A development group in New South Wales has proposed to extract 500,000 tonnes of hard rock aggregates, with community concerns quelled by robust management practices.
Ironstone Developments first proposed the Deep Creek Quarry, 50km north of Newcastle, in 2020, with a significant rhyolite resource in its sights.
The project is expected to employ up to 10 full-time staff with further employment to be created for the local construction and road freight community.
And while a local ‘action group’ has expressed concern for the creation of noise, dust and water pollution, Ironstone’s environmental assessment has debunked its public submissions.
“The sealed quarry access road was repositioned on multiple occasions to adopt a location that would minimise noise and dust impacts on adjoining properties,” a spokesperson told the Dungog Chronicle.
“Noise and dust impact assessments for the quarry have shown that no privately owned dwelling will be impacted above the health and amenity criteria.”
The rhyolite resource is expected to satisfy Transport NSW’s demand for high friction road aggregates, according to the Environmental Assessment.
“This material improves grip and is often used in areas where the additional grip allows for increased road safety,” the Assessment stated.
“The site is strategically located to be able to efficiently supply the resource for road infrastructure throughout NSW while utilising the established distribution network nearby.”
In catering to this integral infrastructure, the Assessment acknowledged the responsible nature of the proposed site location.
“While alternate areas of resource are present within the wider land owned by the proponent, the adopted resource area is considered to have the highest resource value and can be extracted with the lowest possible environmental impacts,” the Assessment stated.
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