Ann: GENERAL: CRP: Chatham Rock Phosphate tackles

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• Summary: GENERAL: CRP: Chatham Rock Phosphate tackles analysis of wealth of data
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CRP
02/05/2012 14:28
GENERAL

REL: 1428 HRS Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited

GENERAL: CRP: Chatham Rock Phosphate tackles analysis of wealth of data

2 May 2012

Chatham Rock Phosphate tackles analysis of wealth of data

Scientists and engineers working for Chatham Rock Phosphate have started the
huge job of studying the wealth of data gathered during 48 days of surveying
on the Chatham Rise this summer.

"We have 35 tonnes of phosphate rock and sandy silt to analyse, with the
results being used to design our mining and environmental management systems
and prepare the reports for our applications for a Mining Licence and Marine
Consent that we plan to submit later this year," CRP chief executive Chris
Castle said.

The analysis will assist the design of systems for phosphate recovery,
on-board separation of the nodules, and redeposition of sediment back to the
sea floor.  In addition, CRP will use the data for a very detailed range of
environmental studies, the rock phosphate beneficiation studies already
underway, the feasibility of on-board glauconite separation systems, and
fertiliser market development.

The information, targeted at the Rise's significant phosphate resource and
the environment in which it is located, also contributes significantly to the
store of public good information used by scientists to understand New
Zealand's oceanic environment.

CRP gathered the data during four research surveys of the Chatham Rise
licence area using a range of high tech equipment. The surveys collected
geophysical data in December, bottom samples in February, environmental data
in March and geotechnical data in April. Boskalis engineers who were on the
survey have remained in Wellington for the analytical work.

The design of mining system will bring together technologies used in a wide
variety of extraction systems. Considerations range from evaluating the
nature of the material and where it is deposited, to how it is lifted,
separated and returned, the vessel design, and off-loading port selection.

The design process also includes developing a model to assess the
environmental impacts of each stage of extraction. The research is also
looking at the potential impact of extraction and sediment deposition on
local ecosystems and identifying sensitive species and areas of special
environmental conservation, as part of habitat mapping.

The modelling and analysis will also consider the natural dynamics of the
area - the variation of water flow speed and direction over depth, turbidity,
light attenuation in the water column, occurrence of upwelling events,
natural settlement behaviour of fines, possible density currents and
ecosystem resilience.

The research Boskalis has conducted so far has identified four main elements
relating to the extraction of phosphate that will contribute to environmental
changes.  These are:
- Removal of the top layer from the seabed
- Turbidity generated by the extraction and sediment return process
- Deposition of returned sediment, mainly on just mined areas of the seabed
- Possible changes to and mixing of the water column, due to the outflow of
water at a slightly different depth than the intake.

CRP has commissioned NIWA to study the wider Chatham Rise ecosystem to
contribute to the Environmental Impact Report being coordinated by
consultants Golders.

Environmental monitoring is crucial to ensure the impact of extraction
activities are minimised and to identify any necessary mitigation measures.
Requirements for the Environmental Management Plan that will form part of a
Marine Consent will be determined during the Environmental Impact Assessment,
based on the work method chosen and the outcome of the various studies.

CRP and its agents will carry out all mining activities in accordance with
any Marine Consent issued by the Environmental Protection Authority pursuant
to the (forthcoming) EEZ environmental consenting regime legislation, which
Act and associated regulations are due to be passed later this year.
Guidance provided by International Marine Minerals Society Code for
Environmental Management of Marine Mining will also be of assistance in this
regard.

Chris Castle - 021 55 81 85 or [email protected]
End CA:00222477 For:CRP    Type:GENERAL    Time:2012-05-02 14:28:17