International Experts' Review Hydric Component of The Environmental Impact Assessment Conga Mining Project

INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS REVIEW HYDRIC COMPONENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT CONGA MINING PROJECT (CAJAMARCA PERU) Lima,
, April 17, 2012
This Ruling cannot be reproduced without written consent of the authors. Prepared for: Presidencia del Consejo de Ministros Per (Peruvian Premiers Bureau) Jointly prepared by: Professor D. Rafael Fernndez Rubio, Mining Engineering, Emeritus Professor of Hydrogeology. Universidad Politcnica de Madrid (Spain) D. Luis Lopez Garca, Road, Canals and Ports Engineer, Hydraulic Resources Consultant Professor in Geosciences, D. Jos Martins Carvalho, Professor of Hydrogeology. Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (Portugal)
International Experts Review Ruling. Hydric component Of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Conga Mining Project (Cajamarca Peru)
Source file: Proyecto Conga_Dictamen Pericial internacional_Componente Hidrico del EIA_17-04-2012.doc
INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS REVIEW HYDRIC COMPONENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT CONGA MINING PROJECT (CAJAMARCA PERU) Lima, April 17, 2012
Team: Professor D. Rafael Fernndez Rubio, Mining Engineering D. Luis Lopez Garca, Road, Canals and Ports Engineer Professor in Geosciences, D. Jos Martins Carvalho
(Illegible signature) Rafael Fernndez Rubio
(Illegible signature) Luis Lpez Garca
(Illegible signature) Jos Martins Carvalho
Table of Contents 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................12 1.1 Summary .........................................................................................................................................................................12 1.1.1 Surface waters ........................................................................................................................................................12 1.1.2 Underground water.................................................................................................................................................17 1.1.3 Water quality ...........................................................................................................................................................18 1.2 Recommendations..........................................................................................................................................................22 1.2.1 Infrastructure proposals pending for review ..........................................................................................................22 1.2.2 Support Committee ................................................................................................................................................22 1.2.3 Creation of a Major in the University Mining and Environmental Hydrology Company ...................................23 2 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................................24 2.1 Experts Review Ruling Framework ...............................................................................................................................24 2.2 Experts Review Ruling Authors ....................................................................................................................................25 2.3 Location of the Conga Mining Project............................................................................................................................30 2.4 Conga Mining Project History ........................................................................................................................................32 2.5 Evaluation Procedure of the Environmental Impact Assessment ................................................................................34 2.6 International Experts Review ........................................................................................................................................36 3. INSTALLATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURES OF THE CONGA PROJECT ....................................................................38 3.1. General components .....................................................................................................................................................38 3.2. Mining installations and infrastructures ........................................................................................................................38 3.2.1 Perol and Chailhuagn pits ....................................................................................................................................38 3.2.2 Topsoil deposits......................................................................................................................................................40 3.2.3 Perol and Chailhuagn waste dumps ....................................................................................................................40 3.3 Processing installations ..................................................................................................................................................44 3.4. Tailings deposit ..............................................................................................................................................................44 3.5 3.6 Auxiliary hydraulic installations .............................................................................................................................49 Water handling and management .........................................................................................................................50
3.7 Facilities and infrastructures alternatives analysis ........................................................................................................53 3.7.1 Proposal ..................................................................................................................................................................53 3.7.2 Alternatives valuation .............................................................................................................................................53 4. CONGA PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY ..................................................................................................56 4.1 Prior observations to the EIA .........................................................................................................................................56 4.2 General Framework ........................................................................................................................................................57 4.3 Hydroclimatology ............................................................................................................................................................59 4.4 Geology ...........................................................................................................................................................................61
4.5 Superficial Water ............................................................................................................................................................63 4.5.1 Studied Area ...........................................................................................................................................................63 4.5.2 Quantity ...................................................................................................................................................................68 4.5.3 Quality .....................................................................................................................................................................70 4.6 Ground Waters ...............................................................................................................................................................74 4.6.1 Studied Area ...........................................................................................................................................................74 4.6.2 Quantity ...................................................................................................................................................................76 4.6.3 Quality .....................................................................................................................................................................80 5 HYDROLOGICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ................................................................................................................83 5.1 Overall Framework .........................................................................................................................................................83 5.2 Impact Analysis...............................................................................................................................................................84 5.2.1 Surface Water .........................................................................................................................................................84 5.2.2 Ground water ..........................................................................................................................................................84 5.2.3 Aquatic Life ............................................................................................................................................................84 5.3 Prevention, Control and Mitigation Measures ...............................................................................................................85 5.3.1 Approach.................................................................................................................................................................85 5.3.2 Impact Mitigation Surface Water ........................................................................................................................85 5.3.3 Impact Mitigation Ground Water .........................................................................................................................89 5.3.4 Impact Mitigation Wetlands .................................................................................................................................92 5.3.5 Impact Mitigation Revegetation ..........................................................................................................................92 6. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM ..................................................................................................................94 6.1 6.2 6.3 7. Approach ................................................................................................................................................................94 Objectives and scope ............................................................................................................................................94 Water components to be evaluated ......................................................................................................................95
Conceptual Closing Plan .................................................................................................................................................98 7.1 Starting Point ..................................................................................................................................................................98 7.2 Progressive Closing........................................................................................................................................................98 7.3 Final Closing ..........................................................................................................................................................99 7.3.1 Disassembling ........................................................................................................................................................99 7.3.2 Demolition, Salvage and Disposition .....................................................................................................................99 7.3.3 Physical Stability ........................................................................................................................................100 7.3.4 Chemical Stability .................................................................................................................................................101 7.4 Post-Closure Conditions...............................................................................................................................................103 7.4.1 Surface waters ...........................................................................................................................................104 7.4.2 Underground water...............................................................................................................................................105
7.4.3 Hydrobiology .........................................................................................................................................................105 7.4.4 Wetlands ...............................................................................................................................................................105 8. Surface Hydrology ...............................................................................................................................................................106 8.1 Aspects to be analyzed in this chapter ........................................................................................................................106 8.2 Reviewed Chapters and appendixes from the EIA .....................................................................................................106 8.3 Summary of hydrology for the project area within the regional framework................................................................107 8.4 Technical analysis of surface water treatment in the EIA ...........................................................................................109 8.4.1. Necessary Data ...................................................................................................................................................109 8.4.2 Hydrological studies .............................................................................................................................................117 8.4.3 Hydric balance of reservoirs ................................................................................................................................136 8.4.4 Mitigation of impacts on surface water ................................................................................................................141 8.4.5 Direct and Indirect Areas of influence .................................................................................................................143 8.4.6 Feasibility Studies for the reservoirs....................................................................................................................145 8.5 Conclusion on effects of the surface water component ..............................................................................................146 8.6 Recommendations........................................................................................................................................................149 9 HYDROGEOLOGY...............................................................................................................................................................153 9.1 Regional Geomorphology and Geology ......................................................................................................................155 9.1.1 Quaternary sedimentary deposits ........................................................................................................................156 9.1.2. Volcanic rocks: Calipuy Group............................................................................................................................157 9.1.3 Cretaceous sedimentary rocks ............................................................................................................................157 9.1.4 Intrusive Rocks .....................................................................................................................................................160 9.1.5 Structures..............................................................................................................................................................161 9.2 Hydrogeology at a regional scale ...............................................................................................................................163 9.3 Recharge.......................................................................................................................................................................167 9.4 Hydrogeology at local scale (pits, tailings and dumps) ...............................................................................................169 9.4.1 Lithological units and geological structure ..........................................................................................................170 9.4.2 Hydrodynamic Characterization...........................................................................................................................174 9.4.3 Hydrology Inventory .............................................................................................................................................182 9.4.4 Hydrochemical description ...................................................................................................................................184 9.4.5 Vulnerability and contamination risk ....................................................................................................................192 9.5 Conceptual hydrogeological model .............................................................................................................................197 9.5.1 Type and structure of aquifers .............................................................................................................................197 9.5.2 Recharge, discharge areas, flow model and relationships groundwater surface water....................................198 9.6.1 Mitigation measures suggested in the EIA ..........................................................................................................200 9.6.2 Additional mitigation measures ............................................................................................................................201
9.6.3 Environmental control Network of groundwater monitoring in the .....................................................................201 9.7 Conclusions ..................................................................................................................................................................204 10.1.2 Work Methodology .............................................................................................................................................207 10.1.3 10.1.4 10.2 10.2.1 10.2.2 10.2.3 10.3 10.3.5 10.3.6 10.4 10.4.1 10.5 Detailed Results ........................................................................................................................................212 Conclusions...............................................................................................................................................229 Approach ...................................................................................................................................................231 Work Methodology ....................................................................................................................................232 Detailed results .........................................................................................................................................234 Tailings .......................................................................................................................................................244 Ore treatment .............................................................................................................................................250 Deposition and storage of tailings ......................................................................................................................251 Disposal system .........................................................................................................................................252 Water discharge from the zone with mining-metallurgical activity .....................................................................253
Pre-mine stage: ground water quality .................................................................................................................231
Mine and post-mine stage: contact waters .........................................................................................................237
11. PROPOSAL OF FACILITIES TO BE REVIEWED ...........................................................................................................254 11.1 Approach.....................................................................................................................................................................254 11.2 Topsoil deposits..........................................................................................................................................................254 11.3 Wetland deposit ..........................................................................................................................................................254 11.4 Perol waste dump .......................................................................................................................................................255 11.5 Rejection of Acid Water Treatment Plant ................................................................................................................256 11.6 Passive Treatment of Acid Waters ............................................................................................................................256 11.7 Capacity Increase of Reservoirs ................................................................................................................................257 12. BACKGROUND DOCUMENTATION ...............................................................................................................................259 12.1 Reference Bibliography ..............................................................................................................................................259 12.1 Other documentation considered...............................................................................................................................262 12.3 Images (Photographs) ................................................................................................................................................262 13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................................................262 14. FINAL RULING ..................................................................................................................................................................264
LIST OF GRAPHICS Graphic 1. Location of the Conga Project.................................................................................................................................30 Graphic 2 Administrative boundaries of the Conga Project Mining Concession ....................................................................31 Graphic 3. Arrangement of the main elements of the Conga Project......................................................................................32 Graphic 4: Main installations and infrastructures of the Conga Project ..................................................................................38 Graphic 5. Location of mining main infrastructures..................................................................................................................39 Graphic 6. Concentrator plant feeding plan per pits during the mining operation stage. .......................................................39 Graphic 7. Scenario planned for the pit sector and Perol waste dump ...................................................................................40 Graphic 8. Forecast distribution for the Chailhuagn pit sector ..............................................................................................40 Graphic 9. Perol and Chailhuagn waste dumps .....................................................................................................................41 Graphic 10. Geological map of the sector where the Perol waste dump would be located. ..................................................42 Graphic 11. Location of Perol waste dump ..............................................................................................................................42 Graphic 12. Geological view of the Perol waste dump substrate ............................................................................................43 Graphic 13. Geological map of the sector where the Chailhuagn waste dump would be located. ......................................43 Graphic 14. Ore processing installation ....................................................................................................................................44 Graphic 15 Forecast arrangement of the tailings deposit and adjacent infrastructure ...........................................................45 Graphic 16. Tailing deposits and enclosed installations ..........................................................................................................45 Graphic 17. Collector system for possible filtrations at the foot of the Toromacho dam. .......................................................47 Graphic 18. Location of tailings deposit filtration collector well and acid water treatment plant. ...........................................48 Graphic 19. Double dam to filter tailings and retain infiltrations. .............................................................................................48 Graphic 20. Acid water treatment plant drawing. .....................................................................................................................49 Graphic 21. Auxiliary hydraulic installations. ............................................................................................................................50 Graphic 22. Water balance in all the project area. ...................................................................................................................52 Graphic 23. Conga project environment meteorological stations location. .............................................................................60 Graphic 24. Conga project environment geological map. ........................................................................................................62 Graphic 25. Conga project environment physiographic map. .................................................................................................63 Graphic 26. Project traces and micro basins in the regional departmental context. ..............................................................64 Graphic 27. General hydrographic system in micro basins environment. ..............................................................................65 Graphic 28. Project footprint distribution among five micro basins.......................................................................................66 Graphic 29. Project footprint distribution by micro basins. ....................................................................................................67 Graphic 30. Selected years flows from 1964-2008 series, in Alto Jadibamba river, downstream of Lluspioc ravine (MC11). .............................................................................................................................................................................................69 Graphic 31. Evolution of Perol reservoir reserves in reservoirs during the closing operation in terms of probability. ..........70 Graphic 32. Superficial waters quality control stations in Conga project environment. .........................................................73 Graphic 33. Phreatic levels hydrogeological map. ...................................................................................................................75 Graphic 34. Cutaneous system estimated piezometry. ...........................................................................................................76 Graphic 35. Location of the Regulation Reservoirs Planned ...................................................................................................88 Graphic 36. Cover To Be Applied to the Perol Waste Dump...................................................................................................90 Graphic 37. Lagoons and Cultivation Areas Broadly Surrounding the Conga Project ...........................................................93 Graphic 38. Average monthly flow in storage stations close to the area of the project........................................................108 Graphic 39. Regional hydrographic network ..........................................................................................................................110 Graphic 40. Media Isohyets.....................................................................................................................................................110 Graphic 41. Location of meteorological stations used in the rainfall studies for the Conga project ....................................111 Graphic 42. Example of annual and monthly distribution of rainfall in the station Old Minas Conga located in the zone of the project.................................................................................................................................................................................112 Graphic 43. Stations of flow control ........................................................................................................................................114 Graphic 44. Location of channels and near stations ..............................................................................................................115
Graphic 45. Rainfall Series estimated in Old Minas Conga 1965-2006 (annual rainfall and monthly rainfall) ....................119 Graphic 46. Flows of each year of the series 1964-2008 estimated in MC 11 (Alto Jadibamba, downstream of Lluspioc ravine).......................................................................................................................................................................................120 Graphic 47 Continuous control of flows at MCPCH and MCLCH stations ............................................................................121 Graphic 48 Results of models adjusted at MCPCH station ...................................................................................................122 Graphic 49. Details of the adjusted model at the MCPCH station: flows adjustment during dry seasons and of volumes in the complete series and during dry seasons. .........................................................................................................................124 Graphic 50. Lagoons impacted by the project ........................................................................................................................129 Graphic 51. Relationship of rainfall vs. altitude in 391 stations in the Amazonic basin of the Andean countries ...............132 Graphic 52. Relationship between altitude and rainfall in 1970-2004 periods in Pacific, Titicaca and Amazonas basin ...133 Graphic 53. Relationship rainfall vs altitude, zones 5 +6 .......................................................................................................133 Graphic 54. Relationships rainfall vs. Altitude, zones 1+2+3+4+5 (north 6 latitude South) .................................................134 Graphic 55. Media Isohyet in the region .................................................................................................................................136 Graphic 56. Flows of water in relationship with the project ...................................................................................................137 Graphic 57. Results of the model adjusted in the MCPCH station with HFAM and Goldsim: flows ....................................139 Graphic 58. Results of the model adjusted in the MCPCH station with HFAM and Goldsim: volume accumulated ..........139 Graphic 59. Provisions of reserves in the reservoirs in terms of probability .........................................................................140 Graphic 60. AID and AII of quantity and quality of surface water in stage of construction and extension relative to the area of the project, in relationship with the downstream basin ......................................................................................................144 Graphic 61. Proposal of inclusion of beneficiaries of water regulated in the reservoirs in Alto Jadibamba, Chailhuagn and Alto Chirimayo microbasins: detail ..........................................................................................................................................145 Graphic 62. Proposal of inclusion of beneficiaries of water regulated in the reservoirs of Alto Jadibamba, Chailhuagn and Alto Chirimayo microbasins: general plant. ............................................................................................................................148 Graphic 63. Geological sketch of the area of Conga. ............................................................................................................159 Graphic 64. Geological Plan of the area of Conga. ..............................................................................................................162 Graphic 65. Structural section of Conga project area showing the Punre fault and, the anticline of El Galeno; as well as the zones of El Perol and Chailhuagn ..................................................................................................................................163 Graphic 66. Hydrogeological sketch of the area of Conga ....................................................................................................164 Graphic 67. Regional and local Stratigraphic column of the Conga area and surroundings. .............................................165 Graphic 68. Piper diagram of water surveys in the Conga Project .......................................................................................187 Graphic 69. Stiff diagrams of survey waters located on alluviums / volcanic rocks .............................................................188 Graphic 70. Stiff diagrams of surveys waters located in limestone .......................................................................................188 Graphic 71. Stiff diagrams of surveys waters located on marbles/skarn ..............................................................................189 Graphic 72. Stiff diagrams of surveys waters located on intrusive rocks ..............................................................................190 Graphic 73. Stiff diagrams of surveys waters located on volcanic rocks ..............................................................................191 Graphic 74. Stiff diagram of surveys waters located on volcanic/limestone rocks ...............................................................191 Graphic 75. Sample stations for surface water quality (pre-mine stage) ..............................................................................208 Graphic 76. Quality control stations for surface water in Toromacho ravine micro-basin....................................................213 Graphic 77. Quality control points for surface water in Alto Jadibamba river micro-basin...................................................215 Graphic 78. Surface water quality control points in Chugurmayo ravine micro basin ..........................................................219 Graphic 79. Surface water quality control stations in Alto Chirimayo ravine micro basin ....................................................221 Graphic 80. Surface water quality control stations in Chailhuagn micro-basin...................................................................226 Graphic 81. Location of ground water stations for quality control .........................................................................................232 Graphic 82. Humidity cell outline ............................................................................................................................................241 Graphic 83. Vertical cut view of Perol waste dump................................................................................................................255 Graphic 84. Relative position of the Perol and Chailhuagn open-pits.................................................................................255
LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Distribution by micro basins impacted by the project ................................................................................................66 Table 2. Surface waters control stations in the project environment.......................................................................................81 Table 3. Environmental Impacts Assessment Matrix Construction Stage, in regard to overall hydrological aspects .......83 Table 4. Environmental Impact Assessment Matrix Operations Stage, in regard to overall hydrological aspects. ...........83 Table 5. Current and Future Storage Capacities of Lentic Water Bodies as a Result of the Inception of the Conga Project ....................................................................................................................................................................................................87 Table 6 Environmental Monitoring Program Summary ............................................................................................................97 Table 7. Average monthly flow registered in storage stations in the region. .......................................................................108 Table 8. Existing Stations in the region ..................................................................................................................................113 Table 9 Capacity of proposed reservoirs ................................................................................................................................117 Table 10. Low flows in current situation (baseline) ................................................................................................................126 Table 11. Minimum flows of pre-mining and mining in key points. ........................................................................................127 Table 12 Mitigation flow of water balance model ...................................................................................................................138 Table 13. Compensation of water volume after eliminating the lagoons ..............................................................................141 Table 14. Lithostratigraphic regional units .............................................................................................................................160 Table 15. Lithological and lithostratigraphic regional units and their hydrogeological aptitudes .........................................166 Table 16. Evaluation of recharge and recharge index in the area of project Conga ...........................................................169 Table 17, Hydraulic conductivity of the main hydrogeological units. .....................................................................................176 Table 18. Hydraulic conductivity minimum, maximum, average and median of near80 surveys located at the area of Conga project,..........................................................................................................................................................................176 Table 19 Chart of hydraulic conductivity obtained in EIA and SWS, 2012 ...........................................................................179 Table 20- Comparison of the maximum and minimum hydraulics conductivities of the Lugeon and Lefranc trials by lithologies (maximum range found) .........................................................................................................................................180 Table 21.- Comparison of the medians hydraulic conductivities by lithologies (maximum and minimum) ........................180 Table 22. Values of hydraulic conductivities expect in the different structures of the Conga project. .................................181 Table 23.- Hydraulics conductivities to consider in the new exploration of the numeric model. ..........................................181 Table 24. Distribution of springs and volumes of water by microwatersheds. ......................................................................183 Table 25.- Magnitude of springs volumes of water ................................................................................................................183 Table 26. General features of productive springs ..................................................................................................................184 Table 27. Average results of the chemical analyses to main ions by lithologies (Na*, K*, Mg*, Ca 2, HCO2, Cl, and SO4) 186 Table 28. Medium chemical features of waters by lithology ..................................................................................................192 Table 29. Weighting factors for the parameters used in the DRASTIC method ...................................................................193 Table 30. Vulnerability types of DRASTIC rate ......................................................................................................................193 Table 31. Vulnerability types of GOD rate ..............................................................................................................................194 Table 32. DRASTIC Rate. Physical model, weighting rate and value for each parameter ..................................................195 Table 33. Final calculation of DRASTIC Rate. .......................................................................................................................195 Table 34. Calculation of GOD Rate for the three locations. ..................................................................................................196 Table 35. Results of vulnerability rates in tailing ponds .........................................................................................................196 Table 36. Parameters recorded on the control network of the EIA .......................................................................................201 Table 37. Cardinal points and location of control piezometers ..............................................................................................202 Table 38. Creation of a control network of groundwater resources ......................................................................................204 Table 39. Hydrographic micro basin in the project environment ...........................................................................................206 Table 40. Control stations for surface water quality upon micro-basin .................................................................................209 Table 41. Water characteristics at Mamacocha lagoon (LMAM)...........................................................................................214 Table 42. Water characteristics at Toromacho ravine ...........................................................................................................214 Table 43. Water characteristics at Azul lagoon ......................................................................................................................216
Table 44. Water characteristics at Chica lagoon....................................................................................................................216 Table 45. Water characteristics at Jadibamba river ...............................................................................................................217 Table 46. Water characteristics at Reynaldo Jambo canal ...................................................................................................217 Table 47. Characteristics of water at El Perolito canal ..........................................................................................................218 Table 48. Water characteristics at El Bado canal ..................................................................................................................218 Table 49. Water characteristics at La Chilca canal ................................................................................................................219 Table 50. Water characteristics at Chugurmayo ravine .........................................................................................................220 Table 51. Water characteristics at Alto Chirimayo ravine ......................................................................................................221 Table 52. Water characteristics at Perol wetland ...................................................................................................................222 Table 53. Water characteristics at Perol lagoon ....................................................................................................................222 Table 54. Water characteristics at Huashwas lagoon ............................................................................................................223 Table 55. Water characteristics at El Perolito canal ..............................................................................................................224 Table 56. Water characteristics at canals Villanueva ChvezI Villanueva Atalaya and Chugur .........................................224 Table 57. Water characteristics at canals Chirimayo and Lozano Izquierdo ........................................................................225 Table 58. Water characteristics at Mala lagoon .....................................................................................................................227 Table 59. Water characteristics at Chailhuagn river ............................................................................................................227 Table 60. Water characteristics at Chailhuagn lagoon ........................................................................................................229 Table 61. Ground water characteristics at Toromacho ravine wells .....................................................................................234 Table 62. Evaluation criteria for acid-base balance tests ......................................................................................................240 Table 63. Concentration of metal of environmental significance upon SPLP analysis: Tailings from Perol pit. .................247 Table 64. Concentration of metal of environmental significance upon SPLP analysis: Tailings from Chailhuagn pit. .....248 Table 65. Concentration of metal of environmental significance upon humidity cell analysis: Tailings from Perol pit. ......249 Table 66. Concentration of metal of environmental significance upon humidity cell analysis: Tailings from Chailhuagn pit. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................250 Table 67. Consumption of reagents during ore processing ...................................................................................................251 Table 68. Tailings production during mine life ........................................................................................................................252 Table 69. Approximate flows of regulated discharge for dry season coming from projected reservoirs .............................253
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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Satellite image of the Location of the Conga Project ...............................................................................................30 Figure 2. Dense cloud covering the Conga project area. ........................................................................................................61 Figure 3 Mountainous landscape next to Conga project environment ....................................................................................63 Figure 4 Fluvial-glacial plain landscape next to Conga project environment ..........................................................................63 Figure 5. Micro reservoirs next to project area. ........................................................................................................................69 Figure 6. Detail of the micro-reservoirs of the area ..................................................................................................................69 Figure 7. Cattle grazing around the Conga project area without housing ...............................................................................71 Figure 8. Concentration of houses near Conga project areas. ................................................................................................71 Figure 9. pH control, conductivity and temperature in wetlands water. ..................................................................................74 Figure 10. Humic soil, barely 20 to 30 cm on unaltered rock. .................................................................................................77 Figure 11. Locally permeable carbonated rocks outcrop in table-shaped suspended structure. ..........................................77 Figure 12. Superficially marmored, folded, fissured and karstificated limestones outcrop ....................................................78 Figure 13. Humic soil on low permeability lime clayish matrix morainic deposit. ...................................................................78 Figure 14. Front glacial moraine cemented with impermeable matrix and dissected by fluvial erosion................................79 Figure 15. Chailhuagn permanent lagoon (with established fish farms). ..............................................................................79 Figure 16. Different permeability sediments interstratifications decreasing all materials permeability. ................................80 Figure 17. Fish farm in Mamacocha lagoon where non-native rainbow trout is bred.............................................................82 Figure 18. Storage and initial section of Chaihuagn Yerbabuena channel .........................................................................115 Figure 19. Intermediate sections of Chailhuagn Yerbabuena channel. ..............................................................................116 Figure 20. Lagoon Chailhaugn and discharge flow path .....................................................................................................129 Figure 21 Wetlands: view from a helicopter and in detail. .....................................................................................................130 Figure 22. Quaternary deposits in Alto Jadibamba River ......................................................................................................170 Figure 23. Volcanic rocks of Calipuy Group in Alto Jadibamba ...........................................................................................171 Figure 24. Pulluicanas Limestone near the lake Chailhuagn (detail).................................................................................171 Figure 25. Pulluicanas Limestone near Chailhuagn Lake ...................................................................................................172 Figure 26. Intrusive Rocks (Chailhuagn pit) .........................................................................................................................172 Figure 27. Detail of the intrusive rocks (Chailhuagn pit) .....................................................................................................173
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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1.1 Summary 1.1.1 Surface waters The studies included within the Conga EIA analyze in enough detail, every aspect that may impact surface hydric components. Details used are correct with some deficiencies that are normal at isolated and small areas such as the one of Conga. The methods employed are correct, although some minor differences have been found with respect to procedures or results that will not modify in essence the conclusions but that must be considered within the systematical annual updates of the hydric components. The impact to the surface hydric component has been well appraised and the proposed mitigation measures are correct. The considered actions are, mainly, the construction of three reservoirs of exclusive use to replace impacted flows and a fourth reservoir of shared use with the mine that after closure will be solely use for reposition. The reserves within these reservoirs, during rainy seasons, ensure perfectly well that downstream flows during dry season will continue to be, at least, as now. The impact during rainy season does not cause environmental damages or harm to the users since there is not excess of water in the system. The proposed reservoirs may improve water management at microbasins, further more than just replace the impacted flows. An inclusive management of the reservoirs will allow to being discharged the required flows, at any time, by the users, even with a target amount higher than today that will increase their agricultural production. To have a suitable management of these reservoirs, we need to state, without any doubt, the group of users that will benefit from the regulated water, as stated as follows. It is safe to assert that those far away from the project area will not have an important impact from the available flows and, on the other hand, reservoirs lack the capacity and do not receive enough contribution to regulate the required flows and serve wide basins. The EIA does not discuss these aspects since the regulations only mandates to ensure the mitigation flows of its surroundings. However, this review, proposes such enhancement. The loss of four lagoons and 103 ha of wetlands, from the amount of surface water perspective, reduce the flows generated within the project area proportionally to the subtracted surface that is little. Therefore, the impact is not as meaningful and it has been properly accounted by the EIA. In no way they could be considered as singular water sources. The impact to the amount of water produced at the basin headers is practically proportional to the area impacted by the project. The main contribution of water from microbasins will not be lost, as it may be assumed from a literal interpretation of Article 75 of the Hydraulic Resources of Peru Act. Basin headers are the water sources from a geographical perspective and not of the flows produced in them. The EIA states as Direct and Indirect Areas of Influence (AID and AII, for their name in Spanish), regarding surface water quantity and quality, as the area occupied by the project facilities.
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It is a valid criterion from the legal standpoint since it complies with the specifications of the Regulations on Protection to the Environment (Minem, 2003.) Nonetheless, it would be convenient, due to good neighbor reasons with the mine surrounding population, to include among the future benefits of the water regulated within the reservoirs the maximum amount as possible of users to improve the positive impacts of the project. This is why it is recommended that, in the future, reservoirs should supply users with water far beyond from the AII limits as stated on the EIA, only if the studies ensure the necessary amount of flow. At Alto Jadibamba, it could be extend to Jerez Jadibamba canal that irrigates 697 ha with 280 users. at Chailhuagn up to Dos Tingos and at Alto Chirimayo up to Lozano Izquierdo. What is not reasonable is trying to include basins as wide as Cajamarca surroundings or Sendamal, that will receive an impact on their flows but, due to the vast basin surface, it would be meaningless, approximately the impact would be within 0,3% and 3,8% accordingly. The EIA dos not make any reference to the possible impact on the climate change about future rains and flows. Currently, no accurate forecasts are available on the climate change impact, not enough to be applied to the detailed hydrological studies. It is worth to estimate the likely impact to the flows and the recharge of the hydrological systems of the area and to reflect a little bit, even though with speculations about the risk of natural diminution of future flows. Annual update of the hydrological studies must consider this possibility. The recommendations regarding the amount of surface water propose the progressive improvement of the EIA flows estimates and the hydrological knowledge of the area, following the line of works proposed for this experts review that must be framed within the systematical updates of the project that should be carried out by the mining company. Besides, the recommendations state the need to control and follow up in detail the actions proposed in the EIA, in particular, the actions to mitigate the impact on river flows. The progressive improvement of the EIA estimates will contribute to improve the definition of the low flows and the hydric balance. Regarding flows, it is recommended to adjust the precipitation run-off model on the hydrogram recession sections, since it tends to overestimate the low flows, which are the base of every following analysis. Although this overestimation will benefit the downstream users since they will receive higher mitigation flows, it is convenient to adjust the results. Upon adjustment of the model, the flows recorded at Chailhuagn must be verified. These have been excluded from the EIA for having gaps during dry seasons. This verification is needed to prove the validity of the parameters adjusted at Alto Chirimayo when applying them to this basin, even if it is an estimate. It is advisable to estimate again the low flows representative of each sub-basing, by classifying them in percentile ranges usual method to estimate ecological flows. It is a method more transparent than the one used on the EIA that, in any case is an accepted procedure that estimates the probability of having middle 7-day flows. The hydric balance showed on the EIA is a first approximation, it was performed based on a prior estimate of the mitigation flows. This is why it applied different values from the finally adopted. However, even when the applied flows were smaller, the balance hypothesis is conservative since it holds them for 8 months and, when forced to discharge, are added to the flows discharged from the reservoirs. Hydric balance updates will consider the best information available at each time.
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Recommendations regarding the control and follow-up of the proposed actions, have several objectives. The main objective is to allow Ministries, with decision-making on the process to ensure that forecasts and proposals of the EIA are met, and thus apply the relevant corrective measures when suitable. The secondary, but not less important, provide transparent information to the specially impacted population. The third would be to systematically record and from the first time all the hydro meteorological data as possible in order to raise the awareness of the hydrology of the basins. The control and follow-up is basically supported by the establishment of a hydro meteorological data registry, more complete than the current one and the definition of protocols to analyze data and edition of follow-up reports. The meteorological data that are currently collected are enough to define the precipitation in such a small area. The data deficit is on the flow information since the three continuous control stations were destroyed in 2004 after vandal acts (2007 or sooner), and the vital data registry to improve the hydrological knowledge of the area were lost. Therefore, it is recommended to install, as soon as possible new continuous control points of flows at the discharge points of the project area, at the five microbasins which may allow to adjust precipitation run -off models, independents for each and analyze if their hydrological behavior is similar. It is critical to solve the security problem of these facilities. As a supplement to these controls, it would be convenient to add an additional point downstream, especially at Alto Jadibamba (for example, before the Jerez Jadibamba collection tap) and at Chailhuagn (former Dos Tingos canal) since these basins are the most impacted by the project, without eliminating the possibility of also controlling the Alto Chirimayo basin. In this way, an extremely valuable hydrological knowledge will be obtained on the functioning of wider basins. Also, it would be interesting to record the flows at a non-impacted basin, such as Chugurmayo. It would be used as control point of the natural changes of the hydrological regime, produced simultaneously but independent from the impact of the project. It is critical to have these controls in a participative manner, through records verification protocols or through manual supplementary controls involving the communities of the area, in which design sociologists (with a good knowledge of the problem) should participate. On the other hand, the trust from the communities in the control results will increase with the access to real time data. Thus, they will compare them with their (the communitys) informal observations of the current flow through the collection points of the canals. In addition to the communities, Universities or well-known technical groups of Cajamarca should intervene with a superior technical level participation. For example, they should systematically evaluate the microbasins hydrology via studies based on the accumulated information on the continuous control of hydrometereological variables that has been proposed. Thus, any anomaly with respect to the predictions or possible errors in reservoirs management may be detected on time. We should keep in mind that a simple data collection is not enough to meet the desired objectives. It needs to go along with systematic treatment protocols of the information received. Analysis frequency and contents must be defined together with the corresponding reports, the warning and emergency limits before the occurrence of anomalous situations (regarding data
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failure, unusual values or failure to comply with the EIAs expectations), the actions to take in case of overcoming them and the information spread strategies and mechanisms with graphical solutions to control and follow up in the most transparent manner. An important recommendation is to define the management procedures of the three reservoirs, exclusively devoted to the mitigation flows and, upon closure, also the Superior reservoir. This action has two aspects: financial, to ensure the availability of enough funds to carry out a suitable management of the reservoirs that should be committed in the Final Closure Plan; and the operational, to define the water management and exploitation decision-making process flowchart.
Regarding the financial aspect, it is recommended that the ownership should continue being of the Mining Company since in this manner the Company will continue accountable for its maintenance. Now the needed economical resources availability should be defined and ensured to implement the suitable water management organizations.
The operative aspect must define the management organizations structure. The most suitable thing to do is to hold the Autoridad Nacional del Agua (Public Water Management Authority) accountable. Below it, some sort of procedure should be implemented, or the ones followed by ANA that have been proved to work in prior cases or a similar model to the one of the Comisiones de Desembalse de las Confederaciones Hidrogrficas de Espaa (Overflow commissions of the Hydrographic Confederations of Spain). It is critical that, regardless the modality, the social stakeholders must participate in the water management and, in particular the irrigation water users that are the largest consumers of the area. Also, the hamlets and human settlements that may consume water from these rivers in the future should participate. It is recommended to build water collectors to supply the hamlets that are currently using water from springs flowing during the dry season, that in this manner they will benefit from the guarantee of having water available produced by the reservoirs and will compensate the impact to their water springs. We should remember that the future management of the reservoirs must not be done to overflow mitigation flows (that is the mandatory objective of the EIA) but to respond as possible to the water users demands, by taking advantage of its good regulation capacity. This is why, the management organizations goal is to define the overflowing flows at each reservoir, in the immediate term that may be one month, considering the users needs and the situation of the overflowed reserves, as well as the restrictions imposed by ANA, for example regarding ecological flows. A proper management will ensure that water users not only will be impacted by the project but also they will notoriously improve their situation, since the reservoirs may ensure low water levels higher than the current ones, increasing the available irrigation provision and the agricultural production. This statement, very optimistic, apparently, is based on the universally proved fact of the important efficiency of the first regulation works built at any area, such as in Conga area since the regulation capacity/overflow volume ratio is very high.
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In any case, we should act as realistic as possible, and not to provide people with false expectations that may emanate from who think that a project shall reduce a water structural deficit during low water level seasons, independent from the implantation of a mining operation. The EIA proposals improvement regarding surface water amount is based on the construction of bigger reservoirs that will facilitate more regulated flows. The EIA estimates that the reservoirs will be almost always full during operation and closure stages of the mine. This indicates that are undersized in its regulation capacity of the natural flows, since this is not an EIA objective. Thus, any capacity increase technically or economically viable will result in a notorious increase of the regulated flows and, in consequence, of the positive impact of the project. The proposals here are purely ideas, which feasibility should be confirmed with topographic, geotechnical and economic data, not available at the time of preparing this Ruling. The first possibility is the regrowth of the inferior reservoir, expanding as possible its volume to maximize the flows regulation capacity for the micro basin of Alto Jadibamba within the technical and economic feasibility of the Work. It is unknown if Alto Chirimayo users, downstream from Perol reservoir, need supplementary flows since the registered canals in this basin are small. If this is the case, it would be necessary to consider the expansion of such reservoir capacity. The Chailhuagn reservoir expansion seems difficult because the topographical conditions that constrain the regrowth possibility of this lagoon. Even though, if it would be possible, it will benefit many downstream users, this is why it would be convenient to explore this possibility. It would not be necessary to expand the Superior reservoir that is the only with difficulties to fill up due to its increased capacity. However, upon the mine closure (after more than 20 years), pumping facilities may be implemented to send the water to the inferior reservoir as a supplementary or alternative solution to the possibility of expanding its capacity. The reservoirs proposed on the EIA and their likely expansion are the first step to develop a regulation system of the microbasins. The Autoridad Nacional del Agua will consider within its water management improvement plans in Peru if supply and irrigation demands are properly served with these reservoirs or if the construction of other water sources under the project is justified.
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1.1.2 Underground water After the hydrogeological study submitted in March 2012, we consider there is a hydrogeological conceptual model and the subsequent numerical model. This model should be recalibrated and validated every four years, including the new hydraulic conductivity scenarios suggested by this ruling, and the data provided by the hydrogeological control, allowing therefore the adaptive management of underground water resources. In this way, it would be possible to foresee the qualitative and quantitative project impacts with more rigidity in the microbasins involved, and redefine the dimensions of the impacted areas in terms of quality and quantity. An effort to summarize the hydrogeological inventory considering all campaign, improving quality of field cards (and georeference) and considering this activity as an important part of hydrogeological studies to be part of this future control network is recommended. This control network would include the six expected surveys, downwater of the main potentially contaminant structures; the springs nearby selected to this effect; and, also, additional surveys in points considered as critical. Two or three control points should be installed in known basins far away from areas potentially impacted by the project. The analyzed data allow coming to the conclusion that the underground waters in the study area are present in non-confined cutaneous systems, alluvial and fluvioglaciar materials, and that their movement happen at shallow depth and in short periods after the rains. The flow in eruptive substrate rocks and limestone is poor, due to its aquitard behavior. No presence of karstic or deep fissured aquifers has been seen. In very restricted sectors it is possible there are semi-confined, confined or pseudo-confined fissured hydrogeological systems or small magnitude, that may allow the spreading of influences, and the transport of masses for distances, in an influenced regime, as would be the case with the stopes during the closure stage. The hydraulic connection between the several hydrogeological systems barely exists or presents itself in a non-significant way. Cutaneous underground waters are responsible to feed ravines and rivers and, along with surface waters, they are in charge of temporarily feeding lagoons and wetlands characteristic of ecosystems in this Andean region. Underground water replenishes at about 34mm, which means 3% of precipitation. Aside from prevention, mitigation and compensation measures proposed by the EIA, we suggest cartography of vulnerability to contamination in order to optimize the protection and mitigation acts provided under dump sites and tailings deposit. Also, protection parameters for human use collection should be established in potential impact areas, in order to better apply the mitigation measures. The numerical model should be used as management model, incorporating simulations of work for the main project infrastructures. In the extraction stage, Perol and Chailhuagn pits would extract water locally granted by the shallow cutaneous aquifer and may cause quantitative problem in nearby collections found in more fractured areas, which must be included in control programs.
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In order to avoid possible qualitative problems (during and after pit mining stage) in the main ravines and rivers, it is possible there is need to place waterproof curtains and/or pump ponds in the shallow hydrogeological subsystem. Problems in eruptive volcanic substrate rocks and limestone discontinuous hydrogeological systems are considered marginal, due to the aquitard behavior these geological formations have. The intervention plan for each scenario must be established previously, based on the water points inventory, which must be constantly updated. Due to their being scarce, underground waters do not offer availability to generate systematic alternatives; also, the main underground water resources are related to shallow aquifers and their management should be performed in the perspective of using superficial waters. Aside from the small reservoirs provided, collection alternatives should be considered for prevention, mitigation and compensation measures , based in surveys or other sub-horizontal collections, which would imitate current springs and be good socially accepted alternatives. 1.1.3 Water quality Ample information appears on the EIA about water quality, provided by officially credited laboratories in Cajamarca, Lima and Ontario (Canada), using the usual control and quality assurance processes. 1.1.3.1. Surface waters in pre-mine stage The quality of surface waters during pre-mine stage, including lagoons, ravines, rivers and canals, appears studied in the EIA for the five microbasins located in the project environment: Toromacho ravine, Alto Jadibamba river, Chugurmayo ravine, Alto Chirimayo ravine and Chailhuagn river. The investigation performed is based on the historical information obtained from several studies elaborated for the Conga project, as well as from the periodical controls performed by MYSRL. . In this sense, quality studies have been performed since 2003 for the project area waters, which have been reviewed for comparison against more recent data (period 2007-2009) considered more accurate since they include a higher volume of data and have homologated laboratory reports. This experts review considers the general characterization regarding the superficial waters in pre-mine stage as accurate, even though the number of control points must be extended before starting mine operations for a proper time-space quality follow-up to be performed during the operation. Also, reference points must be sele4cted in areas not impacted by the proposed mining activities. In the EIA the analytical data appears compared to the National Environmental quality standards (ECA) established by the Ministry of Environment (MINAM) and, concretely, with those of Category 3, corresponding to the irrigation of long-stem and short-stem vegetables and water for animals, since these are the main uses for surface waters. The most significant aspects regarding quality of surface waters in pre-mine stage are the following:
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Chemical facies of most waters analyzed is calcic bicarbonate, as corresponding to low-slat waters; some of the samples are calcic bicarbonated-sulfated in Chailhuagn river; calcic sulfated in Laguna Azul and Alto Chirimayo surface run-offs, and clearly calcic sulfated in Perol wetlands. The field-measured pH for most samples is over 7, reaching even 9. Ocasionally there are samples that have low values between 6,5 and 7 (some Laguna Azul analyses and surface run-offs in Alto Jadibamba river, and Alto Chirimayo ravine). In Perol wetlands, pH is very low (from 3,0 to 6,4, with average values of 3,1 to 4,2). The total of dissolved solids shows values going from below 3 mg/L to 302 (the highest value determined corresponds to Mala Lagoon); low values, as corresponds to predominantly calcic bicarbonate waters, and that evidence the reduced solubility of lithological materials over which these waters flow. The minimum alkalinity values have been registered I Perol wetlands (>1,0 to 12 CaCO 3/L, with an average of 1,3), which manifests the bad quality of these waters. In the rest of analyses, very variable values are observed, going over 202 equivalents of CaCO3/L. All Laguna Azul and Laguna chica samples have values lower than 20, which reflects their inadequate quality for animal life development. Records below 20 were also found on Toromacho ravine, Chirimayo ravine waters and in waters of some canals. The sulfide content can be considered low (between <0,5 and 42,9 mg/L) even though there is presence of pyrite (especially in mineralized materials), which confirms its lack of reaction as consequence of being underwater and, therefore, without oxygen, necessary for oxidation. Sampling points with growing concentrations during dry season (also in the total of dissolved solids) have been identified, while other seasons do not show seasonal effects. Regarding heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn) and the goal of having a comparison pattern for future situations during the mine life, it stands out that, in general, concentrations recorded have been low (even many times below detection limits), without recording of concentrations exceeding Category 3 ECAs, even though since the opportune ultrafiltering in sample taking (milipore)was not performed, some analysis have shown relatively high contents caused by the presence of particulate materials, suspended or as sediments. Regarding the biological quantities, fecal coliforms and totals contents frequently exceed the fixed values estimated by the ECA for Category 3, specially in rivers, but also in canals; with frequent cases where the limits of these pathogens in water for human consumption have been surpassed, both in dry and humid season. All that is caused for anthropic illnesses and those due to cattle raising.
1.1.3.2 Underground waters during the pre-mine stage The EIA addresses the underground waters composition and quality in the most impacte microbasins around the project: Toromacho ravine, Alto Jadibamba river, Alto Chirimayo ravine and Chailhuagn river. Said study is based on the periodical exams performed by MYSRL and several consultant companies within the framework of environmental studies in the area since the year 2009 (data included on the EIA appendixes).
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Since these waters are used for human consumption, their quality has been assessed as a reference, applying the National water quality environmental standards (ECA) established by the Ministry of Environment (MINAM, 2008) for Category 1 subcategory A1 (waters that may be made potable with a simple disinfection). The results have been processed using statistic techniques and graphic representations, also using the usual geochemical modeling programs. This is for the global behavior of each parameter, as well as for their variations between maximum, minimum and average concentrations. Even though some values obtained present discrepancies with the natural expected concentrations, results provide a good contribution to the knowledge of characteristics, composition and general behavior of underground water quality. The most outstanding aspects are: Most chemical facies are calcic bicarbonate, even though there are calcic sodic-potassic one and others. The pH in general ranges from neutral to alkaline, but there are very high values higher than 11, possibly because of additives used in the drilling or due to the use of cement (these ponds would need a cleaning and development work, since their waters are not apt for human consumption). The total of dissolved solids is usually very low, but there are also valued higher than 4,000 mg/l. Most metals regulated by the ECA for Category 1 subcategory A1 have shown themselves quite below the maximum established values; however, in a series of pond water samples there has been excess content of Al, As, Fe, Hg, Pb and Mn during different sampling campaigns, a situation that cannot be attributed to mining, since it has not happened yet. This may correspond to a regional mineralization bottom, a geological area that has received analytical inconsistencies, such as the difference reported between concentrations of dissolved metals and concentrations of total metals, which seems to indicate there are many times the samples have not been correctly filtered, therefore higher values can be determined caused by suspended solids. For this reason, it is necessary to use adequate filtering in situ during samplings, to eliminate the solid part. On the other hand, there seems to be a co-relation in the balance of pH values registered in study area underground waters (almost neutral or slightly alkaline pH, between 7,5 and 8,2) and the dissolved metals concentrations for Al, Cu, Pb and Fe, located in the range from micrograms per liter to tens of micrograms per liter. Total and fecal coliforms have usually been low; however, there has been frequent excess of fecal coliforms compared to ECA in some underground water points, which evidence the already stated anthropogenic or animal influence also identified in surface waters. Though dissolved oxygen, DBO and DQO present normal values for the most part, sometimes the sampled ponds do not comply with the ECA.
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1.1.3.3. Contact waters in mine and post-mine stages Quality prevision on water that may be drained during a mining operation as the subject matter always has a high degree of uncertainty, especially for waters in contact with reagent rocks (presence of pyrite and oxygen). To have an estimate a series of leaching hydrogeochemical studies and tests (including wet cells) has been carried out, to forecast the future quality of the waters that seem reflected on the EIA and its appendixes. On the safety section of EIA, it has been foreseen to treat all the potentially impacted waters on their quality. It is predicted to have more impact on waters in contact with waste materials from Perol pit that shown sulfur ores (pyrite and marcasite), which when exposed to the environment would be the main source of acidity generation leaving little material for natural neutralization. Calcic carbonate dissolution at Chailhuagn pit may contribute with a neutralization factor in the case of acid water generation. Regarding tailings reactivity, in presence of water and oxygen, and considering their small size of grain, there is no doubt that are acidity generating materials and the entire verification of impacts associated to them. The environmentally importance metals, identified on the tailings include: As, Cu, Mo, Sb and Zn. This is why the acid water treatment plant operation has been planned for a very long term. The Processing plan, to treat the ore, will not use cyanide nor would mercury and the used reagents to achive differential flotation of the metals to be processed would be partly recovered and reused in the process, in a close circuit. The other part would be incorporated to concentrates, aimed at export and transported to the Coast with hauling trucks. A third fraction will remain at the tailings that will go to the processes plant to be thickened up to 62% in solids through pipelines to the tailings deposit that shall not produce discharges to the hydrographical network. On the EIA it is stated as sole alternative to store tailings the sub-areal disposal in the corresponding forecasted tailings deposit. To avoid the need of a extended treatment of acid waters, the mining industry has some alternatives such as sub-aquatic storage of tailings, thus avoiding the generation of acid waters and drastically reducing the need to treat them. But it is important to acknowledge that they need water and reduce the storage capacity, which will imply to have a second area to dispose them.
