Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd v BHP Queensland Coal Investments Pty Ltd & Ors (No.6) [2013] QLC 1
LAND COURT OF QUEENSLAND
CITATION: Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd v BHP Queensland Coal
Investments Pty Ltd & Ors (No.6) [2013] QLC 1
PARTIES: Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd
(applicant)
v.
BHP Queensland Coal Investments Pty Ltd
QCT Resources Pty Ltd
BHP Coal Pty Ltd
QCT Mining Pty Ltd
Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd
QCT Investment Pty Ltd
Umal Consolidated Pty Ltd
(respondents)
FILE NO: MRA1332-08
DIVISION: Land Court of Queensland
PROCEEDING: Application for drilling activity
DELIVERED ON: 24 and 31 January and 8 February 2013 [part Ex tempore]
DELIVERED AT: Brisbane
HEARD AT: Brisbane
MEMBER: Mr PA Smith
ORDERS: 1. The Applicant and its agents are permitted to
enter upon the area of land which comprised the
former MDLA364, which lies within the
boundaries of Mining Lease 70403, more
particularly described as Lots 12 and 13 on
SP151669 and Lot 16 on SP163605 (“the
MDLA364 Land”) in order to inspect, take
samples of the coal resource, and to undertake
drilling in the locations identified in schedule 1
and in accordance with the attached schedule 2
and schedule 3 (“the Drilling Program”) the
terms of which form part of this Order.
2. In the event of any dispute arising between the
parties concerning the implementation of the
Drilling Program on the MDLA364 Land:
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2.1 within 1 business day of a party becoming
aware of a dispute, the disputing party will
write to the other party:
(a) setting out the nature of the dispute;
(b) nominating a panel of three
mediators (such mediators to be legal
practitioners or other independent
qualified personnel who have
experience in the mining industry
relevant to the dispute of not less
than five years experience),
confirming their fees and availability
to hear the dispute within the
timetable set out in this Order; and
(c) confirming the days which the
disputing party is available to attend
a mediation within the timeframes set
out in this Order;
("the Dispute Notice")
2.2 within 1 business day of receiving the
Dispute Notice, the other party will write
to the disputing party:
(a) setting out their response to the issue
in dispute;
(b) nominating one of the mediators to
hear the dispute; and
(c) confirming the date which they are
available to attend a mediation within
the timeframes set out in this Order.
("the Response Notice")
2.3 The Mediation will take place within 3
business days of the disputing party
receiving the Response Notice at a place
agreed between the parties or as otherwise
nominated by the Mediator.
2.4 The parties will each pay half of the
Mediators fees in conducting the
mediation, but will otherwise bear their
own costs of the mediation.
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2.5 In the event that the Mediation does not
resolve the dispute, the disputing party
must write to the Court advising of the
existence of the dispute and its failure to
settle at the mediation and provide the
Court with a copy of the Dispute Notice
and the Response Notice.
2.6 Upon receiving notice of the existence of
the dispute, the Court will relist the matter
for hearing at the earliest opportunity.
3. The Applicant will pay to the Respondents any
loss, damages, costs or expenses reasonably
suffered (Loss) by them as a result of the Drilling
Program in accordance with Order 4.
4. In the event that the Respondents allege that they
have incurred Loss caused by the Drilling
Program in accordance with Order 3:
4.1 the Respondents will write to the
Applicant setting out the allegation,
including the cause of the Loss, the nature
of the Loss, and details of the Loss which is
alleged to have been incurred by them
together with any source documents
supporting the claim,
4.2 the Applicant will write to the
Respondents advising:
(a) whether it accepts the claim in full or
in part or at all; and
(b) the basis for its objection (if any) to
the claim;
4.3 in the event that the Applicant and the
Respondents are not able to agree as to the
cause and/or amount of the alleged Loss:
(a) the Respondents will file an
application in the Court together
with an affidavit setting out the
nature of the claim and the amount of
the alleged Loss, together with any
supporting documentation;
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(b) the Court will list the matter for
directions and/or hearing at the
earliest opportunity.
5. The parties be at liberty to apply on 3 days notice.
SEE ATTACHED SCHEDULES 1-3.
CATCHWORDS: MINING – compensation for statutory loss of potential
coal rights – application for drilling activity to assess
scope and amount of coal – opposed by respondent –
respondent plans to use surface area for infrastructure for
new mine – drilling permitted as “survey” (s.380 of
Mineral Resources Act 1989) – drilling allowed subject to
conditions – applicant to pay reasonable costs of
respondent – mediation order to resolve disputes
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – application to
conduct inspection and activity on property in dispute –
Land Court Rules 2000 silent – Uniform Civil Procedure
Rules 1999 (UCPR) apply by default - s.250 UCPR
Mineral Resources Act 1989
Land Court Rules 2000
Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd v BHP Queensland Coal
Investments Pty Ltd & Ors [2008] QLC 216
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd v BHP Queensland Coal
Investments Pty Ltd & Ors (No. 2) [2009] QLC 130
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd v BHP Queensland Coal
Investments Pty Ltd & Ors (No. 3) [2010] QLC 104
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd v BHP Queensland Coal
Investments Pty Ltd & Ors (No. 4) [2010] QLC 122
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd v BHP Queensland Coal
Investments Pty Ltd & Ors (No. 5) [2011] QLC 74
BHP Queensland Coal Investments Pty Ltd & Ors v
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd [2009] QLAC 0005
BHP Queensland Coal Investments Pty Ltd & Ors v
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd (No 2) [2009] QLAC 0008
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd v BHP Queensland Coal
Investments Pty Ltd & Ors [2011] QLAC 0001
BHP Queensland Coal Investments Pty Ltd & Ors v
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd [2011] QLAC 0002
APPEARANCES: Ms Chapple of Counsel for the applicant
Mr Doyle SC and Mr Stumer of Counsel for the
respondents
SOLICITORS: Mr Boys of Holding Redlich Lawyers for the applicant
Mr Hurford of Allens for the respondents
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[Cherwell Creek Coal (CCC) sought orders allowing it to conduct drilling activities on a mining
tenement owned by the respondents (BMA). BMA alleged that the drilling program, if allowed,
would expose it to losses of tens of millions of dollars. CCC claimed that the drilling program was
necessary for it to properly prosecute its claim, which is potentially worth hundreds of millions or
billions of dollars. The drilling program is proposed to occur on an area of land in the process of
being converted to significant mining infrastructure by BMA. The infrastructure program of BMA,
according to the evidence at the hearing of the application, was on a tight timeframe. To
accommodate this tight timeframe, the decision on the application was worked on, and was to be
delivered, during the Court vacation. The parties were duly advised that judgment was to be
delivered. The day prior to delivery of the judgment, BMA filed a further affidavit (3rd affidavit of
Mr Willmott dated and received on 23 January 2013, leave granted to file and read on 24 January
2013) disclosing that the timeframe for the construction of infrastructure works had been
substantially delayed (for reasons unconnected with CCC’s application).
The delay to BMA’s program caused a significant re-evaluation of the Court’s pending decision.
The decision was subsequently delivered over three days (24 and 31 January and 8 February), both
orally and in writing, following further submissions by the parties. The Court adopted this course in
light of the huge quantum impacting both parties; to avoid any further delay; and bearing in mind
s.7 of the Land Court Act 2000.
The formal reasons of the Court follow, with additional explanations in [ ] where considered
necessary to assist the reader.]
The Application
[1] On 16 November 2012, the applicant in this application, Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd
(CCC), lodged a general application seeking certain orders to allow a drilling program to be
undertaken on land now held under Mining Lease (ML) 70403 by the respondents currently
referred to as (BMA).
[2] By it’s general application, CCC seeks the following orders:
“1. Pursuant to Rule 250 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules (UCPR), the applicant and its
agents be permitted to enter upon the area of land which comprised the former
MDLA364, which lies within the boundaries of Mining Lease 70403, more particularly
described as Lots 12 and 13 on SP151669 and Lot 16 on SP163605 (‘the MDLA364
land’) in order to inspect, take samples of the coal resource, and to undertake drilling in
accordance with the drilling program proposed in a letter from Holding Redlich to Allens
dated 5 October 2012 (‘the Drilling Program’) and in accordance with the following
terms and conditions:
(a) Any drill rig or other equipment is certified as being compliant with all relevant
legislative requirements before entry and at all times whilst on site;
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(b) The drill rig or other equipment and any drilling contractors or other agents comply
with all health and safety requirements and any directions given by the Senior Site
Executive (SSE) before entry and whilst they are on the site;
(c) That any drilling contractor or other agent hold all relevant competencies pursuant to
the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 (Qld) and any other relevant legislative
competencies before entry and whilst on site.
(d) That all persons undergo all relevant site inductions before entry and as and when
required by the SSE.
(e) The drill holes be drilled generally in the locations and in accordance with the
Drilling Program.
(f) The drilling contractor or other agent give the SSE no less than 7 days notice of their
intention to first access the site pursuant to the terms of this order.
2. The Respondents pay the Applicant’s costs of and incidental to this application.
3. Such further orders as the Land Court sees fit.”
[3] The general application also sets out in brief form the grounds on which CCC seeks the
orders. These grounds are:
“1. Rule 4 of the Land Court Rules (LCR) provides that if the LCR do not provide for a
matter in relation to a proceeding in the court and the UCPR would provide for the
matter, the UCPR apply in relation to the matter with necessary changes.
2. The LCR has no rule in respect to the inspection, detention, custody or preservation of
property, so pursuant to rule 4 LCR, rule 250 UCPR applies to this proceeding.
3. Rule 250 UCPR provides that the court may make an order for the inspection, detention,
custody or preservation of property if:
(a) the property is the subject of a proceeding or is property about which a question may
arise in a proceeding; or
(b) inspection of the property is necessary for deciding an issue in a proceeding.
4. Under section 36 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, property means any legal or
equitable estate or interest (whether present or future, vested or contingent, or tangible or
intangible) in real or personal property of any description (including money), and
includes things in action.
