Kalgoorlie company praised for building super pit barrier

Mines Minister Gordon Hill today praised the company Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines for building an environmental barrier along the western side of Kalgoorlie's super pit.

"The wall, which will measure 1,500 metres long and over 20 metres high when completed, will deaden noise coming from the super pit," Mr Hill said.

"It will run along the town side of the super pit, greatly reducing noise levels.

"The company proposed building the barrier in response to concerns from nearby residents about noise levels from the mining operations," the Minister said.

"The project has the backing of the Environmental Protection Authority, the Department of Minerals and Energy and the Golden Mile Mining Development Planning Committee.

"This environmental barrier is another example of the company's ongoing efforts to minimise any adverse impact its operations have on the environment and people."

Mr Hill said three and a half tonnes of waste rock would be used to construct the first stage of the barrier at a cost of $5.5 million.

The wall would then be covered with earth and revegetated, and its final appearance would resemble a low hill, 115 metres wide at the base and 22 metres high.

The chief executive officer of Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines, Ian Burston, said the basic structure should be completed by the end of October and planting would take place next year.

Mr Burston said the company would extend the barrier as the super pit was further developed.

Kalgoorlie's super pit is already one of the world's biggest gold mining operations, and once fully developed will be five kilometres long, with a depth of 500 metres and a width of two kilometres at its widest point.