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1.2 Recommendations 1.2.1 Infrastructure proposals pending for review The EIA by considering that gathers all the required technical conditions was approved on October 27, 2010. Nonetheless, and within the continuous improvements framework happening within this project, this experts review proposes to analyze, during the construction stage, some possible actions, related to planned infrastructures in order to progressively introduce the advisable improvements, after their corresponding detailed studies. With these we understand that the negative impacts identified on the EIA will be reduced and the positive actions on hydrologicalenvironmental aspect may increase. At the same time we need to highlight the opportunities that the project may contribute with to improve the knowledge on the high-mountain Andean hydrological systems and set the best management practices related to water and the environment. In this sense, the experts responsible for this Ruling state that is convenient to address, during the project execution stage and as soon as possible, the analysis of aspects that may environmentally improve some of the designed structures. This will be mainly translated (Chapter 11) in: 1. The optimization of the organic soil preservation conditions from different waste dumps on the storage deposits foreseen to better preserve their seeds bank. 2. The suitable preservation of humus materials from the Perol wetland waste dump to further use it in internal or external rehabilitation works. 3. Technical and economical evaluation of relocation or transference alternatives for the Perol pit waste dumps to try to avoid that Azul and Chica lagoons are covered due to their importance without excluding other hydrological and environmental compensation alternatives that may occur and be evaluated during the execution of the project. These should be technically, economically, socially and environmentally acceptable and different from the stated herein. 4. Improvement of water availability through regulation with reservoirs. 5. Study the possibility of encapsulating the acid water treatment plant in a security deposit. 6. Analyze the convenience of using treatment and refining treatment techniques for acid waters through passive methods (wetlands with Totora (Peruvian reef) plantations. 7. Study the suitability to expand the reservoirs capacity to optimize the management of the water emanating from the project area. 1.2.2 Support Committee The implementation of this project considering the recommendations of this experts review, we understand that it should provide a series of different benefits to this surrounding. However, we do understand that is paramount the creation of a Supporting Committee (with the name you consider as the most suitable one) in charge of supervising and controlling the operations with impact on water-related aspects. This Committee may be part of a well-known, trustable, transparent and honest entity with a real and perceived neutrality to face the unavoidable doubts that will rise. Its mission would be to control the compliance with the proposed recommendations and certify their implementation and
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results without excluding the audit component of the project according to the current regulations in force. This institution may be the Centro de Anlisis y Resolucin de Conflictos de la Pontificia Universidad Catlica del Per (Conflict analysis and resolution center of the Catholic University of Peru) or any other entity that may act with enough transparency and reliability, especially since the expenses related the operations of such Support Committee must be provided by the Mining operator. The International Experts, authors of this Experts Review Ruling, are available to supervise the actions and monthly reports of the Support Committee to certify, if needed, the suitability of them or proposing the most suitable modifications drafting a six-month report.
1.2.3 Creation of a Major in the University Mining and Environmental Hydrology Company In the Department of Cajamarca there is an important mining activity and very important projects. These actions require the availability of technicians in the different areas involved to develop mining operations and, in this case, in the best handling and management of hydric resources, within the sustainable development context. In this sense, it is recommended to create a major in a University: Empresa de Agua y Medio Ambiente en Minera (Mining and Environmental Hydrology Company) that may be included in one of the existing universities in Cajamarca and it would be an excellent greenhouse to create professionals for the companies. A Cajamarca laboratory may be also a part of if to analyze the water samples taken during the inclusive campaigns. To support this major Company, all the important mining companies in the region must be involved, not only from the economic perspective but also providing with technicians and consultants as professors, and the possibility of employment at their Mining facilities to carry out Internships.
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2 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Experts Review Ruling Framework This Experts Review Ruling responds to the Service Agreement of International Experts Review that will evaluate the Hydric Component of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Conga Mining Project, entered into by and between the Peruvian Premiers Bureau and by the Mining Engineering Rafael Fernndez Rubio, phd, Spaniard; the Road, Canals and Ports Engineering Luis Lpez Garca, Spaniard and the Phd in Geosciences, Jos Martins Carvalho, Portuguese.
According to the contract and regarding the Experts Review Scope it is clearly stated that: the Experts Review is exclusively focused in the impact on the lagoons, the water management and the mitigation of the environmental and social impacts within the area of influence of the Project. The three tasks were:
TASK ONE: Analysis of the existing information This task includes processing and giving an opinion on the scope stated on the EIA, the numeric hydrogeological models used to analyze the potential impact of the Project on the low basing flows up to the confluence of the Sendamal River, Grande River and Pomagn. Also, to assess the impact, hydric balace and water availability at the microbasins of Alto Jadibamba, Churugmayo, Chirimayo, unun and Grande. TASK TWO: Evaluation of the proposed prevention, mitigation and compensation measures. On the Environmental Management Plan, included in Chapter 6 of the EIA, a group of measures to analyze the impacts related to the underground and surface water. The experts review shall evaluate the prevention, mitigation and compensation measures proposed on the EIA to establish if they are suitable and enough to handle the possible impacts. This, specifically, includes to evaluate if Chaihuagn, Perol and Inferior reservoirs are feasible alternatives to ensure the water balance and mitigate the impact on water sources, environmental services and biodevirsity that are currently supplying the four impacted lagoons (Azul, Chilca, Mala and Perol). TASK THREE: Alternatives to generate more water availability With the information collected during the completion of Task Two, the Experts Review shall propose technically and economically feasible alternatives, at conceptural level, that will ensure the effectiveness of the prevention, mitigation and compensation measures of the EIA, as well as to increase the water availability at the microbasins where the Conga Project is placed and, in this manner, to seek for the improvement of the mitigation measures proposed on the EIA. As additional information, on the agreement the following is stated:
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Within the dialogue process that is developed within the National Government and Regional Authorities, it has been agreed to carry out an International Experts Review on the aspects related to the water and hydric resources management considered on the above-mentioned the Environmental Impact Assessment.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the specialties to be covered, within the hydric component context were divide in three items: Item 01. Responsible: Dr. Luis Lpez Garca. Study of the surface waters and reservoirs. Item 02. Responsible: Dr. Jos Martins Carvalho. Underground waters. Item 03. Responsible: Dr. Rafael Fernndez Rubio. Water quality and environmental impact study
These contents are included in this Experts Review, agreed upon and signed by the three Experts.
2.2 Experts Review Ruling Authors Rafael Fernndez Rubio. Mine Engineering. Professor-Tenure Emeritus at the Universidad Politcnica of Madrid. King Jame I Award to the Protection of the Environment. First Professor in Hydrogeology of the Spanish University. He first started in the School of Sciences of Granada University (1971) and then at the Graduate Technical Education Center of Mine Engineers at the Universidad Politcnica of Madrid (1983).
Acknowledgements: Rey Jaime I Award to the Protection of the Environment (Granted by the Queen of Spain in 2006). Dr. Honoris Causa by the University of Lisboa. First Magna Contribution Recognitia Est Award of the Instituto de la Ingeniera of Spain (unanimously elected among more than 110 000 engineers). Medal of the Engineers Association of Peru (Regional Council of Lima). Distinguished service award of the Hon. Province Council of Trujillo (Peru). Elected Millenium Hydrogeologist by the International Association of Hydrogeologists (South Africa). Biosfera Award (Brazil). Scientific Ambassador of the Interational Year of the Earth (UNESCO). Gulln Award (Graduate Technical School of Mine Engineers) to the best End of Carreer Project. Carlos Ruiz Cela Award (National Association of Mining Engineers). Silver Medal from the Institute of Engineering of Spain. Award from the University of Lisboa (Portugal); Medal from the Spanish Association for the environment. Adoptive Son of the Municipalities of Hutor santilln (Granada) and Encinas Reales (Crdoba). Aguacate de oro award from the Municipality of Almucar (Granada). Estalactita de Plata award granted by the Touristic Caves Association of Spain.
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Outstanding Services Award granted by the International Mine Water Association (IMWA). Nominee for the Principe de Asturias Award to the International Cooperation 2008. He is: the Chairman of the Club Espaol del Medio Ambiente. Honor Member of the Environmental European Press (EEP). Emeritus Chairman of the International Mine Water Association. Chairman of the Board of the Fundacin Instituto Madrileo de Estudios Avanzados del Agua (IMDEA Agua). Honor Member of the Asociacin Espaola of Mining Engineers; Honor Member and Lifetime Honor Chairman of the Asociacin Iberoamericana de Enseanza Superior de la Minera; Lifetime Advisor of the Senior Consultancy Council of the Generalitat Valenciana. Member of the Sustainable Engineering and Development Committee of the Instituto de la Ingeniera of Spain, as a representative of the National Association of Mining Engineers. Founder of: International Mine Water Association; Asociacin Iberoamericana de Enseanza Superior de la Minera; Club Espaol del Medio Ambiente and of the Club del Agua Subterrnea (Underground water club).
He has been: Founder and Chairman of the International Mine Wate Association (IMWA), Chairman of the Club del Agua Subterrnea (CAS); of the Grupo Espaol of the International Association of Hydrogeologists; of the Engineering and Sustainable Development Committee of the Instituto de la Ingeniera of Spain; of the Asociacin Iberoamericana de Enseanza Superior de la Minera (AIESMIN); of the Environmental Committee of the Club Espaol de Industria, Tecnologia y Minera. Co-founder of the SIAGA (Simposium del Agua in Andaluca) and TIAC (Tecnologa de la Intrusin en Acuiferos Costeros). Expert of the UNESCO, UNEP and UNIDO in several international projects. Professor Guest in 58 universities from 23 countries. International Relations Advisor of the Directorate of tMining Engineers School of Madrid. Vice-dean of the Schol of Sciences of the University of Granada. Member of the Awards Jury: Principe de Asturias of Science and Technology; Severo Ochoa and Business Environmental Excellency (Ministry of the Industry).
He has carried out: more than 850 international missions in Mining, Environmental Engineering and Hyrogeology, in 55 countries of the five Continents: South Africa, Germany, Andorra, Argelia, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovine, Brazil, Canada, Chhie, China, Costa Rica, Croacia, Cuba, Ecuador, Eslovaquia, Eslovenia, Spain, Estonia, Emirato of Qatar, France, Greece, Equatorial Guinea, Holland, Honduras, Hungary, Indonesia, Irak, Italy, Kuwait, Libanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Polland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Russia, Sao Tom e Prince, Serbia, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Expertise: Mining: Mining works closure; reconditioning of mine sites, mine drainage and dewatering, bioremediation of acid waters, environmental impact assessments, mining and industrial waste management.
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Environmental Engineering: Mine water treatment, storage and control of urban, industrial and radioactive waste, environmental basis studies, environmental impact assessments, mining environmental assets.
Hydrogeology: Hydrogeological Studies applied to mining and public works; biotechnological treatment of water, aquifer protection, karstic hydrogeology, coast acquifer, mineral waters and springs. Luis Lpez Garca, Roads, Canals and Ports Engineer, Phd., MSc Civil Colorado State University, USA
Consultant engineer in hydraulic hydrology and hydrogeology. Professor associate of Hydraulic Resources in the Escuela Tcnica Superior de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos of the Universidad Politcnica of Madrid from 1972 to 2010. Expertise: Development and application of mathematical models in the planning and management of hydraulic resources. Noted consultancies: Among more than 300 consultancies personally carried out it is worth mentioning his work as permanent advisor in hydraulic resources planning and management of the Confederacin Hidrogrfica del Ebro (80 000km2 and more than 200 reservoirs) since 1986; of the Consejo Insular de Aguas de Tenerife (management of 150 hm3/year of underground water extractions) since 1982; and the Agencia Catalana del Agua (including the water supply to the Metropolitan area of Barcelona with 400 million inhabitants since 2000. Development of the subsystem to control reservoirs in avenues for the Sistema de Ayuda a la Decisin para el control y alerta de avenidas (Decision-making system to control and warn about avenues), in real time, of Ebro Basin (2000-03).
Jos Martins Carvalho. Professional Title in Geological Sciences (University of Oporto), PhD. In Geosciences (University of Aveiro), Professor Coordinator in the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto.
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Consultant in hydrogeology and geothermal resources with more than 30 years of teaching experience in the Universities of Oporto (FCUP), vora and Lisboa (FCUP). Elected Millenium Hydrogeologist by the International Association of Hydrogeologists (South Africa).
He is: Member of the Specialists panel (hydrogeology) of the FEG (European Federation of Geologists) and member of the Vetting Committee of the APG (Associaciacao Portuguesa of Geologists).
He has been: Chairman of the APG (Associaciacao Portuguesa of Geologists). Vice-president of the European Federation of Geologists. Member of the Vetting Committee of the European Federation of Geologists.
He has carried out: Many professional missions in countries outside Europe, such as Brazil, Guin-Bissau, Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Malawai, South Africa, Morocco, Israel and Macao (Southern region of China)
Expertise: Underground hydric resources in fractured rocks; natural mineral water and geothermal resources; major engineering works; underground water and environmental impacts.
Noted consultancies: From the various consultancies personally performed it is worth mentioning the consultancy for important Portuguese mineral water bottling plant and thermal springs; for the EDP (Electricidade de Portugal), regarding underground water in important hydraulic waters; for the EDA (Electricidade dos Acores), regarding geothermal industry and for the AdP group companies (Aguas de Portugal) in the hydraulic planning (underground water).
It is worth mentioning that to prepare this Review, we have received valuable contributions from our corresponding specialists and, especially, in field works and research, from: David Lorca Fernndez, Mine Technical Engineer, Head of Projects at FRASA Ingenieros Consultores (Spain).
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Tiago Carvalho, Master in Environmental Engineering, Production Assistant in TARH Terra, Ambiente e Recursos Hdricos, Lda.
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2.3 Location of the Conga Mining Project
According to the included information provided, the Conga project is located approximately 73km Northeast from Cajamarca and to the East of the Current Yanacocha Mine site (Graphic 1).
Source: Google Earth; date: 04/22/2011 Figure 1. Satellite image of the Location of the Conga Project Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010
Graphic 1. Location of the Conga Project The accumulated mining concession to which the development of the Conga Project would correspond is show on Graphic 2, showing an elongated axis with N-S strike, among several headers of hydrographic microbasins, all of them contributors to Maran river, effluent of Amazonas river.
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Graphic 2 Administrative boundaries of the Conga Project Mining Concession
The area related to the project development, regarding the mine, is located in Jalca, at an elevation that ranges from 3 700 to 4 262 m (with average elevation of 4 080m).
The mineralization, purpose of the Exploitation Project, corresponds to two copper porphyry deposits, with average copper grade of 0,28% and gold of 0,72/ton, which owner is Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. (hereinafter MYSRL): Chailhuagn Pit. Its exploitation would start since the first year of operation of the project and would last 14 years, approximately. Estimated production: 160 million tons (Mt) of ore. Perol Pit. Its exploitation would last the entire useful life of the project and would last 19 years approximately. Estimated production: 344 Mt of ore.
These pits will be open and the process will be conventional with crushing, milling and flotation at a plant with nominal capacity of 92 000 t/day that will operate as from the second year of the project, during the following years. The concentrate obtained would be hauled with trucks to a port at the Peruvian Northern Coast to be dispatch to the International market.
In addition to the above-mentioned pits, the infrastructures would include: waste dumps (Peron and Chailhuagn), involving the Azul and Chica lagoons, topsoil deposits, ore process
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facilities, tailing handling facilities, water reservoirs, burrow material deposits as well as other minor facilities. With a total area of occupation of 2 000 ha, approximately (Graphic 3). The main access to develop construction and operation activities of the project will be built on the same path used to develop mining exploration activities.
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010. Graphic 3. Arrangement of the main elements of the Conga Project
2.4 Conga Mining Project History
The initial exploration activities started in 1991 that resulted in discoveries done by CEDIMIN (Compaa de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras) of the two sites (Chailhuagn and Perol) located 25 km Northeast of Yanacocha mine site. Between 1994 and 2000, CEDIMIN developed geochemical researches in rocks and soils, cartography, geophysics and core drilling campaigns 38 395 m in 104 holes in both deposits). In 2000, CEDIMIN researched both deposits and as from 2001, MYSRL developed the planning of the geotechnical and hydrogeology studies and the land acquisition and permits management (including water use) to start a wide exploration campaign. Exploration activities started in 2004, with 37 925 m of drilling in 128 surveys, distributed between both deposits and, according to the found results, the Conga project was approved to be developed. From 2005 to 2007, the Environmental Base Assessment was completed and as from 2008 the project engineering started while the drilling campaign continued during 2009.
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In 2008, the Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAsd) was approved (Directorate Resolution No. 243-2008-MEM/AAM) which included the execution of 171 mine exploration platforms. In April 2009, the first EIAsd Amendment was approved for the Conga Exploration Project (Directorate Resolution No. 081-2009-MEM/AAM) through which MYSRL was authorized to relocate 32 drilling platforms. In November 2009, to complete and consolidate the existing exploration studies and to drill for geotechnical studies needed for basic and detail engineering, after the EIA approval, MYSRL filed a Second EIAsd Amendment for the Conga Exploration Project. This Amendment requested authorization for 348 additional drills and 754 Trial pits. In order to complement and consolidate the previous exploration studies and to drill for geotechnical studies, required for basic and detail engineering, needed for the construction and operation of the project, MYSRL made three amendments to the Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAsd) of 2004. The last amendment was filed to the corresponding authorities in 2010 and approved in January 2011 by Directorate Resolution No. 025-2011-MEM/AAM. As part of the Conga Project development and in compliance with environmental procedures, in February 2010 the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in detail of the project was submitted. By Directorate Resolution No. 351-2010-MEM-AAM (October 27, 2010) supported by Report No. 1028-2010-AAMMLI/CAG/CMC/PRRRST/WALJCV/RBC/MAA the Environmental Impact Assessment for CONGA project of MYSRL was approved. This project would be developed in the provinces of Celendn and Cajamarca, of the Cajamarca Department. On December 21, 2010, MYSRL filed the Amendment to the Environmental Impact Assessment of Conga project, prepared by Knight Pisold Consulting, consulting firm registered on the Registry of Entities authorized to prepare environmental impact assessments in the Energy and Mines Industry sector.
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2.5 Evaluation Procedure of the Environmental Impact Assessment By Directorial Writ N 011-2011-MEM-AAM dated January 7, 2011, the General Bureau of Mining Environmental Affairs (DGAAM) of the Ministry of Energy and Mines requested to MYSR fulfill the clearance of remarks made to the Citizen Participation Plan (PPC) and the Executive Summary (RE) of the Conga Project EIA Amendment, based on the report N 019-2011MEM/AAM/CAG/MLI. By document N 2059639 dated January 14, 2011, the General Bureau of Environmental Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture submitted to DGAAM its Technical Opinion N 010-11-AG-DVMDGAA-DGA. By document N 2036148 dated January 27, 2011, MYSRL submitted to DGAAM the release of observations regarding the report N 019-2011-MEM/AAM/CAG/MLI. By document N 2065006 dated February 3, 2011, MYSRL submitted to DGAAM supplementary information about the release of observations formulated in the report N 019-2011MEM/AAM/CAG/MLI. By document N 2069535 dated January 16, 2011, MYSRL submitted to DGAAM the additional supplementary information about the release of observations formulated in the report N 019-2011-MEM/AAM/CAG/MLI. By Directorial Writ N 108-2011-MEM-AAM dated February 24, 2011, DGAAM approved the Citizen Participation Plan (PPC) and the Executive Summary (RE) of the Modification of the Conga Project EIA based on the report N 206-2011-MEM/AAM/CAG/MLI. By document N 2073503 dated March 7, 2011, MYSRL submitted to DGAAM the presentation proof of the Modification of the Conga Project EIA to regional authorities in Cajamarca. By Directorial Writ N 194-2011-MEM-AAM dated April 13, 2011, DGAAM submitted to the mining holder the report with the observations found after the corresponding EIA evaluation procedure. By document N 2084462, DREM Cajamarca submitted to DGHAAM the request of the Totoracocha hamlet to be included as influence area of the Conga project. Through document N 2085163 dated April 18, 2011, the DGAAM external consultant, Carlos Orihuela Romero, Economist, submitted his evaluation report of the EIA Environmental Economic Valuation. By document N 2066345 dated April 25, 2011, the District Municipality of La Encaada submitted to DGAAM a report of observations about the submitted EIA. By document N 2096399 dated June 2, 2011, MYSRL submitted to DGAAM the report of release of observations, which was communicated with the Directorial Writ N 194-2011-MEM-AAM. By document N 2101023 dated June 15, 2011, MYSRL submitted to DGAAM the reception proof to local and regional authorities of the report of release of observations, which was communicated with the Directorial Writ N 194-2011-MEM-AAM.
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By Directorial Writ N 307-2011-MEM-AAM dated June 24, 2011, DGAAM gave to the mining holder the report with the unsolved observations to be released after the evaluation process of the document to release the observations on the EIA. By document N 2112900 dated July 14, 2011, MYSRL submitted to DGAAM the document of second-round release of observations, which was communicated with the Directorial Writ N 3072011-MEM-AAM. By document N 2114824 dated July 25, 2011, the General Bureau of Environmental Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture submitted to DGAAM the unresolved observations to be released by the mining holder based on the Technical Opinion N-180-11-AG-DVM-DGAA-DGA. By document N 2114876 dated July 25, 2011, MYSRL submitted to DGAAM the reception proof of the document of observations release filed to regional and local authorities of Cajamarca. By document N 2115110 dated July 26, 2011, the National Water Authority submitted to DGAAM its favorable technical opinion, where additional or unresolved observations are not included and it is based on the Technical Report N 0745-2011-ANA-DGCRH/SFA/HTV. By document N 2116128 dated August 2, 2011, the District Municipality of La Encaada submitted to DGAAM its opinion about the released of observations report prepared by the mining holder about the observations found during the evaluation of the submitted EIA. By document N 2119709 dated August 11, 2011, the General Bureau of Environmental Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture submitted to DGAAM a report of the Agricultural Regional Coordinator Lambayeque-Cajamarca, which indicates that the Conga project would bring critical consequences for the environmental balance impacting local communities. In this regard, such report does not have a technical analysis of the aspects covered therein. By document N 2127504 dated September 13, 2011 addressed to the Minister of Energy and Mines, the Mayor of the District Municipality of Sorochuco, Mr. Eber Abanto Zelada, states that the Provincial Municipality of Celendn along with the District Municipality of Sorochuco issued the Municipal Resolution N 020-2004-MPC/A dated October 13, 2004 by which it was decided to declare as an Environmental Preservation Area, Intangible Area, Ecological Reserve the venues of Azul, Conga, Laguna El Perol, Laguna Cortada, Laguna Alforjacocha, Laguna Milpo and the micro basins of the river Sebdamal, Chugur river and Chugumayo river. These areas are related to Conga mining project. This is why an inspection by a High-level Commission is required for El Perol, Milpo y Alforjacocha lagoons, among others at Sorochuco district, province of Celendn, department of Cajamarca to avoid future social conflicts. By Official Letter N 996-11-AG-DVM-DGAA/agf-82421-10 with entry record N 2128910 dated September 10, 2011, the General Bureau of Environmental Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture submitted to DGAAM the Technical Opinion N 216-11-AG-DVM-DGAA-DGA about the evaluation of the release of observations of the modification of the Conga project environmental impact assessment, which indicates there are not additional observations. By document N 2134224 dated October 10, 2011 addressed to Minister of Energy and Mines, MYSRL informed about the delivery of an explanatory letter to the Congressman Mesias Guevara Amasifun for the statements in the newspaper El Clarn of Cajamarca that Conga
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Mines already started the extractive operations, incorrect statement because the Conga project is in the project stage and operations would begin in 2015. By document N 2137157 dated October 20, 2011 addressed to the General Bureau of Environmental Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture, MYSRL submitted to DGAAM a copy of the discharge of October 20, 2011 about the report of the Agricultural Regional Coordinator of Lambayeque. By Official Document N 078-2011/MDLE/GM with entry record N 2131648 dated October 3, 2011, the District municipality of La Encaada requests to DGAAM the explanation of the report N 019-2011-RMH/SG-RR.NN issued with document N 2116128 dated August 2, 201. It also requests explanations about the management measures of the domestic and wild fauna in the Corridor Pongo-Conga, the study to feasibility level about the creation of new wetlands to minimize the environmental impacts, and finally, the results of the monitoring and update of the Flora and fauna base line in the influence area of the Conga Project. By document N 2135810 dated October 14, 2011, the General Bureau of Energy and Mines of Cajamarca issued the Petition presented by the authorities, leaders and inhabitants of the hamlets El Progreso and Maraypampa, through which they demand not being included in the direct or indirect influence area of the mining project Conga. On February 17, 2012, MYSRL submitted a report of the air and water quality monitoring during the pre-construction stage- second half of 2011. On March 22, 2012, MYSRL issued the Update of the Hydro Ecological Assessment of the Conga project, period 2010-2011 with reference to the Directorate Resolution N 351-2010MEM/AAM that approved the Conga EIA. 2.6 International Experts Review On January 20, 2012, by Ministerial Resolution N 024-2012-PCM, the exoneration of the Public Direct Award process was approved, having as object hiring three experts to DEVELOP THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS REVIEW FOR THE HYDRIC COMPONENT EVALUATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE CONGA MINING PROJECT by individual services, stated on paragraph f) of the Article 20 of the Legislative decree N 1017-Act of Hiring Procedures of the Peruvian State. On February 1, 2012, Rafael Fernndez Rubio, Dr. and Luis Lpez Garca, Dr., both of Spanish nationality, signed a contract with the Peruvian State to become part of the team of Experts to execute the Survey of the Conga EIA. They are responsible to evaluate the water quality and environmental impact, and superficial water and reservoirs, respectively. On February 15, 2012, Jos Martins Caravalho, Dr. of Portuguese nationality singed a contract as the third Expert of the team to execute the Survey of the Conga EIA - Hydric resource component to evaluate groundwater. From February 27 to March 5, 2012 after their official presentation, Rafael Fernndez Rubio, Luis Lpez Garcia and Jos Martins Carvalho start gathering information, the field work, as well as different meetings with technicians of public and private institutions in the city of Cajamarca, part of their scheduled activities in the international survey EIA Conga- Hydric resource.
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From March 13 to March 18, 2012, Expert Jos Martins Carvalho, Dr. had several activities in the city of Lima including, among others, technical work meetings with the Metallurgical Mining Geological National Institute (INGEMMET) and with the National Water Authority(ANA) of the Ministry of Energy and Mines and Ministry of Agriculture, accordingly. On April 7, 2012, Holy Saturday, after 40 days of work, these Experts finished the Experts Opinion jointly prepared throughout a permanent virtual contact by Internet and telephone, and on April 8, Easter, arrived to Peru to deliver the report. Nonetheless, these experts requested to have the necessary time to do the review and final edition, and even, to prepare any supplementary consultation. In this regard, on April 13, 2012, this Experts Opinion of 250 pages, besides the main title pages (2 pages) and tables of content was signed and presented.
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3. INSTALLATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURES OF THE CONGA PROJECT 3.1. General components The Conga project includes a series of specific installations and infrastructures that covers a surface of not less than 2 000 ha (Graphic 4)
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010 Graphic 4: Main installations and infrastructures of the Conga Project From these, the following stand out: two pits (open-pit production sites); two deposits of pits waste material; several deposits of topsoil to be used in later conditioning works; ore processing and extracting plants; installations of tailings controlled handling and storage; reservoirs for water required by the project and to supply external compensations; installations for contact water1 treatment and burrow material deposits. 3.2. Mining installations and infrastructures 3.2.1 Perol and Chailhuagn pits According to the EIA, the operation of the Conga project would involve the extraction of approximately 504 Mt of ore and 581 Mt of low-grade ore and barren waste, which total 1 085 Mt of rock in two pits (Graphic 5).
Contact water: water of natural origin having contact with reactive mining materials, which can affect its natural quality.
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010 Graphic 5. Location of mining main infrastructures The forecasted production rate for both open-pit mine sites is shown on Graphic 6.
Source: Graphic prepared according to the Mine Plan 2012 Graphic 6. Concentrator plant feeding plan per pits during the mining operation stage. The Perol pit would be exploited during the project useful life, with an approximate stopping time of 19 years. During its final excavation, it would have the open-pit morphology, represented in Picture 5 and Picture 7, with two deeper troughs, where mineralization is present in a deepest depth. At the end of exploitation, this pit would occupy an approximate area of 224 ha of elliptic shape and main axe of 1.950 m of length, with a strike of N 45 W. The maximum pit depth would be located at the elevation of 3432 masl.
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The Chailhuagn pit would start since the first year of the project operation and would operate during approximately 14 years (Picture 6). During its final excavation, it would have the morphology represented in Picture 5 and Picture 8 with a thinning in the central part. At the end of exploitation, this pit would occupy an approximate area of 143 ha of elongated shape with a main axis of 1800 m of length, in strike N-S. The maximum depth of the pit will be located at the elevation of 3588 masl.
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010 Graphic 7. Scenario planned for the pit sector and Perol waste dump
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010 Graphic 8. Forecast distribution for the Chailhuagn pit sector 3.2.2 Topsoil deposits Before exploiting both pits, vegetal topsoil would be removed and piled up in several deposits (Graphic 5) to be used in later conditioning works of the areas impacted by the mining and industrial activities. 3.2.3 Perol and Chailhuagn waste dumps According to the EIA, it is foreseen that the barren and low-grade ore (non-economically viable) extracted from the aforementioned pits would be piled up and stored in both waste dumps,
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located around the corresponding pits (Graphic 9). Considered both deposits, the forecasted disposition of waste is 581 Mt.
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010 Graphic 9. Perol and Chailhuagn waste dumps 3.2.3.1 Perol waste dump According to the EIA, this dump would have a 480 Mt capacity, occupying a 289 ha surface (Graphic 9). This deposit would receive the Perol pit rock waste material (407 Mt), wetland material (6 Mt) and LoM2 material related to the Perol pit (67 Mt). It has been forecasted that the dominant material will have a relatively low permeability (non-fractured andesite, weak to middle hardness and slight to moderately weathered). Several faults were identified (Graphic 10) that do not seem as recent or active that we understand they will be considered in the design of the waste material disposal.
LoM: storage deposit of low-grade material
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. December 2009 Graphic 10. Geological map of the sector where the Perol waste dump would be located. Since on the Northeast limit of the Perol Waste Dump, approximately at 100 meters, limestone rocks outcrop (Graphic 10) that may be hydraulically connected to the East, an interception and water collection system has been foreseen (Graphic 11) to be pumped to the deposit area or to modify the limits in detail at such Northeastern zone of the deposit (Graphic 12) or carry out waterproof works in the sector, if needed. Under these conditions, water that filters into the deposit would not percolate through the substrate.
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010. Graphic 11. Location of Perol waste dump
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. December 2009 Graphic 12. Geological view of the Perol waste dump substrate Since the Perol waste dump is a potential generator of acid water, its effluents would run by its natural river bed to the natural runoff to the tailings deposit, and from there it would be pumped to the acid water treatment plant. 3.2.3.2 Chailhuagn waste dump It would have a 174 Mt capacity of waste material and will occupy 160 ha, being used only for waste material from Chailhuagn pit. This material with the accumulated material in the Perol waste dump would constitute 581 Mt of rock waste material. According to studies executed within the frame of the EIA, it is expected that this deposit would not produce acid and, in these conditions, its draining has been projected to be released after passing by the control and sediment decantation installations. This waste dump would be located on limestone rock, highly to intensely fractured and very weak in strength, with weathering high to extreme and small sectors of rock of greater resistance and less weathering (Graphic 13). Limestone is locally covered with glacial mud deposits and topsoil.
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. December 2009 Graphic 13. Geological map of the sector where the Chailhuagn waste dump would be located.
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3.3 Processing installations After depositing RoM3 material the ore to be processed would be hauled by trucks to the primary crusher (Picture 14). Crushed material would be transported by conveyor belts of approximately 2400 m of length to be stored until fed into the concentrator plant.
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010 Graphic 14. Ore processing installation The concentrator plant process would begin with a SAG mill, then into a ball mill to reach the size of ore release. This fine material will feed two circuits in parallel, of ball mills, to continue to the differential flotation cells, finishing in: A thickener of copper concentrates with gold and silver content, after the filter press with recovered water pond and concentrate collection to be hauled by trucks to a port in the Coast. A tailing thickener with recovered water pond and hydraulic routing of tailings by an ore duct to the corresponding tailing deposit.
The concentrator plant processing capacity would be 92 000 t/day. Drinkable water and fresh water, necessary for the processes, would come from Superior reservoir, located to the South of the tailing deposit. In the process of ore treatment neither mercury nor cyanides are used, as was falsely indicated in information from reports of third parties and media. 3.4. Tailings deposit Tailings produced at the concentrator plant would be thickened at 62-65% (solid mass respect the total mass) to be hauled, deposited and stored in sub-aerial conditions at the tailing deposit (Graphic 15) projected in the micro basin of the river Alto Jadibamba and the ravine Toromacho (Graphic 16).
RoM: Run of Mine. Material extracted which has not been crushed nor classified by sizes.
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010 Graphic 15 Forecast arrangement of the tailings deposit and adjacent infrastructure On the EIA it is estimated that by the end of the operation, the tailings deposit will cover an area of approximately 700 ha and will store 504 Mt that at a predicted dry density of 1.6 Tm/m3, will be equal to approximately 315 Mm3.
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010 Graphic 16. Tailing deposits and enclosed installations
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Infrastructure for the tailings deposit would include: the Main dam, the Toromacho dam, the transport system and tailing disposition, the filter gathering system (down water of both dams), and the system of recuperation of released water. The dams indicated would be elevated progressively throughout the operation stage of the project, according to the requirement of storage capacity: The Principal Dam would be constructed in three stages until the final elevation of 3 796.5 m is reached, requiring a filling volume of approximately 4, 3 Mm3. The Toromacho dam would be also constructed by stages and would reach the same final elevation demanding a filling volume of approximately 2,8 Mm3
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At the foot of Toromacho dam, a collector system for possible filtrations would be excavated (Graphic 17). That system consists in a drain collector pipe installed 2 m below the ground water level, the slope would be to a prefabricated collector well with an impeller pump up to the acid water treatment plant.
Source: Golder Associates, December 2009 Graphic 17. Collector system for possible filtrations at the foot of the Toromacho dam.
Likewise, at the foot of the tailings deposit, and immediately upstream of a small retention dam, a filtration collector pond would be built. The collected waters would pass through the abovementioned acid water treatment plant located at the left bank of Alto Jadibamba river (Graphic 18). On the EIA Appendix 4.6 (Tailings pond design), a different scheme is shown (Graphic 19) with two dams at Alto Jadibamba river: upstream (stoplog of the Principal Tailings Dam), which would be permeable to retain solid tailings and to filter water; and one downstream, which would be the Principal tailings Dam with a maximum height of 101,5 m, impermeable core and breakwater tenons to retain the waters in a collecting pond that will be coated with HDPE geomembrane on a 116 ha area (to avoid bad quality filtrations). From this pond the water would be pumped to the acid water treatment plant through pumps mounted on spigots. In the above-mentioned Appendix 4.6 it is stated that the tenon, downstream from the Principal tailings Dam would be colluvial4 or of mine rock from the quarry that does not generate acidity and this is strictly necessary to avoid water quality problems in the Inferior reservoir.
Colluvial: mixture of weathered material displaced by gravity and deposited at the bottom of a slope.
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Source: Golder Associates, December 2009. Graphic 18. Location of tailings deposit filtration collector well and acid water treatment plant.
Source: Golder Associates, February 2012. Graphic 19. Double dam to filter tailings and retain infiltrations.
On the EIA a classical physical-chemical treatment is schemed for these acid waters (Graphic 20), designed for an 850 m3/h flow, where lime would be added to the acid water to obtain alkaline water and the corresponding coagulants and flocculants. After precipitation of metallic
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oxides and hydroxides, as well as gypsum, the pH would be corrected by acidification to obtain a 7,5 pH before discharging to the Inferior reservoir. In the presentations carried out by Consultants in Cajamarca, we were informed that a possible treatment by reverse osmosis is being evaluated. Likewise, in those presentations we were told about the intention of storing the rejections of this treatment in the tailings deposit (4,45 Tm/h slurry). Waters from the acid water treatment plant would be discharged to the Inferior reservoir since they have good quality in order to meet impacted users demands, or to the base flows during dry season at Alto Jadibamba river.
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010. Graphic 20. Acid water treatment plant drawing. 3.5 Auxiliary hydraulic installations On the EIA the implantation of a set of reservoirs has been projected: Inferior, Superior, Perol and Chailhuagn (Graphic 21). Only Superior reservoir would be used as water source for supplying the project while the other three would be used to palliate possible hydric impacts caused by the project in the micro basins around the area. Additionally, during the operation stage, the project would have, among other things, water management auxiliary installations, including: non-contact water diversion structures; process water and untreated water tanks; contact and non-contact water management systems; untreated, fresh and drinking water treatment plants; sedimentation ponds, water distribution pipelines, etc. Chailhuagn and Chirimayo sedimentation ponds would collect water from different places: Chailhuagn waste dump, Chailhuagn drayage road, surfaces excavated within Chailhuagn pit, primary crusher area, organic soil deposits, Chirimayo and Chailhuagn basins construction works, etc. For that reason, those works have to be appropriately designed to favor haulage, saltation and suspension solids decantation and to be able to clean them periodically.
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010. Graphic 21. Auxiliary hydraulic installations. 3.6 Water handling and management In the project environment, a series of water flows would be produced related to main installations receiving o generating water, such as: pits, waste dumps, concentrator plant, reservoirs, tailings deposit, etc. Also, natural runoffs would be produced in different watersheds.
In this context, the following water sources would be taken into account: Flows from runoff and Perol pit drainage surveys pumped to the acid water collector tank. Chailhuagn pit runoffs sent to Chailhuagn sedimentation pond being discharged directly to Chailhuagn reservoir. Perol waste dump and LoM deposit filtrations and runoffs, and Perol wetland material removed, which flowed to tailings deposit.
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Chailhuagn waste dump filtrations and runoffs, which flowed to the Chirimayo sedimentation pond. Water flowing to the crushing circuit area, which also flowed to the Chirimayo sedimentation pond. Water from tailings deposit and Superior reservoir supernatant, which would flow to the process plant. Non-contact water runoffs in contiguous basins, including the peripheral diversion channels discharge and waters treated in the acid water treatment plant to feed the Inferior reservoir. This reservoir would be used primarily to palliate the project possible impacts in Jadibamba river basin during low water season, and to replace the lagoons loss as habitat. Areas next to tailings deposit area runoffs downstream within the Alto Jadibamba river basin except the processing plant sub basin, being stored in the Superior reservoir. This reservoir would be the main source of fresh water for the processes, drinkable water for the project and water for palliating project possible impacts in Toromacho ravine micro basin. Runoffs on the part of Alto Chirimayo ravine basin, which would be received by Perol reservoir, from where flows for palliating project possible impacts in Alto Chirimayo ravine basin would be supplied. This reservoir could play a substitute role due to the loss of habitats associated to lagoons and wetlands. Water from Chailhuagn sedimentation pond and from the pit environment non-contact water peripheral diversion channels, which could be supplied to Chailhuagn reservoir increasing the current lagoon capacity in order to get all the necessary elements to palliate the project possible impacts in this micro basin. In general, like in the case of Perol reservoir, mitigation flows are assumed as constant support during low water season. This extended lagoon could also allow improving the area habitat and getting more opportunities to create or improve wetlands. Supernatant from tailings deposit, which could be stored in decanted water pond together with precipitations and runoffs generated around the area. This supernatant would be pumped to the acid water treatment plant and good quality water could be discharged to Inferior or Superior reservoir. Water collected from the following facilities (in descending priority): acid water collector, supernatants pond and Superior reservoir, which could be supplied to the concentrator plant. Water recovered from tailings partial dehydration, which could be sent to grinding process to be reused. Stored tailings could contain between 35% to 38% in their mass, a part of which could be separated from the tailings stored by natural drainage and accumulated in the supernatant water pond. These flows are schemed in Graphic 22 while related flows for different scenarios are show on tables of EIA Appendix 4.14.
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010 Graphic 22. Water balance in all the project area. In non-contact water management, before being discharged into the middle, during the mining operation, in the EIA the role of diversion structures and sediment control is emphasized (Sections 4.3.4.4 and 4.3.4.5 respectively) to make the water decrease before being discharged at the middle. These structures design is very important so that they work properly. In this way, Chirimayo sedimentation pond, with 263.400 m3 capacity, would make it easy to manage the runoff and filtrations from Chailhuagn waste dump and partially from Chailhuagn haulage road, as well as from primary crusher area superficial runoff and catchment area related to mining facilities complex. In the case of Chailhuagn sedimentation pond, which has a 471.292 m3, superficial runoff sediments generated in the catchment area related to Chailhuagn pit would be controlled during the first years, including flows from the organic material deposit located at the pit proximity. The sediment control at the beginning of the Chailhuagn pit operations would be completed by temporary structures located upstream. When the pit is developed in areas contiguous to the sedimentation pond, the sediment control would be completed within the pit and indirectly by the action of Chailhuagn extended lagoon.
Flows presenting low levels of pH and/or content of metals over accepted levels due to contact with reactive rocks would be sent to the acid water treatment plant to get the appropriate quality either to be discharged or to be reused.
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In this way, water from tailings deposit supernatant, Perol pit and the area corresponding to Perol waste dump would be sent to the acid water treatment plant to get good quality water to be discharged or reused (design in EIA Appendix 4.7). Water arriving at the acid water treatment plant would be stored in a collector tank with an estimated pH of 3. Then, it would pass through the alkalinize tank with lime and ultrafiltration, and would be recirculated. Once the alkalization process is finished, water would pass through the pretreatment tank following the circuit through the stabilization tank and finally, it would be discharged into a feeding tank where flocculants would be added before passing through a clarification reactor. This circuit would be repeated to obtain the desire quality by passing again through the clarification reactor before being discharged into a collector tank, from where water would be pumped to the Inferior reservoir after passing through a sand filter. Residual water could be used for mining processes or pumped again to the tailings deposit supernatant pond. Previously included Graphic 20 shows the acid water treatment plant flowchart. 3.7 Facilities and infrastructures alternatives analysis 3.7.1 Proposal On chapter 8 of the EIA, proposed alternatives are addressed for some of the mentioned infrastructures and rationale for the retained ones as it is normal in every EIA, where alternatives analysis is a very important factor since it allows comparing options which could be feasible within a framework of a set of economic, social and environmental criteria which supports sustainable development. This pondered analysis is a key factor to choose the most appropriate alternatives for the project, and to take decisions with great impact. In the case of Conga project, among the considered aspects the need of selecting appropriate locations to store debris material, process the ore and dispose of the process residues, besides other aspects regarding water storage and management. 3.7.2 Alternatives valuation Selecting criteria to be applied to ponder different alternatives, since it cannot be in another way, has always a subjective component as objectives pondering and environmental, social, technical and economic implications have it. In order to try to obviate this subjectivity, semi-quantitative processes are used by mathematical pondering trying to be eclectic when selecting the best option, but this also to be opportunistic since, before certain facts or reactions, it could be advisable to review valuation criteria. In any case, after preliminary possible alternatives spatial analysis, it is necessary to compare them in order to try to choose the best one from the environmental, social, technical and economic point of view. For that, we normally establish a list of criteria and valuations as it has been done in Conga project in which, according to what was indicated on the EIA, a modified version of Multiple Counting Matrix process (MCM) (Kerr et al., 2003), which is a standard methodology usually used and accepted, was used. This method considers a series of counting (main criteria), each one of
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which has a weight value. Each counting is divided in turn in sub counting (sub criteria) because it may be influenced by certain factors. Each sub counting has also a weight value. Within each sub counting there are key factors indicators, each of which has in turn a weight value. In this way, in the alternatives analysis we intend to give more or minor importance to the different factors adding subjectivity, provided that weight values scales are established according to the assessor experience and criteria. And circumstances can modify perceptions suggesting modifying the weight values scales. According to the EIA, in the Conga project alternatives analysis the following scales were used: For counting and sub counting levels: 0,2 = low value 0,4 = moderately low value 0,6 = moderate value 0,8 = moderately high value 1,0 = high value For indicator level: 1 = low value 2 = medium-low value 3 = medium value 4 = medium-high value 5 = high value For the alternatives analysis, a scale of value pondering positives and negatives effects has been considered for different alternatives. The scale used has been the following: 3 = positive option 2 = moderately positive option 1 = slightly positive option 0 = neutral option -1 = slightly negative option -2 = moderately negative option -3 = negative option
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After establishing counting, sub counting and indicators values, counting values are multiplied by weight values in order to obtain a total value. Then, the values obtained for each indicator are summed up, and the greatest one is considered as the best alternative. For each indicator and its corresponding valuation, a brief description is included. In the second case, feasible options are shown and then, characteristics favoring, limiting or reducing any alternative eligibility are described. This process is repeated until finally, under a proper justification, only one option remains. This case is applicable when decisions respond to a more qualitative analysis since associated calculations can be redundant due to the options nature.
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4. CONGA PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY
4.1 Prior observations to the EIA The Conga Project EIA (Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010), on which we have to issue an Expert Opinion in its hydrological component, is a document where reading is a challenge even for skilled technicians. This is because the reader is referred from some documents to others, and because it is difficult to locate data, graphics and figures in its XVII dense volumes, but mainly because of the format (for example, separating texts, tables, graphics, pictures and appendixes), the way it is written, information location, and technical content thereof. All of that is within a context of 20.467 pages, which added to the Correction of Raised Objections 6.919 pages (Knight Pisold, August 2010), surpass 27.000 pages without forgetting the need of reviewing many support documents. In these conditions, it is not even surprising that professionals, who are not familiar with Spanish, have serious difficulty to understand the documents and issue reports that do not respond to their real content. This could also happen to Spanish speakers who have not had the opportunity to review this detailed information in soft and hard copy. Furthermore, it is surprising that no effort has been made to homogenize data and make the document easy to read and understand. All this has frequently made the document readers have doubts about it, making third parties reject it though a big effort is required to analyze the dense content of the document. This expertise was made thanks to intense and fruitful consultations, especially with many of whom have participated in the EIA development and support documents in different areas and moments through detailed studies integrating important information for the EIA development. These consultations have also been made with different institutions such as INGEMET, ANA, ALA, SENAMHI, among others, which technicians have totally collaborated with us - highly appreciated making possible to issue this Expert Opinion. We undoubtedly appreciate those who have given us important information during the various meetings we had, especially in Cajamarca. We can have certainty that this work, which has taken us hundreds of hours of strenuous dedication with all the necessary means, has not been carried out by those who have issued reports or opinions about this EIA from different platforms. With these solid arguments, experts were able, where considering it necessary, to add texts and figures and rewrite texts before deciding on vital aspects. Consequently, this has made this Expertise be unnecessarily more extensive than expected though we have intensively tried to summarize it. What we can add is that complexities involved in reading the EIA have given rise to many of the Objections made by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Knight Pisold Consulting, August 2010) totaling 219 in the first round, and 22 in the second one. In this respect, we have to emphasize that the Correction of these Raised Objections has involved issuing XV more dense volumes, where there is useful documentation complementing many aspects of the EIA, but since that documentation is scattered in the answers to each Objection, it is difficult to view the EIA obligatory components orderly.
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On the other hand, it is evident that different writings issued regarding EIA and which have been spread out by the media are not based on a thorough and careful analysis of all the information gathered between the EIA and the Correction of Raised Objections. It is also evident that some opinions make it clear that those writings are based on a brief analysis of the documentation mainly adhered to the Executive Summary overlooking the content of more than 27.000 pages although in page 8 of the Executive Summary (1.461 pages), places where the documentation can be consulted are indicated: Ministry of Energy and Mines Environmental and Mining Issues General Directorate (DGAAM MEM in Spanish) located at Av. Las Artes N 260 San Borja Lima. Ministry of Agriculture Environmental Issues General Directorate (MINAG) located at Calle Diecisiete N 355, San Isidro Lima. Cajamarca Energy and Mines Regional Directorate (DREM - Cajamarca) located at Jr. Miguel Gonzles Lt. 5, 3er piso, Urbanizacin Horacio Zevallos, Cajamarca. Cajamarca Regional Government located at Jr. Santa Teresa de Joumet N 351, Urbanizacin La Alameda Cajamarca. Cajamarca Provincial Council located at Jr. Cruz de Piedra N 613, Cajamarca Cajamarca. Celendn Provincial Council located at Jr. Jos Glvez N 614, Celendn Cajamarca La Encaada District Council located at Jr. Jorge Villanueva N 1740, La Encaada Cajamarca. Sorochuco District Council located at Jr. Amazonas s/n Plaza de Armas, Sorochuco Cajamarca. Huangashanga Peasant Community Headquarter. Yanacocha Mining Company Information and Cultural Center located at Jr. El Comercio N 251, Cajamarca Cajamarca.
In other occasions, in these reports bad quality information can also go further by attributing for example, mineral treatment processes with cyanide or mercury which would not be carried out in this mining operation, and with other inaccuracies, more populist than technical and which have been spread out by the media, undermining credibility of the documents. 4.2 General Framework As a universal practice, the EIA we are presenting has been made by a consulting company Knight Pisold Consulting through its offices in Cajamarca and Lima. This is done pursuant to the National Environmental Impact Assessment System Act (Act N 27446), which Section 10, paragraph 10.2 textually says: The environmental impact study shall be made by authorized entities with teams made up of professionals in various specialties with experience in environmental management issues, which election is sole responsibility of the action holder or proposer, who shall be responsible for the cost of preparation and processing (underlining is ours). This act reforms what has been considered as a legal requirement since 1990 with the Environment Code, currently repealed, and with the current Mining Environmental Rule since 1993.
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To guarantee the Citizen Participation, Section 14, paragraph c says: These studies shall be made available for the public in the respective section regional office for objections and comments. For that, The call for proposals shall be made by the most widespread media by publishing an information notice according to the format approved by the Current Act Rule. The public hearing as part of the revision of the detailed environmental impact study phrase is also included. It is important to remember that the Environmental Impact Study of a public or private project responds to the environmental policy basic principle which is prevention in order to avoid, reduce and/or compensate the adverse effects of any activity (in this case mining). By comparison and by referencing the Directive 2011/92/UE from the European Parliament and Council (2011), which is possibly the most modern legislation published about this topic (01/28/2012) with less than a month duration at the beginning of this Expertise and which is mandatory for all European Union countries, in its Section 5, paragraph 3 it is specified that: The information to be given by the promoter in accordance with the paragraph 1 shall contain at least: a) A project description including information about its location, design and size; b) A description of foreseen measures to avoid, reduce and, if possible, compensate significant adverse effects; c) Data required to identify and assess the way the project can impact the environment; d) A presentation of the main alternatives assessed by the promoter and an explanation of the main reasons for his/her election by taking into account the environmental effects; e) A non-technical summary of the information contained in letters a) through d). In the case of Peruvian legislation, the above-mentioned provisions are accomplished. In addition, the European legislation adds in its Section 6, paragraph 4 that: The public concerned will have the possibility to participate from an early stage in the environmental decision-taking procedures, and to that effect they will have the right to express objections and opinions, when all the options are open, to the competent authority or authorities before making a decision on the project authorization request. And, as well as in the Peruvian legislation, the Environmental Impact Studies, which global cost in cases such as the one that matters us is too high, are made by accredited Consulting Agencies and, the most important thing, emphasizing the participation of recognized experts in different areas concerning an EIA. Of course, these EIAs are paid by the Promoter and subject to assessment by the competent Authority within a process, including the necessary public information. Furthermore, it is surprising that the fact that the EIA paid by MYSRL is considered as something abnormal in some comments and reports. In this sense, the European Parliament Directive Recital 16 says "The real public participation in making decisions enables them to express opinions and concerns which may be relevant and that decision makers can take into account, thereby increasing accountability and
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transparency in decision-making, and contributing to awareness by the public about environmental problems and public support for decisions taken." Finally, we want to emphasize that, besides this administrative official proceeding, this kind of projects EIAs are subject to a much more comprehensive analysis made by economic investors legal advisers who examine it with a magnifying glass since their investment risk depends on their correct execution. 4.3 Hydro climatology For the area climatic characterization, the EIA is viewed from the Conga project climatological data analysis (Knight Pisold, 2008) using regional meteorological stations operated by the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (SENAMHI), as well as meteorological stations operated by MYSRL (Graphic 23).
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010. Graphic 23. Conga project environment meteorological stations location.
The monthly average maximum air temperature varies between 10.1C and 13.1C. The monthly average minimum temperature is between 2.5C and 3.6C. In the project area, the coldest months correspond to the dry season (May to September) and the highest temperatures correspond to the humid season (October to April). The atmospheric humidity (Figure 2) in the study area shows annual average values between 77,2% and 93,0% in the above-mentioned meteorological stations. For calculating the project area monthly precipitations, pluviometric registers were broaden by regression-correlation analysis with other nearby stations data with broader registry periods. Thus, the precipitation annual average was estimated approximately between 1.126,2 mm and 1.143,4 mm with a minimum between 736,4 mm and 736,7 mm and an annual maximum between 1699,4 mm and 1.865,4 mm. During the humid season, la average precipitation was estimated between 893,5 mm and 916,0 mm, and during the dry season it was between 230,8 mm and 240,7 mm. In the EIA, a specific analysis of El Nio phenomenon is included regarding the project area precipitation variability. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Oceanic Nio Index (ONI) was used to determine the variability. In general, it is noticed that there were not high precipitation values during the ENSO (Nio Southern Oscillation) warm days. When comparing precipitation in ENSO and Non-ENSO months, there are few cases where average precipitation in ENSO months is higher than Non-ENSO months.
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Figure 2. Dense cloud covering the Conga project area.
To obtain the annual potential evaporation, the Hargreaves and Samani (1982) method, which requires only precipitation, temperature and solar radiation data, was used although MYSRLoperated stations registers do not have a long enough period. Thus, the potential evaporation in New Conga Mine was estimated in 1.110 mm and in Old Conga Mine it was 1.211 mm. Those numbers are practically balanced with the average precipitation. In that way, evaporation prevails during dry years, and pluviometry prevails in humid years. As for the monthly evaporation, the highest levels are present form September to January with values higher than 98 mm, while the least evaporation level is in June with 78,6 mm. 4.4 Geology The geological materials present in the project area of action (Graphic 24) are composed of Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, Miocene volcanic rocks and Eocene/Miocene intrusive rocks. It is also important to point out the presence of Quaternary additional detrital formations (alluvial, fluvial glacial deposits and moraine deposits). More specifically, in the project area there are Goyllarisquizga Group (Carhuaz, Farrat, Inca, Chlec, and Pariatambo formations), Pulluicana Group, Quilquian Group and Cretaceous Cajamarca formations, Porculla and Tertiary Calipuy Group Volcanic formations, as well as Stock Dacitic sub volcanic and plutonic intrusive rocks. There are Quaternary deposits covering the bedrock (alluvial, fluvioglacial and moraine).
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Source: Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano (2012) INGEMET, Lima. Original scale 1:50.000 Graphic 24. Conga project environment geological map.
From the relief or physiographic point of view (Graphic 25), the study area corresponds to the inter-Andean mountainous slopes identifying in the EIA two units which geomorphologic features are originated as a result of a long evolution conditioned by tectonic factors and erosive and depositional processes which have modeled the relief up to its current state. It is about: Mountainous landscape (Figure 3), comprising rugged appearance geomorphs which comprise plutonic, intrusive, volcanic and retracted sedimentary rocks mountains landscapes. Those are rugged reliefs with slopes greater than 50% and with frequent escarpments. Fluvial alluvial plains landscape (Figure 4), made up of recent Quaternary alluvial plains (fluvial and colluvial-alluvial) constantly formed by the main rivers and ravines materials forming valley bottom or small terraces, floodable during alluvium seasons, which occupy small but various recent fluvial, colluvial-fluvial and fluvial glacial plateau landscape areas supporting the most part of Andean agriculture.
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010. Graphic 25. Conga project environment physiographic map.
Figure 3 Mountainous landscape next to Conga project environment
Figure 4 Fluvial-glacial plain landscape next to Conga project environment
4.5 Superficial Water 4.5.1 Studied Area The area defined as project footprint is distributed among five micro basins existing around it (Graphic 26). The hydrological micro basins (Chailhuagn, Alto Chirimayo, Chugurmayo and Alto Jadibamba) have been delimited until their confluence with equal or greater magnitude contributing watershed courses. Toromacho River micro basin, provided that the project trace is smaller there in comparison to the others, was delimited until an arbitrary point which slope area had an area similar to the other micro basins areas.
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Source: Peru Hydraulics, 2012. Graphic 26. Project traces and micro basins in the regional departmental context.
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Source: Knight Pisold, 2012. Graphic 27. General hydrographic system in micro basins environment. The distribution of this footprint among these five micro basins is very variable as it is shown on Table 1 and Graphic 28. The maximum area corresponds to Alto Jicabamba River micro basin (51,6%) and the minimum area corresponds to Chugurmayo ravine micro basin (0,8%).
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Project footprint area Ha Toromacho 16.300 193,2 Alto Jadibamba 23.000 1.014,4 Chugurmayo 4.100 15,8 Alto Chirimayo 7.200 546,6 Chailhuagn 2.400 195,2 Total 53.000 1.967,3 Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, August 2010. Micro basin Total Table 1. Distribution by micro basins impacted by the project
% 9,8 51,6 0,8 27,9 9,9 100,0
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, August 2010. Own development. Graphic 28. Project footprint distribution among five micro basins.
But, it is still more significant to consider the percentage the trace represents regarding the respective micro basin total area show on Graphic 29.
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Source: INSIDEO, February 2012. Graphic 29. Project footprint distribution by micro basins.
Four of them flow to Alto Maran River basin (Toromacho ravine in Llaucano river water source Alto Jadibamba, Chugurmayo and Alto Chirimayo ravines these last three come from Las Yangas river water sources) through Alto Maran IV interbasin from which the project area represents only 0.12%. The fifth micro basin is the Chailhuagn river one (in Azufre river water source, Chonta-Cajamarca river arbitrary point flowing to Crisnejas basin) equally flowing to Maran river, from which the project area represents 0,04%. Llaucano, Las Yangas and Crisnejas rivers are Maran river tributary points at its left bank.
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In this comparison, it could also be important to emphasize that the project footprint represents only 0,06% of the Cajamarca Department area. Finally, as it is easy to understand, this impacted area is minimum compared to the agriculture area which is the activity that impacts negatively the biodiversity.
4.5.2 Quantity According to flow analysis registered in different micro basins gauging stations, in the project area superficial water contributions are in general very variable, depending mainly on precipitation presenting very broad seasonal variations. Also, in dry season, flow variation is especially sensitive to punctual precipitation events (in June and September), which can generate big flow increases as a result of emerging materials bare regulatory power. At this time, neither the lagoons, which gives water to river flows, nor the wetlands, which can give just few water to the river flows, can palliate the lack of precipitations. The base flow, mainly associated with cutaneous ground water discharge, has been defined as average value in July and August when precipitation does not have significant influence in superficial flow. Therefore, in terms of area water users affection, the same problem is posed in most of Peruvian basins: water habitual deficit in dry season where, due to the lack of precipitations, circulating flows are too low. However, there is a big surplus in humid season which is not utilized due to the lack of regulatory capacity. Graphic 30, where selected years to illustrate different hydrological situations are represented, shows this situation. Low flow in dry season months (June- August) has to be emphasized even in the case of years having high values in previous months due to big precipitations. Quarterly average flows (Graphic 30) summarize the hydrological function of the basin: June to August average is the third part of the annual average, while September December average coincides with the annual one, and December February and March May having similar quarterly averages are the most humid trimesters which flows are 40% higher than the annual average. This hydrological regime, which is very sensitive to precipitation lacking from June to August, makes the area water users concern, related to the affection caused by Conga project, focus on the available flows potential decrease in dry season by taking into account that currently there are a lot of deficits. Evidence of that is there are a lot of micro reservoirs in the area to meet their needs (Figure 5 and Figure 6).
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Source: own development with Knight Pisold Consulting data, 2012. Graphic 30. Selected years flows from 1964-2008 series, in Alto Jadibamba river, downstream of Lluspioc ravine (MC-11).
Figure 5. Micro reservoirs next to project area.
Figure 6. Detail of the micro-reservoirs of the area
All of this justifies the fact that the EIA hydrological studies have placed maximum importance on the determination of the so-called low flows minimum expected values with 50% of probabilities within 7 consecutive days and that the flows would decrease if the mining project were to be implemented. Once that affection is defined, its mitigation through the construction of three reservoirs, guaranteeing maintaining a minimum flow equal to the current situation low flows, is proposed. This conclusion has been reached based on the EIA hydric balance on the assumption that reservoirs release mitigation flows (and no more) during 8 months.
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However, reservoirs are almost full as indicated in Graphic 29 representing the expected evolution of Perol reservoir reserves in reservoirs, which would represent greater level variations. On the other hand, EIA analysis has aimed to propose actions to mitigate the affection according to legislation. If balance calculations were made in terms of water management, that is, if reservoirs released the necessary water flow to meet the demands at each moment including a river possible ecological flow, the area users activity would not be impacted and their future situation would be much better compared to the current one, and all the more so if after closing the mine, they also use the Superior reservoir for additional regulation, which is not foreseen by the EIA to mitigate the situation that reservoir use is shared with the mine during its exploitation. Therefore, with the EIA proposal, the undoubted affection by the ongoing superficial flows in the project area would be mitigated and the users current situation would improve.
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010. Graphic 31. Evolution of Perol reservoir reserves in reservoirs during the closing operation in terms of probability. 4.5.3 Quality The superficial water in the study area micro basins has acceptable chemical and relatively uniform quality. This is because it comes mainly from direct precipitation and most of the rocks are not so soluble, with the waters low temperature being another factor. In the case of these waters bacteriological quality, the situation is different because national environmental quality standards (ECA in Spanish) for Category 1 waters (population and recreational) are not fulfilled; therefore, these waters are not suitable for human consumption. This is mainly because of pollution caused by horses, cows and sheep (Figure 7), which is an important part of the family agricultural economy. Thus, this bacteriological problem causes frequent health problems due to intestinal infections affecting children mainly.
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Figure 7. Cattle grazing around the Conga project area without housing Besides this, there are a lot of houses next to the project areas (Figure 8), where urban waste waters are not treated.
Figure 8. Concentration of houses near Conga project areas.
With this and after having analyzed a series of control points (Graphic 32), analytic determinations frequently show pathogens (coliforms, enterococcus, Escherichia coli, etc.), especially in Alto Jicabamba river basin exceeding the limits healthily suitable for human consumption5. Also, due to the concentration of thousands of people in an environmental claim
Water consumption with these organisms can cause gastrointestinal diseases in population.
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carried out around Perol lagoon at the end of 2011, it is regrettable that people left garbage and wastes without cleaning the area.
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010. Graphic 32. Superficial waters quality control stations in Conga project environment.
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Moreover, wetlands water pH (Figure 9) frequently appears below 6,5 which is the minimum limit required for human consumption.
Figure 9. pH control, conductivity and temperature in wetlands water. Under these conditions, we can say that, in general, superficial waters in Conga project environment must only be used in Category 3, plants irrigation (especially tall stemmed with restrictions for short stemmed ones) and for watering animals without forgetting that there are superficial waters exceeding the regulation for these consumptions. We also have to say that the current frequent use of this water for human consumption can lead to health risks affecting mainly children population.
4.6 Ground Waters 4.6.1 Studied Area More difficult than in the case of superficial waters is to delimit the possible mining activity impacted area with respect to ground waters existing around the project area. This is because of the complex lithology and tectonics of the area under evaluation assessed. The area conceptual hydrogeological model of complementary documents and our own observations as the EIA states that there are only short cycle hydrogeological systems in quaternary deposits (interstitial porosity rocks) and in the subjacent rock formations upper part (prevailing fissure porosity, with gelifraction effects 6). Infiltration is produced in the most elevated points, the altiplano highs and mostly in quaternary formations through which ground water flows short distances in short periods of time being immediately returned to the superficial hydrographic network as show on piezometric maps included in the EIA (Graphic 33).
Gelifraction or gelivation is a process consisting of rock fragmentation due to tensions caused by frozen water in rocks cracks, fissures and pores.
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting and Schlumberger Water Services, July 2010. Graphic 33. Phreatic levels hydrogeological map.
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We can see how isohypse curves descend from the altiplano highlands to fluvial valleys constituting the aquifer cutaneous system drainage shaft. Deep infiltration is too reduced because permeability decreases quickly in depth and gradients are generally too high, typically in mountainous areas. Ground water discharges, on their part, are located at points where piezometric surface intersects topography and, in some cases, under control of failures, fissures or other discontinuities. 4.6.2 Quantity Ground waters, in the project area, are associated with infiltration, which in turn depends basically on precipitation. There are 96 surveys data available, which are used to carry out piezometric interpretation (Graphic 34) and to define flow directions, as well as to estimate different materials permeability.
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010. Graphic 34. Cutaneous system estimated piezometry.
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It has also been possible, at the light of EIA inventories and complementary information, to confirm 683 springs registration with very low flows (medium values in the order of 0,01 L/s and averages of 0,16 L/s) with flows registrations of just 0,0001L/s. The foreseen tailings deposit substrate, as well as the most part of the substrate corresponding to Perol land clearance deposit, is formed generally by low permeability humic soils directly developed on different sub emerging lithological materials (Photo 10).
Figure 10. Humic soil, barely 20 to 30 cm on unaltered rock.
But there are other areas with permeable materials (at least in upper fringe) corresponding to karstificated carbonated rocks (Photo 11 and Photo 12) and to certain volcanic materials, as well as alluvial in valley bottoms.
Figure 11. Locally permeable carbonated rocks outcrop in table-shaped suspended structure.
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Figure 12. Superficially marble, folded, fissured and karstificated limestone outcrop
Moraine deposits, on their part, though comprising blocks, boulders and sand with different grading, have very low permeability due to the presence of fine material from glacial abrasion constituting their matrix (Figure 13 and Figure 14).
Figure 13. Humic soil on low permeability lime clayish matrix moraine deposit.
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Figure 14. Front glacial moraine cemented with impermeable matrix and dissected by fluvial erosion. We have also to emphasize that clayish materials from that glacial abrasion 7 upholster the closed depressions bottom where water is accumulated until evaporation and reduced infiltration eliminate it in low water, except for higher storage capacity lagoons (Figure 15).
Figure 15. Chailhuagn permanent lagoon (with established fish farms).

