment and mining management plans.

Shire chief executive Bill Parker said the Western Australian Local Government Association had stepped in to help with the process of sourcing a new contractor for the mine.

“Any contract awarded will be on the condition that no quarrying operation should occur on site until all compliance issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of the regulatory authorities and all necessary approvals have been obtained,” he said

“The Shire is currently liaising with relevant authorities and the required documentation and approvals are in the process of being obtained.

“Whilst the Shire is working hard to ensure that all approvals and clearances are in place as soon as possible, we are unable to determine when lime sand will be available to purchase and the volume that will be available during 2017.”

Mr Parker said the upgrades would increase the lifetime of the quarry.

“The additional work undertaken by the Shire is likely to extend the overall life of the mine through improvements to mining techniques and the implementation of contemporary systems and standards,” he said

“Current consumers that require assistance with identifying alternative agricultural lime sources are encouraged to contact the Department of Agriculture and Food WA.”