5. In this case, the applicant seeks an order for the inspection of land, by being permitted to
enter upon the land to take samples of the land via a drilling program.
6. It is in the interests of justice and the efficient conduct of the proceeding that the
applicant be permitted to enter upon the MDLA364 Land, and conduct the Drilling
Program.
7. The Respondents have rejected the applicant’s proposal to conduct the Drilling Program.
8. In the premises, the Land Court should make the order sought by the applicant in this
application.”
Background
[4] The substantive action was commenced by CCC in 2008 following amendments made to the
Mineral Resources Act 1989 (MRA) which came into effect on 9 May 2008. By s.722G(1),
CCC was allowed to commence these proceedings “for the payment of compensation for the
loss of it’s opportunity, because of the enactment of this part, to commercialise the
MDLA364 coal resource.”
[5] It is beyond any doubt that this litigation is both complex and lengthy and involves a
potentially very large quantum of compensation. Since the commencement of the litigation,
the Land Court has been called upon to deliver five decisions1 and the Land Appeal Court
four decisions.2 It is unnecessary to make further reference to the background of the
1 [2008] QLC 216; [2009] QLC 130; [2010] QLC 104; [2010] QLC 122; and [2011] QLC 74.
2 [2009] QLAC 0005; [2009] QLAC 0008; [2011] QLAC 0001; and [2011] QLAC 0002.
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litigation as it has been well set out in the previous decisions of this Court and the Land
Appeal Court.
[6] The litigation currently before me has been well summarised by the Counsel for the
respondent and they set out three reasons why the orders sought by CCC should not be
allowed. They say, firstly, the Court does not have power to make an order for CCC to
conduct drilling which would be unlawful as prohibited by s.402 of the MRA. Secondly, the
drilling will produce results which are unlikely to have a significant impact on a resolution
of the dispute between the parties and thirdly, the drilling would be extremely disruptive to
BMA’s lawful activities on ML70403 causing a very real loss for which no recompense is
offered and which exposes it to the potential loss of its tenement.
[7] I will explain what the Court was intending to do today [24 January 2013] before Mr
Willmott’s 3rd affidavit came along and that may make things a little clearer. In the
intervening weeks since the application was heard, I had of course, been working on it
during the Court vacation, and I came to my legal conclusions regarding the application and
consequences that followed as a result of that.
[8] The course that I proposed to go along with was to allow most of the objections that BMA
had made to the application, but to allow limited drilling to occur in specified areas under a
very tight timeframe. The timeline was so tight that CCC, in reality, may not have been able
to do much, if any, actual drilling.
[9] With the valued assistance of my Deputy Registrar, I undertook a lengthy, detailed, complex
analysis of every drill hole including all the evidence relating to every drill hole, to
determine if each should be ruled in or out, and also determine the timeline each drill hole
should be prepared under.
[10] That was all good until 23 January 2013. The 3rd affidavit of Mr Willmott3 has substantially
altered the timelines which underpinned the basis upon which the Court's decision was
meant to occur. What I intended and in great part due to the urgency of the case and not
wanting to disrupt BMA by having this matter delayed, was that I proposed to hand down
oral reasons for my decision and a written document setting out in full the analysis of every
bore hole. That is, the detail for writing the decision had fallen to the intricate analysis of
each bore hole and my reasoning is set out in front of me which was to be delivered orally
which is why the matter was set down for two hours as the parties had been advised. The
difficulty is now the foundation has altered.
3 Leave to file and read granted on 24 January 2013.
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[To assist Counsel for each party, and to save further delay, the Court then on 24 January 2013
handed down what it referred to as a “readers digest” summary of the decision and then sought
submissions as to the best way to proceed in light of the 3rd affidavit of Mr Willmott of 23 January
2013.]
[11] I will give the parties a summary of the reason and then I will hand to the parties a schedule
of the bore holes prepared without reference to the 3rd affidavit of Mr Wilmott.4 In the last
24 hours the Court has attempted but not fully, and not in a way which I could happily rely
on at this stage, to produce a new schedule. It is at best draft only and I am happy enough to
provide that to the parties given the circumstances, although it's not something I would
normally do.5
Core elements of case
[12] The issues are relatively simple if anything is in this case. One of the main objections of
BMA was that the activities to be undertaken were mining activities precluded by s.402 of
the MRA, and that if they allowed mining to occur in a way that was not authorised by the
MRA, it could put their entire tenure at risk.
[13] If that was not the case, then it was also said by BMA to be a fishing exercise and also one
which would cause undue hardship, delay and expense to BMA. I am concerned regarding
the costs, the hardship and the disruption to BMA and have found mostly in their favour
with respect to all of the material relating to the cost and disruption. Again, this must be
tempered by the 3rd affidavit of Mr Willmott.
[14] As regards the fishing exercise, I have some concerns that to determine whether or not it is a
fishing exercise in the strange nature of this case, requires a determination of the meaning of
s.722G of the MRA which of course is something that has to occur at the substantive
hearing of this matter, not on a preliminary basis. Is it a question of the existing resource or
a resource applied for in the MDLA application? In that regard CCC has quite a different
view to BMA and both views are available and should be argued at hearing. Therefore, CCC
is entitled to explore its case to its full and run same. CCC however is at real risk of costs
being awarded against it, should it be wrong at the end of the day. In any event, costs will be
an appropriate remedy if CCC is incorrect on this fundamental basis of its case.
Section 380 MRA
[15] As to the argument that the activity to be undertaken is mining under the MRA and that
therefore rule 250 does not apply, I have two views. Firstly, neither side took the Court to
s.380 of the MRA. Section 380 provides as follows:
4 The schedule is Annexure 1 and the map required to make reference to each borehole is Annexure 2.
5 The draft schedule produced in light of Mr Wilmott’s 3rd affidavit is Annexure 3.
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“If, at any time before or during the hearing for a proceeding, under this Act, in the Land
Court, it appears to the Land Court that it is necessary for the proper determination of the
proceeding that a survey be made of any land, water, stack or other accumulation of ore,
buildings or any other thing the Land Court may order any party to the proceeding as, to it,
appears just to cause the survey to be made and the costs of or incidental to the survey shall be
costs in the proceeding and shall be paid as the Land Court orders.”
[16] Importantly, land is defined in schedule two of the MRA to include subterranean land, so the
Court may order a survey of land including subterranean land. That of course leads to the
direct question, what is a survey? The Macquarie Dictionary Federation Edition6 defines
survey as:
“1. to take a general or comprehensive view of. 2. to view in detail, especially to inspect or
examine formally or officially in order to ascertain condition, value, etc. 3. to determine the
form, boundaries, position, extent, etc., of, as a part of the earth's surface, by linear and
angular measurements and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry. 4.
to collect sample opinions, facts, figures or the like in order to estimate the total overall
situation.”
[17] Taking into account the broad definition of survey (and noting survey is not otherwise
defined under the MRA), it appears to me that the proper provision for the Court to use
would be s.380 of the MRA which would allow the proposed activities. Not mining
activities; but activities in surveying, taking samples of and determining the geological
features of the land which is after all, in my view, the core question, should CCC’s view be
correct.
Rule 250
[18] Secondly, as regards rule 250, the provisions of rule 250 appear quite clear and allow the
Court to make the orders sought. I do find that if what was to be sought was a mining
activity, then s.402 would apply for all of the reasons that BMA has pointed out. However, I
find the activities to be undertaken are not mining; they are a drilling activity akin to an
activity undertaken by pastoralists and many other land holders, such as putting down a bore
for water during which course of action they may go through a wash where they bring up
sapphires, for instance, to the surface. It is only a mining activity if they inappropriately take
those sapphires. It is an approved activity otherwise simply of drilling for water.7
[19] In this matter, this is an activity not of mining or drilling for water; it is an activity to
determine the existence of a resource for the purpose of very specific and prescriptive
special legislation which only applies to these parties and has never been heard before and
probably never will be dealt with again.
[20] This is a special case, in special unchartered waters and for all of those reasons I believe the
applicant, in this case, CCC should have the opportunity to have its case made as best it can
make it, however, and here is where the important parts come for BMA and the third part of
6 See Vol. 2 at page 1891.
7 Assuming of course that all relevant permits are held.
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the determination with respect to the impact on BMA’s activities. I accept that the Caval
Ridge Mine is a huge mining operation and I accept that people of ill will could use the
process to cause unreasonable delay to the project and as such cause immense damage to
BMA. It is not this Court's intention in any way to have the Caval Ridge mining project
impacted or held up by any activities authorised by these proceedings.
[21] I must stress, I do not find CCC to be people of ill will; I simply point out that on the bare
manner in which the application has been brought by CCC it would, in my view, be possible
to use the activities to cause delay to BMA and I will not allow that to happen in any
respect.
Is drilling necessary
[22] Ms Chapple of Counsel for CCC has set out a summary of the evidence and reasons as to
why she says drilling is necessary. As she stated in her submissions:
“Drilling is necessary
5. It will be an ultimate question of fact for the Court to determine the extent of the coal
resource in the MDLA364 land. In doing so, it will be guided by the opinions proffered
by the experts engaged by each of the parties.
6. Drilling is necessary in this case because:
a) it will confirm (or disprove) the existence and extent of the Group I and II coal in the
resource estimate;
b) it will assist the Court in determining whether, on the balance of probabilities,
Cherwell Creek has lost an opportunity to commercialise the resource;
c) it will enable the coal resource to be more accurately classified and assist the Court
in assessing the probability of its existence;
d) it will increase knowledge of the coal quality; and
e) it will allow differences in survey data to be resolved.
7. The first step toward quantifying the Applicant’s lost opportunity is to ascertain the likely
extent and quality of the coal within the former MDLA364 land.