7
Glacial abrasion: glacial bed eroded by solid materials dragged by the ice or by itself. Products originated by polishing are glacial flour and have low permeability.
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On the other hand, different permeability materials interstratification happens frequently, especially with competent and incompetent rocks decreasing vertical permeability of all materials (Figure 16).
Figure 16. Different permeability sediments interstratifications decreasing all materials permeability. In general, ground waters are shallow (frequently less than two meters below the terrain surface) originating a cutaneous or hypodermic aquifier-aquitard8 linked to a bad drainage saturated soil (very visible in test pits) predominantly humid in rainy season and dry during low water. In that cutaneous system, isohypse curves descend from the altiplano highs to fluvial valleys (Graphic 34). In general, underlying lithological materials in the siting envisaged for the project have secondary hydraulic conductivity, not so high, related to failures, fractures and fissures, decreasing its depth due to the materials weight (isostacy 9) which means that the ground water storage capacity is relatively reduced. 4.6.3 Quality In the last years, within the frame of studies, ground waters periodical hydro chemical controls have been made in different sampling programs (2003 to 2009). In general, controlled water points in Alto Jadibamba and Chailhuagn rivers micro basins and Toromacho and Alto Chirimayo ravines micro basins (Table 2) have similar characteristics. According to the EIA, in pre-mining conditions, the following facts can be emphasized: Heavy metals concentration has values greater than ECAs10 values for human consumption in Al, As, Fe, Pb and Mn. Further, Chailhuagn river micro basin water samples have values greater than ECAs values in Hg concentrations. Coliforms concentrations are also found in those ECAs in most of the samples taken.
8 9
Aquitard: Formation capable of storing water, but flows it slowly. Isostacy: Ideal equilibrium condition which the Herat tends to due to the force of gravity. 10 ECA: Environmental Quality Standards.
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Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010. Table 2. Surface waters control stations in the project environment. According to the EIA, in pre-mining conditions, the following facts can be emphasized: Heavy metals concentration occasionally has values greater than ECAs 11 values for human consumption. Coliforms concentrations are also found in those ECAs in most of the samples taken. pH ranges are similar with conditions between neutral and alkaline waters with pH varying between 6,3 and 8,5.
11
ECA: Environmental Quality Standards.
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Regarding water quality, we can emphasize that, as a result of working from a project design with zero pouring of untreated waters to nearby micro basins, only changes related to runoff water quantities modifications: This would be sensitive during dry season if foreseen compensations consisting in pouring water from the reservoirs to be constructed were not carried out. With respect to modifications, due to water flows affection due to drainage in the two mining pits, we can emphasize that, in general, the area of influence will correspond to a reduced environment related to the direct area of influence associated with the depression conoid originated by such mining drainage that, except for fault corridors, would be much reduced. Regarding ground waters quality affections due to significant chemical equilibrium, this would be much reduced because prevailing rocks are not so soluble, except where pyritical materials can originate acid drainage. This acidity would be, in some way, compensated by the existing carbonated rocks buffer effect (especially in Chailhuagn pit). When analyzing the biological basis wetlands affection assessment, the first thing we have to emphasize is the fact that those wetland just occupy 0,9% of the surface corresponding to the area five hydrographic micro basins (approximately 29,490 ha). On the other hand, for those who do not know it, we have to emphasize that, in comparison with the other vegetable formations; wetlands in the area impacted by the project have very little flora diversity while at the same time they are degraded due to over-grazing. In biological aspects, we can also emphasize that to assess fish farming fauna according to the EIA, assessment stations were established in 6 lagoons and 11 ravines near the foreseen mining facilities. In 10 ravines just two fish species were registered: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and bagre (Astroblepus sp.). Among the assessed ravines, a total of 61 trouts and 291 bagres were registered; those values are considered low provided that many ravines were assessed. The ravines had different abundances, with Chailhuagn and Toromacho ravines being the ones having the most abundance. We have to remember that these ravines, which are near basin heads, in general have low flow affecting in this way fish farming activities.
In the assessed lagoons, Perol, Chailhuagn and Huashwas, just rainbow trout species (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were found. Most abundance was registered in Huashwas lagoon. Here we have to emphasize that rainbow trout is a non-native salmonid from North America bred in different Andean water bodies (Figure 17).
Figure 17. Fish farm in Mamacocha lagoon where non-native rainbow trout is bred.
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5 HYDROLOGICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 5.1 Overall Framework From the EIA and all that concerns the analysis of the impacts of the Conga Project, we are concerned with the analysis of the hydrological/environmental impacts and specially with the mitigation and control measures provided. In this sense, we can indicate that, in the construction and operation stages of the project, a semi-quantitative analysis is included in the EIA for the activities proposed. It applies the classic systemic evaluation methodology using matrices. Also, for the evaluation of impacts of the EIA, the inception of mitigation, control and/or compensation measures designed for the project has been undertaken. Therefore, the impacts considered are residual impacts after their inception. The results of the hydrological-environmental impact analysis are featured in tables within the EIA. We feature herein the aspects concerning surface water, ground water, and aquatic life, both for the construction stage (Table 3) and for the operations stage (Table 4) prepared on the feasibility level (since the measures taken seek to reduce or compensate the effects of residual impacts). In addition, for the closure stage, the measures are developed on a conceptual level through a qualitative study included in Chapter 10 of the EIA. At this point, we believe it is very important to indicate that, in the Peruvian legislation, the approval of the Closure Plan entails the establishment of guarantees (Article 5 of the Regulation for Mine Closures)to ensure that the mine concession holder complies with the obligations derived from the Mine Closure Plan, pursuant to the environmental protection standards, or, if applicable, that the Ministry of Energy and Mines can execute them in order to conduct the closure activities in case of non-compliance. In the case of the financial funds, necessary for the compliance with the proposed closure actions, these must be established in the form of guarantees payable by the companies responsible for the guarantees in question. (illegible table) Table 3. Environmental Impacts Assessment Matrix Construction Stage, in regard to overall hydrological aspects (Illegible Table) Table 4. Environmental Impact Assessment Matrix Operations Stage, in regard to overall hydrological aspects.
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5.2 Impact Analysis 5.2.1 Surface Water As a result of the inception of this project and of the modifications to the surface drainage network it entails, impacts would be created in four lagoons and in headers of the five micro basins. These impacts would impact both the amount and the quality of water (the latter due to the increase of suspended solids and sediments and the generation of acid waters in certain areas). To eliminate and/or reduce these issues, the EIA addresses a series of action steps that have been kept into account while assessing the residual impact. Considering this situation, the mitigation measures include the contribution of base flows in the impacted ravines through appropriate management of three reservoirs designed specifically for that purpose, and water treatment to reach acceptable quality levels, prior to any discharge. For the latter case, we recommend to study and experiment with the inception possibilities of passive methods through biotechnology (creation of wetlands or swamps, such as in the Titicaca lake). 5.2.2 Ground water The project might have potential to create impacts in ground water. The impacts would be mainly related to the variation of infiltrated and/or drained water volumes and with the modification of ground flows caused by the cone-shaped drains driven into the excavated pits, the interception of skin flows through dam construction and the possibility of bad quality water leaks. To achieve adequate protection of ground water, the project envisions mitigation measures in the surroundings that include the following: release of compensation flows from the three reservoirs designed for that purpose, effective containment of bad quality water leaks (through the inception of adequate engineering measures such as the placement of geomembrane and installing ponds to collect effluents), treatment for the waters that require it and appropriate management of surface and ground water, specially within the area of the project. 5.2.3 Aquatic Life During the construction stage, impacts on aquatic life are anticipated, both in terms of the quality and the availability of their habitat. This is mainly due to the presence of solid suspended matter and saltation (which might sediment in the ravines), reduction of wetlands and transfer of lagoon waters. During the operations stage, the impact would mainly derive from discharges from the project and their effect in nearby ravines. Therefore, a management plan has been provided, which includes planned management of the reservoirs built in order to mitigate the impacts and create adequate environments for aquatic life to develop and to provide the necessary base flows in the ravines that might potentially be impacted during the low water period.
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5.3 Prevention, Control and Mitigation Measures 5.3.1 Approach The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Conga Project includes impact prevention, control and mitigation measures to be implemented should negative impacts occur, based on a program which main goal is reducing negative impacts and maximizing positive impacts. For this purpose, five interrelated plans are proposed in the EIA: Prevention and Mitigation Program, to prevent or reduce negative environmental impacts identified through the environmental impact evaluation. It entails action steps and recommendations to reduce or prevent adverse effects of works or activities on any element of the environment. Environmental Monitoring Program, to systematically follow up certain parameters over time which are indicators of the environment condition within the area of influence of the project. Emergency and Contingency Response Plan, for specific actions to be taken should an emergency occur. These actions aim to minimizing the damages to the environment, the communities and the facilities. Solid Waste Management Plan, for a comprehensive treatment of waste that ensures their adequate management, in compliance with the principles of reduction, prevention of environmental risks and public health protection, pursuant to the provisions of the current legislation. Conceptual Plan for Erosion and Sediments Control, to design guidelines that prevent or reduce unnecessary exposure of unprotected soil through adequate techniques.
5.3.2 Impact Mitigation Surface Water 5.3.2.1 Approach Possible impacts on surface water caused by the execution of the project refer to the following: Modification of the drainage network and variation in the storage capacity Variation of water quality Variation of water quantity For this purpose, the EIA proposes mitigation measures aimed to recover the environment behaviors referred to the ecosystem formed by lagoons, wetlands and ravines. The mitigation measures include the following: Storage capacity and regulation of the new lentic water bodies12.
12
Lentic environments are closed water bodies where water does not run or flow. Generally, they are shallow in depth and have few changes in temperature.
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Control of sediments through the hydromorphic vegetation of the peat bog. Regulation of water flows of the peat bog. Moreover, it is to be highlighted that, when mitigating water quantity and water quality impacts from an environmental perspective, associated social impacts would be mitigated as well. 5.3.2.2 Measures Due to the Modification of the Drainage Network and Variation in Regulation Capacity According to the management plans established in the EIA, the objectives of these measures would be the following: Reducing the amount of contact water (which requires specific treatment) by intercepting and drifting non-contact surface water before they enter to the area of influence or get combined with contact water. Reducing the generation of sediments in their sources by implementing the best available practices during the construction and operations stage and by actively recovering the project area during the operations stage and closure stage. Collecting and managing contact water by channeling the runoff and drainage from project facilities and drifting it to the acid waters treatment plant or to project facilities that can use these waters. Collecting and managing non-contact water for its contribution to the regulation reservoirs planned. Therefore, the project includes the following: Water drifting structures. Drifting water would prevent contact waters (those who enter into contact with reactive rocks) mix with natural waters which quality has not been impacted. Reservoirs to accumulate and supply water. The water temporarily stored in these facilities would compensate impacted water supplies and the base flow during low water periods. Keeping into account the socio-economic importance of water in the area, the EIA states that one of the objectives in the design of water reservoirs has been the efficient mitigation of the potential hydrologic/environmental negative impacts of the project. In any case, we add, it is necessary to unquestionably establish the real effects, while refraining from creating expectations such as water for everyone, impacted or not impacted, which are neither logical nor possible. Therefore, water reservoirs would be built in order to compensate the loss of the lagoons Perol, Mala, Azul and Chica, and the portion corresponding to contributions to the surface runoff during low water periods, which is when water scarcity becomes a potential issue. The estimated storage capacity of the lagoons impacted by the project and the estimated storage capacity of the reservoirs to be built, as well as the water management strategies for this reservoirs is depicted in Table 5. The idea is accumulating water during the wet season in order to dispose of it during the dry season, so that the supply of water necessary to restitute lost base flows (low water periods) and compensate proven effects to users as a result from actions related to the project. It would be utopic to think that, through these structures, water could be supplied to all people who are impacted by the natural low water period regardless of actions related to the project. This availability for compensations actually centers itself in the Perol, Chailhuagn and Inferior 3 reservoirs, which have a combined capacity of 3.230.ooo m (Table 5) compared to the current capacity of the Perol, Chica, Mala and Chailhuagn lagoons of 2.600.000 m3, capacities that are actually not available, since their current availability would entail pumping water from the lagoons.
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The Superior reservoir (7.600.000 m3) would constitute the main water source to take care of the needs of the project, but at the end of the project life, it would remain available and could contribute to regulate the contributions to the hydrographical network taking care of the most convenient uses according to future needs in the area. Original Lagoon Perol Chica Azul Mala Chailhuagn Capacity (m3)13 800.000 100.00014 400.000 100.000 1.200.000 Reservoir Perol Superior Chailhuagn Inferior Total 2.600.000 Capacity (m3) 800.000 7.600.000 1.430.000 1.000.000 10.830.000 Type of Modification Transfer Transfer Transfer Transfer / Increase of capacity Runoff reservoir
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting, February 2010 Table 5. Current and Future Storage Capacities of Lentic Water Bodies as a Result of the Inception of the Conga Project
5.3.2.3 Measures Due to the Variation of Surface Water Quality The EIA states that, to prevent surface water quality from being impacted, a series of measures embedded in the project are provided: Construction of water treatment facilities in compliance with the requirements (mainly an acid water treatment plant). Runoff treatment to reduce the contents of suspended solids. The specific measures for each of the micro basins involved would be the following: Sediment management plan in the Alto Jadibamba river basin and in the Toromacho ravine basin. The sediments would be retained in the tailings dam or stored in the main tailings dam or in the Toromacho dam. Sediment management plan in the Alto Chirimayo ravine basin. The sediments would be retained mainly in the Chirimayo sedimentation pond. Sediment management plan in the Chailhuagn river basin. The sediments of this basin would be retained mainly in the Chailhuagn sedimentation pond. Acid water treatment plant. The characteristics of the water stored in the tailings dam (water in contact with material from the Perol waste dump and the tailings dam) would not allow for a discharge of this water in the surface runoff. Therefore, the project envisions the construction and operation of an acid water treatment plant that would remain active for as long as necessary, until the quality of the runoff is restored (We understand that the sub aquatic deposition of the tailings should be analyzed, as well as the inception of passive
13
It is indicated that the values are estimated values and that the storage capacity might be slightly lower due to fluctuations derived from the variability of precipitations and discharges. 14 It is indicated that a volume of 100.000 m3 has been taken into account for the lagoons Mala and Chica, which would represent a conservative estimation.
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treatments for these waters, which would prevent long term problems in a self-sustainable manner.). 5.3.2.4 Measures Due to The Variation of Surface Water As a result of the Conga site and its operation, certain changes associated to variations in the available surface water quantity would occur. In order to mitigate these effects, the EIA lists a set of measures associated to reservoirs to be built (Graphic 35).
Graphic 35. Location of the Regulation Reservoirs Planned Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010. Inferior Reservoir (1,0 Mm3 storage capacity). Its water would be solely used to mitigate potential impacts to the base flows of the micro basin (low water periods) and to compensate current users that might be impacted. Perol Reservoir (0,8 Mm3 storage capacity). Its water would be solely used to mitigate potential impacts to the base flows of the micro basin and to compensate current users that might be impacted. Chailhuagn Reservoir (1,43 Mm3 storage capacity). Its water would be solely used to mitigate potential impacts to the base flows of the micro basin and to compensate current users that might be impacted. Superior Reservoir (7,6 Mm3). It would be located on the top of the Alto Jadibamba River micro basin, and although its primary function would be providing fresh water to the processing facilities and potable water to the mine and the plant, it would also mitigate potential impacts to the base flows of the Toromacho ravine micro basin, and compensate current users that might be impacted. Regarding the flows to be discharged from each of these reservoirs to mitigate potential impacts caused by variations in water quality, these have been established based on the reduction of the corresponding base flows of the various micro basins of the area of influence during low water periods. This estimation has been made using the HFAM model, calibrated with the control results and validated through the MODFLOW hydrogeological model. This aspect is analyzed in depth in Chapter 8 of this report.
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5.3.3 Impact Mitigation Ground Water 5.3.3.1 Measures Due to Alteration of Ground Flows The ground water component in the area of study is very limited, especially during low water periods, when humic soils and wetlands lose their humidity due to evapotranspiration and the skin aquifer system desiccates. In these conditions, the impacted aquifer flows concentrate in the narrow surface alluvial benches. Therefore, the mitigation strategy of the EIA for this subcomponent is integrated within the surface water impact management scheme, through the compensatory measures described above, based on the management of the four reservoirs to be built. Locally, this expert analysis report recommends the possible inception of water seeding and harvesting systems through amunas (water collection, seeding and harvesting system) originated from peoples experience, with which Peruvians have very good experiences, as well as several mountain irrigation projects in various countries of the world. 5.3.3.2 Measures Due to The Variation of Ground Water Quality The action steps and infrastructure of the project have been conceived so that, through an appropriate management of surface water, the possibility of affecting ground water quality is reduced. Waterproofing the base of the tailings dam through the placement of geomembrane (which, we add, should be installed with the corresponding protective geotextile) and reducing the amount of contact water to be driven to the acid water treatment plant is also part of this process. This way, the risk of contact waters affecting ground water resources is minimized and/or prevented. These commitments have to be fully undertaken and controlled through the design of appropriate collection and treatment circuits to be maintained for as long as deemed necessary. Specifically, the EIA provides a list of actions that we will summarize and enhance if necessary. Tailings Dam (Principal Dam and Toromacho Dam) In order to reduce possible seepages or leaks, the following actions would be implemented for an effective leakage control: The dams would be built with a core made of clay with the appropriate permeability coefficient and a complementary injection treatment in the subjacent rock bed for the Principal Dam and the Toromacho Dam bodies. Placement of a 1 x10-6 cm or less layer of soil with hydraulic conductivity and appropriate thickness, with a drainage system (to inhibit the hydraulic charge of the tailings) on which the tailings will be deposited. Placement of a clay layer, geotextile and geomembrane as the base of the tailings dam, wherever failures are located that might be privileged outlets of ground flows. Inception of an appropriate leakage collection system for both dams planned, since although they have been designed to reduce leakages, the probability of for leakages to occur is not zero. Therefore, this would be enhanced with an interception system and a pumping system to the acid water treatment plant for as long as deemed necessary.
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Perol Waste Dump In the specific case of the planned Perol waste dam, sub drainage pipelines would be laid out before placing the waste in order to capture the leakage and take it to the tailings dam (and specifically to the supernatants pond)though gravity flow. Given the carbonated nature of the rocks located north east of the facility, the following actions have been proposed: Placement of leakage collection wells in the north east section of the Perol waste dump. Waterproofing of the area where leakages are likely. Alternative leakage configurations that drift the infiltrations going to the east of the Perol waste dam. But the most important thing to be highlighted is the recent inclusion of an improvement of the waste pile cover, which is part of the design envisioned in the Final Closure Plan prepared by SVS Ingenieros and submitted to MINEM in October 2011. The following information on the cover has been extracted from the aforementioned Final Closure Plan. Since the Perol waste dump would generate acid drainage, the installation of a soil cover and revegetation has been considered for the closure, in order to reduce leakage and therefore, the generation of acid water (contact water). The latter does not overlook the capture of leakages and surface runoff and taking them to the recovery pond of the tailings dam. Next, they will be transferred to the acid water treatment plant before discharging to the environment. To approach the reduction of the leakage rates, a model has been built by applying the HELP visual software developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States, broadly accepted for this kind of applications. For benchmark analysis, a soil cover has been simulated, which analysis was designed by Knight Pisold (2010) during the design of this waste dump. The analyzed cover has the following layers (Graphic 36): Layer 1: Upper layer formed by organic soil to be sown by revegetation species, with a minimum thickness of 0,30 m. Layer 2: Intermediate layer formed by granular inert matter, with a minimum thickness of 1 m, deposited on the waste material. The results reached by the model as a result of using this cover on the Perol waste dump would lead to a leakage reduction of about 20% compared to a scenario that did not consider said cover.
Graphic 36. Cover To Be Applied to the Perol Waste Dump Source: SVS, 2011 The revegetation of the Perol waste dump cover would provide another series of benefits that include water. The following benefits are to be highlighted: Rehabilitating pastures used by local cattle. Minimizing erosion sources in areas impacted in any way
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Rehabilitating impacted areas through the cultivation of native shrubs and herbaceous plants of rapid growth. For this purpose, it will be necessary to naturalize and profile the ground and place a layer of inert granulate matter, and on top of that, a layer of organic soil, to finish with the sowing and transplantation of the chosen species. In this final stage, it will be necessary to combine the sowing with one soil stabilization practice or more to ensure its appropriate protection against hydric and aeolian erosion during the first stages of growth. Soil stabilization must be preceded by profiling and naturalization with the support of the appropriate vegetation and fertilizers, according to the results of the soil characterization and the Environmental Management Plan. Chailhuagn Waste Dump The EIA indicates that, given the geochemical characteristics of the lithological matter of this dump (with plenty of carbonated rocks that might create a buffer effect) it is not expected that the leakage of this dump will affect the quality of the ground water. It is also stated that it is not expected that the water drained from the Chailhuagn pit will present chemical characteristics that can be considered a risk for the ground water. In any case, we understand that this precaution does not exclude at all the possibility of acid water formation neutralized by the carbonates, which would require treatment facilities. Passive methods such as wetlands could be included here. However, it is indicated that in spite of these favorable circumstances for water management, sub drainage pipelines will be installed to capture leakages and discharge them into the Chailhuagn sedimentation pond.
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5.3.4 Impact Mitigation Wetlands Although in the EIA the wetlands are included in the flora and vegetation chapter, these areas also perform a hydric function due to its close relationship with the temporary skin (or hypodermic) water system, which needs to be taken into consideration. Of course, considerations that are not strictly hydric remain out of the scope of our considerations. The EIA states that, due to the inception of the project, approximately 103 ha of wetlands would be lost. Due to their hydric function and as sediment receivers, compensatory measures are required in the context of surface waters. The EIA also states that the loss of wetlands would be compensated through the establishment of a wetland in the area of the tailings dam during the closure stage. We propose to study the possibility of sub aquatic deposition of the tailings. This would provide a wetland and the possibility of creating wetlands in the periphery, as well as many other environmental benefits. In addition, the appropriate management of the sub aquatic deposition will allow to obtain supernatant water with the appropriate quality for the inception of a wetland, with its associated advantages, while preventing the reactivity of the tailings. On the other hand, the wetland would allow to noticeably reduce the environmental cost of the tailings dam and would shorten the effluent and leakage treatment period. In any case, this wetland should be designed using the appropriate technologies in order to obtain all the benefits derived from it, especially those referred to water quality. Additionally, the water of the Superior reservoir could be used during the low water season if necessary, in order to maintain the tailings under water in the post-closure stage. Finally, we propose the development a policy to study the wetlands in nearby areas in order to establish the best conservationist practices in them, as well as recovery practices. In this sense, the project should generate applied research projects to provide valuable information applicable to the numerous wetlands and lagoons of the surroundings (Graphic 37) and generally of the Peruvian Andes. 5.3.5 Impact Mitigation Revegetation In the final closure stage, and in order to recover the land of the disturbed areas, it is envisioned to reestablish vegetation, except for the roads that will remain operational during the post closure stage and the slopes of the Perol and Chailhuagn pits. These revegetation activities would require land preparation for it to be able to host vegetation in the most appropriate way. Specifically, revegetation would entail the following: Leveling, to provide a stable surface that endures erosion. We would add morphological naturalization according to the natural surroundings. Scarifying roads and traffic areas to uncompact the soil Placing an intermediate layer of inert, highly permeable matter of no less than 0,30 m, formed by granulate matter, to sow the species for revegetation. Sowing a combination of plant seeds that will adapt to the edaphic conditions and the climate of the area, that are self-sustainable and indigenous. The EIA envisions the use of a combination of manual sowing of native pastures and transplanting shrubs (native ichu (Calamagrostis sp.) and queuales (Polylepisracemosa)). Organic soils would be used here, and of course, humic matter from the peat bog closest to the Perol pit.
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Graphic 37. Lagoons and Cultivation Areas Broadly Surrounding the Conga Project Source: National Bureau for the Assessment of Natural Resources. National Inventory of Lagoons and Dams. Page: Celendn 14g.
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6. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM 6.1 Approach The EIA presents an Environmental Monitoring Program designed for the project, which will be performed before and during the construction, operation, and closure stages. Post-closure control is included on the Conceptual Closure Plan. The purpose of this program is to monitor the parameters which have been identified as potentially impacted by activities associated with the project. Consequently, the results of this program will be used to measure the effectiveness of the Environmental Management Plan, which will be implemented following an adaptive process, based on periodical assessment, and all the necessary modifications will be applied in order to increase its effectiveness, also considering changes in related legislation and the environmental sensitivity of the parameters. The Implementation of the Environmental Monitoring Program will provide necessary information to create an environmental database of the development of project activities. This database will be an essential tool for the organization and systematization of information, and to prepare reports to be submitted to the authorities and other instances. In that sense, data collection will be subject to a subsequent analysis, to generate appropriate information (necessary to make all the advisable modifications) and valuable support to the project environmental management, and, in our case, water management. The EIA indicates that this program will be linked to an Interpretation Center, responsible for generating and maintaining the data base, and also for providing information oriented to decision making. Since this program was developed prior to the start of the project, periodical updates will be necessary, in order to include changes in the location of monitoring stations, selection of parameters to be registered, applicable sampling frequencies, elaboration of protocols and management of information. 6.2 Objectives and scope According to the EIA, the objectives of the Environmental Monitoring Program are: To determine the real effects (on a spatial and temporal scale) caused by the project activities, by measuring the relevant environmental parameters. To verify the effectiveness of prevention, mitigation, and control measures. To verify compliance with applicable environmental standards and commitments undertaken by the company. To early detect any unexpected and unwanted effect, in order to be able to control it by adopting appropriate measures or actions.
Regarding the water component, we could highlight the following aspects related to the control program: Meteorology Surface water Groundwater Aquatic life
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For each component, the Environmental Monitoring Program includes the following scopes: Aspects: they provide subcomponent information, regarding its importance to the project. Parameters: for water topics, they correspond to physical, chemical, and biological variables which are measured and recorded to define the current status and evolution of the environmental subcomponents. Environmental standards or criteria: they indicate the limits and standards established in the corresponding technical norms, environmental guidelines, and protocols, which will be used to compare the monitoring results. If there is a lack of national regulations, criteria could be applied according to the project baseline studies or international criteria which are considered necessary. Control stations: they correspond to the measurement and control sites of different selected parameters, for each environmental subcomponent. Methodology: it refers to the measurement methodology, data collection and analysis of the information. Frequency: it refers to the periodicity with which the measurements, collection of samples, and parameters analysis are performed. Information and reports management: it refers to the methodology and the frequency with which the reports will be prepared.
6.3
Water components to be evaluated On Table 6, water components to be evaluated are identified, and also parameters to be registered and location of monitoring points are detailed. The EIA highlights that the project impacts on water components could be mitigated through the restoration of the impacted flows or volumes of water by using water stored in reservoirs to be built. That would be the particular case of infrastructures which could facilitate the use of surface waters, such as reservoirs, channels, ditches, or other hydraulic systems. Since the measures effectiveness is associated with the execution of planned mitigation actions, through surface and groundwater components, and response monitoring in springs and channels. These actions should be included in the Plan de Monitoreo Participativo Ambiental Social PMPAS (Participatory Environmental and Social Monitoring Program), or another adequate monitoring tool approved by the authorities and population.
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Component
Climate and meteorology
Surface water (lagoons, ravines, and rivers)
Parameters Precipitation - Air Temperature - Barometric Pressure - Relative Humidity - Evaporation - Wind velocity and direction Quality - pH - Temperature - Dissolved oxygen - Electric conductivity - Total suspended solids (TSS) - Total Hardness - Nitrate, nitrite, phosphates and sulfates -Sulfides -Total metals (Ag, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) -Oils and grease -Cyanide -Xanthates -Chromium VI -DBO and DQO -Total and fecal coliform Flows - Lotic waterbodies flow - Lentic waterbodies water level All Project facilities: - pH - Temperature - Dissolved oxygen - Electric conductivity Upper, Lower, Perol and Chailhuagn Reservoirs: - Total suspended solids (TSS) - Total Hardness - Nitrate, nitrite, phosphates and sulfates - Sulfides - Total metals (Ag, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) - Oils and grease - Cyanide - Xanthates - Chromium VI - DBO and DQO - Total and fecal coliform Acid water Treatment Plant: - Total suspended solids (TSS)
Control Stations - Old Minas Conga Station: Coordinates UTM 9 230 902 N and 790 608 E. - New Minas Conga Station: Coordinates UTM 9 234 970 N and 790 063 E.
- MC-52: Chugurmayo ravine micro-basin (9 237 134 N; 794 269 E) - MC-08: Alto Chirimayo ravine micro-basin (9 232 937 N; 793 881 E) - MC-09 Alto Chirimayo ravine micro-basin (9 233 628 N; 792 120 E) - MC-L-HUA-1: Alto Chirimayo ravine micro-basin (9 232 698 N; 791 772 E) -MC-02: Chailguagn river micro-basin (9 229 593 N; 789 698 E) - PCHA-1: Chaiguagn river micro-basin (9 230 391 N; 789 075 E) - MC-11: Alto Jadibamba river micro-basin (9 241 362 N; 787 915 E) - MC-12: Alto Jadibamba river micro-basin (9 241 073 N; 788 066 E) - MC-21: Toromacho ravine micro-basin (9 238 066 N; 785 943 E) - MC 22: Toromacho ravine micro-basin (9 238 085 N; 786 118 E)
Surface facilities)
water
(project
- Upper, Lower, Perol and Chailhuagn Reservoirs - Acid water treatment plant - Chirimayo and Chailhuagn sediment ponds
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- Total metals (Ag, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) - Chromium VI Chirimayo and Chailhuagn Sediment Ponds: - Total suspended solids (TSS) Groundwater Quality - pH - Temperature - Dissolved oxygen - Electric Conductivity - Total suspended solids (TSS) - Total Hardness - Nitrate, nitrite, phosphates and sulfates - Sulfides - Total metals (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn, Hg, Ba, B, Co, Li, Mg, and Ag) - Oils and grease - Cyanide - Xanthates - Chromium VI - DBO and DQO - Total and Fecal coliform
Groundwater
- WQC-001: Chugurmayo ravine micro-basin (9 236 130 N; 793 540 E) - MW-02/A/B: Alto Chirimayo ravine micro-basin (9 233 726 N; 792 059 E) - GMW-CH: Chailhuagn river micro-basin (9 230 755 N; 790 280 E) - WQC-002: Alto Jadibamba river micro-basin (9 241 066 N; 787 847 E) - WQC-003: Alto Jadibamba river micro-basin (9 239 254 N; 787 500 E) - GMW-TO-01: Toromacho ravine micro-basin (9 238 140 N; 786 777 E)
Water flows and levels - Springs flows - Pond levels Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February, 2010. Table 6 Environmental Monitoring Program Summary On Table 6, and regarding groundwater, we have added the monitoring of spring flows and pond levels.
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7. Conceptual Closing Plan 7.1 Starting Point
According to article 9 of the statute for Mine Closings (D.S. N 033-2005-EM) in the environmental impact assessment, it just requires the inclusion of a plan for the closing of the Mines at a conceptual level, and its so presented for this Conga project in the documentation that has been facilitated to us. Nevertheless, we suggest that to achieve the best hydrological conditions, during the closing and post-closing stages, it is very convenient to define with the maximum precision, from the start, the condition of action. This will allowed that each operation be conducted with its future approach, and the application of the best techniques and required guaranties, to obtain the best mid to long term results. All this without disregarding the importance to have the planning available to adapt them to all of the actions and the convenience to revise the closing plan every three or four years to be adapted to new circumstances and situations. Thus the best results would be obtain, as far as the management of the waters in accordance to the efficient use of the storage installations and water control (projected reservoirs), built to guaranty minimum flows of low water levels to contribute to the corresponding micro basins, and to compensate possible conditions caused by the project. With regards to the active or passive treatment installations of waters, those shall be maintain operational, until the quality required is reach, or a consolidated operation of the passive bio-treatment regime, without maintenance requirements. For that the mining company shall constitute the guaranties require by legal regulations (see section 5.1 from this Report). In the specified provisional conditions of a Conceptual Mine Closing Plan, we will review the main actions proposed that in any circumstance would be subject to revision when elaborating the project comprehensive Closing Plan.
7.2 Progressive Closing According to the Exploitation Plan, after finalizing the exploitation on the 18 th year (at first forecasted for the year 2031), the closing would start that would extend approximately through a 7 year period. The EIA initially proposed in a conceptual manner to conduct first the closing of the Chailhuagn pit and its respective waste dump, because according to the project mine plan (figure 6) the exploitation of this pit will be finalized approximately in the year 2027 (year 15 of the exploitation project), before the cease of operations. The EIA also indicates that as the disposition of the waste materials of the Perol Pit takes place, the development for the progressive measurement for physical stabilization would take place.
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It is also point out that, during the progressive closing stage, is contemporary with the development of the mining operations. For several installations of the project, rehabilitation measurements would be implemented which would be a step forward with the final closing requirements; with the implementation of the objectives and methods set for by the final closing of the installations. In the same manner, it is indicated that the installations would be part of the progressive closing project. As well as their respective rehabilitation measurements at the facilities level which will be determine in the Mine Closing Plan that MYSRL would have to present. 7.3 Final Closing
7.3.1 Disassembling
This conceptual advancement contemplates the dismantle, removal, transport, and disposition of the disassemble elements from the project installations: Concentrator Plant Soil Stockpile Area Auxiliary Installations
7.3.2 Demolition, Salvage and Disposition At these actions the following aspects would be consider:
The concrete structures that would guaranty to maintain the stability of the soil, would be left in place, to fulfill this task The concrete structures that would be below the surface level, such as the foundation of buildings would be left in place, but covert with soil which will be replanted later on.
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7.3.3
Physical Stability
Starting from the assumption that all the structures to be rehabilitated must comply with the required physical stability factor; as per the standards of the Ministry of Energy and Mining for the final closing. We would summarize the main aspects anticipated as far as the physical stability.
7.3.3.1 Perol Pit
Progressive measurements for physical stabilization would be taken with relation to the maintenance of the configuration of the pit already included in the evaluation of the geotechnical design, because said configuration has been develop considering the planning of the installation for the final closing. Additionally, and as part of the security measures, a perimeter barrier would be erected, parallel to the boundaries of the final pit to guaranty that in case that stability problems may arise, these would be inside the protected surroundings; to prevent the access of people and animals.
7.3.3.2 Chailhuagn Pit
A physical stability analysis will be made considering the pseudo-static condition for a return period of 500 years. Additionally, as part of the security measurements, a perimeter barrier would be erected, parallel to the boundaries of the final pit, to guaranty that in case that stability problems may arise these would be confined to the inside of the established boundaries set by the barrier; same that will prevent access to people and animals.
7.3.3.3 Waste Dumps Perol
The EIA indicates that it has been designed considering the closing conditions, for which the physical stability measurements will be implemented as part of the dumps construction that would be consider applicable for the closing. Physical stability assessments for the dump will be conducted for the development of the Closing Plan, at the practical level for the project considering the final closing stage.
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7.3.3.4 Waste Dumps Chailhuagn
The EIA indicates that it has been designed considering the closing conditions, for which the physical stability measurement will be implemented as part of the dump construction that would be considered applicable for the closing. Physical stability assessments for the dump will be conducted for the development of the Closing Plan, at the practical level for the project considering the final closing stage.
7.3.3.5 Tailings Dumps
The EIA indicates that the rehabilitation for the final closing will start at the upper part of the dump to continue advancing towards the dams with the purpose of allowing the drainage of the water contained in the stored tailings.
On our part, we propose the convenience of studying objectively the possibility of groundwater storing, which would prevent the formation of acid waters, facilitating the closing operation allowing a lagoon to rely on, and facilitate the implementation of wetlands and highland wetlands with a passive natural maintenance at a very low coast. The primary inconvenience associated would derive from the possible need to create two tailing dumps (when reducing the storage capacity), plus other collateral geotechnical aspects for which the engineering of the tailing dumps have solutions. This groundwater solution that is available has many positive experiences, its more ecofriendly and has with no doubt a higher social acceptance.
7.3.4 Chemical Stability
In this case, we believe that the assessment should be deepen, supported by real experiences more than theoretical models. Turning to more environmental and convenient techniques; this would reduce the operational and installation maintenance years to a maximum especially with regards to acid waters and their environmental effects. Hence we put emphasis to execute the groundwater deposition of tailings, and to apply biotechnological passive treatments of the waters, that have not been considered by the EIA, and that such results could lend very valuable experiences.
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7.3.4.1 Perol Pit
The model developed for the Perol Pit to evaluate the quality of its waters at the time of the closing, (SWS2009) predicts that the mine lagoon that would form will contain water with a low pH content and high concentration of metals. Therefore the principal post-closing activity would be the process of filling the lake that will begin in the year 2032 and according to the models it will reach full capacity level permitted by the year 2089 (3.775 masl) The EIA proposes no to exceed this level to reduce the potential effects to the groundwater as a consequence of the flows from the lake towards the fractured materials. This brings the need to maintain the mining pit as a place for underground dump by means of permanent water pumping. To maintain this level, water would be pump into the tailing recovery pound and from there to the acidic water treatment plant to be treated before being dump into the hydrographic network (lower reservoir). The EIA indicates that the ports to be treated until the year 2100 would be 257L/s, which will required to keep the acid waters treatment plant working until that date, or until its required by the presence of the acid drainages. All of this, with the required complementary actions, to prevent or reduce the potential risk of exposing the wildlife to the pit. In these conditions, we understand that other alternatives can be proposed. Such as the sealing of the outcropping reactive materials in the Perol pit, through a layer of clay or the dumping of waste materials from the Chailhuagn pit looking for the neutralizing limestone paper and marbles. These actions should complete the establishment of biotechnologies for passive treatment (Fernandez Rubio, 1991, 2007a, 2007b and 2008; Serrano et al. 1996) that would include modern techniques of floating microphytes, developed in Spain, in the same lagoon and drainage to the ravine of the Alto Chirimayo. These actions would be made through de development of wetland banks, with the planting of reed mace, in the case of lagoons with a floating modality, as we can observe in the Titicaca Lake.
7.3.4.2 Chailhuagn Pit

