Comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) delivery to support the redevelopment of the Rustlers Roost and Quest 29 open-cut gold mines in the Northern Territory.
Primary Gold Pty Ltd
Mount Bundey Region, Northern Territory
CDM Smith led the environmental assessment process for the mine redevelopment, preparing a Draft EIS and a Supplementary EIS in accordance with NT EPA 2020 guidance. The team delivered extensive technical studies, management plans, modelling, and engagement support, ensuring the evolving project design met regulatory requirements and addressed public and agency feedback.
CDM Smith undertook the full preparation of both the Draft EIS and the SEIS, aligning each phase with NT EPA requirements under the Environment Protection Act 2019. Refinements to the proposal were incorporated throughout the process to ensure accuracy, clarity, and regulatory confidence.
The team delivered specialist assessments including hydrology and flood modelling, water balance modelling, pit lake assessment, and detailed environmental risk evaluations. These studies supported a robust evidence base for project decision-making.
Primary Gold Pty Ltd
Mount Bundey Region, Northern Territory
CDM Smith prepared key management plans covering water management, acid mine drainage and erosion, and sediment control. These plans provided clear mitigation strategies to guide the project’s operational and closure requirements.
The SEIS incorporated stakeholder feedback from the public consultation period. CDM Smith worked closely with regulators, the client, and the community to ensure transparency, address issues raised and support informed regulatory decisions.
Primary Gold Limited proposed the redevelopment of its Rustlers Roost and Quest 29 open-cut gold mines, involving expansion of existing pits, new mine infrastructure, haul road construction, waste rock landforms, processing facilities, a tailings storage facility, water storage, and site services. CDM Smith was engaged to prepare a Draft EIS and subsequently a Supplementary EIS (SEIS) for assessment under the Northern Territory Environment Protection Act 2019. The project required extensive technical studies, including hydrology and flood impact assessments, pit lake modelling, water balance analysis, and multiple environmental management plans. As the proposal evolved, CDM Smith integrated ongoing design refinements and addressed all public submission queries through the SEIS. The collaborative approach ensured a comprehensive, compliant, and transparent assessment process that supported the project’s progression through the NT EPA approval pathway.
Connect with an expert to find out how we delivered this project.
Deputy Director | Market Sector Lead - Resources
Paul Davey is Deputy Director and Resources Market Sector Lead, bringing more than 20 years of experience delivering sustainable water, groundwater, and environmental solutions for government and resource sector clients across Australia.
Selected projects illustrating our technical and delivery experience.