8. Cherwell Creek and BMA’s expert geologists have prepared reports based on the data
available. They agree that the geological data available for their assessment is ‘sparse’
and that much of the data comes from boreholes drilled outside MDLA364. They also
agree that, as a consequence:
‘… the level of uncertainty about any coal tonnage estimate is expected to be high.’ (JER
page 5).
9. Mr Saunders says that the data which is presently available is consistent with an early
stage exploration program only. He believes the lack of data will reduce the certainty
with which he can estimate the extent of the coal and its quality.
10. The question whether Cherwell Creek has suffered loss is necessarily related to the
ascertainment of the measurement of that loss. The uncertainty expressed by the experts
is reflected in both the accuracy with which they can measure the actual resource, as well
as the degree of certainty with which any tonnage can be described for the purposes of
the JORC code (and consequently, the extent to which the Court might discount the
probability of that opportunity being lost).
11. The experts disagree as to the existence of Group I and Group II coal (referred to as the
Rugby Coal Measures by Mr Whitby) in the MDLA. No drilling data exists to confirm
whether the seams exist or not within the MDLA 364 land. Mr Saunders is of the opinion
that there is a moderate probability that coal suitable for underground extraction may
occur at depth within the area (JER page 11; page 136 Saunders #1). He says that the
further drilling program would enable him to confirm the existence of the Group I or
Group II coal and allow for an estimate of its tonnage and quality. Mr Whitby says the
probability of the existence of these coal seams ‘suitable for underground extraction’ is
rare (JER page 11; page 136 Saunders affidavit). The presence or otherwise of this coal
resource would have a significant impact on the likely extent of the coal resource in the
area; and hence, the proper assessment of the extent of the coal resource and the
opportunity lost by Cherwell Creek in not being able to commercialise it. Mr Saunders
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estimates that if the coal seams are present, they could increase the resource over the
entire area (using 1.40t/m3 density for coal) by 16.5Mt of in situ coal for each metre of
thickness (JER page 11; page 45 and 136 Saunders #1). That equates to between 100MT
to 171MT using a minimum seam thickness of 6.1m and a maximum seam thickness of
10.4m (page 45 exhibits Sanders #1).
12. Mr Thatcher is an expert civil and mining engineer engaged by Cherwell Creek to
provide an expert report as to the likely mineability of the coal resource in the land, and
the likely coal revenue generation costs. To do his report, he has to prepare a mine plan in
respect of the coal resource. Because there is no geology data available for the Group I or
II coal resource, it will not be possible for Mr Thatcher to prepare a mine plan which
incorporates that resource. He says that this will affect the opinion he expresses in the
expert report he has been asked to prepare. He is also of the opinion that the proposed
drilling program would allow him to consider the inclusion of the Group I or II coal
resource (if it is present) in the mine plan and allow him to express an opinion on the
likely mineability and likely coal revenue generation costs with greater certainty.
13. The difference of opinion between Mr Saunders and Mr Whitby as to the extent of the
coal resource (other than the Group I and II coal seams) at first glance, appears relatively
minor. Mr Saunders estimate is that there is 25Mt; Mr Whitby’s estimate is 23Mt.
However, it is the certainty with which those resources can be classified according to the
JORC Code, based on the available data, which is where the experts diverge.
14. Based on the currently available data, Mr Saunders says that of the 25Mt of coal:
a) 3Mt are ‘measured’;
b) 1 Mt are ‘indicated’;
c) 9Mt are inferred; and
d) 12Mt are not able to be rated according to the JORC Code due to the lack of drill
hole data or ‘points of observation’.
15. Mr Whitby says that of his estimate of 22Mt of coal:
a) 4.25Mt is indicated; and
b) 17.5Mt is inferred. (JER page 9 page 134 Saunders Exhibits).
16. And Mr Whitby says that:
‘Additional coal resources may exist in the BLS, however, further exploration would be
required to determine whether or not such tonnes would be classified as a resource’
(Whitby report page 33; exhibited to Saunders affidavit at page 83). And he goes on to
note that ‘should additional exploration delineate a BLS resource, the maximum depth of
the coal deposit would be closer to 90m’ (Whitby report page 34; page 84 Saunders
exhibits)
…
18. Mr Saunders says that additional samples would also increase knowledge about the
quality of the coal. There is a shortage of coal quality information: only 6 boreholes in
the area have coal quality data.
19. Mr Whitby’s report also acknowledges the lack of coal quality information. He says that
approximately 5Mt of the DLWS and DL4 seams might contain hard coking coal,
however notes that there is no coke strength analysis results to confirm this.
20. The experts have also identified some inconsistencies in the survey data. The differences
might produce different opinions as to the depth of the coal seams, which in turn could
impact on the question of the economic recoverability of the coal. Conducing further
drilling would enable any differences in the survey datum to be reconciled.
The Proposed Drilling Program
21. Mr Saunders has proposed a drilling program that would overcome the issues he has
identified with the lack of data. He has identified the location of the proposed drill holes
by their coordinates and the target coal seam.
22. The drilling program is flexible. The drill hole locations can be varied as required, so as
not to interfere with the BMA operations. It will take between 4 to 6 months to complete.
23. Mr Boys, the solicitor in charge of the matter for Cherwell Creek, has confirmed that the
Managing Director of Cherwell Creek will direct the applicant and its agents to notify the
project planners of ML70403 of the drilling program and the location of the drill holes
and instruct them to either move the drill hole or not drill the site if it cannot be moved so
as to not interfere with the construction or development of the site.”
[23] Mr Doyle SC and Mr Stumer of Counsel for BMA have also assisted the Court by providing
a summary of reasons as to why in their view, the proposed drilling activities are not
justified. In their submissions they assert as follows:
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“Supposed benefits of Proposed Drilling
…
38. Cherwell proposes to conduct drilling on Mining Lease 70403 in order to obtain further
information about the quality and extent of the coal resource under that land.
39. However, any evidence that might be obtained from such drilling will be of limited
relevance and will not provide material assistance to the court in resolving the dispute
between the parties.
40. First, information obtained from drilling conducted after 2008 cannot be relevant to the
issue of whether BMA is liable to pay compensation to Cherwell.
41. Cherwell’s case is that had it not been for the passage in 2008 of the Amending Act it
would have:
(a) been granted MDL364 in or about May 2008;
(b) applied for, and been granted, approval for extraction of a bulk sample commencing
in the first quarter of 2009;
(c) marked out (as that term is used in the MRA) and applied for a mining lease in
respect of the area contained within MDLA364 by about June 2008;
(d) been granted a mining lease in respect of the area comprised within MDLA364 by
about December 2009;
(e) commenced the extraction and selling of coal from the coal resource:
(i) in respect of the bulk sample, in about April 2009; and
(ii) in respect of the mine production, in about January 2010;
(f) continued the extraction and selling of coal from the coal resource until
approximately December 2017
42. In determining whether Cherwell would have been granted MDL364 in May 2008 and
obtained a mining lease based on an application submitted in June 2008, the focus is only
on the material that was available to Cherwell in May and June 2008.
43. As at May and June 2008, Cherwell had not conducted the drilling that is now proposed.
Cherwell had submitted MDLA 364 on the basis of the information that was then
available to it. Any application for a mining lease submitted in June 2008 would have
relied upon the same information.
44. Cherwell cannot improve its position by relying on material that was not, and could not
have been, submitted by Cherwell in support of its applications and considered by the
relevant authorities in May and June 2008.
45. This is illustrated by the proposal to drill deep holes to determine whether the Rugby
Coal Measures exist on Mining Lease 70403. Since the presence of the Rugby Coal
Measures on the area of former MDLA364 was not able to be determined on the
information available in 2008 it could not have been taken into account by the relevant
authorities in deciding whether to grant tenure to Cherwell.
46. At best, information obtained from the proposed drilling would be relevant to the extent
of compensation payable. That question will arise only if it is first determined that
Cherwell would have been granted MDL364 and a subsequent mining lease.
47. Secondly, despite the limitations on the data available to them, the experts engaged by the
parties have each been able to generate models of the resource and estimate the extent of
the resource.
48. Based on the data available to them, the experts have reached conclusions that are not
dissimilar. Specifically, the joint report states (on page 10):
It is agreed between the authors that the deposit within the MDLA364 area contains
between 23 and 25 million tonnes (Mt). MBGS [Whitby] is of the view that
approximately 22 Mt can be classified as a resource in accordance with the JORC
Code. QGESS [Saunders] has classified 13 Mt as a resource in accordance with the
JORC Code and approximately 12 Mt not able to be classified.
49. Hence, the principal disagreement between the experts is as to the classification of the
resource under the JORC code. Cherwell proposes an extensive drilling program in order
to allow the experts to opine with greater certainty about the quality and extent of the coal
resource and, presumably, to narrow the difference of opinion between them. That is an
inefficient and uneconomical process where the difference between the experts is limited.
50. Thirdly, the proposed drilling will have the effect of delaying the conduct of the
proceeding because:
(a) the drilling itself will take between four to six months to complete;
(b) once the drilling is completed the geological experts (Mr Saunders and Mr Whitby)
will be required to produce further reports taking into account the new information;
(c) each of the subsequent expert reports required for the proceedings will be delayed
because they are dependent on the conclusions reached by the geological experts.
…
-- 12 of 40 --
13
Prejudice to BMA and its Activities
60. The Amending Act was passed in order to allow BMA to have secure tenure and access
to the area of Mining Lease 70403 for the purpose of locating infrastructure for the Caval
Ridge mine.
61. The proposed drilling would impede and delay BMA’s plans for the development of
infrastructure on Mining Lease 70403. That would be inconsistent with the purposes of
the Amending Act.
62. Mr Willmott is the Project Director for the Caval Ridge Project. He has deposed to the
difficulties that would be caused by the proposed drilling.