The EIA indicates that the agreement with the assessment and geochemical models made for the exposed slopes on this pit, the water in the lagoon would have good quality (neutral pH) for what supposedly would not required treatment. In our opinion, we must be ready just if, regardless of this neutralization of the waters, by the carbonated materials, the presence of any heavy metal in excess of the limits established by the ECAs. Here as well, biotechnologies could be implemented suitable for the passive methods, supported by plantation of reed mace. According to the model provisions, the filing of the Chailhuagn pit will begin on 2029, and will reach the elevation for the spill to take place (3.702 masl) in the year 2041.
7.3.4.3 Waste Dump Perol
The Characterization of the accumulated materials from the pit of the same name, forecast acidic drainage and the springs in the deep ends of its periphery would require going through the treatment plant for acid waters.
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In regards to the sedimentation ponds, these would be put out of service as part of the closing once the quality standards have been reached. The main activities for the closing include the laying of covers over the waste dumps (and we insist in the prior need for its morphological remodeling, to facilitate the natural integration, pulling away from anthropic geometrical forms), and in the rehabilitation through the adequate planting for what it is forecast at a progression of two acres per month.
7.3.4.4 Waste Dump Chailhuagn
After implementing the physical stability measurements; then the protection cover and top soil will be place for its rehabilitation. In this case as well we put emphasis in that the dump from the beginning would be giving a neutralized form, in coherence with the morphology of the environment. The vegetation barrier seeks to reduce the effects of the superficial erosions, and the subsequent generation of ponds.
7.3.4.5 Tailings Dam
The quality of the water model developed for the tailing dump, (micro basin of the river Alto Jadibamba) for the post-closing stage, considers two scenarios, involving water from de waste dump Perol. The prediction for both scenarios indicates that the quality of water in the tailing dump would require treatment before the unloading to the drainage network. This would take place at the acidic water treatment plant until it reaches the limits established by the ECAs. The acid water treatment plant, designed for a flow of 850m/hour, would increase at closing to 1.250m/hour, when the lagoon of the Perol Pit reaches the maximum level set for, and the excess water is pump for treatment to the receiving pond, downstream from the tailing dumps. The accumulated water in said receiving pond will be pump, for treatment, when the stored volume exceeds the 100.000m.
7.4 Post-Closure Conditions
In the conceptual aspects raised by the EIA, it is estimated that at the end of the project useful life, the primary infrastructures would be found in the following conditions:
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7.4.1
Surface waters
The drift channels for surface water, (to avoid the mix of waters of no contact, with waters of contact) that would have been functioning during the operation stage would remain active, after rehabilitating the sediment retention structures (as part of the final closing operations). Due to that, the original drainage networks, in the footprints of the project, would not go back to the pre-mine condition. In general these alterations will be translated in the micro basins, in a minimum change of its hydrological patterns, except where the infrastructure of the project will strictly be located. As it has been indicated the approximated operational life of the mine is 19 years, leaving in regards to the Perol pit a final impacted area, by the excavations, of approximately 170 acres. After ceasing drainage operations, the formation of a mine lagoon will be initiated at the Perol pit that will receive the superficial hillside from the surrounding tops, hillocks, and depressions that cover an approximate surface of 240 acres, plus the contributions of the flows from the porous superficial resources (soil and alluvial dumps), and the fracture rockbed. The projections for the water balance, included in the EIA, indicate that the lagoon will be completed between more than 80 years and less than 100; after the deactivation of the drainage, and that limit of water spill to the drainage will be required (and the flow through the fractures of the rock mass to avoid quality problems), by pumping the excess water to ponds of the tailing dumps. Those waters, from the Perol waste dumps and the tailing dumps, would require for their conditioning at the treatment plant for acid waters to ensure the quality of the water at the lower reservoir. This acid water treatment will begin after approximately 55 years of filling up the lagoon. The characterization of the Chailhuagn waste dump and the theoretical geochemical model of the mine lagoon (SWS2009), would indicate that the pit material and its corresponding dump would be neutral, and would have the potential of dissolution of material, The Chailhuagn Pit would fill with water (SWS, 2009) that after 11 years it would unload to the drainage network downstream. The rehabilitated Chailhuagn waste dumps filtrations, towards the micro basin of the ravine Alto Chirimayo, would have water quality similar to the original conditions, for they will be unload directly into the ravine. For the Perol, and Chailhuagn reservoirs, upper and lower, during the post-closing status it is anticipated that in the same manner during the operations, it would be capable to contribute to low levels of water to compensate possible conditions caused by the project. Additionally, after the operation stage the upper reservoir could be utilize to maintain the wetlands, created in the tailing dumps, and prior agreement with the communities, to contribute with additional water during the dry season because at the lack of the concentrator plant process water would not be required.
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7.4.2 Underground water
After the cease of the mining operations and the disabling of the corresponding drains the filling of the pits will initiate, with makeup of surface water and groundwater. The filling of the Perol pit, located in the micro basin of the ravine Alto Chirimayo, would take over 80 years, due to the low lithological permeable materials of its environment. As mentioned previously, the water level in the pit would be kept at an elevation such that it will continue its function as a water collection point, so that the acid water does not generate impacts in the surface water or groundwater. And it is because of the prolong period that we suggest that other impermeable and closing alternatives experienced in mining be analyzed. According to the EIA the Chailhuagn Pit would not present problems in its filling, that with in the micro basin of the Chailhuagn river, there would not be residual impacts to the groundwater, for it is expected that the water contributions from the pit, to the surface and ground runoffs, would have similar conditions to the previously mining operation (SWS, 2009). The springs of the Perol waste dump and the tailing dumps would require treatment measurements, during the post-closing stage. 7.4.3 Hydrobiology
The mitigation actions to be apply during the operational stages and post-closing would be related to the contributions of the base flow, during the dry season, that would better the fish habitat, in ravines and rivers with the additional possibility of use of the water reservoirs of the project for fishing activities.
7.4.4 Wetlands
The EIA indicates that the opportunities for creating wetlands would increase during the closing, with the main concentration on the tailings dump, where wetlands could be develop. The Water for the creation of the wetlands would be contributed by the surface reservoir, especially during low water season if the water balance of the tailing dumps was negative. Other areas that could allowed the creation of wetlands during the closing stage, are those located between the lagoon of the Chailhuagn Pit, in the micro basin of the Chailhuagn River; as well as the area that is located upstream, from the hauling way at the basin of the ravine Alto Chirimayo. At those we understand that could be convenient to implementation of microphyte plants that help to the improvement of the quality of water.
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8. Surface Hydrology 8.1 Aspects to be analyzed in this chapter This chapter deals with the quantitative analysis of the surface water balance presented in the EIA. For easy reading, chapters and appendixes are numbered (item 8.2). In item 8.3 a regional hydrology summary -a graph and chart- is presented as the framework for references on the hydrological impacted areas of the project. Item 8.4 contains a technical analysis of the methodology, initial data and conclusions of the studies presented in the EIA. Doubts regarding the readings as well as objections to specific techniques and improvement measures for results are discussed in this section, but essentially, the technical correction and validity of the conclusions are analyzed. To systematize the procedure, there are four sections: data used for the analysis (8.4.1) definition of the current hydrological scenario (8.4.2) prior to the exploitation and after mine closure (8.4.3) and impact mitigation on surface water (8.4.4). Moreover, due to its importance and some opposed opinions, the direct and indirect areas of influence are analyzed from the surface waters perspective (8.4.5). Finally, the feasibility studies for the reservoirs related to the surface water are also analyzed (8.4.6), structural and geotechnical approaches are not taking into consideration in this area of study. Items 8.5 and 8.6 summarize the surface water balance analysis with general conclusions, recommendations on the hydro biological studies and on-going and future activities, as well as improvement proposals for EIA solutions.
8.2 Reviewed Chapters and appendixes from the EIA An extensive and dispersed document such as the EIA (see, chapter 4.1) includes references to surface water in mostly all chapters and appendixes. Nevertheless, the essential chapters for analysis of this component, with reference to sections where the technical analysis of the EIA is divided, are the following: Data used in the analysis and definition of the hydrological baseline: 3.2.10 Hydrology: within Chapter 3.0: Description of Study area The socio-environmental baseline defines the physiographic features of the micro basins of Alto Jadibamba and Chailhuagn, Toromacho, Chugurmayo and Alto Chirimayo and it is characterized by the current regime of downloads through a control of flow Appendix 3.10: contains more relevant studies and information for the definition of the hydrological baseline. Nevertheless, this appendix has no order, which makes it difficult to search for concrete information. Of great interest for the conclusions of the hydrological studies is the last document of the appendix called Model of Low Flow Hydric balance during the exploitation and after mine closure 4.4.7 : Water management and 4.4.10.1: Water supply, in chapter 4.4. Description of operation, the process of water use in the mine is described and there is a reference to appendix 4.14.
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5.2.4.5 Quantity of surface water: part of chapter 5.0: Assessment of environmental and socioeconomic impacts in the summary of the environmental impacts. The discussion is focused on the definition of base flows and mitigation flows with reference to appendixes 3.20, 4.14 and 5.4. Appendix 4.14: summarizes the methodology, data and results of the water balance during exploitation and mine closure made through a probabilistic Goldsim model.
Mitigation of impact on surface water: 6.1.5 Mitigation of impacts: surface water: is part of the environmental management plan and it does a brief description of the mitigation measures. 10.4.5 Hydrology 10.4.6 Surface water: items included in the conceptual closure plan as part of the description of the residual impacts for the post-closure and mitigation measures, with emphasis in the water management for Perol and Chailhuagn pits. Feasibility studies of the reservoirs: 6.3.4.3 Facilities of water management: part of the emergency response, contingencies and identification of potential risk plan. It only deals with the stability of Perol and Chailhuagn reservoirs in case of seismic activities. Appendix 4.6 Tailing dam Design for the Conga Project- Stage 3: includes the feasibility studies of the Superior and Inferior reservoir. Appendix 6.2 and 6.3 Perol and Chailhuagn Water Reservoirs report on feasibility design, the only chapters related to the hydric component are the ones analyzing the eventual failure of the dams and its downstream effects 8.3 Summary of hydrology for the project area within the regional framework
In order to focus the hydrology discussion within the regional framework, two figures representing the river network, including the capacity stations of SENAHMI, in the area and the isohyets according to the National Inventory of Hydric resources of Peru (CEDEX, 1990) The analysis of the figures provides two conclusions. First of all, the lack of storage stations in the vicinities of the project area. This is logical since if there were some, they would control a very small surface of the basin, where there are no intense activities of resource use such as a regulation pond that will definitely require a storage station. Second, it is obtained by observing the media isohyets (Figure 40) since there could not be a concentration of rain in high zones, but it will be divided with certain uniformity, since the isohyets of 1000 mm/year are the ones dominating the area of micro watersheds Toromacho, Alto Jadibamba, Alto Chirimayo, Chugurmayo and Chailhuagn impacted by the project. SENAHMI has provided the media flows of the three stations closer to the project- summarized in Table 7.
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Station River Flow Period
Average monthly (m3/s)
flow
September October November December January February March April May June July August Annual
EA Jesus Tunnel Cajamarca 776 From 1968-1969 to 1998-1999 From 2003-2004 to 2010-2011 0.60 2.65 4.13 6.27 6.14 11.57 19.15 14.86 4.32 1.34 0.60 0.39 6.00
EA Llaucano- Corellama Llaucano 575 From 1977-1978 to 20102011 1.57 4.60 8.77 12.14 11.56 17.49 22.75 16.35 6.46 2.85 1.50 1.12 8.93
EA Maygasbamba Maygasbamba 152 From 1975-1976 2010-2011 0.30 0.93 1.57 1.78 2.03 3.52 3.94 3.95 1.42 0.60 0.31 0.22 1.71
to
Source: Data from SENAHMI (2012) Table 7. Average monthly flow registered in storage stations in the region. The data (Figure 38) reflects the problem of water users in the area- as in many parts of Peru - the lack of water in dry season is common, even though there is abundance during rainy season.
Source: data from SENAHMI (2012) Own preparation Graphic 38. Average monthly flow in storage stations close to the area of the project This information shall be crosschecked with the estimated flow data in the area of the project see 8.4.2, to have an idea of the relative values of the basin flow. The watershed from a point in Alto Jadibamba of 31 km2 would produce a flow of 0.58 m3/s and in Chailhuagn , 18.4 km2, 0.37 m3/s with specific flow of order of 20 L/s Km2. In the storage stations of Jesus Tunnel (river
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Cajamarca) and Llaucano (River Llaucano) seen in the table (Graphic 39) the total flows are 6 and 9 m3/s more than an order of higher magnitude and specific flows of 8 and 16 L/s/km 2. Therefore, the gross hydraulic resources generated in the area of the project are inferior to the micro basins impacted by it. In the Pacific basin, there is a direct relationship between rainfall and altitude, i.e., the specific flow decreases from the upper to the lower part of the basin. In the Atlantic basins, in the highlands, the same behavior can be also observed at least in the area of the Conga project according to the analyzed information, but at lower altitudes (Low Jungle o Selva Baja) the specific flow does increase. The media isohyets of the area do not show a clear relationship between rainfall and altitude (Graphic 40) 8.4 Technical analysis of surface water treatment in the EIA 8.4.1. Necessary Data The basic data needed for the analysis of surface water are the following: Cartographic data: needed for an hydrological characterization of the basins Meteorological data: rain, temperature and vaporization to stimulate the runoff flows Hydrometric data: flows systematically stored in permanent stations or measured in control campaigns Infrastructure data: Data on the structure with the capacity to modify the flow (reservoirs and channels) used to stimulate the real functioning of a system from the natural regime deduced from the hydrological studies. Water uses and demands: to analyze the actual functioning of the system. These data are strictly necessary for the EIA hydrological studies, which defines the effects in the natural flows of ravines and mitigation measures to be adopted. Nevertheless, they are useful to establish the area of influence of the project and to analyze the variation of water availability for users of the area. The following items describe the coverage, length of record and quality of data used in the analysis of the EIA, and specific studies where they have been used 8.4.1.1 Cartographic data The EIA gives few details on the cartography used for the hydrological studies. There is an isolated reference to maps and satellite images at scale 1:25:000 and 1:10:000. Nevertheless, this gap does not imply that there is a problem; since the information required for the hydrological studies surface of basins, slopes, etc.- does have a good quality, it can be obtain through a scale 1:100.000 map.
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Graphic 39. Regional hydrographic network
Graphic 40. Media Isohyets 8.4.1.2 Meteorological data The basic meteorological data needed for the hydrologic studies are rainfall and evaporation. Appendix 3.10 of EIA summarizes the information and treatments used. As usual in the case of new projects, the meteorological information of the site is scarce, so the rainfall analysis should use the existing official networks. In the case of the Conga Project, a total of 25 stations have been managed, 15 from Senamhi and 10 of MYSRL with a number of years of data that varies from 5 to more than 40. The following figures highlight the available information, in Graphic 1 and Graphs 15 and 16 of the appendix 3.10 respectively.
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Graphic 41 present the regional distribution of the stations- covering a broader area than the figure presented in chapter 2.3 of the EIA and it shows that there is a correct coverage of the territory with the exception of the zone NE, close to river Maraon, where there is station Celendin. Nevertheless, this zone presents much lower altitudes, 2.500 m or less, compared to the 3500 m of the area of the project so maybe the availability of such data for sure had provided less relevant information on the rainfall on the heads
Graphic 41. Location of meteorological stations used in the rainfall studies for the Conga project Graphic 42 is an example of typical distribution of rainfall in the area of the project. The old Minas Conga station at 3.790 m of altitude was selected because it is the only one which has data for 7 years, it is representative of the zone of the project. It is important to highlight that the average rainfall exceeds 1000 mm (see graph below). Moreover (graph bellow) rainfall in drier months June, July and August is much inferior to humid months December to March
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Graphic 42. Example of annual and monthly distribution of rainfall in the station Old Minas Conga located in the zone of the project This data is used to prepare the report Analysis of climatological data for the Conga Project (Knight Pisold 2008) with the objective to create design criteria for the project, the body and conclusion of the report are summarized in chapter 3.2.3 of the EIA. Temperature and relative humidity analysis was made with the data of the stations around the area: Old and New Minas Congas, even though records arent that old, since these are more stable variables than rainfall data. The evaporation is estimated by theoretical methods, which is an accepted practice due to the lack of sufficient records in a media of more than 1.100 mm/year. The rainfall data is used to extend and complete the monthly series registered in Old and New Minas Conga, until completing 41 years of regression with the close stations (see 8.4.2.1) The seasonal rainfall data have been used to determine the maximum rainfall in 24hr for different periods of return, as well as PMP.
8.4.1.3 Hydrometric data The actual circulating flow records for rivers and ravines are essential to understand the hydrology of the area and as a consequence to estimate the variations that will be experimented after commissioning, operation and mine closure. Within the EIA, there was no historical data of local flows when planning the project. Actually, the only official existing stations in the region (Table 8) are: Puente Corellama in Llaucano, affluent of Toromacho ravine, Maygasbamba in the river of the same name, affluent of Llaucano, Jesus Tunnel in the river Cajarmarquino downstream of Cajamarca and Puente Crisnejas in Crisnejas
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Station EA LlaucanoCorellama EA Maygasbamba EA Jesus Tunnel EA Pte Crisnejas
River Llaucano Maygasbamba Cajamarca Crisnejas
Annual average flow 8.93 1.71 6.00 45.37
Basin 575 162 776 4.150
Latitude 64111.00S 64027.00 S 71346,00 S 064300S
Length 78 31 5.00 0 78 31 28.00 0 78 2447 00 0 78 3200 0
Source: Own preparation with data of the Regional Government of Cajamarca (2007) and SENAMHI (2012) Table 8. Existing Stations in the region Due to the far distance of the stations to the project area and the extension of the watersheds this data cannot be used for the hydrological analysis in the area of the project. To solve the problem of lack of local data for the EIA- item 3.2 10.2 describes the campaigns of monitoring of rivers and channels made in 28 sampling points (Graphic 43) from 2002. In 25 of those points the measures are punctual and discontinuous. Only in three of them (highlighted in red), there was as continuous record. The points of discharge of the four basins which will be impacted in its surface flow by the project are highlighted in blue in the figure . Flow control campaigns are mandatory for the Peruvian Legislation according to the Regulation on Protection of the Environment. DSN 016-93 EM of 28 ABR-93 Chapter II Art. 9. 13 The flow magnitude from different sources and periods of record so they should be considered for additional analysis. Nevertheless the punctual controls provide less useful information in the hydrological analysis since they do not provide systematic measures- daily or monthly- and continuous that will be needed but they limit to measure some few days per months, and occasionally four or five. This data provide a limited vision of flow value ranges, in different times of the year but which are susceptible to the hydrological treatment. Nevertheless, the data from a continuous flow control is very valuable to study the hydrology of a basin and specially the relationship rainfall- runoff. Unfortunately, the three points of continuous monitoring with a 15-minute frequency records MCLCH and MCPSN in the Chailhuagn and MCPCH in Alto Chirimayo- has produced heterogeneous quality information. MCPCH contains almost two years (679 days) of flow info, enough to adjust a model of rainfall runoff. Nevertheless, in MCLCH, there are only 347 days with lots of gaps in dry seasons which are more interesting for the study and for the effects of the project to the flow and in MCPSN, there are even less, 29 days between November and December 2004, and then it stopped registering due to the destruction of the facilities according to Knight Piesold information (oral). The records of the MCPCH station are essential for the hydrological study on the current situation in the EIA and they have allowed to acceptably adjust rainfall- runoff model, as discussed later on. Nevertheless, it would have been convenient to get similar records in other basins particularly in
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Alto Jadibamba and Chailhuagn which will be the most impacted from the project in order to confirm the hydrological parameters of the rainfall-runoff process. Apart from river monitoring, another monitoring has been made in the channels of the area specifically in 21 channels of the basins in Alto Jadibamba, and Chailhuagn rivers and Alto Chirimayo ravine (Graphic 44) Between 2004 and 2006 records were made by the Commission of Monitoring on Water quantity and quality (COMOCA) From November 2006, there was an interinstitutional cooperation agreement between MINAG (INRENA), MYSRL and The Institute for Basin Conservation and Sustainable Development (CUENCAS) through a program of monitoring of water quality and quantity in the irrigation channels, located in the sub-basin of Porcn, Grande, Quinuaria, Azufre, Alto Yaucano rivers- Honda, Pencayoc, Chirimayo and Grande-Combayo ravines that lasted until 2010. In the EIA (Chapter 3.2 10.2) only 10 channels located within the area of study of the Conga Project were analyzed, especially Chailhuagn Yerbabuena channel (ccy8-1/CCYB-2) that is used by 50 users with 86 ha of irrigation. This is a channel that was identified during the field visits and it has well-built and maintained structures (Photo 18 and 19) which shows the importance of it in the area. The others do not reach 6ha and in some cases, it has one user.
Graphic 43. Stations of flow control
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Nevertheless, other stations located a bit far away were not analyzed but could be impacted by the project. Specifically the ones in El Bado (CEBA -1) with 16 users and 5.6 ha and Jerez Jadibamba (CJJ-1) with 280 users and 687 ha. both in river Jadibamba, downstream of the Inferior reservoir. Also the ones in Dos Tingos (CDT 1) with 15 users and 6.2 ha and Anaconda Channel (CAN-1) with 9 users and 3.4 ha downstream of Chailhuagn. These four channels are the ones in red in figure 44 while Chailhuagn Yerbahuena is highlighted in blue.
Source: Knight Piesold Consulting, February 2010 own material Graphic 44. Location of channels and near stations
Figure 18. Storage and initial section of Chailhuagn Yerbabuena channel
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Figure 19. Intermediate sections of Chailhuagn Yerbabuena channel. The problem of this information is expressed by the controls of river flow even though the legislation states it is mandatory; there is only a partial vision of the flow range around the controls, which makes it impossible to deduce the annual and monthly use of the resource that will be necessary for the analysis of service demand capacity. In fact, the frequency of measures is even lower than in the rivers, with a normal annual record each month. In any case, and by considering it is mandatory to do some flow controls, the existing channel and flow data registered is valuable information, on the system of water use in the area, even though they cannot be directly use in the analysis of current or future water balance. 8.4.1.4 Infrastructure data In the hydrological and resource analysis, infrastructure data needed is only works characteristics that have influence on the hydrological management, specifically, the useful capacity of the reservoirs and the eventual intakes and outlets, and the transportation network and water distribution channels. In the case of the Conga Project, the current infrastructure is minimal, since it is limited to the existing irrigation channels, described in the previous paragraph. There are no data on the maximum capacity that can be deduce from the flow records and that will be only needed in future studies related to water demand management. During mine operation and after closure, the characteristics of the proposed reservoirs have to be (Table 9) compared to the storage lost by the elimination of four lagoons impacted by the project (Chapter 3 of EIA Memory document) Original lagoon Perol Chica Azul Capacity 800.000 100 000 400 000 Reservoir Perol Superior Capacity 800.000 7.600.00 Type modification Transfer Transfer Transfer of
Mala Chailhuagn Total
100.000 1.200.000 2.500.000
Chailhuagn Inferior
1430 000 1.000.000 10.830.000
Transfer/increase of capacity Runoff pond
Source: Knight Piesold Consulting, February 2010
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Table 9 Capacity of proposed reservoirs These pond volumes are total. There is a dead volume foreseen in each of the reservoirs- located under the inferior intake -from 44.000 m3 in the reservoir Perol, 45 000 m3 in Superior, 110 000 m3 in Chailhuagn and 35 000 m3 in the Inferior with the objective to retain sediments. Therefore, the useful available volume for the services required in each one especially the mitigation flow, will be equal to the maximum minus the dead flow. 8.4.1.5 Water use and demands The only references to the use and demands in the area are flows obtained in the monitoring of channels and springs. The EIA was focused on analyzing and assessing the offer of hydric resource in the area with the goal of determining the flow of mitigation- compensate the reduction of the offer and do not generate negative impacts downstream of the area of the project. Nevertheless, this survey considers that it will be a great contribution to prepare a more detailed characterization of the demand in the area for the future management of the reservoirs. The approach of service improvement in the demand provided by the reservoirs proposed by the EIA could be analyzed in the future, as a positive impact that can contribute to convincing the impacted population. This analysis should be made in the framework of the environmental management measures of the project. 16. The estimated values and storage capacity could be less, due to the fluctuations derivate from the variability of rains and discharges 17. A volume of 100 000 m3 was considered, for Mala and Chica lagoons which would be a conservative estimation. 8.4.1.6 Conclusions The EIA has worked with correct data related to the hydrology of the impacted area. The problems of lack of data, and coverage of details of the area of the project are common in studies of such new areas. The exception to the conclusion are flow data, since there were three continuous control stations but only one of them collected acceptable data because the other stations were destroyed due to vandalism. This situation does not allow getting sufficient data in the two of the three points that would have been very useful for the hydrological studies of the EIA and even now. 8 year- data would have allowed the continuous update of rainfall - runoff models. In fact, more points of control could have been installed, to have at least five points of discharge in the micro basins or even some more points downstream. With this information- and without vandalism - we could have calibrated rainfall-runoff models in each of them. Some comments we will also make in 8.4.2.2: more additional data could have avoided the latent incertitude and assumption on basin parameters of Alto Chirimayo to be valid also for Jadibamba and Chailhuagn. 8.4.2 Hydrological studies 8.4.2.1 Rainfall and evaporation There are several analysis and studies on rainfall and evaporation in the area, described with certain detail in chapter 3.2.3 Climate and meteorology and Appendix 3.10 Hydrology of EIA. Some
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try to characterize these variables in terms of annual and monthly statistic parameters from the data registered in several stations, with no more preparation. The most important ones, for hydrological studies, are the ones trying to define a series of daily rainfalls to be used for a rainfall-runoff model to generate a series of daily trustful flows, due to the lack of records. This is the common method used in any hydrological study that tries to cover the lack of flow data with the relative abundance of rainfall data and the strong perspective of the analysis provided by the rainfall-runoff models. In fact, such instruments allow defining the parameters that characterize the hydrology of the basin, through the adjustment of flows calculated to the ones observed in very short series of two years of length or even one year- to then, generate a series of flow, using as data, the series available for rainfall. This has been the procedure used in the EIA. The adjustment of the hydrological model has been made by supposing that the rainfall in the basin of Alto Chirimayo is registered in the Old Minas Conga, between 01/11/2004 and 28/2/2007 in a two year and 4-month period. The series of original rainfall for this season has been extended and completed, to cover the period 1964-2008, through a regression by using data from the close stations, with that length of record. These procedures are universally accepted for the analysis of rainfall, when the coefficients of correlation are acceptable. In the case of EIA, in Appendix 1 of Appendix 3.10 Extrapolation of meteorological stations data from New minas Conga and Old Minas Conga the regression equations presented helped to fill and extend the stations of Old Minas Conga with the support in Carachugo and Maqui Maqui from MYRSL, located in the elevation of 4000 m with R 2 correct of 93%. Previously, the data of these stations was completed with other stations of SENAMHI, with the longest series but with less coefficient of regression, probably due to the distance and altitude. In any case, the R 2 are kept in values higher than 80% and therefore, acceptable(18). The result of these analysis is a series of monthly rainfalls in Old Minas Conga, which covers 1965 Jan and Oct 2006 (Graphic 45)
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Source: Knight Piesold Consulting, Feb 2010 and own material Graphic 45. Rainfall Series estimated in Old Minas Conga 1965-2006 (annual rainfall and monthly rainfall) 18 Other numeric assessments havent been made, according to the approach of survey Other type of rainfall studies has been used to determine the maximum rainfalls in 24 hrs. for periods of return of 2, 5,10,25,50,100, 500 and 1000 years, needed to characterized storm regime and for structural design. The estimation method used has been the usual one, the adjustment of historical data in each station through the statistic distribution of the Value Extreme Type I (Gumbel). Values obtained for the stations of altitudes closer to 4.000 m are 100 mm for 100 years of period of return. Furthermore, the probable maximum rainfall (PMP) has been estimated by a simplified statistical method which is correct since a detailed meteorological study for this phenomenon shall be done at national scale. The values obtained vary between 170 and 500 mm, in seasons with sufficient data to do the estimation. Such values have been calculated for meteorological characterizations of the zone and are used for the calculation of specific events (100 years, 25 years, event of 24 hours) for the design of by-pass channels and in the calculation of PMF for the design of overflow channel of the reservoirs, and the tailings pond intake. Regarding the evaporation, as commented in 8.4.1.2 the theoretical methods were estimated due to lack of records of the stations of the project area, operated by MYSRL. In concrete, the EPIC or Erosion Productivity impact calculator was used, with rainfall, temperature and solar radiation data.
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The media of the area is estimated in 1.211 mm in Old Minas Conga, and 1 110 in New Minas Conga. The monthly values in OMC vary between a minimum of 73mm in June and max. 123.3 in January. The general conclusion of the analysis of the meteorological studies is correct and adequate for the available information and on the other hand, it has quality and a normal coverage, compared to other not developed project areas, such as Conga. 8.4.2.2 Current flow of rivers and ravines and flows during exploitation and mine closure. The study of current flows has two objectives: Comply with the duties of the regulation on EIA to characterize the hydric regime of the project area Define the low flows that will be used as basis to assess the effects produced during exploitation, and the mitigation channels that will be provided to minimize them The characterization of the flows has been made by using several methods, described in the Memory of the EIA item 3.2, 10.2 as well as in appendix 3.10. Three variables have been analyzed in the so called sampling points or points of interest (EIA, chart 3.2.27 and figure 3.2.17) annual flows, monthly flow, and instantaneous maximum flow for different periods of return. The two first have been made to characterize, in general lines, the regime of flows of the area, through simple methods but correct ones, it is not considered relevant to comment on such calculations, since the results were not used for the determination of low flows which is the main objective of the flow analysis. In any case, it is interesting to observe the evolution of flows in the last 45 years of estimated monthly flows in one of the points of interest (Graphic 46) The third, the instantaneous maximum flows, apart from characterizing channels, can be used for structural design, but also as a marginal analysis, but mandatory.
Graphic 46. Flows of each year of the series 1964-2008 estimated in MC 11 (Alto Jadibamba, downstream of Lluspioc ravine) Nevertheless, this survey recommends a continuous update of the estimation of low flow of different probability, when more data is available, since it is a critical variable to establish the project impact. In effect, the problem of water users- as in most of Peru- is the systematic deficit of water in dry season, even though there are lot of volumes in rainy season, so effects on the capacity of water
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use concentrates as such in the dry season. The last figure shows with clarity that in rainy season there are years with low flow and in dry season there are always low flows. The methodology used to estimate low flows, is correct and adequate for the availability of historical data. The process is based on the adjustment of rainfall-runoff models in the sub-basins where there is sufficient data. Those models come from daily rainfall and potential media monthly evapotranspiration data representative from the simulated basin. With this meteorological data and a series of parameters that represent the hydrological characteristics of the basin, the hydrological cycle is simulated through diverse equations that reproduce the daily water circulation, from rain drops falling in the soil up to evaporation, storage in the soil and aquifers, or for rivers. The comparison of the calculated flows and the observed flows allows adjusting the hydrological parameters to prepare a very trustworthy model. The advantage of this type of models is that calculated flows are adjusted correctly to the observed one, in a relatively short period from two years onwards. It can be assured that the hydrological features of the basin and the calibrated model can be used to generate synthetic series to a historical series from the series of rainfall for a long term. In fact, it is a standard procedure, due to the feasibility of the application and the transparency of the results. The model used was HFAM of Hydrocomp. Inc. a continuous simulation model or a lumped parameter model that considers media values from the hydrological parameters in a basin originated from a basic methodology from Standford Waterhsed Model IV , the origin of multiple models of such type that are used worldwide. The methodology is explained in detailed in the document model of low flow Attached to the end of Appendix 3.10 of EIA Procedure stages are: Review of series of existing daily flow data to define the watershed where it can be possible to calibrate a model. In case of the EIA with only three points of continuous monitoring (see 8.4.1.3) one of those had 29 days of data, insufficient to adjust a model with guarantee. The others had 649 and 347 days with enough data for the adjustment. Nevertheless, the second was not used (MCLCH in Chailhuagn) since it has many days without collecting data in dry season for the records (Graphic 47) Therefore, a model with only one basin was constructed, the MCPCH in Alto Chirimayo, that was adjusted to a two-year series. This decision was correct, even though it would have been recommendable to do an approval of validity for the adjusted parameters, in Alto Chirimayo, for MCLCH in Chailhuagn.
Graphic 47 Continuous control of flows at MCPCH and MCLCH stations
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Selection of series of daily rainfalls representative of the watershed: Station of Old Minas Conga has been used, obtained by regression with the close stations with more data (see 8.4.2.1) Adjustment of the model: consists in the modification of the hydrological parameters that regulate the different processes- filtration, points, and periods of recession with special attention in this case recessions that are produced through rain interruption, since low flow estimation should be done correctly. The EIA does not provide details on the process, but the results allow qualifying the adjustments in a correct way. As show on figure 48, with some problems that will be mentioned as follows.
Source: Data provided by Knight Piesold Consulting (2012) and own material Superior Graphic: Simulated flows (HFAM I and observed in station MCPCH) Inferior Graphic: Simulated flows (HFAM I and HFAM II) and observed flows in station MCPCH Graphic 48 Results of models adjusted at MCPCH station The Superior graphic corresponds to the adjustment presented in EIA, rainfall was added to it, the lower graphic compares the adjustment with update that can be executed, after the edition of EIA with the new version of the model (HFAM II) that improves the adjustment a little, particularly in dry season, which confirms the conclusions of the initial model. The analysis of adjustment produces the following conclusions:
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The error in adjustment of the volume calculated regarding the observed data is 11% (intermediate graph of Graphic 49) a number that includes the errors of rainfall measures and/or flows in rainy season. Nevertheless, the error increases a lot if considering only the volume obtained in the two months simulated in dry season: June and September 2005 and 2006, which is 53% more than the observed (lower graphic of Graphic 49) o This error in the volume calculated in dry seasons is due to the fact that the fall of flow in days after rainfall is more extreme in the ones observed than in the calculated ones (highlighted areas in the superior graphic of Graphic 49) o The accumulated volume graphics, for all the series and for the two periods JuneSeptember highlight the systematic underestimation of the calculated flows. o Therefore, it was concluded that the adjustment needed improvements especially during dry seasons, since the one adopted tend to produce an overestimation of the minimal flows. In any case, it is an acceptable adjustment, within the difficulties of the areas with less data, such as Conga The big effect of the overestimation of flows15 for the model is translated in: o Low flows calculated by the model tend to be bigger than the real current situation, and flows of mitigation tend to be superior since the effects of the project, are equal in relative terms but increase in absolute terms. o At the beginning, the overestimation favors the interests of the impacted population that will receive greater mitigation flows. o Nevertheless, the capacity of regulation of the reservoirs could be reduced, while natural flows are reduced as well, since the volume accumulated calculated is bigger than the one observed. o Moreover, the capacity of regulation show on the EIA is enough, since bigger systematic inputs are produced, as show on a full pond scenario. Therefore, in the opinion of this experts review16 reservoirs could be able to serve as mitigation flows, even if natural flows were lesser than the ones calculated by the model. Even with problems in the adjustments, the rapid discharge of water surface, (cutaneous) that the hydrograms reflect, allows to eliminate the theory of an underground flow to other systems. The component of base flow produced in the basin by infiltration to the cutaneous surface aquifer, drain rapidly to the river. o
15 16
It is not a disqualifier comment but a common term used in hydrology. It is worth remembering that all of these opinions are exclusively based on the analysis of the results since data numbering or models functionality have not been proved.
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Caption:
Simulated flows (HFAM II) and observed at the MACPCH I) detail of the low flows Accumulated run-off volume in cubic meters Accumulated run-off volume in cubic meters: May to September Source: data provided by Knight Piesold Consulting (2012) and in-house data
Graphic 49. Details of the adjusted model at the MCPCH station: flows adjustment during dry seasons and of volumes in the complete series and during dry seasons.
In the new version of the model (HFAM II) made as part of the updates performed by the mining company, there are three components of flow; surface, interflow and base flow. The percentage of interflow is very high, 73% compared to 2% of surface runoff. By analyzing this problem you need to remember that the interflow is in reality a concept that uses this type of models to represent a surface flow which has a little delay in its adding to the river flow regarding surface. Therefore, both components shall be sum up since it is difficult to distinguish between them but they are different in net to the base flow. In the area of Conga, the interflow or sub-cutaneous flow, can be the flow that filters the surface of the soil where it circulates, nevertheless it occasionally flows in small springs and filters itself again.
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Once the quality is adjusted to the model, we can suppose that we know the hydrology of the basin of point MCPCH in the head of Alto Chirimayo. Therefore, the model is prepared to estimate the flows of the basin, from a series of representative rainfalls for a long period of time. In the EIA a random series of 21 years of rainfall has been used with the statistic distribution of the historical series in Old Minas Conga. Nevertheless, the model is adjusted for the basin of Alto Chirimayo, but not for the sub-basins of the basins of the other key points, since there were no continuous control data of flows for calibration of own models. Due to this difficulty, the EIA applies the current method of parameter transfer used in Chirimayo to Alto Jadibamba and Chailhuagn basin since these basins have a similar geology and recharge rates than the ones in Alto Chirimayo Nevertheless, it is considered not possible for Toromacho, since it has different features, so an alternative method has been used. The parameter transfer to similar basins is an accepted practice in hydrological studies. In this case it would be interesting to proof the quality of adjustments with the recorded data in MCLCH in Chailhuagn, even if they were gaps in dry seasons. The 21 year series of daily flows, in needed points, get statistical values with a methodology of low flow analysis, in terms of probability a 7 day minimum flow per year is less than the one calculated. This methodology, commonly used for maximum flows that behave like punctual independent statistical values is also used for low flows. But it does not have in consideration the persistence of the low flows in dry seasons. The minimum flows for 7 days are not isolated events, but in great way depend on the extension of the dry season and the magnitude of the prior rainfalls, and does not comply with the hypothesis of independence of analyzed events, where the method is based on. Therefore, it could be more convenient to focus the analysis on the percentiles of the flow which reflect not only the magnitude but the persistence and give a clear view of the functioning of the basin in dry season. The values obtained are presented in chart 3.2.58 of the Memory of the EIA, for probabilities between 1 and 99% that are reproduced in table 10 since it is a critical point of the study on surface waters. Within the options of probabilities, the EIA selected the 50% as the most representative of the base flow foreseen for the project area It is a correct hypothesis, since the return period of 2 years, indicates- approximately, depending on the statically distribution of the variable the minimal annual media flow. Chart 3.2.58 Summary of low flows (L/s) for 7 days, N years in selected locations
Period of return (N) in years (1)
Measure d flows
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during dry season (AugSept) (L/s) 100 Basins Alto Jadibamba Chailhuagn Key point MC-12 MC-11 MC-02 PCHA1 MC-08 50 20 10 5 0,2 6.3 28.1 12.3 6 2 0,5 9.7 42.8 19.4 10 1,25 0,8 14.9 65.3 30.5 15 1,11 0,9 18.7 81.4 38.6 19 1,0 1 0.9 9 32 13 7 47 32 Probability of Q q (decimal) 0,01 0,02 0,05 0,1 2.9 13.4 5.5 3 3.4 15.3 6.4 3 4.2 18.8 8 4 5 22.5 9.7 5
10-20 4-28 4-14
Alto 5.7 6.6 8.3 10 12.7 19.8 31.1 39.3 68. 11-29 Chirimayo 5 Toromacho MC-22 0,02 0,02 0,03 0,05 0,07 0.15 0.32 0.49 1.3 0.03- 1.3 (1) In the base of a normal distribution log of 2 parameters included in 21 years values of annual low flow (2) Based on correlations with measures of simultaneous flow in Stations MC-08 and MC-12 Source: Knight Piesold Consulting, February 2010 Table 10. Low flows in current situation (baseline) The range of flows that is used in the impacted zone is in dozens of liters per second, far away from the media flows of 6.000 L/s of Cajamarca river in the storage station of Jesus Tunnel or the 9.000 L/s of Llaucano-Corellama in Llaucano. Therefore, the effects of the project to the flow of the basins would be insignificant even if the inputs of the area of the project were eliminated totally. The calculation of the flow, after the effects of the project is simple. Since this type of models suppose media features of the basin17- that for such small areas is a correct hypothesis- it is enough to apply the calculated flows the proportion of areas between the basin left and get rid of surface impacted by the mining activity and the actual total. o Table 5.2.13 (Table 11) is the result of making these operations, to define the mitigation flows. It can be proved that the flows in mining have been obtained by applying the proportion of surfaces. o There is an incoherence of low importance between the flows of the previous chart and the ones in the table, apparently due to a typing mistake in the EIA. In the basin of MC-22 Toromacho has 0.15 L/s in the chart and 1.5 in the Table. Knight Piesold has verbally communicated that the correct values are in chart 3.2.58; nevertheless, in the memory as in the observation it is referred to the wrong flow value most of the time. This value should be corrected, together with the amendments of the Water Balance that in the EIA version applies to mitigation flows different to the Table 5.2.13 for the previous reasons explained. o
17
A lumped parameter model
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Table 5.2.13 Comparison of minimum flows (L/s) of pre mining and mining in key points Basin Code Period Area of basin Km3 Measured flows during dry season (Aug- Sep) (L/s) 10-20 Minimum modeled flows (L/s) Flow of reduction/Mitigation (L/s)
Alto Jadibamba
Pre Mining 7.4 Mining 7.4 % of 0% reduction MC-11 Pre Mining 21.9 Mining 11.8 % of 46% reduction Chailhuagn PCHA-1 Pre Mining 8.3 Mining 8.3 % of 0% reduction MIC 02 Pre Mining 14.5 Mining 12.5 % of 1.4% reduction Alto MC-08 Pre Mining 15 11.29 Chirimayo Mining 9.5 % of 37% reduction Toromacho MC-22 Pre Mining 2.1 0.03 1.3 Mining 0.82 % of 62% reduction Source: Knight Piesold Consulting February 2010
MC- 12
9.7 9.7 0.0 42.8 23.0 33.1 9.7 9.7 0.0 19.4 16.7 9.7 19.8 12.5 7.3 1.5 0-57 0.9
Table 11. Minimum flows of pre-mining and mining in key points. Therefore, to restore the natural flow of reference of 42.8 L/s in MC-11 in the dry season, downstream of the Lluspioc, the inferior reservoir should release 33.1 L/s since 9.7 L/s are not impacted by the project. The Chailhuagn reservoir shall release 9.7 L/s in dry season to restore the natural flow of 19.4 L/s of MC-02, since the basin of PCHA-1 is not impacted, should provide 9.7 L/s (if the value of 9.7 L/s of PCHA-1 is out of 10 L/s, as indicated in chart 3.2.58 instead of 9.7, the mitigation flow would be less than 9.4 L/s) The Perol reservoir has to provide 7.3 L/s to compensate the reduction of 19.8 L/s to 12.5 L/s after mining operations. The Superior reservoir has to release 0.9 L/s to compensate the loss of Toromacho, according to Table 5.2.13. Nevertheless, with the correct value of natural flow in MC-22 0.15 L/s the flow after mining will be 0.06 L/s and the mitigation 0.09 L/s
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Thanks to the prior summary, the study of natural and impacted flows due to mining has been created with normal methods used in this type of work and with acceptable results. Nevertheless, there are some observations regarding the methods and their application that require some recommendations: The improvement of adjustments in dry season for the rainfall-runoff model of the sub basin MCPCH of Alto Chirimayo should be tried. It would have been convenient to extend the period of adjustment by using the record of flow from Feb. 2007 but the sensor of flow was destroyed in this date and it was not replaced. Once the model is readjusted, it should be verified with flows of the MCLCH sub basin of Chailhuagn. In this line, it is recommended to install new monitoring points in MCLCH and MCPCH- that control Chailhuagn and Alto Chirimayo and place at least other two, one in Alto Jadibamba in point MC-11 or upstream of the confluence with Lluspioc ravine and the other in Toromacho, MC-22. We have to recognize the difficulty to keep operating this type of facilities, due to the numerous opportunities of vandalism due to the remote location. If a new adjustment is made or not, it is recommended to redo the analysis of low flow in terms of percentiles which give a clearer image of the functioning of the basin in dry season and it is the methodology used normally to define the ecological flows or maintenance.18 8.4.2.3 Modification to the drainage network In the prior topic, numerical aspects on the estimation of flow were discussed. Moreover, there is an effect on the drainage network that can be due to the disappearance of the four lagoons (Graphic 50) and 103 ha of wetlands, without forgetting the effects of the project at the head of basins. Now, the effects on the exclusive reference of the surface water balance are going to be commented, without environmental considerations that are out of approach of this survey. The lagoons are natural depressions formed by the glacier activity where runoff water is accumulated with a dam effect, produced by the moraines that create an impermeable barrier, in the natural outlet of water (Figure 20). Within the drainage network, lagoons are like reservoirs with low capacity of regulation and with a limited area of collection in the basin. The hydrological functioning, in wet seasons, is limited to collecting water of direct rainfall, surface runoff of its own basins and flows and interflows, increasing the reserves up to get the draining level of the moraine. From this moment, the incoming flow is compensated with the outlet to rivers, evaporation and occasionally some small variations of level. In dry season the balance is broken, since the incoming flow reduces itself and the level reaches a point where the lagoon cannot dewater flow. Then, an instable balance is reached, but the incoming flow is compensated with the evaporation and variations of level of the lagoon. Some filtrations may be produced from surface water, but they should be insignificant due less permeable nature of lime filling at the bottom of the lagoons, and other material and the small surface of infiltration.
18
Such as the Swiss Standard. Federal Switzerland Government. 1995, uses as a relevance the flowO347 that is overflow 347 days out of the 365 days in one year.
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Graphic 50. Lagoons impacted by the project
Figure 20. Lagoon Chailhuagn and discharge flow path Therefore, from the hydrological point of view, the lagoons work as reception areas that collect water in humid times and send to the river the exceeding volume. In dry season, they only provide water to the aquifer in small quantities, and lose part of the reserves due to evaporation. As a consequence, they do not constitute a big source for the ecosystem. The second effect to the network of drainage is the elimination of 103 ha of wetlands, Andean water lands made of peat and vegetation with quasi permanent humidity, practically like swamps (Figure 21) The item 3.5.3 of the EIA presents a complete characterization of these formations, supported in two specific studies: FDA and Maxim, that are not evaluated in this survey. In terms of contribution to the flow system, the role of the wetlands as natural regulators has been discussed, since they retain water in rainy seasons and sent it back to the drainage network in dry seasons. In opinion of this survey, their input to rivers and ravines in dry season is minimal, as show on the rapid fall of the river flow when rain stops. It is important to consider that the speed of water circulation is very limited in these materials, which reduces the input to the flows and increases the term of exposure to the evapotranspiration that should be very high.
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By doing a volumetric analysis, we reach the conclusion that 100 ha that may provide 20 cm. of level in four months in dry season, supposing that the capacity of storage is 50% would provide a constant flow of 10 L/s , a significant number but a small fraction of low flows estimated in the area of the project, that sum some 80L/s The conclusion is that apart from the environmental and landscape value, the wetlands in terms of hydric production, will provide a less significant flow in dry season, and they are considered implicitly in the analysis made with the HFAM model.
Figure 21 Wetlands: view from a helicopter and in detail. The last element of the network of drainage impacted by the project, are the head of basins. This is not a physical element, such as lagoons and wetlands, but a hydrological concept that is new for this survey. If considering a determined geographical area and not as an abstract simple reference to the higher part of the basins. Also a new regulation (for the survey) on this concern is the Law of Hydric resources of Peru (Republic of Peru, 2009) which includes the concept of head of basin in an explicit way whereas, other countries do not used or know about it. In general sense, there are some direct and indirect references, to the head of basin which states that they can be of great importance for the generation of hydraulic resources in the area. For example, there is a Colombian text (Prieto, 2004) - noting the difference between the Colombian basins and the area of the Conga project, which highlight the role of the head of basins. The abundance or scarcity of water- in a determined area depends on rains and flows, as well as vaporization and absorption. The beneficial action of forests on waters is evident when retaining it, stop it when coming down, keep the flow clean and avoid droughts, slides of land and floods. The protection of water starts in the top of mountains, where the moorland and glaziers are located, the high mountain basins originate their flow of water. It is necessary to take care of moss, herbal vegetation, bushes and trees, and use land by considering protecting the basins. When the regulator effect is lost in the head or cabezera, an increasing slide of particles begins and produces the depletion and loss of soil, turbulence of waters, disposal of materials, landslides etc. up to a big and inevitable catastrophe. The regulator effect of water currents gets lost without noticing and increasingly in the head of the small springs that constitute a big basin. Nevertheless, it is a fact that the Law of Hydric Resources of Peru uses this concept in articles 6.15 and 75 so it is mandatory to make reference to its application in the Conga Project. This problem is that in the law it is not stated and/or it does not appear in other sources, the technical criteria to define an extension of the watershed head, in each concrete case, which introduces a huge ambiguity in the management of this concept. The most specific reference is observed in article 75 which states:
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Article 75 Water protection The national authority, with the opinion of the Watershed council shall ensure for water protection which includes the conservation and protection of resources, ecosystems and natural goods associated to this in the framework of the law and other applicable regulations. For such objective, it can coordinate with the competent public body and different users. The national authority, through the corresponding Watershed council, has surveillance and control functions to prevent and fight against the effects on sea, river and lagoons due to pollution. It can coordinate, in such effect, with the sectors of public administration, regional governments and local entities. The State recognizes as vulnerable environmental areas, the heads of basin where water is originated. The national authority together with the Environment Ministry, can declare these zones intangible providing no right to use, disposal or dumping. To analyze the applicability of this article for Conga, we have to start with the evidence that the impacted zone is part of the basin head of the five micro-basins impacted. Since it is located in the higher parts of those, even though we cannot say where are the limits for those heads. With this preamble, we can analyze Article 75 of the Law. Its first reference to the head of basins is located in the phrase: The State recognizes as vulnerable environmental areas, the heads of basin where water is originated. There is no doubt about it, even though we cannot deduce that the head of a basin is the unique source for all waters in the watershed. In hydrological terms, the source of water is rainfall which after falling starts a process called hydrological cycle that ends with the incorporation of rain water to the rivers and finally to the sea. The quantity of water that is originated in each point of a basin depends on the magnitude of the rainfall and it simplifies itself during the process, losses for evapotranspiration which is the so called effective rainfall. Both variables depend on the meteorological and physiographical characteristics of the studied area. Regarding the magnitude of rainfall, generally it is bigger in higher areas, but there are lots of exceptions to the rule. For example in Peru, we can affirm that in the Pacific basins, but we cannot ensure it in all the extension of the Atlantic basins. On the other hand, we have the concept of optimal rainwater which means that, the rainfall increases with altitude until a certain level, and then it is reduced due to low clouds which produces rainfalls to get inferior levels. This process is a fact in these zones, and heads of basins, do not necessarily get a big input of rainfall, as some people where telling to the population. For instance, in the report of Phase I on a project promoted by the Governments of Colombia and Ecuador and the OAS General Secretariat 19 Order plan and management of basin of San Miguel and Putumayo rivers, you can textually read in the map of isohyets one can see the geographical distribution of rainfalls, which respond to a very simple pattern, an increase of rainfall until a certain altitude (1000 to 1200 mm) and then starting a descending level with the height
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Diagnosis studies made by the Technical unit of Ecuador and Colombia, as well as works of the Department of Regional development of OEA, within the basins plan San Miguel and Putumayo.
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To confirm this arguments, consultation with SENAMHI technicians were made which gave a more concrete reference of the relationship rainfall-altitude in the Amazon basin and especially in Peru. Regarding this issue, there are two specific articles on scientific publications to be highlighted. In Espinoza J.C et al. 2008 there is a relationship for all the Amazon basin (Graphic 51). It is observed that for altitudes around 25000 and 5000 m the rainfall keeps a very limited range of 700 to 1200 mm/year.
Figure 3. Relationship between altitude (masl) and annual rainfall (mm) for the 391 stations of the Andean countries (Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The stations mentioned in the text are indicated. Source: Espinoza, J.C., et al. 2008. Graphic 51. Relationship of rainfall vs. altitude in 391 stations in the Amazon basin of the Andean countries In Lavado, Ronchali, Labat, Espinoza, Guyot, 2012, there is a more concrete reference to the rainfall in Peru (Graphic 52) It is compared to the rainfall of altitudes higher than 2 000 m in the Pacific and Atlantic basin. There is a trend less used - to increase the level in the Amazonia area it is stabilize between 100 mm/year, even if the graphic is not really detailed to precise.
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Fig. 4. Relationships between altitude (masl) and mean multi-annual in situ rainfall (mm) during the 1970-2004 period in: (a) the Pacific drainage. Pd: (b) the Titicaca drainage. Td: and (c) the Amazonas drainage, Ad. Source: Lavado Ronchail Labat, Espinoza, Guyot 2012 Graphic 52. Relationship between altitude and rainfall in 1970-2004 periods in Pacific, Titicaca and Amazonas basin The conclusion in general terms- is that in the Atlantic effluent of Peru, there is no evidence of an increase of rainfall with altitude, so that the head of basin does not receive more volume of rainfall than the areas located in a lower level. At great abundance even if it is an study applied to the Pacific basin of Peru and considering the influence of El Nio, it is interesting to observe (Graphic 53 and Graphic 54) that in the studied areas, rainfall in higher altitudes, beyond 2000 m decreases (Pouyaud, Yerren Suarez, Arboleda Orozco, Suarez Alayza, 2008)
Graphic 53. Relationship rainfall vs. altitude, zones 5 +6
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Graphic 54. Relationships rainfall vs. Altitude, zones 1+2+3+4+5 (north 6 latitude South) In the case of Conga, the media isohyets we had access to, in order to analyze the problem, the CEDEX 1990, made for the National Inventory of Hydric Resources of Peru, National Plan of Irrigation of Peru (PLANIR) show on figure 55. The isohyet of 1000 mm/year (highlighted in points) is extended to relative uniform matter on the micro-basin impacted by the project. (24) while the maximum media rainfall (isohyet 2000 mm/a) closes on the higher part of the basin located in the West. Therefore, in this area the maximum rainfall seems not to be produced in the head. In the two stations equipped in the area of the project it is observed that the station located in the minor level, the Old Mina Conga (located at 3790 m) has a media rainfall of 1.211 mm, superior of the located in the higher altitude. The new Mina Conga (altitude 4 086) with media rainfall of 1.110 mm/year which will also reflect the addition that could be motivated by the optimal rainfall. On the other hand, the head of micro-basins impacted are of a highly impermeable terrain-as indicated in the high coefficient of runoff estimated in the EIA, which tend to reduce the loss of evapotranspiration and increases some effective rain by the time of giving more importance to the rapid cycle of surface runoff in front of the slow cycle of underground runoff. Nevertheless, for sure, this factor is not enough to compensate the fact that the rainfall in the impacted zone is of the same order of magnitude that in the lower zones. As consequence, in our opinion, it cannot be confirmed that the zone impacted by the project is the main origin of water of the micro basins, in a quantitative sense of the expression but its provides resources in a proportion to its surface since rainfall has the same magnitude than in lower zones and can even diminish compared to them, since it exceeds the altitude of the optimal rainwater. The other phrase of Article 75 is The national authority together with the Environment Ministry, can declare these zones intangible providing no right to use, disposal or dumping. This survey is not capable to do any judicial statement of this phrase but a hydrological point of view. It understands that the possible intangible zones are not necessarily the heads of basin, but any other area that for its unique characteristics should not be exploited but it is not the case of the project area. 8.4.2.4 Conclusions The meteorological studies presented in the EIA are correct and adequate to the information available, and has a quality and a normal coverage for projects in previously nondeveloped areas, such as Conga.
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The study on current natural flows, as part of the determination of the socio environmental baseline and the impacted flows by the mining project has mitigation measures based on normal methods used for this type of work which have had acceptable results. We gave special attention to the review of the definition process for predictable low flows that are the numeric basis to estimate the effects produced by the project and the mitigation measures to apply. The EIA has been based on the adjustment of a runoff-rainfall model that reproduces in an acceptable way the observed flows, in a sub basin of Alto Chirimayo. A detailed analysis of the adjustment indicates that the low flows could be a little underestimated. In principle, this will favor the interests of the impacted population that will receive more mitigation flows. 24 The estimations of the media rainfall in Old and New Minas Congas are 1,143 and 1,126 mm respectively, values that agree with the isohyet 1.000 of the figure For these reasons, it is recommended to review the analysis of flow if there is new data even though unfortunately the continuous control stations of flow were destructed and stop registering since 2007. It will be convenient to install new points of continuous control of flow in the four basins impacted by the project, as soon as possible. It is also recommended to repeat the low flow analysis generated by the model this time, in terms of percentiles, a methodology used normally to define ecological or maintenance flows, to give a clear idea of its magnitude that the one used in the EIA which estimates that the probability of the minimum flow of 7 days of one year will be less than the one calculated. These reviews would allow to update the calculations of the hydric balance presented in the EIA made before defining low flows, based on values estimated in 2009 by Knight Piesold, not included in the EIA. Independently from the quality of adjustment, the rapid emptiness of the surface system that reflects the hydrograms allow to avoid the idea of the existence of one significant underground flow to other systems. The base flow produced in the basin, by filtration to the surface aquifer, is drained rapidly to the river. Also, modifications to the drainage network in the area of the project has been analyzed specifically the elimination of the four lagoons, of 103 ha of wetlands and the effects to the head of basin. The analysis follows quantitative hydrological aspects. The elimination of four lagoons due to mining will reduce the flow of rivers and ravines, downstream due to lack of surface of the input basin but not because it will constitute an important source of resources for the system. In fact, from the hydrological point of view, the lagoons act like collection zones for water, in wet season, that provide the extra volume to the rivers, while in dry season they loss part of their reserves by evaporation, and they do provide water to the aquifer, but in small quantities. Regarding the wetlands, in order of magnitude, they provide a flow in dry season by differed drainage which is less relevant. Quantitatively, the reduced surface eliminated 103 ha compared to the 2000 of the area of the project, indicates that there is no place for a significantly reduction of flows, not even in dry season.
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Finally, the effects on the head of basin from the perspective of Article 75 of the Law of Hydric Resources of Peru was analyzed which indicates that the state recognizes heads of basins as environmentally vulnerable zones where water is originated For the survey, without considering the judicial considerations on this affirmation, it cannot be confirm that the impacted zone of the project is the main origin of water for the micro basin, in the quantitative sense of the expression, but it does provides input of resources in an approximate proportion to the surface. Therefore, the effects of flow on downstream water are in direct function of the surface of the basin eliminated by the project, as in the lagoons and wetlands.
Graphic 55. Media Isohyet in the region 8.4.3 Hydric balance of reservoirs 8.4.3.1 Statement Analysis The EIA made a balance of reservoirs in the framework of balance of water for all the area of the Conga Project Stage 3 presented in appendix 4.14. This analysis is needed to ensure that the mining process previewed have enough water for its operation with the restriction of providing the flows of mitigation needed. It is based on a simulation model Goldsim model of all water flows of the mine, from natural flows as well as mining processes and for facilities that can modify themreservoirs, concentration plant, tailing dam, sedimentation ponds- The Graphic 56 gives an idea of the complexity of the model scheme. The model simulates around 100 years for functioning of the system: 1.5 years of preview the development of activities in situ, 3 years of activities prior to development and commissioning of mine, 15 years of activities of exploitation and 79 years for closure and post-closure.
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Graphic 56. Flows of water in relationship with the project It uses a random generation technique of a non- specified number of rainfall series, of similar length to the period of simulation, since we try to reproduce the chronological sequence for the future of the different processes; it is not possible to use a historical series as representative of the future hydrology. With this group of series we can have different simulations that produce the corresponding chronological series of the implied variables especially in the reserves, the mitigation flows evacuated and the flows send to the overflow channel from the reservoirs, that are analyzed in terms of probability. It is important to point out that the flow of mitigation, in the reservoirs, are apply as a constant flow to be evacuated during 8 months. Therefore, the circulating flows by the rivers downstream the reservoirs will be a summation of the flows of mitigation (constant) and the outputs of the overflow channel that are produced by filling. This strategy of exploitation is correct, from the point of view of replacement of the impacted flow. Nevertheless, the service of demands for users downstream can be improved, if the model simulates a regime of exploitation for reservoirs based in the optimal management of reserves of stored water. In such case, instead of accumulation a fix flow, it will first drop the needed supplement to keep the ecological flow of rivers and to cover the demands of users. The channels of mitigation applied , in the version of the model of balance presented in the EIA, are defined in the previous study (Knight Piesold , 2009) Table 12, compares these values with the finally adopted in the EIA and shows that the inferior reservoir had the calculations of balance with less flow of the ones estimated by the EIA. While in Chailhuagn they are similar. Nevertheless, in Perol and Superior they are higher, even in the latter, we need to remember that the right value of flow of mitigation is 0.09 L/s since table 5.2.13 has a mistake (see 8.4.2.2) Reservoir Inferior Superior Perol Chailhuagn Mitigation flow (L/s) EIA Table 5.2.13 33.1 0.9 7.3 9.7 Model of balance 15.0 2.0 12.0 8.0 Difference 18.1 -1.1 -4.7 1.7