…
(g) if the proposed drilling is carried out, certain activities of BMA on ML70403 will
either have to cease or be curtailed due to risks of injury or property damage that
would exist if those activities were carried out in conjunction with exploration
drilling;
(h) the proposed drilling program will delay the completion of infrastructure by (i)
delaying construction of infrastructure in areas where bore holes will be drilled; (ii)
delaying the construction of infrastructure with materials from quarries and borrow
pits; (iii) delaying activities such as topsoil removal, drilling, blasting and
excavation; and (iv) if the drilling program affects the integrity of existing
infrastructure, requiring the remediation or replacement of that infrastructure;
(i) the commencement of BMA’s operations on the Caval Ridge Project is likely to be
delayed by 1 to 3 months; and
(j) BMA will suffer financial losses caused by the delay. Mr Willmott deposes that
overhead project costs alone would be in the order of $25 million per month for any
period of delay to BMA’s programs on Mining Lease 70403. Further, he deposes that
a three month delay would result in revenue losses of approximately US$48 million.
…
67. In any case, Mr Willmott deposes that no drilling program could be conducted on Mining
Lease 70403 that would avoid delays to infrastructure.
68. Further, any order for drilling will require extensive supervision and co-operation by
BMA, the coal mine operator, Bechtel, and the Site Senior Executive. That supervision
and co-operations will include:
(a) co-ordinating the safe transport of personnel to the drilling sites;
(b) obtaining environmental permits for every borehole;
(c) undertaking an induction program of three to five days for Cherwell’s personnel;
(d) inspecting and approving all equipment to be brought onto the site;
(e) reviewing and approving procedures to be used by Cherwell personnel; and
(f) signing off on the completion and remediation of drill sites.
…
70. That is an unreasonable burden to impose on BMA in the conduct of its lawful activities
on Mining Lease 70403.”
[24] As I have already indicated (and further refer to later in these reasons), CCC should be
allowed the opportunity to carry out drilling activities in order to ascertain “the likely extent
and quality of the MDLA364 coal resource”.8
A Fishing Exercise?
[25] I will turn now in more detail to the specific question as to whether or not the application is
a fishing exercise. An important aspect of this case, which must always be remembered, is
its uniqueness. Part 18A of the MRA which includes s.722G was included in the MRA, as
the Minister responsible for the MRA put it in his second reading speech9 “to address a
historic anomaly dating back to the 1980's” and “most importantly to secure the current and
future operations of the Peak Downs Coal Mine”.
8 See s.722G(5)(a) MRA.
9 Taken from Respondent’s submission, filed on 6 December 2012, at para 25(c), quoting the Minister’s second reading speech.
-- 13 of 40 --
14
[26] Clearly this is specific purpose legislation. It has been created in order to rectify a historic
anomaly. BMA effectively obtained the right to expand the operation of the Peak Downs
Coal Mine. CCC had its opportunity to obtain enhanced tenures (for the most part)
converted to a right to claim compensation but such compensation was not to be payable by
the State10 but by BMA.11
[27] I have no doubt that at trial a significant amount of time will be put into attempting to distil
the meaning of the unique compensation provisions contained within s.722G. BMA asserts
that knowledge of the resource should effectively “be frozen in time” as at May 2008. I do
not propose, for the purposes of this application, to make any determination as to whether
that view is correct or not. This application should not be used as a backdoor vehicle to have
a significant point determined in essentially a preliminary way. BMA has already sought,
and failed, in a direct attempt to have a different preliminary point determined by the Court.
[28] Part 18A of the MRA makes reference as a matter of fact to the “MDLA364 coal resource”,
it then goes on to define MDLA364 coal resource as follows:12
“MDLA364 coal resource means a coal resource in the land, that as at the beginning of 14
April 2008, was the subject of application for mineral development licence 364.”
[29] CCC contends that this means all of the coal actually existing in the land, the subject of
MDLA364. BMA contends that it merely means only so much of the coal actually referred
to in the MDL application. On the basis of the evidence currently before me, the difference
between the two views could be well in excess of 100 million tonnes of coal.
[30] In my view it is open to CCC to assert that its application for MDL364 incorporated all coal
lying within the physical boundaries of MDL364 including the so called Rugby seam. If
CCC is correct, it follows that the facts as to the actual amount of coal within MDL364 are
very relevant to its case. If, at the end of the day, CCC is wrong, it can expect to pay a heavy
price by way of costs.
[31] More importantly, the ascertainment of the actual coal reserves within MDL364 is not a
fishing exercise but is arguably an important step in the compensation process contemplated
by part 18A of the MRA.
CCC to pay BMA compensation for delay caused by Drilling Activities
[32] There are two other very important points that need to be dealt with. The first relates to costs
of any delay that may actually be occasioned to BMA. In the material there is no
undertaking by CCC to pay any of those costs. I do intend including an order that should
any costs be reasonably incurred and ascertainable by BMA as a consequence of the drilling
10 See s.722F.
11 See s.722G.
12 See s.722G(8).
-- 14 of 40 --
15
activities, then those costs are to be paid by CCC in a quantum to be agreed between the
parties, or, failing agreement, to be referred back to the Court.
[33] I propose this order acknowledging the large dollars we are dealing with and with the
problems of delay, but also hoping that that won’t be necessary and that working together
the parties will be able to get around any problems, however putting the obligation squarely
on CCC to ensure that happens. Obviously, if CCC believes that BMA is being
obstructionist and that the costs were only occasioned because of some action on the part of
BMA, then that is something I would be happy to hear in any application to actually
determine any quantum of costs that should be payable.
Mediation
[34] Secondly, I can, unfortunately, see all over this huge scope for disputes to arise as to what
bore hole is in or out, or where a bore hole has been moved to or not moved to. It is one of
these things that can either be dealt with very pragmatically by the parties, or not.
[35] Accordingly, I require a dispute resolution process to be written into the orders as well. And
in that regard, I had hoped that I could have a Member of the Court hear any dispute
resolution process. The trouble is, the Court is running out of Members that can do anything
much in this case. So I would require the parties to either themselves, as necessary, engage a
mediator and jointly fund that mediator, or for the Judicial Registrar of the Court to handle
any disputes. There should be a timeline between the two parties set up for any disputes to
be handled, so there is no delay for either side, and in the event of a dispute not being
handled within that timeline for it to be brought back to the Court urgently.
[After hearing additional submissions from the parties and after allowing the parties time to discuss
between themselves the form of orders appropriate to give effect to this decision, the following
orders were made.]
Orders
1. The Applicant and its agents are permitted to enter upon the area of land which comprised the
former MDLA364, which lies within the boundaries of Mining Lease 70403, more particularly
described as Lots 12 and 13 on SP151669 and Lot 16 on SP163605 (“the MDLA364 Land”) in
order to inspect, take samples of the coal resource, and to undertake drilling in the locations
identified in schedule 1 and in accordance with the attached schedule 2 and schedule 3 (“the
Drilling Program”) the terms of which form part of this Order.
2. In the event of any dispute arising between the parties concerning the implementation of the
Drilling Program on the MDLA364 Land:
2.1 within 1 business day of a party becoming aware of a dispute, the disputing party will
write to the other party:
(a) setting out the nature of the dispute;
-- 15 of 40 --
16
(b) nominating a panel of three mediators (such mediators to be legal practitioners or
other independent qualified personnel who have experience in the mining industry
relevant to the dispute of not less than five years experience), confirming their
fees and availability to hear the dispute within the timetable set out in this Order;
and
(c) confirming the days which the disputing party is available to attend a mediation
within the timeframes set out in this Order;
("the Dispute Notice")
2.2 within 1 business day of receiving the Dispute Notice, the other party will write to the
disputing party:
(a) setting out their response to the issue in dispute;
(b) nominating one of the mediators to hear the dispute; and
(c) confirming the date which they are available to attend a mediation within the
timeframes set out in this Order.
("the Response Notice")
2.3 The Mediation will take place within 3 business days of the disputing party receiving
the Response Notice at a place agreed between the parties or as otherwise nominated by
the Mediator.
2.4 The parties will each pay half of the Mediators fees in conducting the mediation, but
will otherwise bear their own costs of the mediation.
2.5 In the event that the Mediation does not resolve the dispute, the disputing party must
write to the Court advising of the existence of the dispute and its failure to settle at the
mediation and provide the Court with a copy of the Dispute Notice and the Response
Notice.
2.6 Upon receiving notice of the existence of the dispute, the Court will relist the matter for
hearing at the earliest opportunity.
3. The Applicant will pay to the Respondents any loss, damages, costs or expenses reasonably
suffered (Loss) by them as a result of the Drilling Program in accordance with Order 4.
4. In the event that the Respondents allege that they have incurred Loss caused by the Drilling
Program in accordance with Order 3:
4.1 the Respondents will write to the Applicant setting out the allegation, including the
cause of the Loss, the nature of the Loss, and details of the Loss which is alleged to
have been incurred by them together with any source documents supporting the claim,
4.2 the Applicant will write to the Respondents advising:
(a) whether it accepts the claim in full or in part or at all; and
(b) the basis for its objection (if any) to the claim;
-- 16 of 40 --
17
4.3 in the event that the Applicant and the Respondents are not able to agree as to the cause
and/or amount of the alleged Loss:
(a) the Respondents will file an application in the Court together with an affidavit
setting out the nature of the claim and the amount of the alleged Loss, together
with any supporting documentation;
(b) the Court will list the matter for directions and/or hearing at the earliest
opportunity.
5. The parties be at liberty to apply on 3 days notice.
SEE ATTACHED SCHEDULES 1-3.
PA SMITH
MEMBER OF THE LAND COURT
-- 17 of 40 --
18
ANNEXURE ONE
MRA1332-08
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd
-v-
BHP Queensland Coal Investments Pty Ltd & Ors
Decision delivered 24 January 2012
RE: Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd request for drilling activity on ML70403
The tables that follow make specific reference to time periods, work procedures and various
proposed drill holes sought by Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd (‘CCC’) on BHP Queensland Coal
Investments Pty Ltd and Ors (‘BMA’s’) Caval Ridge Project relevant to ML70403. In arriving at
the conclusions that follow, the Court has undertaken its own exercise of collating all the
information referrable to each proposed exploration hole and extrapolating (as best it can) that
information in order to gauge the likely impact on BMA’s activities, particularly in light of exhibit
marked ‘APW-4’ attached to Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012 and all related
information.