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Table 12 Mitigation flow of water balance model Even so, it is important to consider that this comparison is not the right one as a whole, since it is done between flow and volume. In fact, a media flow of 7 days considered as minimum admissibleresult from the EIA- with a constant flow, which in the hydric balance, is stored during 8 months and then is added to the flows from the reservoirs. In the item (8.4.3.2) all the influence of the flow applied in the balance are commented in detail. Therefore, all comments made on the results of the calculations of balance are conditioned to the update of the model of mitigation flows. Other important aspect to comment is the model of generation of flows used in Goldsim, called Module of Basin performance which is different from the HFAM model adjusted to the point MCPCH of continuous monitoring. It is a model of runoff-rainfall which is explained in less detail in appendix 4.14, but that appears much more simplified than the HFAM. Nevertheless, in Appendix 4.14 it is stated that the Module of performance has been adjusted with data of a six- week monitoring of instantaneous high density flow during the last period of the rainy season of 2004, follow by the events of instant monitoring during the dry season. The module of performance has been verified from then with additional data from the monitoring of flows gathered from 2004 even if we do not find any calibration data, it is expected to be correct, since the interest of the mining company to know the balance of water in the area of the project is big in order to correctly design its operations. The fact that they used different models obliges to compare the results for the same series of rainfall. Even if the EIA does not do any reference to such comparison. After asking Knight Piesold we found out that it was done, and some numerical data was sent to proof this fact. Graphic 57 presents the results of this comparison. The inferior graphic highlights the detail of the inferior flow of 30 L/s It is observed that the adjustment is bigger than the HFAM in the low flows (see zones in circles) since the fall after rainy days is simulated and on the other hand, the adjustment of the volume is also better (Graphic 58). It is important to highlight that even if the definition of low flows is essential to adjust the dry periods, especially in terms of flow for the hydric balance and the study of functioning of the reservoirs, it is important to correctly adjust the volume calculated. These considerations reaffirm the recommendation given in 8.4.2.2 on the convenience of trying to get a better adjustment with the HFAM to give a better guarantee to the flows of the mitigation flows, or even state if in the case of not getting it, it would be better to use the Goldsim instead of HFAM to generate the series of flows to be analyzed. Flows simulated (HFAM and GOLDSIM) and observed in the MCPCH station: detail of the two low flows.
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Graphic 57. Results of the model adjusted in the MCPCH station with HFAM and Goldsim: flows
Graphic 58. Results of the model adjusted in the MCPCH station with HFAM and Goldsim: volume accumulated 8.4.3.2 Evolution of the reserves in reservoirs. Graphic 6 to 9 of appendix 4.14 of EIA, provide the volumes in the reservoirs: Superior, Perol, Chailhuagn and Inferior and these are reproduced in figure 59. The graphics represent the average evolution with a 5% of probability (extreme drought) and 95% (extreme humidity) In any case, the trend is to keep the full reservoirs with the exception of the Superior Reservoir which is sensitive to the schedule of development of the project, since it is not filled completely during the operations of mine, even in humid years. Therefore, the EIA recommends its construction
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and filling as soon as possible. The others, particularly the Inferior and Chailhuagn are practically full for any probability. Therefore, all the reservoirs have the exceeded capacity to evacuate the flow of mitigation applied. The table Obs89-a and Obs89d of Observations from Minem give a numeric summary that confirms these conclusions. For instance, the dropped volume for filling the Inferior reservoir is in the order of 4 times more than the mitigation flow in dry season and more than 40 times in humid times, in the most pessimist hypothesis of a dry year of 5%
Graphic 59. Provisions of reserves in the reservoirs in terms of probability This indicates that on the one hand, the reservoirs, apart from having a sufficient capacity to serve the mitigation flows they could regulated even more the natural flows if they were bigger. On the other hand, it is foreseen that this conclusion would not vary if the analysis with new flows of mitigation was repeated as recommended. 8.4.3.3 Conclusions There are two types of conclusions, relative to the methodology of the Goldsim model used for the hydric balance of the reservoirs and relative to the results of the balance presented in the EIA Regarding methodology, the arguments presented in item 8.4.3.1 stated that the situation is a little confusing, since it is convenient to summarize it in the following reasons and recommendations: The rainfall-runoff model of Goldsim used for the analysis of water balance, appears to be more simplified in the HFAM which will lead to suppose that the results would not need an exact adjustment for those. Nevertheless, it produces a better adjustment than the HFAM to the flows of continuous control of flows in MCPCH, particularly in the low flows, according to results provided by Knight Piesold. On the other hand, the mitigation flows, used in the balance are different to the estimates in EIA. In any case, the hydric balance is conservative in its proposal withdraws more volume than the ones strict demanded by the mitigation flow since it guarantees a minimal flow during 8 months and it
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sums the input for the filling of reservoirs. In the future updates of the balance better available estimations should be used in each moment. If the recommendation of improving the adjustment of model HFAM is taking into consideration, and if the estimation of low flows of reference is improved by the method of percentiles, we could probably get different mitigation flows than the ones that have been used. In such case, a new balance should be made with them, to see if the reservoirs have the sufficient regulation capacity to provide a flow of operation and mitigation needed. This recommendation would not suppose a problem since systematic updates are made to the balance calculations. In fact, the response to observation 89 of MINEM says that: the hydric balance is updated at least once a year as part of the design of the ongoing project Regarding the conclusion related to the results of balance, it is proved that the reservoirs have an extended capacity to support the mitigation channels and with all probability, even bigger flows such as the ones that can be obtained after the review. Moreover, the balance estimates that the reservoirs would be kept full, in any circumstances so that the increase of capacity will improve considerably the capacity of regulation of natural flows. In this regard, the possibilities of management of reserves of water in terms of service for demands on channels, in general, of all water users, downstream from the reservoirs, would be also improved, through a higher increase of flows in dry season. 8.4.4 Mitigation of impacts on surface water Chapter 6.1.5, 10.4.5 and 10.4.6 of EIA summarized the measures of mitigation of impact. In essence, in relationship with the quantity of surface water, these measures are discussed in the prior items, since the construction of reservoirs allows applying the proposals of the EIAreplacement of volumes needed to compensate the loss of bodies of technical water- Perol, Mala Azul and Chilca lagoons - and the release of mitigation flows. The compensation of volumes of the lagoons is met with the new reservoirs (Table 13), this argument is in certain measure unnecessary because there is no need to substitute the lagoons lost by the equivalent volume but the water lamina similar to try to recover the environmental services eliminated. Original lagoon Perol Chica Azul Mala Chailhuagn Capacity (m3)25 800.000 100.000 400.000 100.000 1200.000 1 000.000 10.830.000 Runoff pond Reservoir Perol Superior Chailhuagn Capacity (m3) 800.000 7 600 000 1 430 000 Type of modification Transfer Transfer Transfer Transfer/increase of capacity
Inferior Total 2600.000 Source: Knight Piesold Consulting February 2010
Table 13. Compensation of water volume after eliminating the lagoons In terms of availability of water, we should compare the volume of reserves used, i.e. Volume managed for regulation, which is essentially null in the lagoons, since they work as overflow dam,
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without doors, and no sewage at the bottom, that only laminate the points of the flow. Nevertheless, the reservoirs proposed will have a deep sewage that will allow to manage practically the whole reserve in exchange of producing variations of level particularly in dry season but with important benefits for the users downstream if the operation of the reservoirs is done correctly and with participation of all social agents implied in the water management. The second aspect of impact mitigation on surface water is the mitigation channels that will lead to the reservoirs to compensate the loss of flow by eliminating collection surface of the basin. The concept is clear and the statement is correct. Nevertheless, in prior items of 8.4 we have discussed widely the need to review the magnitude of flows of mitigation to be guaranteed even if we can ensure that the reservoirs will get sufficient capacity, even in the case they are bigger (27)
25
It is indicated that the estimated value and the capacity of storage could be less, due to fluctuations derivate from the variability of rainfalls and discharges.
26.
It is indicated that the volume of 100.000 m3 is considered for Mala and Chilca lagoons, which represent a conservative estimation. But there is a possibility- that the calculations shall be analyzed- that users of water can be benefit from the good management, not only to guarantee the minimum of compensation but to increase at the irrigation level that they use in current conditions. A great part of the chapter 6.1.5.3 of the EIA measures of mitigation by modification of the drainage network and variation of capacity of storage is dedicated to control of sediments, aspects not treated up to now in this chapter, it does not correspond strictly to the surface quantitative components of the flow. Nevertheless, the production of sediments, in an area of mining, is a problem that we cannot forget. The EIA propose several measures that can divide it in two types: to limit production of sediments and tend to reduce to the maximum contact waters with operation zones. The first one, propose a reduction of the generation of sediments in sources by implementing intense BMP (Good practices at work of the International association of control of erosion and sediments IECA) during the stages of construction and operation and recovery of the project area during the operation stage. These types of measures are correct to follow, and only need good control and continuous follow up to ensure efficiency. The second ones preview two types of measures, construction of structures of water deviation and reservoirs. The bypass structures are peripheral channels to the mine facilities that intercept and deviates water to the natural runoff, to minimize the volume that gets in contact with the reactive materials of the mining zone. These structures are also limited to the loss of surface in the river flow. Furthermore, there are others that serve to manage contact water, collect and channelized it towards the water treatment plant defined at the feasibility level The reservoirs on the other hand, retain sediments in a dead pond. Theoretically the volume previewed is enough to keep the quantities estimated of storage of sediments for an event of 100 years, without cleaning. The Perol reservoir foresees a dead pond of 44.000 m3 for a volume previewed of sediments of 40.000. Chailhuagn reservoirs : 110.000 m3 to keep 100.000. Superior
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45.000 for 13.000 m3 of sediments and Inferior 35000 m3 to keep 12000 m3 Since it is difficult to quantify with precision the volume of incoming sediments to the reservoirs it will be important to keep a continuous control of evolution of deposits and take some needed measures to avoid blocking of drainages that will not allow the water management in the reservoirs. Chapters 10.4.5 and 10.4.6 of the EIA describe the residual impacts for post-closure and mitigation measures in hydrology and surface water. Regarding draining network it is specified that the by pass channels of surface waters that are considered for operation stage will be close even if structures of sediment blockade will be rehabilitated as part of the final closure of the project so that original drainage networks will be used and the reservoirs shall be keep on adding flow for the mitigation channels. It is important to observe that once operations stops, the Superior reservoir will not have to add water to the process, so it can be used to increase the flows of Alto Jadibamba and Toromacho in dry seasons and keep the wetlands that will be created in the tailing ponds. Item 10.4.6 is focused on the measures of water treatment quality recovered from the Perol and Chailhuagn pits, and the waste dump. It is estimated that the quality of water of Chailhuagn will be similar to the current conditions, so that network of drainage could be sent without problems. Nevertheless, waters coming from the pit and waste dump shall be sent to the water treatment plant before going to the inferior reservoir for its incorporation in the drainage network. The analysis of validity of such measures is done in chapters that deal with water quality. 8.4.5 Direct and Indirect Areas of influence The previous chapters have no consideration regarding the areas of direct or indirect influence of the project, whose extension is questionable regarding different opinions. The EIA uses an impact approach on the surface water balance in item 5.2.3.5 within chapter 5. Assessment of environmental and socioeconomic impacts. In this section dedicated to surface water in terms of quantity it indicates that the The AID of surface water in terms of quantity of the Conga Project will be composed by networks of drainage that will be impacted as consequences of direct movement of project infrastructure It also adds that the zones between the facilities of the project and most important the inclusion or not within the AID of downstream zones of the facilities of the project depends on the mitigation effect Regarding the area of indirect influence, it indicates that the AII includes the same zones of AID, depending on the significance of impacts out of the AID, conditioned by the effects shown by mitigation measures, the AII could include additional zones or not. With such criteria, the conclusion reached by the EIA is that AID is the same for quantity and quality of surface waters, and that AII coincides with it. There are no differences between the AID of the construction and operation (figure 5.2.8 and 5.2.9 of the EIA and Graphic 60 of such document) On the other hand, the regulation on protection of the environment by MINEM 2003 does not create objective criteria for delimiting the areas of influence; therefore, the ones used in the EIA are acceptable from a legal point of view.
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From the point of view of the quantity of surface water and having into account the excess of capacity of the reservoirs to release to the mitigation flow, it is proposed to include between the future beneficiaries of water, the users located downstream of the AII For instance, in Alto Jadibamba it should reach at least up to Jerez Jadibamba (Graphic 61 upper graphic) with 280 users and 687 ha which is one of the biggest users of water in the basin. The reasons arent technical but as a sign of good will towards the population of the area. In Chailhuagn it should be extended towards channel Dos Tingos (Graphic 61, intermediate graphic) and in Alto Chirimayo up to Lozano Izquierdo (Graphic 61, lower graph) Nevertheless, it is not reasonable to include a basin as extended as the one of River Cajamarca in the confluence with Chonta and Sendamal with other basin flows of 776 and 409 km2 since their flows will be impacted, by being downstream the project but in an insignificant magnitude, in 0.3 and 3.8% respectively.
Graphic 60. AID and AII of quantity and quality of surface water in stage of construction and extension relative to the area of the project, in relationship with the downstream basin
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Graphic 61. Proposal of inclusion of beneficiaries of water regulated in the reservoirs in Alto Jadibamba, Chailhuagn and Alto Chirimayo microbasins: detail 8.4.6 Feasibility Studies for the reservoirs These studies - presented in the EIA in appendix 4.6 for the superior and inferior reservoirs and in 6.2 and 6.3 for Perol and Chailhuagn do not correspond strictly to the surface component of hydric balance, but it is mandatory to do a reference on them. To start with, it is important to highlight that what a feasibility study is in this section, it is not for the construction so all the characteristics need to be subject to a review in the sub following phases. Indeed, in all phases after the feasibility it shall comply with the Peruvian legislation In this regard, it is not possible to find reference in appendix 4.6 to the type of deep sewage that the superior reservoir uses. It is a safety element that is probably mandatory in the dam legislation of Peru, so it kept our attention due to its absence in the project. According to the verbal information of Golder, it cannot have a conventional deep sewage since it is dam that supports the tailings dam but this does not justify the absence of topic in the report. Even if it is at feasibility level, there are some studies of dam failure that were analyzed in case of any effects against the population and goods downstream. The studies can be classified as preliminary, made without a detailed cartography and will have to be refined in later phases.
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Finally, it is good to recommend the possibility to increase the size of reservoirs to increase the capacity of regulation and as a consequence, the magnitude of flows at disposal for users downstream. The future projects should contemplate this alternative. 8.5 Conclusion on effects of the surface water component The analysis allowed to conclude that the studies presented in the EIA analysis had sufficient detail in all aspects of the project that can affect the surface water component. The data used is correct, even though there are some deficiencies; on the other hand, a common case in isolated areas of small size in the hydrological scale. The methods used are also correct with some discrepancies regarding the procedure or results that do not affect the general conclusions, even though they need to be corrected. In this sense, the effects on the surface water component are well valued and the measures of mitigation proposed are correct. The actions guarantee that the impact of the project will be minimized, basically through the construction of three reservoirs for exclusive use as replacement of the impacted flow and four reservoirs for shared use with the mine that will be used for flow replacement after closure. In fact, the reservoirs proposed can improve the management of water in the micro basins, more than the replacement of flows impacted. A participative reservoir management would allow releasing the complementary flows, required in each time for water users, even with a higher objective than the current one that will allow increasing agricultural production. The EIA does not discuss such aspects because the regulation only obliges to guarantee mitigation flows. The analysis of loss of the four lagoons and 103 ha of wetlands is focused on the qualitative and quantitative hydrological aspects. The disappearance affects the flows generated in the area of the project but in proportion to the lost surface of the basin, that is small, so the impact will be less significant, and even the estimations made in the EIA. In no way could it be considered as a unique sources of water. The effects in the head of basin is the same type that the one produced by the loss of lagoons and wetlands- included in them-i.e. practically proportional to the area impacted. The rainfall in the heads is similar to the ones in lower zones. As indicated in the media isohyets available. Therefore, it cannot also be considered as unique sources of water for the micro basins, as could be deduced of a literary interpretation of Article 75 of the Law of Hydraulic Resources of Peru. The EIA declares as areas of direct and indirect influence (AID and AII), due to quantity and quality of surface water, the area located where the facilities of the project are going to be located. It is an acceptable criterion since from a legal point of view, the Regulation on the protection of the environment MINEM 2003 does not establish objective criteria for delimitation of areas of influence. Nevertheless, it would be convenient, for reasons of proximity with the population around the mine, to extend the future of the AII, to include at least some collection points of important or close water users, for instance the channel Jerez Jadibamba in Alto Jadibamba that irrigates 687 ha of 280 users up to Dos Tingos in Chailhuagn or Lozano Izquierdo in Alto Chirimayo. It will not be reasonable to include extended basins such as the surroundings of Cajamarca or Sendamal , whose flows are impacted downstream by the project but in insignificant magnitude from order 0.3 and 3.8% respectively.
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The EIA does not make a reference to the possible impacts of climate change on the rainfall, recharge and future flows. It is true that at the current moment, there are no provisions on the impact of climate change in different zones- at least not enough to apply the level of hydrologic studies in detail- but it is recommended to do this analysis in the updates of the hydrological studies and recharge (Bergkamp et a. 2003) For instance, , the effect of a variation of rainfall and potential evaporation of the range managed in the last studies on climatic change impact in these zone of Peru could be proved through a model. Some reflection could be made even speculations on the risk of reduction of future flows of the zone. These are some general conclusions. They can be detailed as follows: The EIA analyses with sufficient detail all the aspect of the project that can affect the surface water component. These are: The effects of circulating flows in rivers and ravines located downstream of the project area and the definition of mitigation flows needed to minimize them The effects on the drainage network- loss of lagoons and wetlands and effects of the basin heads and the corresponding measures of mitigation The proposal of reservoirs with capacity to guarantee the flows of mitigation previewed in the water balance of the area of the Conga project, including the mine facilities. The remnant effects after closure of mine and the mitigation measures The studies made are based on a group of meteorological, hydrological and physiographic data for the analysis to be made, even though it has certain deficiencies. The lack of meteorological and hydrometric data in the area of the project, due to the location in an underdeveloped area and because of its size: too small to get control points from official networks. This is a recurrent problem of studies in this type of zones. As a consequence, since the very first phases of the development of the project, some stations of records for rainfall and continuous control of flow were installed and some participatory control campaigns were made.
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Graphic 62. Proposal of inclusion of beneficiaries of water regulated in the reservoirs of Alto Jadibamba, Chailhuagn and Alto Chirimayo microbasins: general plant. The biggest problem for hydrological studies has been the lack of continuous monitoring stations. First, in 2004 there were only three installed, two of them in Chailhuagn and the other in Alto Chirimayo. It would have been better to install another one in Alto Jadibamba Segundo since the three sensors were destructed and one data from one stations can be used, a two year record. The studies of EIA have used correct hydrological methods to work with the lack of data, even if it results in certain incertitude regarding the quality of provisions. The studies of current natural flows, as part of the determination of the socio environmental baseline and of the impacted flows by the project, in order to establish mitigation measures, is based on commonly used methods in this type of work which have had acceptable results. Some observations will be still made: The instrument for such studies is a rainfall-runoff model adjusted to the continuous control station in the flow of the basin of Alto Chirimayo. The analysis of the results of the model induces to think that the low flows and mitigation flows deduced from them could be underestimated. This will favor the interests of the impacted population that could receive bigger mitigation flows. Therefore, it is recommended to update the studies, not only the generation of flows as the capacity of regulation of reservoirs. Low flows representative of each point of discharge of the area of the project has been estimated in function of the statistic distribution of the average seven consecutive days. It will be correct and transparent to classify them in percentiles- as normal- to define the ecological flows and maintenance flow, even though the criteria of selection of percentiles can be also subject to discussion. Independently from these observations, the hydrograms indicate that the surface system empties itself faster, after rainy season, which eliminates the existence of an underground drain to other systems, through a deep underwater flow. The base flow produced in the basin by filtration of cutaneous surface aquifer drained fast to the river.
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The capacity of the reservoirs, to guarantee the flows of mitigation, has been analyzed through a balance in transitory water regime in the area of the project: A model of simulation of operation for water management of the mine has been used based on the generation of series of probable rainfall This model has not been developed to analyze the capacity of reservoirs to guarantee the flows of mitigation but it is very basic to analysis and design operations of the mine, up to the point that it is updated each year. For own interest of the mining company, the model shall be able to analyze correctly the water management. The results presented in the EIA indicate that the reservoirs will keep practically full during the operation, closure and post-closure, to guarantee the drain of supposed mitigation flows. Nevertheless, the calculations have been made with different flows from the defined in the EIA, so it will be convenient to repeat them with correct values. If the review of the low flows recommended by this survey will be taken into account, it shall be used with hydrological parameters and flows obtained to ensure that the reservoirs can guarantee the flows of mitigation Some changes in the drainage network are previewed in the area of the project, due to elimination of four lagoons and 103 ha of wetlands. This effect has been analyzed from the point of view of the reduction of available flows: Loss of four lagoons Perol, Chica, Azul and Mala- will reduce the flow downstream in proportion similar to the loss of a surface of the basin. They cannot be consider unique sources of resources in the system From the hydrological point of view, lagoons act as collection zones of water in wet seasons, that provide the exceeding volume to the rivers, while in dry seasons they lose part of the reserves through evaporation, and give water to the aquifer in small percentages. The wetlands provide in dry season a flow thanks to differed drainage, but not relevant. The eliminated surface 103 ha. is a small fraction of the total so the loss would not produce any significant reduction , not even in dry seasons. The effects on the head of basins have been analyzed from a point of view of the article 75 of the hydric resource law of Peru which indicates, among others that the State recognize as environmental vulnerable zones the heads of basin where waters are originated Apart from the judicial considerations, the impacted zone is not the main origin of water in the micro basins, but provide resources in proportion approximately to its surface Therefore, the impact of the modification of the head of basin downstream will be in function of the basin surface eliminated by the project, as in the lagoons and wetlands. 8.6 Recommendations They can be classified as the ones related to the improvement of the estimations of the EIA and the hydrological knowledge of the area, and the ones about control and follow up of the actions proposed in the EIA, especially regarding mitigation of the effects in the river flow The ones related to the improvement of the estimations of the EIA affect the definition of the low flows and hydric balance. For the first, it is recommended to improve the adjustment of the runoff-
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rainfall model (HFAM), calibrated in Alto Chirimayo, particularly the hydrograms, since they tend to overestimate the low flows, based of all the subsequent analysis. Even if this overestimation could benefit the users downstream, since they will be receiving more mitigation flows. It is convenient to refine the results. Once the model is readjusted, it should be verified with the flows of the Chailhuagn MCLCH sub basin, which was not considered in the EIA works for having so many gaps in dry season and to have a problem with the validity of transposition of the parameters adjusted in Alto Chirimayo to this basin. Moreover, it would be convenient to recalculate the low flow through a range of percentile method used in the estimation of ecological flows- which is more transparent and correct than the one used in the EIA, of probably adjustment of media flows for 7 days, when they are not isolated events such as the dry season flow. On the other hand, due to the sequence of creation of different studies, the water balance presented in the EIA applied some mitigation channels different to the defined on it. It should be convenient to review the balance in the hypothesis that some mitigation flows are the ones of EIA or in any case, the ones corrected could be deduced in the next review. Each review could cover without problems the additional cost in the systematic updates of balance that the mining company did. The recommendations referred to the control and follow up of the actions proposed have multiple objectives. The primary one to allow the Ministries with competences on the process to ensure that they comply with the previsions and proposals of the EIA, and then apply correcting measures when needed. The secondary, but not less important, would be to give information to the population potentially impacted with maximum transparency. The third will be to register systematically and from the very first moment, all the meteorological and hydrometric information possible to increase the knowledge on the hydrological behavior of the basins. The control and follow up is based on the establishing of a network of storage of hydro meteorological data more complete than the current one, and the definition on the protocols of analysis of data and production of reports of follow up. The meteorological data which is collected currently in stations of Old and New Minas Conga, complemented by the other stations of MYSRL, are enough to define the rainfall in a small area. The bigger deficit of information will be in flow data since the three stations of continuous monitoring, installed in 2004 were destroyed by vandalism in 2007 or before, and they lost vital data to improve the hydrological knowledge of the area. Therefore, it is recommended to install, as soon as possible, new points of continuous control of flows in points of outlet of the area of the project, in five micro basins which will allow adjusting the runoff-rainfall model independent for each and analyzing if the hydrological behavior is similar. Naturally, it is important to solve the problem of safety for the facilities, but this survey does not know the measures to achieve this goal. As complement of this control will be convenient to add a point downstream particular in Alto Jadibamba- for example before the collecting channel Jerez Jadibamba and in Chailhuagnbefore the channel Dos Tingos for being in the basins more impacted by the project without avoiding the possibility to control also the Alto Chirimayo. From this a hydrological knowledge can be very valuable for the functioning of bigger basins.
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It will also be interesting to control a point of a basin that is not impacted, for instance Chugurmayo that will be used to control the natural changes of the hydrological regime produces in simultaneous way but independently to the effects of the project for instance the ones induce by the climate change. It would be essential to achieve that the monitoring could be considered participatory, by applying the protocols of approval of these records or the preparation of manual complementary controls that involve the communities of the area, in whose design should participate sociologists, with good knowledge of the problem. It may sound a utopic proposal but the trust of the communities in the results of the control would increase if they have access to data in real time, which would allow comparing with its informal observations on the circulating flow for the points of storage of the channels. We have to remember that the simple accumulation of data does not reach the objectives per se. Therefore, they needed to be complemented with systematic treatment protocols of the information received. The frequency and content of the analysis to be made and the pertinent reports, the alert and emergency levels in case of anomalies- relative to failure in data, unusual data or no compliance with expectations of EIA- the actions to take in case of problems and mechanisms of widespread of information should be defined with graphics to make control and follow up with the maximum transparency. A recommendation, especially important, is to prepare the procedures of management of three reservoirs used exclusively in the mitigation flows and after closing also in the superior reservoir. This action has to levels: financially one should ensure the availability of funds to make the management adequate and the operational, by defining the management schedule and decision making for exploitation of reservoirs. Regarding the financial approach, it is recommended that the propriety of reservoirs be kept with the mining company and in this way it will be responsible for its maintenance so that we should only define and ensure the availability of economic resources needed for the functioning of management bodies of water to be implemented. The operational path has to define the structure of management bodies. For sure the most convenient is the maximum responsibility of the National Authority of Water through the ALA. A procedure can be implemented below it, from ANA itself that have given good results in previous cases or examine the convenience of following a similar model than the one of the commission of drainage of the Hydrographic Confederations of Spain. It is essential that any modality that is selected have some social agents involved in the management of water and specially the users of water for irrigation which are the bigger consumers in the area. Small helmets and locations which will get water from the river in the future. Therefore, it is recommended to build water storage facilities that currently take water from the springs in dry season so that they can benefit of the availability of water produced by the reservoirs and compensate the eventual problems in the springs. On the other hand, we shouldnt forget that the future management of the reservoirs should not be released to the mitigation flows but with the objective to assist as much as possible the demands of water users by helping its good capacity of regulation. Thus, the goal of the management bodies is to define the flows to be released in each reservoir, in an immediate period that could be a month,
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considering the needs of users and the situation of the reserves as well as the restrictions imposed by the ANA for instance related to the ecological flow. If this management is done properly, it can ensure that the users of water do not only be impacted by the project but to improve the situation, since the reservoirs could guarantee dry season flows higher than the current ones, which will increase the dotation of available irrigation. This affirmation, apparently very optimistic, is based on the proved fact of the great efficiency of the first works of regulation of the zone as in the case of Conga, since the relationship regulated flow/capacity of dam is very high. In these cases, we should act in the real expectations and not on false expectations that could derivate from those thinking that the project will reduce the structural deficit of water in dry season, which is not related at all with the implementation of the mining operation.
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9 HYDROGEOLOGY
The objective of this chapter is to summarize the fundamentals of the hydrogeology of the Conga project area in light of the EIA presented (Knight Piesold Consulting, 2010) from our local observations, the complementary data received in which the updating of the hydrogeology study of Conga is emphasized (SWS. 2012) and the geological and hydrogeological cartography provided by lNGENMET (Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano, 2012).
The diverse technical documentation and/or opinions on this issue is also analyzed, for instance: Moran (2012), Lambn Jimnez (2011) and Specialists of the Regional Managements of the MINAM (2011).
The chapters and annexes of the EIA consulted in more detail are the following:
3.2.7 - Geology: Overview of the geology at regional scale with the most important formations and its thickness; references of the most important structures (faults and folds).
3.2.12 - Hydrogeology: Overview of test drillings and measurements of hydraulic conductivities; hydrogeological features of pits and deposits; reference to springs inventoried of the project surroundings.
3.2.13 - Quality of the groundwater: Chemical analysis of water in wells.
4.4.7 - Management of water: Overview of the hydraulic circuits as planned operation for the mine exploitation.
5.2.4.7 - Quantity of the groundwater (included in chapter 5.2.4 - Analysis of environmental impacts): Evaluation of the results obtained with the Mudflow model.
6.1.6 - Mitigation of impacts - Groundwater (included in chapter 6.1 Prevention and mitigation programs): Summary of expected impacts. Measures of impacts mitigation in groundwater (quantity and quality).
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6.2.2.7 - Groundwater (included in chapter 6.2 - Program of environmental monitoring): Overview of the environmental control for the groundwater program.
7.10 - Monitoring Participatory Social Environmental Plan (PMPAS): Overview of the control of spring.
10.3 - Overview of closure activities.
10.4.7 - Hydrogeology and groundwater (included in10.4 residual impacts for the postclosure and mitigation measures).
Appendix 3.12 - MODFLOW Model. It is used in the evaluation of environmental impacts.
Appendix 4.5 - Provisional hydrogeological evaluation, location of the installation of the mine tailings deposits, Conga project - Phase 3Trials of permeability of the series of GMW surveys.
Appendix 4.6 - Design of the mine tailings deposits. Conga Project - Phase 3.
Appendix 4.11 - Deposit of Desmonte Perol - Report of feasibility design.
Appendix 4.12 - Deposit of Desmonte Chailhuagn Report of feasibility design.
Appendix 4.14 - Balance of water of all the area. Conga Project - Phase 3: Calculation of the base flows; groundwater of the post-closure lake.
Appendix 5, 6 - Model of flow of groundwater in 3D - mine tailings deposit.
Appendix 6.8 SIAM technical sheets: Checkpoint sheets.
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Appendix 6.9 - Environmental Procedures of MYSRL: Environmental control procedures. Appendix 10.1 - Model of filling pits (Feflow model): Drainage model of Chailhuagn and Perol pits. Appendix F - Results of the hydraulic field program conductivity test 2005, evidence of increased hydraulic head in the survey to GMW-01 GMW-01-19. Appendix G - Record of wells in the pit area of Chailhuagn. Appendix H - Record of wells in the pit area of Perol.
Based on the information gathered, this chapter of the Ruling, the Regional Morphology and Geology will be analyzed, the geology at local scale and hydro geological conditions (lithological and hydrodynamic characteristics from a geological context and the recharge conditions). The physical-chemical quality of groundwater of the hydro geological units has been analyzed only in the hydrogeological characterization viewpoint.
This chapter also deals with the role of groundwater in the evaluation of mitigation and compensation measures.
9.1 Regional Geomorphology and Geology The area surrounding the Conga project is located in the Western mountain ranges (Cordillera Occidental) of northern Peru, whose morphology is varied, with the presence of mountains and valleys with maximum altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters above sea level while the lowest, in the ravines reach the 3,400 meters above sea level like the one in Chirimayo.
The Conga project site covers the tops of micro-basins Toromacho ravine, Alto Jadibamba river, Chugurmayo ravine, Alto Chirimayo ravine, and Chailhuagn river, correspond to one of the numerous headwaters of Maranon river (Basin Amazonas).
The morphology is marked by a system of folds and faults of a WNW- ESE direction, which have deformed sedimentary rocks of Mesozoic age which ended up in an outcrop of limestone of the Cretaceous Pulluicana Group.
Intrusive and sub volcanic rocks of Paleocene and Neocene have gone through sedimentary rocks; some of them explain the relationship with the mineralization of Conga Mines.
Miocene volcanic rocks (Calipuy Group) covering the central part and NW of the studied area. Erosion has impacted the Mountain Range, highlighting the ancient glaciers, and leaving
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evidence in the moraines glacial fluvial and alluvial deposits.
which
have
been
reworked
forming
In the studied area (see Chapter 8 of this Report) small sized lakes are presented and they dominate the landscape, most of them are on the limestone of the Pulluicana Group and ravines filled with glacial fluvial material (Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano, 2012) - The capacity of the impacted lakes (Perol, Chica, Azul, Mala and Chailhuagn) is of 2,600,000 cubic meters.
Lakes are natural depressions formed by glacial activity where runoff water accumulates under the dam effect produced by the moraines, which form an impermeable barrier to the natural outlet of the water. Lakes have within the drainage network, the role of reservoirs with little regulatory capacity and limited water catchment area.
From the hydrological point of view, lakes collect water in wet periods and return to the river the excess volume. In dry seasons lakes only give water to the aquifer in very small amounts, and lose some of its reserves by evaporation. As a consequence they are not a resource for the hydrological system. Some Hydrogeomorphological structures which are characteristic in the area are the Andean wetlands, consisting of peat and vegetation with permanent humidity, almost waterlogged. Section 3.5.3 of EIA presents a complete characterization of these formations, and number 8 of this Report discusses the role of these Ecosystems in the hydrogeological regime, showing that, even though their great importance from an environmental viewpoint, their contribution to the rivers and ravines in dry periods, is minimal. The same applies to the regulatory function of the lakes and wetlands which is minimal.
The geology of the studied area is characterized by the presence of sedimentary intrusive and volcanic rocks, noting, by the extent of outcrops, first the Pulluicana Group limestone, then. The volcanic Calipuy Group, and finally some intrusive bodies as well as sub volcanic small size domes (Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano. 2012). Fault Punre or Puntre and anticline El Galeno which constitute the main factors of structural and hydrogeological regional control (Graphic 63 and Graphic 65).
The regional stratigraphic column (sedimentary material) is show on Graphic 67 and corresponds to part of the units indicated in Table 14, which are then described, according to the criteria of Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano (2012).
9.1.1 Quaternary sedimentary deposits Alluvial deposits (Oh-al)
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Recent terraces correspond to the ravines, where sand and silt are dominant with thicknesses of 3 to 5 m.
Fluvioglacial deposits (Op-fg)
They have been recognized in the ravines and are products of erosion of the moraines. They are made up of gravel and sand banks of heterogeneous composition as well as average thicknesses of 10 m.
Moraine deposits (Op-mo)
They are located at the foot of the mountains filling in ravines and are the result of ancient glaciers processes. They are composed of gravels from sub angular to angular blocks of different sizes with muddy matrix. They have a thickness of 5 to 30 m.
9.1.2. Volcanic rocks: Calipuy Group The volcanic rocks are from Calipuy Group of Miocene. In detail volcanic sequences like TuatPuruay (Nm-tp), Frailones (Nm-fr) and scarcely Yanacocha (Nm-ya), all of them from Miocene, crop out. The largest ones correspond to the volcanic sequence Frailones (Graphic 63).
The volcanic rocks consist of pyroclastic deposits of pumice and ash class that show porphyritic texture, and have as constituents pumice, crystals and fragments lithic. The unique volcanic sequence Yanacocha (Nm-yaJ2) is rather an andesitic lava flow.
9.1.3 Cretaceous sedimentary rocks In the area surrounding the Conga project a thick Cretaceous series appears including the following formations: Cajamarca Formation (Ks-ca) It barely outcrops in the northern part of the studied area, which is composed of 100 400 m of limestone of marine origin. Limestone are well stratified and fractured. Quilquian Group (Ks-qui) It emerges very locally in the studied area, it overlaps the Pulluicana Group. The unit consists of Romiron and Canar formations, which together are represented by 100 to 200 m of shale and marl, including interspersed limestone, all of them of marine superficial origin. Pulluicana Group (Ks-pu)
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This consists of Mujarrun and Yumagual formations, although this separation is sometimes difficult due to the presence of synsedimentary landslides which impacted limestone. It is the unit with the highest outcrop surface of the area, in addition it is the rock mineralization box of Chailhuagn and, in part, Perol. Pulluicana Group consists mainly of marine limestone and in less proportion of marls and shales, with thicknesses ranging between 800 and 1,000 m. Limestone is gray, very compact, which are present in medium layers, nodular or irregularly stratified. Limestone found interspersed with layers of shales and siltstones. Pariatambo Formation (Ki-pa) This is constituted by marine limestone and marine shales that are emphasized from the soft material of the Chulec formation. It has thicknesses of 150 to 250 m. Limestone and Shales are black, bituminous and generally have a bad odor. Chulec Formation (Ki-Chu) It outcrops in the anticline El Galeno which overlaps the Inca Formation. It consists of shales, marls and well-stratified limestone; all of them of marine origin. It has an average thickness of 250 m, but can reach 400 m.
Inca Formation (Ki-in) It concordantly overlaps the Farrat Formation in El Galeno anticline. It is mainly composed of sandstones and shales, with intersperses of limestone. Its thickness only ranges from a few tens of meters to 100 m. Farrat Formation (Ki-fa) It also emerges in the anticline El Galeno overlapped according to Carhuaz Formation. This unit is composed of quartzite and white sandstone, medium to coarse grain, of fluvial and deltaic origin where crossed stratification is observed. The estimated thickness is of 500 m. Carhuaz Formation (Ki- ca) It outcrops in the southeastern end of the studied area, place where the El Galeno project is located; it superimposes over the Santa Formation and consists of shales, sandstones and quartzites of fluvial-deltaic origin, well stratified, in thin and medium layers. It has variable thicknesses: between 200 and 500 m. Santa Formation (Ki-sa) It does not outcrop in the project area of Conga (Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano, 2012), but it does close to it; in the vicinity of El Galeno project (Graphic 63).That can be seen in the structural section (Graphic 65). It superimposes concordantly to the Chimu Formation in the anticline El Galeno. It consists of intercalations of gray shales, limestone and marls of marine origin and some coastal sandstone. Its thickness is about 200 m.
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Source adapted from Cariolto Callaux and Pea Laureano 2012. Graphic 63. Geological sketch of the area of Conga. Chim Formation (Ki-chi) It does not emerge in the area of Conga, but it is show on the structural section of Graphic 65. It outcrops to the southeast, near both the studied area and the El Galeno project which constitutes the anticline core, and is impacted by the Fault Punre (Puntre) (Graphic 63). This unit is made mainly by quartzite sandstones and shales, all of them from coastal origin. It is estimated a thickness of 600 m in the studied area.
Lithological unit Quaternary deposits
Symbol Oh al Op fg Op - mo Nm an7da Nm di Nm gd Pe - di Nm ya Nm fr Nm - tp Ks ca
Description Morreanic deposits, fluvial glaciers and alluvial bodies of gravel and blocks with sandy mold and sand in terraces. Sub volcanic andesitic and dacitic domes. Small intrusive bodies of greenstone and granodiorite altered or fresh intrude the limestone Pyroclastic deposits of pumice type and ashes with porphyritic texture. They have as elements: pumice, crystals and lytic fragments Marine limestone well stratified and fractured
Thickness 25 to 40 m
Intrusive and sub volcanic rocks
variable
Calpuy group Cajamarca formation
400 to 600 m 100 to 400 m.
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Quilquian group Pullulcana group Pariatambo formation Chutec Formation Inca formation Farral formation Carhuaz formation Santa Formation Chimu formation
Ks qui Ks pu Ks pa Ki chu Ki in Ki la KI ca Ki sa Ki chi
Shales and marls with intercalations of marine limestone Thin of marls and shales, all of them marine Black Limestone and marine shales, bituminous, generally with a fetid odor Shales , marls and limestone of marine origin Calcareous sandstones and shales with intercalations of marine origin marls
100 200
to
800 to 1,100 m 150 to 200 m. 250 to 400 m 100 m 500 m 200 to 500 m 200 m 600 m
Quartzites and quartzite sandstone with crossed lamination of fluvial and deltaic origin Shales, sandstones and quartzites of fluvial/deltaic origin well stratified in thin layers Gray shales, limestone and marls of marine origin and some of coastal sandstones
Quartzite sandstones and quartzites with intercalations of sandstones and shales , all of them from coastal origin Source: Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano (2012)
Table 14. Lithostratigraphic regional units
9.1.4 Intrusive Rocks Several small intrusive bodies, and sub volcanic domes crop out on the Conga area outcrop in the area of Conga. Their intrusion occurred at the end of Eocene Miocene. The outcrops highlight in the hill area of Perol. Chailhuagn and El Galeno (Graphic 63).
Sub volcanic bodies (Nm-an. Nm-da, Nm da/re , Nm an/ya) Of variable compositions they emerge in the NW of Perol and SW of Chailhuagn. They are of dacitic domes and andesitic domes which generally consist of porphyritic textured rocks of greenish gray color; they are massive presented with incipient flow banding structure. The forming crystals are plagioclase, amphibole and little quartz. El Galeno (Nm id)
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It is formed of diorite intrusive rocks that outcrop in El Galeno, in the core of the anticline. They are holocrystalline rocks, with plagioclase and amphibole, and it is related to the mineralization of this area. Chailhuagn (Nm-gd) The intrusive bodies that crop out in the area of Chailhuagn consist of grandiorite, crystals of plagioclase, quartz and mafic (amphibole). These bodies intrude the limestone and have developed by contact metamorphism, marble materials. This granodiorite is responsible of this kind of porphyry mineralization.
Perol hill (Pe id) Intrusive rocks that cut the limestone of Group Pulluicana. They appear in the Perol Hill and are controlled by the Puntre reverse fault. The diorite rocks contain plagioclase and hornblende as well as pyroxene phenocrysts. In the outcrop, these rocks are altered or fresh. Hydrothermal alteration zones The geological sketch of Graphic 63 (Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano, 2012) a mapped hydrothermal alteration zone appears, the one which has gray to yellowish coloration due the presence of clays. Here some primary quartz crystals and some plagioclase molds are recognized, changing to clay. In addition, you can see some fragments indicating that the original rock would be a pyroclastic flow. In some places, the alteration is of silicification type, with original textures completely obliterated, where the original crystals of the rock are not recognized.
9.1.5 Structures According to Caillaux and Pea Laureano (2012), sedimentary rocks of the area are impacted by folds and faults, which control the location of the intrusive rocks. The structures of fold type with ESE WNW direction highlight the anticline of El Galeno. These folds and faults were originated because of Inca tectonics of the Middle Superior Eocene; they were reactivated during Oligocene and Miocene. The volcanic rocks occur in angular discord on the folds and faults, showing mild deformation, that is, the sequences are almost horizontal.
El Galeno Anticline
The anticline of El Galeno is presented in the area and extends both to the SE and the west, extending into and under Yanacocha which is covered by volcanic rocks of Calipuy group (Graphic 65). In the core of the Anticline, outside of the studied area Chimu Formation quartzites outcrop, and then successively the same happens on the formations of Santa, Carhuaz Farrat, Inca, Chulec, Pariatambo being closed by the Pulluicana Group limestone where the mineralization of Minas Conga are located. This fold is of the Punre fault propagation type that explains its variable directions as well as the fault.
161
Other folds
To the north of the Punres fault, as well as south of El Galeno anticline, you can see a system of folds: anticline is syncline which defines a folding and running system, typical of the studied area. These folds have nearly vertical axes, with dominant orientations WNW-ESE, which suggests that the folded structures and faults developed simultaneously. The geometries of both, folds and fault, indicate that the structures were formed during the compression related to the Inca tectonic event, of Eocene, and then they were reactivated during the Oligocene and Miocene.
Source 'adapted from Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano (2012) Graphic 64. Geological Plan of the area of Conga.
Normal faults of small size with NS and NE-SW direction, affect limestone. In most cases they are subvertical, with displacements from several to tens of meters. Punre Fault or Puntre This fault is a regional structure that has a variable direction, it ranges from NW-SE to E-W, and then to N-S with strong dips south and southwest. This reverse fault has served intrusive bodies, such as El Galeno, Chailhuagn and El Perol, to be able to site and produce associated mineralization in contact with sedimentary rocks. This fault makes a repetition of limestone of Pullucana Group showing displacement greater than 1,000 m (Graphic 65).
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Source 'adapted from Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano (2012) Graphic 65. Structural section of Conga project area showing the Punre fault and, the anticline of El Galeno; as well as the zones of El Perol and Chailhuagn The lower fracturation is not represented on the cartographic documents on regional scale of this report, but it is documented by the geological studies of EIA (Knight Pisold Consulting, 2010).
9.2 Hydrogeology at a regional scale The hydrogeology at the regional level is conditions (discussed in section 9.3). controlled by lithology, structure and recharge
In the area we find (Graphic 66):
Geological formations with interstitial permeability (alluvial and fluvoglacial deposits and Quaternary moraines) that occupy the valleys Formation with fissure permeability as the intrusive fresh rocks Rocks with mixed permeability (volcanic deposits) and other stratigraphic sequences described above).
163
Source: adapted from Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano (2012)
Graphic 66. Hydrogeological sketch of the area of Conga Manifestations of karstic morphology, of discrete dimension are locally observable, in Cretaceous limestone, particularly in Pulluicana group, and they have been described by Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano (2012) as well as Pisold Knight Consulting (2010). Those manifestations are usually less obvious north of Puntre Fault. These karstification phenomena seem to have reduced spatial dimension, since the main limestone massifs are compartmentalized due to the fracturing and the horizons of marls and shales intercalated also suffering partial destroy because of glacial erosion. As described in section 9.1, the region shows vigorous topography, with elevations varying between 3,400 and 4,000 above sea level and frequent topographic breaks. These circumstances combined with low permeability generally present there, lead to concentration of surface runoff in the mountainous valleys, subsurface flow and rapid underground in the Quaternary Detritic deposits and the subsequent supply of wetlands and existing lakes. In Chart 15 a tentative hydrogeological classification of the occurring geological units is presented, considering their aquifers ability. In preparing this chart the aquifers criteria, generally accepted, different information has been taken into account (for instance Fetter (2001), Custodio and Llamas (1983) and Gonzalez de Vallejo (2002)), this means, Geological Unity capable of storing and conveying water (and with high drainage capacity) in which the collecting systems can be placed, with the purpose of meeting human needs in significant economical quantities.
164
Source: Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano (2012), based on Benavides (1956), Jaillard (1985) and Wilson (1985). Graphic 67. Regional and local Stratigraphic column of the Conga area and surroundings.
The aquifer classification corresponds to the dialectic of supply / demand and, therefore, the units of aquitard type (formations capable of storing water but conveying it with difficulty) may have local consideration of "aquifer" when dealing with demands of low flow. It may be the case of fractured and altered levels of the eruptive units of volcanic rocks and sedimentary materials present in Conga, which have discontinuous hydrogeological levels, with local aptitude to meet small users demand and / or feed ecosystems like the case of wetlands.
Considering the permeability that occur in the area of Conga project (see 9.4) within an outcrop it is only considered as aquifers those alluvial and fluvioglacial units, aquitards are the remaining lithological; we rule out the use of aquiclude and aquifuge categories in the area, which ,besides, they are obsolete terms (Cleary. el al.,1993)
At a local level, as seen in section 9.4, restricted sectors of the aquitards area may be considered as small entity aquifers.
165
Source: adapted from Carlotto Caillaux and Pea Laureano (2012) Table 15. Lithological and lithostratigraphic regional units and their hydrogeological capacity From the analysis of Table 15, it can be concluded that in the area of Conga, besides the detritic quaternary materials, which constitute what will be named as a shallow aquifer; this has great importance to the ecosystem of wetlands and lakes, and even for small human uses, aquifers of Units Symbol Qh al Qp- fg Quaternary deposits Qp- mo Intrusive and volcanic rocks Nm_na/da Nm-di Nm-gd Pe-di Nm-ya Nm-fr Nm-tp Ks-ca Ks-qui Ks-pu Ki-pa Description Fluvioglacial deposits and alluvial gravel and blocks with sandy mold and sand in terraces Moraine deposits Andesitic and decitic subvolcanic domes. Small intrusive bodies of diorites and altered or fresh granodiorite intruding the limestone Pyroclastic deposits of pumice type and ashes with porphyritic texture. It is made up of pumice, crystals and lytic fragments Marine limestone well stratified and fractured Shales and Marls with intercalations of marine limestone Thin layers of Shales and Marls, all of them marine Limestone and black marine shales, bituminous, generally with fetid odor Shales, loams marine origin and limestone of Thickness (m) Hydrogeological Classification Aquifer Up to 40 Aquitard
Variable
Aquitard
Calipuy Group Cajamarca Formation Quilquian Group Pulluicana Group Pariatambo Formation Chulec Formation Inca formation Farrat Formation Carhuaz Formation Santa Formation Chimu Formation
400 to 600
Aquitard
100 to 400 100 to 200 800 to 1100 150 to 200
Aquifer Aquitard aquifer Aquitard
Ki-chu Ki-in
250 to 400 100
Aquitard Aquifer
Ki-fa Ki-ca Ki-sa Ki-chi
Calcareous Sandstones and shales with crossed lamination of fluvial and deltaic origin Quartzite and quartz sandstones with crossed lamination of fluvial and deltaic origin Shales, sandstones and quartzite of fluvial, deltaic origin; well stratified in thin layers Shales, gneisses, limestone and 166 loams of marine origin and some coastal sandstone Quartz sandstones and quartzite with intercalations
500 200 to 500 200 600
Aquitard Aquitard Aquitard Aquifer
regional dimension occur only in the depths of the Farra fault. This lithostratigraphic unit, consisting of quartzite and quartz sandstone is a fractured aquifer of regional dimension, but it is located in the sector of Perol/Chailhuagn at depths of more than 1,000 to 1,500 m, so that their use would be possible only in the field of unconventional uses such as geothermal resource for tourism activities where circumstances are favorable for that, like Baos del Inca, in the vicinity of Cajamarca, or in framing-industrial uses as greenhouses.
9.3 Recharge The issue of recharging the aquifers and aquitards existing in the area is of paramount importance for the understanding of quantitative and qualitative impacts of the project of Conga.
As it will be discussed in the hydrogeological conceptual model (section 9.5) it seems clear that the quaternary alluvial materials, shallow, are the only hydrogeological unit of the area, functioning as aquifer. The remaining lithology, including limestone, are aquitards, discontinued hydrogeological units of low hydraulic conductivity and very low storage coefficient.
This means that almost all groundwater flow rapidly and at a low depth (cutaneous or hypodermic systems); constituting the only underground resources, those to be taken into account in the water balance in terms of surface water.
Knight Pisold Consulting (2010) presents the following amounts and disclosures that allow the evaluation of the main terms of water balance and quantify the recharge of the hydrogeological systems:
The annual rainfall average of 1.126mm (New Conga mine) and 1.143 mm (formerly Conga mine).
Potential evaporation average 1,100 to 1,211mm.
Maximum temperature Average of 10.1 to 13.1 C and minimum of 2.5 to 3.6 oC.
Basic flow of Rio Grande 0.3 L/s/km2 and 0.8 L/s/km2, therefore 9 to 25 mm / year, this is. 0.7% to 1.9% of annual average precipitation (Volume XV of the EIA), in the responses to comments MINEM (Knight Pisold Consulting. (2010) the values are 11 to 22 mm / year. 0.8 to 2% of the rainfall of 1,126 mm / year.
Seasonal variations of Piezometry of 1 to 2m (2005 to 2008) in the volcanic limestone and rocks and 4 m in Quaternary alluvial materials.
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In SWS (2012), updating of the hydrogeological study of Conga, the final balance obtained after the calibration of Feflow model, it has been determined an index of an average recharge of 3% from current rainfall, equivalent to that indicated in the EIA (Knight Pisold Consulting, 2010),
This value of 3% (SWS, 2012) is discriminated as follows: shallow alluvial sediment 10%, morreanic deposits 1%, volcanic materials 3%, limestone 3%, and intrusive rocks 1%. The deep infiltration has been rated at 0.5%, that is, a recharge of only 6 mm.
At a level of our expertise, contrasting the suggested values by SWS (2012) and in the EIA (Knight Pisold Consulting, 2010) should be made with expeditious hydrogeological methods, but consistent, at a level of general characterization of recharge.
So, based on the decomposition of hydrographs of total run off in the basin MCPCH in Alto Chirimayo, the only series may be used with about two years of data (see chapter of shallow water 8) and: (i) the technique of Castany-Berkaloff (1970), (ii) conjugated with the knowledge of the influent basin area (Custodio and Llamas, 1983), it has been determined the recharge and recharge rates presented in chart 16. This basin contains alluvial deposits, glacial fluvial and limestone. In column 3 of Chart 16, the values of the precipitation of the summer months have been calculated, and this figure has been attributed to the underground run off, considering the assumption that the precipitation is immediately downloaded to the rivers and ravines.
It also considers an annual rainfall average of 1,126 mm and 1,143 mm, and average air temperatures of 11.5 C that would correspond to a real evapotranspiration of 581 mm (Turc, 1951).
Admitting as a basis the value of the seasonal variations at a piezometric level (they have assumed values of 2 to 3 m), in the basin area (7.1 km2) and acceptable porosities for alluvial, fluvial glacial deposits and altered, fractured limestone (2 to 3%), the underground run off total average would represent the same range of the assessed value from the decomposition of hydrographs at station MCPCH (449.l82 m 3.)
In Column 1 of Chart 16 there is an attempt to estimate the groundwater runoff from total flow rates supplied by the springs (Table 3.2.97 EIA), in an area of 452.3 km2, related to the project, from the hydrogeological inventory data carried out by the ATDR (Technical Administration of Cajamarca Irrigation District)/MYRSL, in the period of July 3 to 28 2006. The determined value of 0.7% for the recharge rate is at the lower limit of the EIA values (Knight Pisold Consulting, 2010) and it will certainly be impacted by the absence of a complete inventory, by the methods of calculating the flow, and/or inadequate determination of the area of the basin.
168
Source: Own research
Table 16. Evaluation of recharge and recharge index in the area of project Conga
All the facts reported here confirm that it is acceptable the consideration of overall recharge rates of 3%, as suggested by the EIA (Knight Pisold Consulting, 2010a and 2010b) and SWS (2012), being the groundwater flow mainly done in the shallow quaternary materials, as it will be discussed in section 9.5.
A recharge rate of 3% is compatible, at the lowest range, with values determined by several authors in mountainous regions, with similar geological and geo-climatic conditions. 9.4 Hydrogeology at local scale (pits, tailings and dumps) In this section, the conditions of groundwater occurrence are discussed, at local rates, with
169
the approach of being able to foresee qualitative and quantitative impacts on water resources from the actions projected.
Lots of material has been analyzed, corresponding to several reports of geotechnical and hydrogeological prospecting campaigns carried out, included in the EIA. . The report of Schlumberger Water Services (SWS, 2012) stands out for its importance; it was elaborated for Minera Yanacocha SRL and attempts to summarize all previous researches, embodied in a hydrological conceptual model which was the basis for numerical modeling with the Feflow software.
Comparing the baseline data and the conclusions of this conceptual model is attempted, with own research and inferences. Thus our final conclusions rely largely on discussing the work of SWS (2012), as it is exposed next.
9.4.1 Lithological units and geological structure This section can be considered as a continuation of the description done regional geology, and the simplified description of SWS (2012), as referred to below. in the
Quaternary sedimentary units Quaternary deposits (Figure 22) consist mainly of glacial and alluvial units. The glacial deposits are characterized by frontal and lateral moraines, and fluvioglacial as well as lacustrine deposits (postglacial).
Figure 22. Quaternary deposits in Alto Jadibamba River
There are two main areas where glacial deposits are best exposed: the Toromacho ravine and Perol area. The Toromacho ravine contains mainly basal and lateral moraines, eroded and dissected by modern drainage. Some fluvioglacial and acustrine gradient have been recognized up-gradient the moraine deposits in the area of Perol. The total thickness of these materials may reach 25 to 40 m.
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Volcanic formations of the Tertiary
Volcanic, Miocene rocks of Calipuy group (volcanic of Cajamarca) consist pyroclastic units, deposited on sediments of Cretaceous and lower intrusive units of Tertiary (Photo 23).
of the
At a regional scale, the Volcanic of Cajamarca can be subdivided into two main units: Volcanic of Otuzco and Volcanic of Frailones. The ones from Otuzco consist essentially in white to yellow lithic tuff, lying unevenly on Chulec formations, southwest of the area. The Volcanic of Frailones overlap in a sub- horizontal position to the Cretaceous limestone of Yumagual which are located in the higher parts. These units consist mainly of pyroclastic openings, tuffs, ignimbrites and minor lava of andesitic and dacitic composition. The total thickness is 400 to 600 m.
Figure 23. Volcanic rocks of Calipuy Group in Alto Jadibamba
Sedimentary sequence of Cretaceous
The oldest outcrops, located south of the area, are represented by quartzites and of the Farrat formation, from the low Cretaceous. The sequence goes through middle to late Cretaceous units, with slate rich in iron and sandstone of the Inca Formation, limestone and marls of the Chulec formation : bituminous limestone of the Pariatambo formation: and massive limestone with intercalations of mudstone of Yumagual formation from Pulluicana Group (Photographs 24 and Photograph 25).
Figure 24. Pulluicanas Limestone near the lake Chailhuagn (detail).
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Figure 25. Pulluicanas Limestone near Chailhuagn Lake
The three upper units of the sequence are marls and nodular limestone of the Mujarrun formation, calcareous limonite and mudstone of Quilquinan formation, and massive limestone of Cajamarca formation. Metamorphic alteration of limestone units in marble occurred near the contact with the Intrusive rocks. This calcareous sequence can reach a thickness of up 3,000 m.
Intrusive units
The sedimentary sequence present in the area of Conga has suffered the intrusion of a series of sub-volcanic stocks of Eocene to Miocene (Photo 26 and Photo 27) of variable composition which can be further subdivided, generally, in the following groups: (i) porphyritic diorite (Diorite of Picota). (ii) Porphyry of quartz- dacite, (iii) dacitic porphyry and (iii) microgranodiorite.
Figure 26. Intrusive Rocks (Chailhuagn pit)
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Figure 27. Detail of the intrusive rocks (Chailhuagn pit)
An important subunit of intrusive rocks is that constituted by the zones of alteration. Two major stages of alteration, prograde and retrograde, are recognized in the deposits of Conga. Potassium and propylitic assemblies characterize the previous alteration, while the filic assemblies, clay, intermediate clay and advanced clay represent the retrograde alteration. At the top of the deposits, the retrograde alteration is superimposed on the prograde assemblies. The metamorphism of contact between intrusive and limestone units have developed localized areas of marble and skarns. Of particular importance are the units of marble, which occur around the Chailhuagn deposit.
The Conga area has been strongly influenced by tectonic and intrusive activity, and by subsequent erosion and filling of the basin, phenomena which, in part, occurred during the Pleistocene glaciations.
The main structural feature in the area is the layering trend WNW resulting from various anticline and synclines structures which extend parallel to the WNW axis. These features are the result of intense tectonic activity, which occurred during the Paleocene deforming much of the Cretaceous sediments of the region (for instance, SWS, 2012 and Carlotto Caillaux and Pena Laureano, 2012).
There are NE-SO.
three
main
fault
orientations
in
the
area
of
Conga:
NS,
NO-SE,
and
The most important set of faults is given by NS tendency faults which were important in controlling the mineralized porphyritic stocks. The detailed cartography within the area of Chailhuagn and Perol, introduced by the EIA (Knight Pisold Consulting, 2010) has shown that the main mineralized units have been positioned through pre-tectonic or non-tectonic faults with N-S orientation.
173
9.4.2 Hydrodynamic Characterization In chapter 3.2.12.3 of EIA (Knight Piesold Consulting. 2010) the Geotechnical research activities, performed from 2004 to 2008, are listed enabling the hydrogeological and hydrodynamic characterization of the area.
Initial research of dam areas.
Possible location of the concentrator and crushing plants.
Proposed area for the clearing deposit of Perol.
Area proposed for the removal of wetlands in the cut area of Perol.
Possible loan areas for construction.
Follow-up research of the proposed foundation of the dam and lower areas of the reservoir.
Piezometers for hydrogeological research (BH series), installed in 2008.
Facilities proposed for the crusher, areas clearing deposit of Chailhuagn and sediment ponds.
of
organic
soil
stockpiles,
Proposed locations for the reservoir of water storage of Perol.
The hydrodynamic parameters of hydrogeological units in the area are reasonably known, from the successive researches carried out there.
Of course, the hydraulic gradient and groundwater contours (isopieces) are controlled by the topography. Gradients converge toward the water lines, and two emerging drillings are barely reported, in the limestone and with piezometric level near the ground.
The hydraulic conductivity (k) is the most important parameter to define the hydrogeological conditions, both on problems of the quantitative impact assessment (Groundwater flow) and for qualitative effects (mass transport). Thus the geotechnical researches often deal with the determination of that parameter.
174
The surveys of research in addition to drilling usually included Lefranc permeability tests, in quaternary formations and Lugeon trials in rocky formations up to a maximum depth of 250 m.
Lefranc and Lugeon trials are punctual works conducted in research without coating. They are reasonably representative tests but they do not represent the individualized behavior of all the geologic units crossed by the survey. For this reason and because of the physical reality as measured by pumping tests and punctual trials (Lugeon and Lefranc), they are diverse. The results of these various tests and appraisals are hardly comparable.
Additionally, some tests were performed with air lift taking advantage of the recovery levels measures for determining the transmission (and hydraulic conductivity), by the method of recovery of Theis (1935). In rare cases slug tests (rapid introduction of a bar in the survey and recovery of level control) tests were made
Typical hydrogeological pump tests with observation piezometers were performed in the wells PPP3 Chailhuagn and PP5 - Perol, with depths of up to 252 m. The interpretation has been made through the methodology of the temporary system.
In March 2012 a new hydrogeological study was introduced (SWS, 2012), which includes Further research, with more trials. Lugeon in 8 wells (4 in the cut Perol and 4 in the cut Chailhuagn), with depths of up to 536 m.
In total about 250 surveys have been made in the area of the mining project of Conga (SWS. 2012) from which we receive information.
The hydraulic conductivities proposed in this study are listed in Chart 17.
Hydrogeological Unit Superficial Sediments Moraines Limestone
Number of tests 44 5 97
Research program Geotechnical / hydrogeological geotechnical Geotechnical /
Hydraulic Conductivity Estimate 100 - 10-2 10 10