Preliminary requirements
28 January – 8 February 2013 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
1. All CCC personnel and their agents conducting the drilling activities are to attend induction
by Betchel/BMA1; and
2. All CCC paperwork, equipment and procedures to be reviewed, assessed and (if possible)
approved.2
4 February – 1 March 2013
Court approved drilling activities to be drilled by CCC with Betchel/BMA/Site Senior Executive
(SSE) personnel present in the Southern district of ML704033 as follows:
H29, H30, H31, H32,
H33 /H35, H34, H36, H38,
H41, H42, H43, N_BAS1_4,
N_BAS1_5 BAS1_7 N_BAS1_8 DEEP7,
N_DEEP9. N_DEEP8 /
N_BAS1_6
If CCC is unable to complete drilling activities for the above mentioned holes contained within the
Southern district by 1 March 2013, the Court’s authority for the drilling activity ceases and such
authority can only be revived by further order of the Court.
1 See Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed on 4 December 2012 at para’s 37-38 page 12
2 Ibid
3 BMA topsoil tasks to begin in March 2013; see yearly workload projection marked ‘APW-4’ of Mr Willmott’s 1st
affidavit filed 4 December 2012.
-- 18 of 40 --
19
Drilling activities are not to be conducted within the Southern district in relation to the following
proposed holes:
H39, H44, H45, H46,
H47, H48 BAS1_9 DEEP10
Court Notes:
Approved Holes
H33 / H35 Hole identifiers inter-change but both sites are appropriate. CCC must
notify BMA within 5 business days hereof of the proper identifier for each
of these holes.
N_BAS1_4, See Saunders 2nd affidavit para 12(b) page 3
N_BAS1_5: See Saunders 2nd affidavit para 12 (c) page 3
N_DEEP 8 /
N_BAS1_6:
Located between the haul road and diversion ditch, refer to Willmott’s 1st
affidavit para 23, page 7 and para 25, page 8.
Saunders rebuttal 2nd affidavit para 14(c) page3 and para 12 (d) page 3.
It is assumed by the Court that these holes are in the same location based
on the map and they are permitted on the basis that they are co-located.
N_BAS1_8: Located near sedimentary dam, see Willmott’s 1st affidavit para 24 page 7,
Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 13 (a) page 3
N_DEEP9: See Saunders 2nd affidavit at para 14 (d) page 3;
See Willmott’s 2rd affidavit para 6(d) page 3;
May proceed if the hole is located within ML70403
Non-approved Holes
H39 Appears to be located on the boundary line
H45, H46, H47,
H48
See Willmott’s 1st affidavit para’s 27 & 28 pages 8 & 9
Located within the area of the borrow pit
*H44, H45, H46 Mr Saunders has indicated that these holes may have been marked on the
map incorrectly; see Mr Saunders 2nd affidavit at para’s 16-17 page 4
BAS1_9 Appears to be located on or close to infrastructure
DEEP10: Located within 1 metre of the water mine dam, see Willmott’s 1st affidavit
at para 24 page 7; also located near diversion structure (however, this is
not reflected on the map) see para 25, page 8.
Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 13 (c) at page 3
Positions of DEEP10 and N_DEEP10 have not been identified on the map
-- 19 of 40 --
20
4 February -29 March 2013
Court approved drilling activities to be drilled by CCC with Betchel/BMA/SSE personnel present in
the Central district of ML704034 as follows:
H19, H20, H21, H22,
H23, H24, H25, H27,
H28, BAS1_3*
(refer to Notes below)
N_BAS1_4, DEEP3,
N_DEEP4, DEEP5, DEEP6
If CCC is unable to complete drilling activities for the above mentioned holes contained within the
Central district by 29 March 2013, the Court’s authority for the drilling activity ceases and such
authority can only be revived by further order of the Court.
Drilling activities are not to be conducted within the Central district in relation to the following
proposed holes:
BAS1_1 N_BAS1_2,
Court Notes:
Approved Holes
BAS1_3 Located on road that provides access to ramp, see Willmott’s 1st affidavit
at para 23 at page 7. Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 12(a) page 3;
proposal to move it 250m E/NE however this new location has not been
reflected on the map.
As it stands, the current location is not permitted, however Mr Saunders
relocation is permitted provided CCC notify BMA within 5 business days
hereof of the precise details of the new location of this hole.
N_DEEP4: Located near sedimentary dam, see Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 24 page
7. Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 13(b) page 3.
CCC must ensure that there is no impact caused to the sedimentary dam.
N_BAS1_4 Located near the water fill point, see Saunders 2nd affidavit at para 12(b)
page 3.
CCC must ensure that there is no impact caused to the water fill point
Non-approved Holes
BAS1_1 Located within diversion structures and located near embankment, see
Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 25 page 8
N_BAS1_2 See Saunders 2nd affidavit at para 14(a) page 3
See Willmott’s 2nd affidavit at para 6(c) page 3
4 BMA topsoil tasks to begin in March 2013; see yearly workload projection marked ‘APW-4’ of Mr Willmott’s 1st
affidavit filed 4 December 2012.
-- 20 of 40 --
21
1 April – 31 July5
Court approved drilling activities6 to be drilled by CCC with Betchel/BMA/SSE personnel present
in the Northern district of ML704037 as follows:
H1, H2, H3, H4,
H5, H11, H12, H13,
H14, H15, H16, H17,
H18, H49, H50, H51,
H52, H53, DEEP1, DEEP2*
(refer to Notes below)
If CCC is unable to complete drilling activities for the above mentioned holes contained within the
Northern district by 31 July 2013, the Court’s authority for the drilling activity ceases and such
authority can only be revived by further order of the Court.
Drilling activities are not to be conducted within the Northern district in relation to the following
proposed holes:
H6, H7, H8, H9,
H10,
Court Notes:
Approved Holes
DEEP2 Located in or around the Horse Creek Watershed (however, this not
reflected on the map) see Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 32 page 10.
Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 21 page 5.
Details of the boundary lines and the environmental conditions imposed by
a watershed are at best vague.
DEEP2 hole may proceed on the proviso that all environmental factors
regarding the Watershed are taken into account.
Non-approved Holes
H6, H7, H8, H9,
H10,
See Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 26 page 8.
Saunders rebuttal at 2nd affidavit at para 15 pages 3-4.
These holes are too close to or indeed inside the Quarry boundary.
Following completion of each drilling activity
Completion and/or remediation of all Court approved drill sites to be assessed and signed off by the
appropriate environmental officer at the earliest opportunity.
5 Explosives have been projected to begin in June 2013 – therefore a 1000m radius exclusion zone is required to be
free of all personnel, see ‘APW-4’ of Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012,
6 Longer time period given as BMA do not appear to be conducting any tasks in the Northern district until October
2013; unless there are issues with hauling drill samples out of the Northern district during April – July due to
explosive tasks occurring in Central and Southern districts, see Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012
para 30 pages 9-10 re having the rod’s in the ground while explosives are in action. The parties are to liaise with
each other to ensure minimal impact to each others activities and in particular to ensure that BMA’s explosive
regime is not delayed.
7 BMA topsoil tasks to begin in March 2013; see yearly workload projection marked ‘APW-4’ of Mr Willmott’s 1st
affidavit filed 4 December 2012.
-- 21 of 40 --
22
ANNEXURE TWO
-- 22 of 40 --
23
ANNEXURE THREE
MRA1332-08
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd
-v-
BHP Queensland Coal Investments Pty Ltd & Ors
Decision delivered 24 January 2012
RE: Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd request for drilling activity on ML70403
The tables that follow make specific reference to time periods, work procedures and various
proposed drill holes sought by Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd (‘CCC’) on BHP Queensland Coal
Investments Pty Ltd and Ors (‘BMA’s’) Caval Ridge Project relevant to ML70403. In arriving at
the conclusions that follow, the Court has undertaken its own exercise of collating all the
information referrable to each proposed exploration hole and extrapolating (as best it can) that
information in order to gauge the likely impact on BMA’s activities, particularly in light of exhibit
marked ‘APW-4’ attached to Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012 and all related
information.
Preliminary requirements
28 January – 1 March 2013 – (or as soon as possible thereafter)
1. All CCC personnel and their agents conducting the drilling activities are to attend induction
by Betchel/BMA1; and
2. All CCC paperwork, certification, equipment and procedures to be reviewed, assessed and
(if possible) approved.2
1 March – 30 June 2013 – Southern District of ML70403
Court approved drilling activities to be drilled by CCC with Betchel/BMA/Site Senior Executive
(SSE) personnel present in the Southern district of ML704033 as follows:
H29, H30, H31, H32,
H33 /H35, H34, H36, H38,
H41, H42, H43, N_BAS1_4,
N_BAS1_5 BAS1_7 N_BAS1_8 DEEP7,
N_DEEP9. N_DEEP8 /
N_BAS1_6
If CCC is unable to complete drilling activities for the above mentioned holes contained within the
Southern district by 30 June 2013, the Court’s authority for the drilling activity ceases and such
authority can only be revived by further order of the Court.
1 See Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed on 4 December 2012 at para’s 37-38 page 12.
2 Ibid
3 BMA topsoil tasks have been delayed and have now been projected to commence in July 2013 and not March 2013
as previously projected, see Mr Willmott’s 3rd affidavit filed on 23 January 2013; see also yearly workload
projection marked ‘APW-4’ of Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012.
-- 23 of 40 --
24
Drilling activities are not to be conducted within the Southern district in relation to the following
proposed holes:
H39, H44, H45, H46,
H47, H48 BAS1_9 DEEP10
Court Notes:
Approved Holes
H33 / H35 Hole identifiers inter-change but both sites are appropriate. CCC must
notify BMA within 5 business days hereof of the proper identifier for each
of these holes.
N_BAS1_4, See Saunders 2nd affidavit para 12(b) page 3
N_BAS1_5: See Saunders 2nd affidavit para 12 (c) page 3
N_DEEP 8 /
N_BAS1_6:
Located between the haul road and diversion ditch, refer to Willmott’s 1st
affidavit para 23, page 7 and para 25, page 8.
Saunders rebuttal 2nd affidavit para 14(c) page3 and para 12 (d) page 3.
It is assumed by the Court that these holes are in the same location based
on the map and they are permitted on the basis that they are co-located.
N_BAS1_8: Located near sedimentary dam see Willmott’s 1st affidavit para 24 page 7,
Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 13 (a) page 3
N_DEEP9: See Saunders 2nd affidavit at para 14 (d) page 3;
See Willmott’s 2rd affidavit para 6(d) page 3;
May proceed if the hole is located within ML70403
Non-approved Holes
H39 Appears to be located on the boundary line
H45, H46, H47,
H48
See Willmott’s 1st affidavit para’s 27 & 28 pages 8 & 9
Located within the area of the borrow pit
*H44, H45, H46 Mr Saunders has indicated that these holes may have been marked on the
map incorrectly; see Mr Saunders 2nd affidavit at para’s 16-17 page 4
BAS1_9 Appears to be located on or to close to infrastructure
DEEP10: Located within 1 metre of the water mine dam, see Willmott’s 1st affidavit
at para 24 page 7; also located near diversion structure (however, this is
not reflected on the map) see para 25, page 8.
Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 13 (c) at page 3
Positions of DEEP10 and N_DEEP10 have not been identified on the map
-- 24 of 40 --
25
1 March – 30 June 2013 - Central District of ML70403
Court approved drilling activities to be drilled by CCC with Betchel/BMA/SSE personnel present in
the Central district of ML704034 as follows:
H19, H20, H21, H22,
H23, H24, H25, H27,
H28, BAS1_3*
(refer to Notes below)
N_BAS1_4, DEEP3,
N_DEEP4, DEEP5, DEEP6
If CCC is unable to complete drilling activities for the above mentioned holes contained within the
Central district by 30 June 2013, the Court’s authority for the drilling activity ceases and such
authority can only be revived by further order of the Court.
Drilling activities are not to be conducted within the Central district in relation to the following
proposed holes:
BAS1_1 N_BAS1_2,
Court Notes:
Approved Holes
BAS1_3 Located on road that provides access to ramp, see Willmott’s 1st affidavit
at para 23 at page 7. Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 12(a) page 3;
proposal to move it 250m E/NE however this new location has not been
reflected on the map. As it stands, the current location is not permitted,
however Mr Saunders relocation is permitted provided CCC notify BMA
within 5 business days hereof of the precise details of the new location of
this hole.
N_DEEP4: Located near sedimentary dam - see Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 24
page 7. Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 13(b) page 3.
CCC must ensure that there is no impact caused to the sedimentary dam.
N_BAS1_4 Located near the water fill point – see Saunders 2nd affidavit at para 12(b)
page 3.
CCC must ensure that there is no impact caused to the water fill point
Non-approved Holes
BAS1_1 Located within diversion structures and located near embankment – see
Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 25 page 8
N_BAS1_2 See Saunders 2nd affidavit at para 14(a) page 3
See Willmott’s 2nd affidavit at para 6(c) page 3
4 BMA topsoil tasks have been delayed and have now been projected to commence in July 2013 and not March 2013
as previously projected. See Mr Willmott’s 3rd affidavit filed on 23 January 2013; see also yearly workload
projection marked ‘APW-4’ of Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012.
-- 25 of 40 --
26
1 March – 31 July 2013 - Northern District of ML70403
Court approved drilling activities to be drilled by CCC with Betchel/BMA/SSE personnel present in
the Northern district of ML704035 as follows:
H1, H2, H3, H4,
H5, H11, H12, H13,
H14, H15, H16, H17,
H18, H49, H50, H51,
H52, H53, DEEP1, DEEP2*
(refer to Notes below)
If CCC is unable to complete drilling activities for the above mentioned holes contained within the
Northern district by 31 July 2013, the Court’s authority for the drilling activity ceases and such
authority can only be revived by further order of the Court.
Drilling activities are not to be conducted within the Northern district in relation to the following
proposed holes:
H6, H7, H8, H9,
H10,
Court Notes:
Approved Holes
DEEP2 Located in or around the Horse Creek Watershed (however, this not
reflected on the map) see Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 32 page 10.
Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 21 page 5.
Details of the boundary lines and the environmental conditions imposed by
a watershed are at best vague.
DEEP2 hole may proceed on the proviso that all environmental factors
regarding the Watershed are taken into account.
Non-approved Holes
H6, H7, H8, H9,
H10,
See Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 26 page 8.
Saunders rebuttal at 2nd affidavit at para 15 pages 3-4.
These holes are too close to or indeed inside the Quarry boundary.
Following completion of each drilling activity
Completion and/or remediation of all Court approved drill sites to be assessed and signed off by the
appropriate environmental officer at the earliest opportunity.
5 BMA topsoil tasks have been delayed and have now been projected to commence in July 2013, it is assumed that
BMA will commence topsoiling tasks in the same area’s reflected in the yearly workload projection marked ‘APW-
4’ of Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012. Therefore, CCC should have ample time and space within
the Northern district to conduct and complete the approved drilling activities within the allocated time as set out
above.
-- 26 of 40 --
27
Schedule 1(a)
MDLA 364 PROPOSED ADDITIONAL DRILLING SITES FOR DYLO, DYL4 AND BAS1 SEAMS
Datum: Australian_Geocentric_1994_(GDA94) Feb-13
Site Name Zone Number Zone Character Easting Northing
H1 55 K 608133 7559544
H2 55 K 607991 7559399
H3 55 K 608108 7559240
H4 55 K 608288 7559282
H5 disallowed
H6 55 K 608095 7558808
H7 55 K 608259 7558695
H8 55 K 608275 7558892
H9 disallowed
H10 disallowed
H11 55 K 608075 7558607
H12 55 K 608078 7558352
H13 55 K 608227 7558265
H14 55 K 607316 7558178
H15 55 K 607142 7558649
H16 55 K 606981 7558333
H17 55 K 606993 7557645
H18 55 K 607307 7557794
H19 55 K 607226 7557387
H20 55 K 606981 7557266
H21 55 K 608305 7557466
H22 55 K 608596 7557562
H23 55 K 608138 7557178
H24 55 K 608183 7556926
H25 55 K 608162 7556718
H26 55 K 607507 7555440
H27 55 K 608010 7555263
H28 55 K 608075 7555121
H29 55 K 607946 7553713
H30 55 K 607919 7553488
H31 55 K 607917 7553082
H32 55 K 607891 7552975
H33 55 K 608219 7552807
H34 55 K 608306 7552755
H35 55 K 608407 7552690
H36 55 K 608520 7552552
H37 55 K 608555 7552479
H38 55 K 608646 7552468
H39 disallowed
H40 55 K 608676 7552403
H41 55 K 608739 7552346
H42 55 K 608819 7552304
-- 27 of 40 --
28
Cont.
Site Name Zone Number Zone Character Easting Northing
H43 55 K 608896 7552232
H44 disallowed
H45 disallowed
H46 disallowed
H47 disallowed
H48 disallowed
H49 55 K 607636 7559014
H50 55 K 607580 7558963
H51 55 K 607643 7558830
H52 55 K 607925 7558350
H53 55 K 607002 7558994
-- 28 of 40 --
29
Schedule 1(b)
MDLA 364 PROPOSED ADDITIONAL DRILLING SITES FOR BAS1 SEAM
Datum: Australian_Geocentric_1994_(GDA94) Feb-13
Site Name
Zone
Number
Zone
Character Easting Northing
New site
name EastingV2 NorthingV2
BAS1_1 disallowed
BAS1_2 disallowed
BAS1_3 55 K 607270 7555083
(as amended by
Schedule 2) N_BAS1_3 607501 7555179
BAS1_4 55 K 607180 7553979
(as amended by
Schedule 2) N_BAS1_4 607411 7554075
BAS1_5 disallowed
BAS1_6 55 K 607869 7552577
(as amended by
Schedule 2) N_BAS1_6 608010 7552718
BAS1_7 55 K 608976 7551890
BAS1_8 55 K 609349 7551534
(as amended by
Schedule 2 and
parties
agreement on
8/2/2013*) N_BAS1_8 609574 7551534
BAS1_9 disallowed K
* footnote - or to any appropriate point within a 25 metre radius
-- 29 of 40 --
30
Schedule 1(c)
MDLA 364 PROPOSED DEEP DRILLING SITES Feb-13
Datum: Australian_Geocentric_1994_(GDA94)
Site
Name
Zone
Number
Zone
Character Easting Northing
New site
name EastingV2 NorthingV2
DEEP1 55 K 607000 7559500
DEEP2 55 K 607500 7558500
DEEP3 55 K 608000 7557500
DEEP4 55 K 607304 7556560
(as amended by
Schedule 2) N_DEEP4 608104 7556560
DEEP5 55 K 608000 7555500
DEEP6 55 K 607500 7554500
DEEP7 55 K 607000 7553500
DEEP8 55 K 607869 7552577
(as amended by
Schedule 2) N_DEEP8 608369 7552577
DEEP9 Not pursued
DEEP10 disallowed
-- 30 of 40 --
Schedule 2
MRA1332-08
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd
-v-
BHP Queensland Coal Investments Pty Ltd & Ors
Decision delivered 24 January 2012
RE: Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd request for drilling activity on ML70403
The tables that follow make specific reference to time periods, work procedures and various
proposed drill holes sought by Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd (‘CCC’) on BHP Queensland Coal
Investments Pty Ltd and Ors (‘BMA’s’) Caval Ridge Project relevant to ML70403. In arriving at
the conclusions that follow, the Court has undertaken its own exercise of collating all the
information referrable to each proposed exploration hole and extrapolating (as best it can) that
information in order to gauge the likely impact on BMA’s activities, particularly in light of exhibit
marked ‘APW-4’ attached to Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012 and all related
information.