-3 -1
Hydrogeological characteristics gravels sands and silts clusts within silt - clay matrix massive fracturing mild
formation Quaternary sediments Quaternary sediments Fm. Yumagual
Recognized thickness 5 to 26 5 to 26 144 / 366
- 10 - 10
-6 -5
175
hydrogeological Marble and skarn 8 geotechnical 10-4 - 10-7
to moderate fracturing mild moderate to Fm. Quilquinan Fm. Mujarrun Fm. Yumagual
Minimum hydraulic conductivity (m/d) Lithology Volcanic Intrusive Limestone Marble/Skarn Superficial Sediments Moraines Volcanic Altered Intrusive Not altered Intrusive Minimum 2.70E-06 3.10E-04 1.09E-06 1.56E-02 2.68E-04 8.64E-05 170 Average 6.17E-02 6.55E-02 2.53E-02 2.02E-02 2.15E-01 8.64E-05 Maximum 2.70E-06 3.10E-04 1.09E-06 1.56E-02 2.68E-04 8.64E-05 Median 1.64E-03 2.12E-02 6.77E-03 2.02E-02 4.23E-03
Minimum hydraulic conductivity (m/d) Minimum 2.70E-06 3.10E-04 1.09E-06 2.48E-02 6.48E-02 Average 1.87E-01 1.62E01 2.71E-01 2.67E-02 4.31E-01 Maximum 1.37E+00 1.54E+00 2.42E+00 2.85E-02 1.12E+00 Median 1.93E-02 2.56E-02 4.93E-02 2.67E-02 2.42E-01 1.19E-02 25 to 200
Geotechnical / hydrogeological
43
geotechnical Geotechnical / hydrogeological
8.64E-05 6.13E-04 .19E-02 2.32E-02 Welded tuff and ignimbrite Volcanic 100 - 10-6 transmissivity in frailones fracture zones decrease of k with Dacitic -2 -4 10 - 10 depth fault Porphyry zones filled with clay 10-2 - 105 Low k, transmissivity may increase in weathered areas pillory Diorite
144 to 366
22
Source: adapted from SWS (2012) Table 17, Hydraulic conductivity of the main hydrogeological units. The methodology used to obtain the ranges of hydraulic conductivities constants is not displayed in Chart 17 and, thus. Some doubts about the meaning of the values defined in the EIA remain, and later adopted for the hydrogeological study 2012 (SWS, 2012).
The results of the hydraulic conductivities for about 80 surveys from which obtained data is show on Chart 18. Here the results of permeability for lithology are described. The data base collected from EIA and SWS (2012) are introduced in Chart 20
Note: gauging pump wells are not included Source: Own research Table 18. Hydraulic conductivity minimum, maximum, average and median of near80 surveys located at the area of Conga project,
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Drillings GMV-1B GMV-1A GMV-2B GMV-2A GMV-3B GMV-3A (I) GMV-4B GMV-4A GMV-5 GMV-6 GMV-7 GMV-8 GMV-9B GMV-9A GMV-10 GMV-11B GMV-11A GMV-12 GMV-13B GMV-13A GMV-14 GMV-15B GMV-15A GMV-16B GMV-16A GMV-17 GMV-18 GMV-19 PPP-3 hydraulic Properties of crude rock PZP-3 PZP-5 PPC-05 PPP-5 hydraulic Properties of crude rock PPC-5 to 100
Depth (m) 51 51 50 100 101 101 250 250 250 100 100 100 100 250 250 100 250 250 50 250 250 100 250 250 100 100 50 100 100 231 252 202 230
NHE 24.8 43.3 30.3 77.5 32.0 77.5 184.3 52.0 179.0 78.5 55.0 88.0 76.0 24.3 237.0 85.8 96.0 230.5 23.8 97.0 227.5 57.5 38.3 97.5 20.8 70.0 26.0 55.0 56,8
X 787931 787931 787389 787400 787642 787645 787337 787337 787201 787491 788186 789664 791233 791233 790825 789696 789696 788371 787554 787554 787704 788033 788033 787134 787134 789083 790454 791354 79074 791309 791528 790850
Y 9241136 9241136 9240936 9240938 9238695 9238711 9238231 9238231 9237757 9237807 9238009 9238404 9237603 9237603 9237558 9237305 9237305 9236995 9237216 9237216 9236330 9236070 9236070 9235206 9235206 9235296 9235870 9236574 9235578 9235693 9234428 9232611
Lithology Volcanic Volcanic Volcanic Volcanic volcanic
Location
K(m/d) From to 1.53E-02 2.12E-03 4.36E-01 9.33E-02 2.13E-05 5.46E-05 1.09E-06 2.70E-06 3.63E-06 2.11E-03 9.16E-04 4.30E-01 8.01E-02 1.08E-03 2.67E-03 3.83E-05 5.48E-04 4.92E-03 1.64E-02 4.34E-01 6.64E-02 2.05E-01 3.02E-03 3.54E-02 2.48E-02
Method pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) PermeabilityTest pumpTest (Theis) PermeabilityTest pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) PermeabilityTest pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) PermeabilityTest pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) pumpTest (Theis) Long pumpTest
Tailings d. Tailings d. Tailings d. Tailings d.
Volcanic Volcanic Limestone Volcanic Volcanic Volcanic Volcanic Volcanic Limestone Limestone Volcanic Limestone Alluvium/ volcanic Volcanic Limestone Limestone Volcanic Limestone Volcanic/ limestone Limestone Clearing/ volcanic Marble/intrusi ve Intrusive
Tailings d. Tailings d. Tailings d. Tailings d. Tailings d. Tailings d. Tailings d. Tailings d. Tailings d. Tailings d.
Perol dep. Perol cut
2.62E-03 2.12E-02 / 3.41E02
Limestone/ma rble Limestone/ma rble Limestone/ma rble
Perol cut Chailhuagn dep. Chailhuagn dep.
2.02E-02 / 3.72E-01 1.91E-02 5.17E-03 / 6.28E-03 1.13E-03
Long pumpingTest Long pumpTest Long pumpTest Long pumpTest
4.47E-04
Long pumpTest
177
Drillings PPC-5 150 m DW-2 DW-3
Depth (m)
NHE
Lithology limestone/marble
location
K (m/d) From to 950E-06
Method Long pump test recovery Point probing test Lefranc Lugeon Lefranc Lefranc Lugeon Lefranc Lugeon Lefranc Lefranc Lugeon Lefranc Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon Recovery Pumping well test Lugeon / Lugeon
791642 790969
923471 7 923528 7 923383 9
Quartz Porphyritic greenstone Porphyritic greenstone Clay,clayey gravel Limestone Moraine
Perol pit Perol pit wetland
. 3.72E-04 1.21E-04 / 2.25E01 3.02E-03 / 1.04E01 8.64E-05 / 6.13E04 1.12E-03 / 6.48E02 4.58E-03 / 6.48E02 4.23E-03 / 5.01E01 1.04E-01 2.68E-04 /2.42E01 1.90E+00 / 1.90E+00 4.23E-025.79E-02 9.50E-01 / 1.12E+00 2.33E02 1.56E02 / 2.85E02 1.81E-01 / 5.70E01 6.65E02 / 9.50E02 6.39E-02 / 1.04E+00 4.41E-03 / 2.42E+00 1.33E-01 2.06E-02
CW-04/GB04
791881
PP-04/GB-05
Clay,sand ,gravel Quartz porphytic dacite Clay, silt, sand, gravel Limestone Clay,sand Residual soil Greenstone Sandy clay with gravel Volcanic dacitic tuff (porphyritic) Skarn Volcanic (porphyritic) Volcanic dacite Volcanic dacite limestone Limestone mudstone Propylitic alteration Porphyry of dacite Volcanic dacite and limestone tuff Perol pit
P8-04/GB-01
791450
923507 1
Perol pit Perol pit
PB-04/GB-02
791460
923462 7
PB-04/G-03
791299
923485 0 923507 1 923568 1 923551 9 923444 3 923813 6 923182 5 923644 6 923695 7
PB-04/GB-04 PB-04/GB-05 PB-04/GB-06 PB-04/GB-01 MW-06-03 PZC-2 PW-04/GB-03 PW-04/GB-04
791450 791261 791936 791874 786033 791315 791003 790882
Perol pit Perol pit Perol pit Perol pit Perol pit Chailhuag n pit Perol dep. Perol dep.
2.45E-02 1.54E+00
178
CW-04/GB01 CW-04/GB02 CW-04/GB03 CW-04/GB04 MS-04/GB-01 MS-04/GB-02 MS-04/GB-03 PP-04/GB-05 SD-04/GB-01
790018 790548 790864 791881 790619 790509 790273
923370 7 933527 993342 5 923383 9 923555 4 923562 0 923576 5
Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Moraine and sandy clay Dacitic tuff Volcanic dacite Dacitic tuff Suff
Chailhuag n dep. Chailhuag n dep Chailhuag n dep
4.01E-03 / 2.20E02 2.14E-02 / 7.21E01 1.50E-02 /4.38-02 2.98E.03 / 1.05E01 2.69E-02 / 4.93E02 8.73E-03 / 4.93E02 8.61E-03 / 1.48E+00 8.64E-05 / 2.32E02 1.82E-03 / 8.42E01 6.61E-04 / 1.95E01 3.50E-02 / 5.00E01 1.24E-04 /1.14E03
Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon lefranc Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon Lugeon /
923803 9 SD-04/GB-02 787166 923784 5 SD-04/GB-03 787185 923771 8 SD-04/GB-04 787476 923717 4 Note: Gauging pump wells are not included Source: Own research
787155
Tailings dumps Tailings dumps Tailings dumps Tailings dumps
Table 19 Chart of hydraulic conductivity obtained in EIA and SWS, 2012 In Table 20 and Table 21 the range of hydraulic conductivities of SWS 2012 is compared (Table 17) with those determined in this Report (Table 18). In the Table 20 are used the maximum and minimum hydraulic conductivities, in the Table 21 the medians of the maximum and minimum for each lithology.
In black are indicated the situations in which the EIA, from our point of view has been calculated undervalued data.
Hydraulic Conductivities (m/d) Lithology Superficial Sediments Moraines Lime stones Minimum (SWS 2012) 1.00E-02 1.00E-06 1.00E-05 Minimum (Report) 2.68E-04 8.64E-04 1.09E-06 Overvalued Observations Overvalued Maximum (SWS 2012) 1.00E+00 1.00E-03 1.00E-01 Maximum (Report) 1.12E+00 2.32E-02 2.42E+00 Undervalued Undervalued Observations
179
Marble/Skarn Volcanic Altered intrusive
1.00E-07 1.00E-06 1.00E-04
1.56E-02 2.70E-06 3.10E-04
Undervalued
1.00E-04 1.00E+00 1.00E-02 1.00E-02
2.85E-02 1.37E+00 1.54E+00
Undervalued
Non altered 1.00E-05 intrusive Source: Own research
Table 20- Comparison of the maximum and minimum hydraulics conductivities of the Lugeon and Lefranc trials by lithology (maximum range found)
Hydraulic Conductivities (m/d) Lithology Superficial Sediments Moraines Lime stones Marble/Skarn Volcanic Minimum Minimum (SWS 2012) (Report) 1.00E-02 1.00E-06 1.00E-05 1.00E-07 1.00E-06 4.23E-03 8.64E-05 6.77E-03 2.02E-02 1.64E-03 2.12E-02 Observations Overvalued Undervalued Undervalued Undervalued Undervalued Undervalued 1.00E-02 Maximum (SWS 2012) 1.00E+00 1.00E-03 1.00E-01 1.00E-04 1.00E+00 1.00E-02 2.56E-02 Maximum (Report) 2.42E-01 1.19E02 4.93E-02 2.67E02 1.93E-02 Undervalued Overvalued Observations Overvalued Undervalued
Altered 1.00E-04 intrusive Non altered 1.00E-05 intrusive Source: Own research
Table 21.- Comparison of the medians hydraulic conductivities by lithology (maximum and minimum)
The hydraulic conductivity ranges adopted in EIA son significantly different (magnitude order), of those calculated in this report. This difference may result if the statistical population analyzed in the EIA in this report is not the same.
Table 22, shows the values of hydraulic conductivity expected in the different structures of the project.
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Hydraulic conductivity Minimum Minimu Maximu m m 4.01E2.14EDep. Chailhuagn 03 02 3.37E2.45EDep. Perol 04 02 2.70E4.36ETailings Dep. 06 01 3.10E4.10EChailhuagn Pit 04 01 2.68E9.50EPerol Pit 04 01 Source: Own research Structures
Average 1.35E02 7.50E03 5.14E02 7.76E02 9.81E02
Median 1.50E02 2.57E03 1.82E03 1.87E02 2.12E02
Maximum Minimu m 2.20E02 2.62E03 2.70E06 3.10E04 3.72E04
Maximu m 7.21E01 1.54E+0 0 8.42E01 4.10E01 2.42E+0 0
Average 2.62E01 3.92E01 1.41E01 7.77E02 3.19E01
Median 4.38E02 1.33E02 1.64E02 1.87E02 3.41E02
Table 22. Values of hydraulic conductivities expect in the different structures of the Conga project.
The quantification and evaluation of environmental impacts, in the domain of groundwater may be so, too undervalued in the EIA. To prevent, it is understood that that hydraulics conductivities to consider in the numerical model must be the highest calculated to median maximum and minimum values (Table 23)
Lithology Superficial Sediments Minimum hydraulic conductivity (m/d) Lime stones Marble/Skarn Volcanic Altered intrusive Non altered intrusive
Minimum hydraulic conductivity (m/d) 1.00E-02 8.64E-05 6.77E-03 2.02E-02 1.64E-03 2.12E-02
Maximum conductivity (m/d) 1.00E+00 1.19E-02 1.00E-01 2.67E-02 1.00E+00 2.26E-02
hydraulic
Table 23.- Hydraulics conductivities to consider in the new exploration of the numeric model.
The evaluation of test Lugeon results and other specific tests, should be taken with great prudence , due to contrast with the results of the long term pumping performed in the Wells PPP3 -
181
Chailhuagn and PP5 - Perol, with depths of up to 252m. In these wells the interpretation has been performed in accordance with Theis transient and Logan (1964) stationary methodology. The calculated transmissivities of 0.8 to 2,6 m2/day of range are typical in fractured and fissured zones of compacted rocks, often used as aquifer to satisfy small claims, the calculated storage coefficient in PPP3, is 0.005, which shows a small enclosure. The recoveries have been slow suggesting a feed deficit.
Under these aquifer type hydrogeological conditions, the influences of drainage pits may spread over considerable distances along of the main axes o fracturing, considering the long term of intervention period and the dimensions of the excavation, although these permeability conditions may decrease in depth due to an isostasy effect. For this reason, the simulation of these effects in the numeric model must be performed with realistic sceneries of the involved hydrodynamic parameters.
The obtained values of the hydraulic conductivities, as like transmissibility are in of the limits generally acceptable to hard rock (see, example Larsson et al, 1984. Wright and Burgess 1992, Lloyd 1999, Singhal and Gupla 1999, Robins and Misstear 2000, Stober andBucher 2000, Carvalho 2006),
9.4.3 Hydrology Inventory
In the hydrogeological inventory there are recorded many water points but, in addition of the volume of water, no is possible found another hydrogeology information even if summary. Between another gaps is not include information about of the lithology caught.
In the Table 3.2.97 of the EIA are listed the springs located in the five micro watershed surrounding of the project, inventoried between 3 and 28 of July, 2006, is showed the coordinates, basins and volume of water. This inventory was developed participatory by the Administracin Tcnica del Distrito de Riego (ATDR Technical Administration of Irrigation District) of Cajamarca, coordinated with MYSRL and after verified in 2007 by MYSRI.
Of this way were identified 683 springs, most of them with insignificant volume of water. Much of the micro watershed of the Alto Chirimayo ravine, totalizing total volume water of 122 L/s. The table 24 shows the number of springs and respective volume of water, by ravine.
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Cuenca Chugumayo ravine Alto Chirimayo ravine Alto Jadibamba river Toromacho ravine Chailhuagn river Total Source: Own research
Springs (number) 80 332 133 80 58 663
Total volume of water (L/s) 8.65 48.71 44.88 2.53 6.91 111.68
Area (km2) 44 74 123 97 114 452.30
Table 24. Distribution of springs and volumes of water by micro watersheds.
Therefore, the average volume of water per spring is 0.16 L/s and the medium 0.01L/s ( with extreme values of 0.00009 and 20 L/s). It is important to emphasize that most volumes of water are very low (in 82% of the cases with number less than 0,1 L/s 28 ) and only the 3.8% of the inventoried springs has a reasonable volume water equal or higher to 1L/s (Table 25 and Table 26). These springs normally are located far away from Conga project, except Swamp1 and Swamp 2.
Volume of water (L/s) With no information 0-0,09 0,1-0,49 0,5-0,99 >1
# of springs 3 557 83 21222 19
% 0.4% 81.6% 12.2% 3.1% 2.8% 100%
Total 683 Source: Own research
Table 25.- Magnitude of springs volumes of water
28
The 82% of springs would not have the capacity to irrigate a plot of just 1 000m2 (25*40)
183
N 437 37 615 315 318 38 413 539 459 330 297 36 212 320 35 47 213
Name The Pachachaca Pantano I Ocororo Chaquil Pajuro (La Tina) Pantano II (Shilac 2) Ojo de agua I Chacapamapa Rangra I Pencra III Lucmapata I (Alanya I) Chapiosaca Pajuro II Alanya (Lucmapata I) Escaln El Pachas
Y 9245152 9233972 9244990 9235588 9235169 9233376 9245692 9241106 9247252 9228780 9234079 9238366 9229106 9233934 9238316 9233244 9232628 9231865 9229196
X 792201 793887 789674 803498 804470 794197 792838 795105 801396 803630 803461 803665 802584 804502 803939 796697 804687 802643 8029958
Q (l(S)) 20 10 8 6 3.5 3 2.7 2.65 2.5 2.04 2.03 1.52 1.5 1.48 1.3 1.12 1.1 1.1 1
micro watersheds Alto Jadibamba river Alto Chirimayo ravine Alto Jadibamba river Alto Chirimayo ravine Alto Chirimayo ravine Alto Chirimayo ravine Alto jadibamba river Alto jadibamba river Alto jadibamba river Alto Chirimayo ravine Alto Chirimayo ravine Chugurmayo ravine Alto Chirimayo ravine Alto Chirimayo ravine Chugurmayo ravine Alto Chirimayo ravine Alto Chirimayo ravine Alto Chirimayo ravine Alto Chirimayo ravine
268 Ojo de Agua III 208 Llavidque III Source: Own research
Table 26. General features of productive springs
From April to September 2010, hydro Geo (2011) developed a water point inventory, in a wider area than the study of ATDR (2006).These differences make the results comparison difficult, and it is said that inventory volumes of water have the same magnitude order.
SWS (2012) have developed an inventory of the wells used to hydrogeological research, counting 247 surrounding of the project. The surveys list, with coordinates and basin are in the Appendix A1. These are mainly information from geotechnical surveys, but there are four (PPP-3, PZP-3, PPC-5 and PZC-5) that were performed in order to calculate hydrogeological parameters, in the pit zones. SWS include another 8 surveys in the pits Perol and Chailhuagn (SWS, 2012 Appendix B). It is estimated the existence of 250 surveys, but rarely with joint information of the depths, diameters, levels, hydraulic conductivities and/or chemical information.
9.4.4 Hydrochemical description
In the area of Conga project, water analyses of the geotechnical surveys were performed, in order to characterizing the groundwater quality. The analyses performed include physical chemical
184
parameters, inorganics, dissolved metals, total metals, organics and microbiological. The results are in the Tables 3.2.99, 3.2.100, 3.2.101 and 3.2.102 of EIA (Knight Pisold Consulting. 201o).
The results must be interpreted with prudence whereas the design of probes, frequently mixing water de different lithology.
Of the 29 surveys with hydro chemical description, is possible to make an evaluation of the hydro chemical stages of the 25 surveys. Bicarbonate (HC03) concentrations have been calculated taking its total alkalinity, or when it is not available, from the ionic balance (Custodio y llamas, 1983).
The summarized results are included in Table 26.
Survey GMW121MW-12 CHEX-01 CHEX-03 CJEX-O1 CJEX-02 GMW14/MW-14 MMEX-02 MW-06 PPP-5 PZC-05 CHA-O1 MW-03 PHA-2 PPP-3 PZC-01
Lithology Alluvium/volca nic Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone/mar ble Limestone/mar ble Intrusive Intrusive Intrusive Intrusive Intrusive
Sodiu m (Na*) [mg/l] 106.00 6.24 41.10 1.86 31.04 2.95 25.90 2.18 2.94 3.32 8.47 0.32 3.67 1.72
Potass ium (K*) [mg/l] 0.21 2.20 1.81 0.58 2.27 1.65 2.91 1.59 1.65 1.14 1.24 0.46 1.54 0.67
Magne sium (Mg2*) [mg/l] 0.06 10.11 17.10 8.84 11.53 4.86 3.26 3.55 3.51 2.08 4.72 0.68 2.15 4.42
Calci um (Ca2* ) [mg/l] 0.91 47.3 1 53.2 0 74.1 0 70.2 1 78.3 2 22.0 0 51.0 0 50.1 0 44.3 0 23.6 0 0.58 41.2 0 53.6 0
Bicarb onate (HCO3 ) [mg/l] 199.67 144.41 284.26 259.86
Chlorid e (Cl) [mg/l] 2.00 0.95 14.60 5.83 1.24
Sulfate (SO4) [mg/l] 97.67 17.78 13.60 27.40 16.80
Total dissolv ed solids [mg/l] 479.3 186.2 687.0 308.0 335.0
244.61 127.92 165.12 194.79 112.91 24.77 1.83 121.36 79.35
0.38 4.98 2.29 1.87 1.12 1.72 0.18 2.23 0.40
19.30 15.80 9.60 12.70 32.30 24.90 8.60 18.20 11.50
246.9 629.5 194.0 195.0 158.0 135.0 27.0 158.0 180.0
185
PZC-02 PZC-03 PZC-04 PZP-01 PZP-02 PZP-03 PZP-04 PZP-05 GMW0IBJMW01B GMW05JMW-05 MW.()2 MW-04 GMW131MW-13
Intrusive Intrusive Intrusive Intrusive Intrusive Intrusive Intrusive Intrusive Volcanic Volcanic Volcanic Volcanic
14.00 8.18 5.23 12.20 16.40 5.01 1.25 38.60 14.90 52.85 45.97 57.69 5.08 1271.5
1.67 1.38 2.04 1.86 1.50 2.22 0.48 4.30 7.09 6.86 8.33 1.48 2.57 6.35
0.67 0.63 1.12 2.01 0.79 1.86 0.59 4.55 3.75 0.22 32.47 1.64 3.03 38.39
Volcanic/limest one GMW16/ Volcanic/limest MW-16 one Source: Own research
10.2 0 18.7 0 19.3 0 28.8 0 10.9 0 26.3 0 9.70 48.2 0 21.5 0 35.2 7 76.8 1 37.5 2 27.5 5 143. 15
35.66 66.19 46.76 39.72 25.86 118.75 189.97 139.08 169.58 445.71 322.93 104.07 184.22
3.11 2.18 1.48 3.85 1.06 6.04 0.43 21.50 0.81 7.05 15.88 9.79 0.60 149.00
26.10 11.00 25.30 68.30 35.60 12.90 29.80 40.70 7.50 21.70 67.72 11.25 2.90 1708.0 0
100.0 101.0 104.0 150.8 105.0 127.0 50.0 261.0 132.0 373.0 504.2 330.4 127.0 4131.0
Table 27. Average results of the chemical analyses to main ions by lithology (Na*, K*, Mg*, Ca2, HCO2, Cl, and SO4)
The survey GMW-16/MW shows water noticeable more mineralized and, due to graphic reasons, has not been selected for graphing, in Piper and Stiff diagrams. This is a typical circulation water in mineralized zones.
The surveys CHEX-01, CHEX-03, and PZP-04 could not be used because of missing data. The Piper diagram (Graphic 68) shows that there is indeed a slight difference between the waters, generally of hypotonic: waters in volcanic materials are little more mineralized. The waters of the surveys located on the intrusive rocks have a higher concentration of sulfate (calcic or magnesic sulfated water), that the water from the surveys located in Cretaceous volcanic formations (calcic bicarbonate).
186
Source: Own research Note: The colors correspond to its geological location (Alluvium/volcanic Gray: limestone Green: Marble/Skarn Black: Intrusive Red: Volcanic Yellow: Volcanic/Limestone Rosa) Graphic 68. Piper diagram of water surveys in the Conga Project
The differences in hydro chemical features are also visible in the Stiff diagrams. The limestones waters have the same chemical features of the marbles waters. The surveys waters located on intrusive rocks are less mineralized and have a higher relative content of sulfates. However, some surveys have water with similar features to limestones water. The similarities between the chemical features of the different waters, manifested in the Small Total Mineralization (STO), could mean a fast and shallow circulation.
187
Source: Own research Graphic 69. Stiff diagrams of survey waters located on alluviums / volcanic rocks
Graphic 70. Stiff diagrams of surveys waters located in limestone
188
Source: Own research Graphic 71. Stiff diagrams of surveys waters located on marbles/skarn
189
Source: Own research Graphic 72. Stiff diagrams of surveys waters located on intrusive rocks
190
Source: Own research Graphic 73. Stiff diagrams of surveys waters located on volcanic rocks
Source: Own research Graphic 74. Stiff diagram of surveys waters located on volcanic/limestone rocks
Table 28 summarizes the medium chemical features of water by lithology.
Lithology Alluvium volcanic Limestone /
Surveys (number) 1 7
(Na*) [mg/l] 106.00 16.07
m (K*) [mg/l] 0.21 2.00
(Mg2*) [mg/l] 0.06 9.47
(Ca2* ) [mg/l] 0.91 61.7 1
(HCO3 ) [mg/l] 199.67 244.61
(Cl) [mg/l] 2.00 3.11
(SO4) [mg/l] 97.67 17.29
TDS [mg/l] 479.33 321.50
191
Limestone marble Intrusive Volcanic
2 13 4
2.56 5.23 49.41 638.29
1.62 1.50 6.97 4.46
3.53 1.86 2.70 20.71
Volcanic / 1/2 limestone Source: Own research
50.5 5 23.6 0 36.3 9 85.3 5
179.96 56.48 246.26 126.53
2.08 1.72 8.42 74.80
11.15 25.30 44.71 855.45
194.50 127.00 351.68 2129.0 0
Table 28. Medium chemical features of waters by lithology
No chemical information about spring water is available, either of physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, temperature) or of the local geology in each place of the water hydrogeology inventory.
9.4.5 Vulnerability and contamination risk
The evaluation to contamination vulnerability is a very useful tool, to predicting the aquifer disorders and to design of mitigation actions. Unfortunately this technique has not been used in researches performed on the field of mining Conga project.
For this reason in this section some brief notes are included, trying to show a preliminary evaluation of vulnerability in tailings, using techniques set forth in DRASTIC and GOD, two of the techniques more used around of world (Aller et al, 1987; Foster 1987).
The DRASTIC index corresponds to mean average of seven values corresponds to seven hydrogeology parameters.
D: Depth of the non-saturated zone (Depth to the water table) R: Depth recharge of the aquifers (Net recharge) A: Aquifer class (Aquifer material) S: Soil Type T: Topography I: Impact of the unsaturated zone C: Hydraulic conductivity
192
The DRASTIC method is based in a set of procedures, which allow the integration of multiples parameters representing the underground environmental and its specificity. Each one of the seven DRASTIC parameters was divided in scales which determine the contamination potential. DRASTIC Parameters D: Depth of the non-saturated zone (Depth to the water table) R: Depth recharge of the aquifers (Net recharge) A: Aquifer class (Aquifer material) S: Soil Type T: Topography I: Impact of the unsaturated zone C: Hydraulic conductivity Source: Navarrete and Garca DRASTIC normal 5 4 3 2 1 5 3
Table 29. Weighting factors for the parameters used in the DRASTIC method The use of the DRASTIC method is as follows: Values ranging from 0 to 10 are given to each and every one of the seven parameters, based on locals conditions, the high values corresponds to higher vulnerability; the values to attribute is obtained from tables that considered the relation between the locals hydrogeology features and the respective parameter.
Later, the rate is calculated by multiplying the value attributed to the parameter by its relative weight, the most important parameters have a weight of 5 and the less important parameters have a weight of 1. Finally, the seven partial products are added forming the value of the DRASTIC final rate, the minimum possible value is 23 and the maximum value is 226, regarding Aller et al. (1987), values of this magnitude are rare, reaching generally between 50 and 200. The DRASTIC vulnerability class, in terms of, vulnerability types, is show on Table 30. Vulnerability Low Lower medium Medium high High Very high
DRASTIC rate <100 100-139 140-179 180-200 >200 Source: Navarrete y Garca (2003)
Table 30. Vulnerability types of DRASTIC rate
193
Regarding Foster (1987), the rate of vulnerability to pollution GOD considers the three following parameters: a) Groundwater occurrence, that is, if the aquifer is free, semi-confined, confined, etc., b) Overall aquifer class in terms of lithological features, c) Depth to groundwater table or to aquifer, The aquifer is classified, regarding each of three parameters, on a scale where the maximum value is the unit. The rate is calculated by multiplying the three parameters. The maximum value of rate is 1.0, representing a maximum vulnerability (table 31.) The lowest value is 0.016 if aquifer, or zero if no aquifer. The value of each parameter is easy to be obtained, following the procedure presented by Foster (1987.)
GOD Rate 0.7 -1 0.5 -0.7 0.3-0.5 0.1-0.3 0-0.1 Source: Navarrete y Garca (2003)
Table 31. Vulnerability types of GOD rate
Vulnerability Extreme High Moderate Low Negligible
DRASTIC and GOD methods were applied to a typical situation in central area of the tailings ponds where alluvial deposits, limestone and volcanic rocks occur. To determine the DRASTIC rate, the underlying physical model, the considered value and the weighting rates are shown on Table 32.
Parameters
Weighting rate 5 4 3
Alluvium Data 1 to 2m 34 Value 10 1
Limestone Data 57.5 34 Value 1 1
Volcanic rocks Data 24 34 Value 2 1
D R A
Water depth (m) Recharger Aquifer nature
G Sand, 9 gravel and conglomerate
F 7 massive limestone
D 6 Alternation of sandstones,
194
clay and limestone S T I Soil 2 Organic soil 4 to 8% 2 7 Organic soil 15 to 25% 2 2 Organic soil 8 to 15% 2 4
Topography 1 Impact on 5 the nonsaturated area
H sand and 9 gravel
C - 4 Limestone
E 6 Alternation of limestone, sandstones and clay 1,93E-02 1
Hydraulic conductivity (m/d)
2,42E-01
4,93E-02

Table 32. DRASTIC Rate. Physical model, weighting rate and value for each parameter
Table 33 shows the final calculation of DRASTIC Rate for the three locations Parameters D R A S T I Water depth (m) Recharger Aquifer nature Soil Topography Impact on the non-saturated area Hydraulic conductivity (m/d) TOTAL Source: Own research
Table 33. Final calculation of DRASTIC Rate.
Alluvium 50 4 27 4 7 45
Limestone 5 4 21 4 2 20
Volcanic rocks 10 4 18 4 4 30
140
59
73
195
GOD Rate has been calculated for each situation regarding what Table 34 reflects. Alluvium Data G Aquifer type Aquifer class Non confined Value 0.9 Limestone Data Non confined Caliche and other limestone 57.5 Value 0.8 Volcanic rocks Data Non confined Tuff Value 0.8
Alluvium/Fluvioglacial
0.7
0.95
0.65
Water distance GOD Rate
1 to 2m
0.5
24
0.6
0.63
0.4
0.3

Table 34. Calculation of GOD Rate for the three locations.
Table 35 shows the summary of results obtained from the two methods, in the tailing ponds area. Location in tailing ponds Method Shallow subsystem Rate DRASTIC GOD 140 0.63 aquifer Deep aquifer subsystem (limestone) Rate 59 0.49 Class Low Moderate Deep aquifer subsystem (volcanic rocks) Rate 73 0.31 Class Low Moderate
Class Medium High