Preliminary requirements
4 February – 1 April 2013 – (or as soon as possible thereafter)
1. All CCC personnel and their agents conducting the drilling activities are to attend induction
by Betchel/BMA1; and
2. All CCC paperwork, certification, equipment and procedures to be reviewed, assessed and
(if possible) approved.2
1 March (or as soon as possible thereafter upon completion of induction) – 30 June 2013 –
Southern District of ML70403
Court approved drilling activities to be drilled by CCC with Betchel/BMA/Site Senior Executive
(SSE) personnel present in the Southern district of ML704033 as follows:
H29, H30, H31, H32,
H33 /H35, H34, H36, H38,
H41, H42, H43, N_BAS1_4,
BAS1_7 N_BAS1_8 DEEP7, N_DEEP8 /
N_BAS1_6
1 See Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed on 4 December 2012 at para’s 37-38 page 12.
2 Ibid
3 BMA topsoil tasks have been delayed and have now been projected to commence in July 2013 and not March 2013
as previously projected, see Mr Willmott’s 3rd affidavit filed on 23 January 2013; see also yearly workload
projection marked ‘APW-4’ of Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012.
-- 31 of 40 --
32
If CCC is unable to complete drilling activities for the above mentioned holes contained within the
Southern district by 30 June 2013, the Court’s authority for the drilling activity ceases and such
authority can only be revived by further order of the Court.
Drilling activities are not to be conducted within the Southern district in relation to the following
proposed holes:
H39, H44, H45, H46,
H47, H48 N_BAS1_5 BAS1_9
N_DEEP9 DEEP10
Court Notes:
Approved Holes
H33 / H35 Hole identifiers inter-change but both sites are appropriate. CCC must
notify BMA within 5 business days hereof of the proper identifier for each
of these holes.
N_BAS1_4, See Saunders 2nd affidavit para 12(b) page 3
N_DEEP 8 /
N_BAS1_6:
Located between the haul road and diversion ditch, refer to Willmott’s 1st
affidavit para 23, page 7 and para 25, page 8.
Saunders rebuttal 2nd affidavit para 14(c) page3 and para 12 (d) page 3.
It is assumed by the Court that these holes are in the same location based
on the map and they are permitted on the basis that they are co-located.
N_BAS1_8: Located near sedimentary dam see Willmott’s 1st affidavit para 24 page 7,
Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 13 (a) page 3
Non-approved Holes
H39 Appears to be located on the boundary line
H45, H46, H47,
H48
See Willmott’s 1st affidavit para’s 27 & 28 pages 8 & 9
Located within the area of the borrow pit
*H44, H45, H46 Mr Saunders has indicated that these holes may have been marked on the
map incorrectly; see Mr Saunders 2nd affidavit at para’s 16-17 page 4
N_BAS1_5
BAS1_9 Appears to be located on or to close to infrastructure
N_DEEP9
DEEP10: Located within 1 metre of the water mine dam, see Willmott’s 1st affidavit
at para 24 page 7; also located near diversion structure (however, this is
not reflected on the map) see para 25, page 8.
Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 13 (c) at page 3
Positions of DEEP10 and N_DEEP10 have not been identified on the map
-- 32 of 40 --
33
1 March (or as soon as possible thereafter upon completion of induction – 30 June 2013 -
Central District of ML70403
Court approved drilling activities to be drilled by CCC with Betchel/BMA/SSE personnel present in
the Central district of ML704034 as follows:
H19, H20, H21, H22,
H23, H24, H25, H27,
H28, N_BAS1_3*
(refer to Notes below)
N_BAS1_4, DEEP3,
N_DEEP4, DEEP5, DEEP6
If CCC is unable to complete drilling activities for the above mentioned holes contained within the
Central district by 30 June 2013, the Court’s authority for the drilling activity ceases and such
authority can only be revived by further order of the Court.
Drilling activities are not to be conducted within the Central district in relation to the following
proposed holes:
BAS1_1 N_BAS1_2,
Court Notes:
Approved Holes
N_BAS1_3 Located on road that provides access to ramp, see Willmott’s 1st affidavit
at para 23 at page 7. Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 12(a) page 3;
proposal to move it 250m E/NE however this new location has not been
reflected on the map.
N_DEEP4: Located near sedimentary dam - see Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 24
page 7. Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 13(b) page 3.
CCC must ensure that there is no impact caused to the sedimentary dam.
N_BAS1_4 Located near the water fill point – see Saunders 2nd affidavit at para 12(b)
page 3.
CCC must ensure that there is no impact caused to the water fill point
Non-approved Holes
BAS1_1 Located within diversion structures and located near embankment – see
Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 25 page 8
N_BAS1_2 See Saunders 2nd affidavit at para 14(a) page 3
See Willmott’s 2nd affidavit at para 6(c) page 3
4 BMA topsoil tasks have been delayed and have now been projected to commence in July 2013 and not March 2013
as previously projected. See Mr Willmott’s 3rd affidavit filed on 23 January 2013; see also yearly workload
projection marked ‘APW-4’ of Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012.
-- 33 of 40 --
34
1 March (or as soon as possible thereafter upon completion of induction – 31 July 2013 -
Northern District of ML70403
Court approved drilling activities to be drilled by CCC with Betchel/BMA/SSE personnel present in
the Northern district of ML704035 as follows:
H1, H2, H3, H4,
H6 H7, H8, H11,
H12, H13, H14, H15,
H16, H17, H18, H49,
H50, H51, H52, H53,
DEEP1, DEEP2*
(refer to Notes below)
If CCC is unable to complete drilling activities for the above mentioned holes contained within the
Northern district by 31 July 2013, the Court’s authority for the drilling activity ceases and such
authority can only be revived by further order of the Court.
Drilling activities are not to be conducted within the Northern district in relation to the following
proposed holes:
H5,
H9,
H10,
Court Notes:
Approved Holes
DEEP2 Located in or around the Horse Creek Watershed (however, this not
reflected on the map) see Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 32 page 10.
Saunders rebuttal in 2nd affidavit at para 21 page 5.
Details of the boundary lines and the environmental conditions imposed by
a watershed are at best vague.
DEEP2 hole may proceed on the proviso that all environmental factors
regarding the Watershed are taken into account.
Non-approved Holes
H5, H9, H10, See Willmott’s 1st affidavit at para 26 page 8.
Saunders rebuttal at 2nd affidavit at para 15 pages 3-4.
These holes are too close to or indeed inside the Quarry boundary.
Following completion of each drilling activity
Completion and/or remediation of all Court approved drill sites to be assessed and signed off by the
appropriate environmental officer at the earliest opportunity.
5 BMA topsoil tasks have been delayed and have now been projected to commence in July 2013, it is assumed that
BMA will commence topsoiling tasks in the same area’s reflected in the yearly workload projection marked ‘APW-
4’ of Mr Willmott’s 1st affidavit filed 4 December 2012. Therefore, CCC should have ample time and space within
the Northern district to conduct and complete the approved drilling activities within the allocated time as set out
above.
-- 34 of 40 --
35
Schedule 3
MRA1332-08
Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd
-v-
BHP Queensland Coal Investments Pty Ltd & Ors
Decision delivered 24 January 2012
RE: Cherwell Creek Coal Pty Ltd request for drilling activity on ML70403
Part A - Preliminary requirements – Requirements and conditions to be satisfied prior to access to site
and drilling
4 February - 1 April 2013 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
1. Within 14 days of this order, representatives of BMA and Bechtel and CCC will meet to discuss the
timing of operations on the Caval Ridge Mine relevant to the drilling to be conducted under this
Order.
2. CCC will give 7 days notice to BMA of its intention to access the site to conduct the drilling. BMA
will ensure that the EPCM contractor for the CRM, Bechtel, cooperates with CCC, including
attending meetings with CCC, providing all necessary details as to the timing of the progress for the
CRM operations, following which CCC will provide Bechtel and BMA with a plan showing the
timing and location of the drill sites to be drilled. Wherever possible the parties will exchange
Project Gantt Charts for each drilling area.
2A All such information provided to CCC, its agents, contractors or representatives pursuant to
paragraphs 1 and 2, other than publicly available information, shall be treated as confidential by any
persons given access to it and shall not be used for any purpose other than in Land Court proceedings
MRA1332/08 or any appeals except with the prior leave of the Land Court.
3. The drilling must be performed by appropriately qualified and trained CCC or CCC contractor
personnel. In this regard, CCC is required to provide BMA and Bechtel with:
(a) a copy of CCC’s project organisational structure;
(b) a list of CCC personnel and contractor personnel proposed to be used that includes names,
current photographs, roles - including nominating the supervisor/s under the Coal Mining
Safety and Health Act 1999 (Qld) (the CMS & H Act) - and curriculum vitae;
(c) certified copies of all competencies for all CCC personnel and contractor personnel proposed
to be used. Relevant competencies include without limitation:
(i) for all workers - RIIRIS201A, Coal Board Medicals, and a BMA approved
Defensive Driving competency;
(ii) for supervisors - RIIRIS301A, RIIOHS301A & RIICOM301A;
(iii) for geophysical logging engineers - Qld Dept Health Use Licence;
(iv) for drillers - RII31809; and
(v) any further competencies that are reasonably required by Bechtel or the SSE that are
applicable to contractors on site that perform a task similar to that performed by
CCC personnel and/or contractor personnel.
-- 35 of 40 --
36
(d) for all CCC personnel and contractor personnel proposed to be used, a validly executed and
completed copy of the following documents:
(i) Caval Ridge Project – Project Work Rules. Notwithstanding anything in Exhibit 1 to
the contrary, CCC may utilise photographic and/or video equipment to record the
drilling activities on site and those recordings and results may only be used for Land
Court proceeding MRA1332/08 or any appeals except with the prior leave of the
Land Court;
(ii) Core Employee/Staff Mobilisation Form (with all associated documents attached);
and
(iii) a Functional Capacity Assessment;
(e) any further information that is reasonably required by Bechtel or the SSE and which would
be required from a contractor on site that performs a task similar to that performed by CCC
personnel and/or contractor personnel;
The above information is required in order to book inductions.
4. BMA and Bechtel are required to approve (such approval to be assessed in a timely manner and not
to be unreasonably withheld) any contractors, contractor personnel or CCC personnel proposed to be
used by CCC for the drilling programme prior to attending the site. It will be reasonable for BMA
and/or Bechtel to withhold approval for contractors:
(a) who have previously worked for BMA and whose contracts have been terminated for safety
reasons; or
(b) if BMA and/or Bechtel hold reasonable concerns about the contractors safety performance
based on evidence of previous safety breaches.
5. All CCC personnel and contractor personnel that will be involved in conducting the drilling activities
(in any way) are to complete:
(a) an induction by BMA (unless they have already completed such an induction and that
induction remains current in accordance with current requirements);
(b) a site induction by Bechtel (unless they have already completed such an induction and that
induction remains current in accordance with current requirements);
(c) Bechtel Contractor Management System checklist; and
(d) a pre-mobilisation site meeting (to review the objectives of the drilling programme,
sequencing, health, safety and environment conditions, emergency response procedures and
any other site access conditions)
any costs of which incurred by BMA and/or Bechtel will be paid by CCC to BMA within 7 days of
demand, subject to paragraphs 3 and 4 of the orders.
6. CCC is required to arrange CMS & H Act supervisor interviews and appointments with the Bechtel
SSE on site. The Bechtel SSE is required to make himself reasonably available to conduct those
interviews in a timely manner.
7. CCC must provide BMA with a list (including photographs) of all major equipment that is proposed
to be brought onto site including:
(a) drill rigs;
-- 36 of 40 --
37
(b) support equipment such as, air compressors, water trucks, rod trucks, pumps, grouting units
and cranes;
(c) light vehicles;
(d) geophysical logging units and radiation sources (Qld Dept Health Possession Licence and
NM010 source assessment); and
(e) earth moving equipment.
8. All major equipment that is proposed to be brought onto site must:
(a) comply with BMA's drilling standard, which specifies equipment requirements for work on
BMA sites;
(b) be inspected for compliance (at CCC’s cost) at one of the nearby approved BMA equipment
inspection stations. Any remedial work (including the certification of that remedial work)
that is required to be carried out to the equipment to ensure that it is compliant will be
carried out by CCC at CCC's expense.
9. CCC must procure and maintain the following minimum insurances:
(a) workers’ compensation and employer’s indemnity insurance which complies with the
relevant statutes, covering all claims and liabilities under any such statutes and, where claims
(such as common law claims) are allowed outside of the statutory scheme, for employer’s
liability for such claims, for the death of or injury to any person employed by CCC or CCC’s
contractors in connection with this drilling; and
(b) public and product liability insurance written on an occurrence basis with a limit of
indemnity of not less than $20 Million in respect of:
(i) loss of, damage to, or loss of use of, any real or personal property; and
(ii) the bodily injury of, disease or illness (including mental illness) to, or death of, any
person,
arising out of the performance of the drilling programme by CCC or CCC’s contractors. This
insurance must also extend to cover liability for:
(iii) the use of unregistered motor vehicles or unregistered mobile plant and equipment
used in connection with the drilling programme;
(iv) registered vehicles used as a tool of trade in the performance of the drilling
programme; and
(v) any equipment of CCC or CCC’s contractors in the care, custody or control of CCC
or its contractors, except to the extent such equipment is otherwise insured against
the risk of loss or damage under other insurances required to be effected pursuant to
(c) below;
(c) property insurance covering CCC and CCC’s contractors' equipment against the risks of loss,
damage or destruction by all insurable risks for not less than its market value.
10. CCC must:
(a) ensure (and procure that its contractors ensure) that any insurance required to be taken out
under 9 above (other than statutory insurances) is effected with reputable insurers with a
-- 37 of 40 --
38
financial security rating of A- or better by Standard & Poors or the equivalent rating with
another recognised rating agency.
(b) satisfy BMA that each contract of insurance it is required to procure under 10 above is
current by providing to BMA certificates of currency. BMA has the right to refuse CCC (and
any of the CCC’s contractors) entry to site until sufficient evidence of insurance is provided.
11. Subject to paragraphs 3 and 4 of the orders, CCC is required to indemnify BMA for any claims,
proceedings, expenses, costs, damage, losses, delay costs and other liability whatsoever, arising
from:
(a) any breach of a condition of this Order;
(b) the illness, injury or death of CCC’s employees or contractors arising out of or in connection
with the drilling programme;
(c) any loss or damage arising out of, or in connection with, any personal injury, illness or death
to any person or damage to any property or any other loss or damage of any kind whatsoever
caused or contributed to by:
(i) CCC or CCC’s contractors undertaking the drilling programme; or
(ii) the entry onto, and the activities undertaken, on the site by CCC and its contractors.
(d) any penalty imposed for breach by CCC or its contractors of an applicable law in connection
with the conducting of the drilling programme;
(e) any negligence or wilful act or omission by CCC and/or any of its employees or contractor in
connection with the drilling programme;
(f) CCC or CCC’s contractors undertaking the drilling programme;
except to the extent that such liability, loss or damage is directly caused by BMA.
12. CCC and its contractors must provide to BMA and Bechtel for approval (such approval not to be
unreasonably withheld and to be approved in a timely manner):
(a) their Safe Work Procedures;
(b) a project risk assessment for the drilling program;
(c) such data reasonably required by BMA in order for BMA to then arrange:
(i) Permits to Disturb for each drill pad and access track; and
(ii) Permits to Excavate for each drill hole.
CCC must not commence any drilling activities or construction of access tracks until the
relevant Permits to Disturb and Permits to Excavate have been obtained.
13. Subject to paragraphs 3 and 4 of the orders, CCC will pay to BMA the cost of approving such
procedures and generating the above permits incurred by BMA within 7 days of demand.
Part B - Conditions relating to conducting of drilling activities on site by CCC
14. CCC must:
(a) not unreasonably interfere with or impact BMA’s activities or the activities of any other
person at the site. In this regard, both BMA and CCC will work together to:
-- 38 of 40 --
39
(i) schedule CCC’s drilling activities at times during the court approved drilling times
which avoid impact to BMA and the site; and
(ii) relocate any court approved drilling locations which cause unreasonable impact to
BMA and the site and which impacts may be avoided by relocating such drilling
holes by a reasonable distance;
(b) be aware of and comply with and ensure that CCC’s personnel and CCC’s contractor
personnel are aware of and comply with:
(i) any applicable laws;
(ii) all site standards and procedures, to the extent that these documents are applicable to
the drilling programme, including without limitation:
(A) BMA's drilling standard, which specifies equipment and personnel
requirements for work on BMA sites;
(B) Bechtel’s SHMS and Hours of Work;
(C) any relevant Permits to Disturb and Permits to Excavate;
(D) the Traffic Management Plan and Emergency Response Plan;
(E) the drill pad and access track preparation and rehabilitation procedure;
(F) the weeds and seeds control procedure; and
(iii) all lawful directions and orders given by BMA, Bechtel or any person authorised by
law or the site standards and procedures to give directions to CCC;
(c) ensure that CCC’s personnel entering the site perform in a safe manner and are properly
qualified for, and skilled in, the performance of their tasks and are of such character as not to
prejudice:
(i) safe working practices;
(ii) safety and care of property; and
(iii) BMA’s environmental compliance at the site;
(d) provide all such information and assistance as BMA and/or Bechtel reasonably require in
connection with any statutory or internal health and safety investigation in connection with
this order or the drilling works conducted pursuant to this Order; and
(e) leave the site secure, clean, orderly and fit for immediate use having regard to the condition
of the site immediately prior to the drilling activities.
15. CCC must not cause, permit or tolerate an Unsafe condition or activity over which CCC has control
on the site.
16. CCC must, at its cost, comply with a direction from BMA, Bechtel and/or the SSE to modify, or stop
any activity that BMA and/or Bechtel considers is an Unsafe act.
17. If BMA or Bechtel observes or becomes aware of an Unsafe condition, BMA and/or Bechtel may:
(A) direct CCC to remove or, to the extent reasonably possible, mitigate the effect of the Unsafe
condition, and CCC must comply with that direction and modify CCC’s method of work in
order to avoid the Unsafe condition arising; and/or
-- 39 of 40 --
40
(B) give written notice to CCC requiring removal of the relevant CCC personnel or CCC’s
contractor’s personnel from the performance of the drilling program.
18. [Intentionally omitted]
19. BMA, at its discretion and at its own cost, may have a geologist accompany CCC and its contractors
on site to monitor the results of the drilling programme.
20. For the purposes of the paragraphs 16 to 18, “Unsafe” means unacceptable actual or potential
hazards and incidents relating to safety, health or the environment.
Part C - Post Drilling Requirements
21. Upon the completion, including geophysical logging and surveying, of each drill hole (and related
access tracks), CCC shall immediately rehabilitate the drill hole area and access tracks:
(a) in relation to drill holes, by filling, capping and grading to a safe surface; and
(b) in relation to access tracks (where required by BMA) by remediating the access tracks to a
safe condition;
21A Where BMA’s Project Gantt Chart shows areas which are to be undisturbed for a period of 12
months such drill sites are to be rehabilitated in accordance with normal environmental laws and
regulations having regard to the condition the land was in before CCC’s activities.
22. [Intentionally deleted]
23. CCC is required to provide BMA with a duplicate copy of all original unamended drilling,
geological and geophysical, coal sampling and quality testwork data gathered during the drilling
programme for technical review and audit no later than 30 days from completion of each activity.
-- 40 of 40 --
Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/QLC/2013/001