Table 35. Results of vulnerability rates in tailing ponds
The application of this methodology for determining the vulnerability to pollution has revealed that the relative vulnerability is the highest in the shallow aquifer (although it has different magnitude in methodology) and it seems to be no significant differences between limestone vulnerability and volcanic rocks vulnerability. The spread of pollution is fast and easy in alluvial and fluvioglacial formations of valleys and very slow in volcanic rocks, eruptive rocks and limestone which are dominant in the Conga area. The systematic cartography of the intervention area of Conga project in Geographical Information System (SIG) with DRASTIC methodology, for instance, it is understood that it has to be done for adapting mitigation measures.
196
9.5 Conceptual hydrogeological model

The local hydrogeological system comprises two subsystems: Shallow subsystem, located in alluvial and fluvioglacial deposits, and. Deep subsystem, located in fissured and compact rocks of volcanic, limestone and various igneous rocks material. This subchapter includes a summary of knowledge on the conceptual model of Conga area, taking the forecast of impacts and their magnitude into account.
9.5.1 Type and structure of aquifers

The (alluvial and fluvioglacial) shallow aquifer subsystem is free with permeability of interstices and piezometric level near the surface, with a thickness of around 10m. It corresponds to frontal and lateral moraines that are a natural retention drainage system. Its coefficient of storage is usually high. This aquifer has hydraulic conductivity of about 10-2 to 1m/day and is of great importance for the ecosystems preservation of lakes and wetlands (see 9.5.2). This shallow aquifer has a shorter cycle and vulnerability to average pollution. The deep subsystem corresponds to fractured rocks of various rock types (tuffs, ignimbrites and other volcanic materials, limestone and volcanic rocks) more or less altered. In this subsystem, water flows in altered areas and in depth, in open fractured areas. In depth, fracturing net tends to close. Water flows through discontinuities (faults, fractures, veins and geological contacts). Discontinuous systems of ground water flow thus formed, have behavior of aquitards (low transmissivity and storage coefficient relatively high). Confinement in these fractured areas depends on the depth and the spatial fractures model, free flow could be present (to levels close to the surface) being semi-confined, confined or pseudo-confined. Hydraulic conductivities in this subsystem are from 10 -3 to 100 m/day. The transmissivity, determined by pumping tests in the area of pits, is around 0.8 to 2.6m2/day. Gradients are generally high and the piezometric surface could not match up with shallow aquifer, depending on their relative position of the topographic location and the position of recharge and discharge areas. Two arisen surveys are known (MMEX-1 and PCEX-1) with piezometric level near the ground in the limestone. In research surveys of PPP3 and PPC5 pits, flows of 7 and 1 L/s have been pumped respectively. The hydrogeological role of fractures and faults in these hydrogeological environments is very important and should be studied without reservations: the simple cartography of a local
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or regional fault is not sufficient to conclude about the hydrogeological potential whether it is a conductive structure (privileged via) as a barrier. The occurrence theme of karst aquifers, in the area of Conga project, was discussed in this Report, due to the importance that would mean against impacts in groundwater. However, in the influence area of the project, despite presence of karst morphology on surface, evidences of significant movement were not found through cavities developed in soluble rocks, being corroborated by the following facts: In the hydrogeological inventory, karst springs of long. cycle have not been located The surface runoffs based on hydrographs are not compatible with the existence of underground karst discharges that would provide some regulatory power to surface water system. The geological and hydrogeological prospecting did not detect evidence of karst flow: the permeability is porous and/or flsural with values generally very low, typical of aquitards. The geological structure subdivided by very low permeability materials does not help in the development of karst flow. The spring waters inventoried reflect specific compositions related to the rock but are hiposaline in all types of geological formations (except in the mineralized areas and in areas of volcanic rocks) revealing short and shallow hydrogeological circuits. Considering a classical approach in the existent area besides the shallow or superficial aquifer (alluvial and fluvioglacial deposits and alteration stripes of compact, fissured and underlying volcanic rocks), an aquitard with possible small and discontinuous flows that cannot be ignored for their potential use in water supply in rural areas. The most important formation, hydrogeologically, in the area may be the Farrat Formation (which is not emerging and may be located over 1.500m deep), consisting of medium to coarse grained quartzite and sandstone, but hardly accessible for "normal" uses.
9.5.2 Recharge, discharge areas, flow model and relationships groundwater surface water
Recharge of described hydrogeological systems occurs in upwelling areas, following the groundwater flow with flows regarding topography. The discharge areas are located on rivers, ravines, lakes and wetlands. The residence time in the subsurface is short, in the case of the shallow aquifer, so that the infiltrated water, after circulating a small depth quickly, is returned to rivers, ravines, lakes and wetlands in a typical short cycle hydrogeological circuit. The thesis, that water in lakes is basically rain water, and groundwater of small springs discharge upstream, has been verified by the isotopic study conducted in the Perol lagoon in 2006 (Water Management Consultants, 2006), report kindly provided by Mr. Roberto Parra.
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The flow in fissured and compact rocks, and in volcanic rocks, depends on the considered depth, existing short or more or less long circuits, depending on the considered depth. Discharge areas, for the shallow aquifer are still rivers, ravines, lakes and wetlands and other possible upwelling springs where the piezometric surface intersects the topography, or hydrogeological trapping locations. Considering the numerical modeling (SWS, 2012) and research in the scope of this Report, it is acceptable to consider a generalized recharge of 34mm (3% of precipitation), of which only 0.5% fall in deep flow. As Chapter 8 emphasizes (surface water), the lagoons are natural depressions formed by the glacial activity where runoff water is accumulated by the effect that moraines produce forming an impermeable barrier at the natural outflow of water. The lagoons play, within the drainage network, the role of reservoirs with minimal regulatory capacity and limited catchment area. These lagoons were generated at the expense of developing the impermeable barrier of moraines, and low hydraulic conductivity of their depth, in which silt materials of low permeability were deposited. In the lagoons (shown by Water Management Consultants (2006)), the vertical hydraulic conductivity is very low. In wet seasons, the hydrological functioning of lagoons consists in collecting water from direct precipitation, surface runoff from its own watershed, and interflow contributions, increasing its reserves until reaching the drain of the final morraine. From that moment, inflow becomes outflow into rivers, supplies to evaporation and occasionally, causes minor variations in level. In dry seasons, the balance is altered, since inflow starts to decrease, resulting in a drawdown, which interrupts the contribution of the lagoon to the course. Then, a new situation of unstable equilibrium is reached, where the inflow is compensated by evaporation and the level variations of the lagoon. Temporarily, negligible filtration could appear to the shallow aquifer, due to the low permeability nature of silty fillings in bottoms of lagoons, and underlying materials, and reduced infiltration surface. On one hand, a hydraulic connection between lagoons and the shallow aquifer or aquitard production levels and; on the other hand, deep hydrogeological systems are unproven, and not credible. Therefore, from the hydrological point of view, the lagoons collect water in wet seasons and return the excess volume to rivers and ravines. In dry seasons, lagoons only give water temporarily to the shallow aquifer (and eventually to higher levels of the permeable rocky substrate), in very small amounts, losing some of its reserves by evaporation. As a consequence, it is not a source of resources for the system. The problem of water resources in the area, with deep impact on activities of users, is the systematic deficit of water in the dry season, although there are often large volumes remaining in the wet season, therefore the affection of water use is concentrated in the dry season. Graphic 9, Chapter 7 (surface water), inflows for each year of the 1964-2008 series estimated at station MC-11, clearly shows that, even in the wet season, there are years where inflow is low. In the dry season, inflow is always low in these micro-basins.
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The rapid emptying of the superficial system reflecting the hydrographs studied in Chapter 8 (surface water); even with adjustment problems, can rule out the existence of a significant underground outflow to other systems through deep groundwater flow. The component of "base inflow", produced in the basin by infiltration to shallow aquifer, quickly drains into rivers and ravines. 9.6 Impacts and mitigation measures associated with groundwater The expected impacts of the project on groundwater, both in terms of quantity and quality, would be results of: Soil occupation, usually with activities that reduce the infiltration. Drainage of the massif adjacent to the pits, causing declines in piezometric levels in their environment, with a dependent area on hydraulic conductivities and the period of operation. Infiltration of pollutants in clearance deposits, tailing deposits, mineral processing equipment, extraction equipment/machinery and other mining facilities. Pollution, post-closure from the pits, if groundwater flow is reversed, and a pollution plume is generated.
9.6.1 Mitigation measures suggested in the EIA

Changing the available amount of groundwater, mainly from the shallow aquifer, would be offset by the increase in number and capacity to regulate surface water. The strategy for mitigating mining impacts on aquifers and groundwater is mainly based on draining the water without contact, and avoiding mixing with water contact. Perol Waste Dump Subdraining pipes will be installed before placing the material from the pit to collect filtrations and channel them to the pool of supernatants. In this pool, a raft equipped with pumps that send the excess to the acid water treatment plant is expected. There is an outcrop of shallow karstified limestone with at least one drain that may be covered with HDPE geomembrane, properly placed. Chailhuagn Waste Dump Subdraining pipes will be installed before placing the material from the pit to collect filtrations and channel them to the Chirimayo sediment well. Tailings Deposits At this facility, geomembrane liners will be placed in all required places as a matter of permeability. Constructing a dam, downstream of the tailings, is planned to accumulate filtrations under control, to be sent to the acid water treatment plant through a pumping system. The lower dam and the Toromacho would have a clay core, bedrock with a waterproof injection treatment.
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9.6.2 Additional mitigation measures

Considering the nature of impacts expected at the level of this Report, the following measures are proposed in addition to those provided in the EIA:
Development of a cartography vulnerable to pollution for the three deposits, to define the locations where an additional covering (geomembrane) is required. Execution of contingency plans, which may include waterproof barriers in the rock mass, and /or pumping wells, to prevent the spread of pollutant fluids. Execution of deposits through sub horizontal surveys, monitored, as an alternative or complement to the reservoirs, to supply local water to population centers. Definition of safeguard areas of deposits for human use in potential impact areas.
9.6.3 Environmental control Network of groundwater monitoring in the EIA

The EIA suggests the following control parameters listed in Table 36 in the control network set up in six surveys (Table 37), quarterly. In situ controls Water level pH Temperature Dissolved oxygen Electrical conductivity Laboratory Controls Total suspended solids (TSS) Total hardness Nitrates, nitrites, phosphates and sulfates Sulfurs Total metals (As, Cd, Cu. Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn, Hg, Ba. B, Co, Li, Mg and Ag) according to ECA - Category 1 and LMP Oils and fats Cyanide and Cyanide WAD Xanthates (linked at the flotation process, monitored from the starting stage of operation) Hexavalent Chromium BOD and DOO Total and fecal coliforms
Source: Appendix 6.9 of the EIA

Table 36. Parameters recorded on the control network of the EIA
Monitoring station
Cardinal points North East
Altitude (m)
Description
Basin of Chugurmayo ravine
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WQC-001
9236130
793540
3762
Downstream Perol pit
of
Basin of Alto Chirimayo ravine MW-02/A/B 9233726 792059 3793 Sub-basin of the Chirimayo ravine, side of Chirimayo bridge of Agua Blanca roadCombayo lagoons
Basin of Chailhuagn river GMW-CH 9230755 790280 3740 Downstream of Chailhuagn sedimentation well
Basin of river Alto Jadibamba WQC-002 9241066 787847 3697 Downstream of lower reservoir Downstream main dam of
WQC-003
9239254
787500
3757
Basin of Toromacho ravine GMW-TO-01 9238140 786777 3730 Downstream of Toromacho dam
Source: EIA (Knight Piesold Consulting, 2010a)

Table 37. Cardinal points and location of control piezometers
For the location of monitoring stations in Table 37, the location of proposed facilities and the possible intersection of the water table have been considered in outcrops, such as springs that may be impacted by construction or operational activities of the project. This network will include a much larger number of control piezometers.
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9.6.3.1.1 Control Network proposed for groundwater

We have considered that the density of the proposed control network in the EIA is very low, and it should be supplemented, including additional piezometers and springs. All this should be managed as a whole with a hydrogeological perspective. The criteria for defining an additional monitoring network of groundwater would be the following: Geographical distribution. The chosen test drillings should be well distributed in the area. Operation. The chosen test drillings should be operational at all stages of the project (construction, operation and closure). Geology. The chosen test drillings should be distributed among selected different lithological units. Proximity. The chosen test drillings should be close to potential sources of pollution. Regarding springs control, and although there is a participatory control, a set of points with systematic control, and methodology to ensure data reliability has to be chosen. The definition of the control network of springs should be done with the following criteria2028: Geographical distribution. The sources selected should be well distributed in the area. Geology. The sources chosen should correspond to different lithological units. Inflow. The chosen springs should have relatively high flow rates. Use/local importance. Sources used for human supply and/or irrigation should have priority. Proximity. Priority sources close to potential sources of pollution should have priority. Water points (test drillings and sources) would be also selected in areas where impacts are not likely to confirm or report changes of natural causes. Measurement of in situ parameters is important but in the event of suspected pollution, samples should be collected and chemical analyses with the same parameters defined in the EIA have to be done. The sampling frequency will be quarterly and should be continued after the closure Control Network (EIA) Parameters in situ Level. pH, temperature, electrical Additional control network of test drillings Level, pH, temperature, electrical Control sources network of
Volume of water, pH, temperature, electrical
20
In response to Comment 74 (First Round Comments MINEM) includes a table of representative sources, but criteria for the choice are not included, and some flows are extremely low.
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Collection of samples for chemical analysis Frequency Source: Own research
conductivity, dissolved oxygen Yes Quarterly
conductivity No (except for suspected pollution) Quarterly
conductivity No (except for suspected pollution) Quarterly
Table 38. Creation of a control network of groundwater resources
The data should be computerized in files for each point of water, with a hydrogeological matrix, and included in a control campaign report, considering and evaluating the historical variations.. Results of the control network exploration would be systematically incorporated into the numerical model that should be calibrated and validated, to provide stringent qualitative and quantitative impacts of the project, in flows of micro-basins involved, to update possible actions. The groundwater monitoring network includes the continuous monitoring stations, in points of the project trace, the five micro-basins recommended in Chapter 8 (surface water).
9.7 Conclusions
In the context of the inspection, analyzes of existing data, evaluation of prevention mitigation and compensation proposals and alternatives to generate more water availability were planned. Regarding the analysis of existing information presented after the hydrogeological study on March 2012 (SWS, 2012), it is considered that, at present, a conceptual hydrogeological model and the resulting numerical model exist. This model should be recalibrated and validated progressively, with the new scenarios of hydraulic conductivity, included in this Report, and periodically the data provided by the controls. Thus, in the micro-basins involved, qualitative and quantitative impacts of the project would be predicted more rigorously and impacted areas in quality and quantity would be redefined. It is recommended to summarize the hydrogeological inventory, including all campaigns, improving the quality of the field files (and georeference), considering this activity as an important component of hydrogeological studies to integrate in the future control network. This monitoring network integrates provided control surveys, downstream the main structures potentially polluting, close springs selected for this purpose and, further, complementary surveys in critical points. The analyzed data allow concluding that the groundwater in the study area, flows mostly in unconfined and shallow aquifers, installed in alluvial and fluvioglacial materials, and that its flow takes place at small depth and over short periods after rains.
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The deep flow in rocks of volcanic substrate, eruptive and limestone is marginal by the behavior of aquitard. The occurrence of karstic or deep fissured aquifers has not been recognized. In very restricted areas, it is possible that fissured, semi-confined, confined or pseudo-confined hydrogeological systems are present of small magnitude, which could allow the propagation of influence, and the distance mass transport, in regime influenced as in the case of pits in the closing stage. Groundwater cutaneous (in this hydrogeological model) is responsible for feeding the ravines and rivers together with surface water, are responsible for temporal power of the lagoons and wetlands, ecosystems common in this Andean region. The groundwater recharge is approximately 34mm, which represents 3% of precipitation. In addition to prevention, mitigation and compensation proposed in the EIA, the execution of cartography of pollution vulnerability, to optimize the construction of protection and mitigation infrastructure as provided for in the dumps and tailings deposit. Likewise, the perimeters of protection of deposits for human use in areas of potential impact should be defined for better identification of mitigation measures. The numerical model should be used as a management model, incorporating simulations of major infrastructure operation of the project. In the extraction phase, Chailhuagn and Perol pits will extract water from shallow cutaneous aquifers, and may additionally cause quantitative impacts in near deposits, located in fractured areas. To avoid the occurrence of possible qualitative impacts (during and after the operational phase in the pits) in the main ravines and rivers, it may require the completion of sealing curtains, and/or the performance of pumping wells, especially in the shallow hydrogeological subsystem. The intervention plan for each situation should first be established, based on the inventory of water points that should be subject to updating. In regard to opportunities generating greater water availability groundwater cannot be considered in a systematic way, given the scarcity of water, plus major groundwater resources are related to shallow systems, and management should be a perspective on the use of surface water. For prevention, mitigation and compensation besides provided small reservoirs, if possible, alternatives of deposits should be considered, based on sub horizontal surveys that emulate existing sources, being alternatives, socially accepted
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10 10.1
WATER QUALITY
Pre-mine Stage: surface water quality
10.1.1 Approach The EIA of Conga Project analyzes surface water quality in the five micro basins located in the site (Table 39): Toromacho ravine, Alto Jadibamba river, Chugurmayo ravine, Alto Chirimayo ravine and Chailhuagn river.
Source: Knight PisoId Consulting. February, 2010.

Table 39. Hydrographic micro basin in the project environment
Historical information from control stations was reviewed for surface water quality in the project envelope where data was recorded in different periods. In addition to this, background information from other studies prepared for this project and information from periodical controls made by MYSRL was also reviewed.
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In this regard, it is worth mentioning that water quality studies have been made since 2003 and they have been reviewed as to be compared with the most recent data. It is also important to mention that surface water quality data from 2007 to 2009 have mainly been considered for this EIA, for this information represents the most recent, and best numbered water quality data including compared laboratory reports. For the EIA framework, 46 surface water sampling stations were selected upon geographical, hydrographical and hydro-biological criteria, current environmental conditions, location of the communities, and activities presently taking place, components of Conga project, and requirements of the applicable law. Location of the main sampling points is shown on Graphic 75, within the micro basins of Conga project environment. These micro basins are all tributaries of major basins that drain into Maraon River, one of the main inflows of the Amazon River. These 46 control stations include lagoons, ravines, rivers and canals as to characterize surface water quality around the project before mining activities start. On Table 40 there is a list of the control stations summarizing the reasons for being chosen. In the EIA Appendixes, analytical results and observations made in situ are shown on Tables for every sampling station. There are also graphs representing the selected parameters to identify possible quality changes along time (trend analysis). We deem this characterization is adequate to know surface water composition and the conditioning environmental factors in the pre-mine stage. In the EIA, this quality is compared to the information processed from field works and from laboratory reports. Results obtained were evaluated upon ECA to determine the condition of the surface water quality in the pre-mine stage. All this was done upon to what we may considerer a classic outline for this kind of studies.
10.1.2 Work Methodology 10.1.2.1 Control Plan

Procedures applied both for the field and the office in order to evaluate surface water in Conga project environment were established in the EIA framework based mainly on the Protocolo de Monitoreo de Calidad de Agua Water Quality Monitoring Protocol (MEM, 1994) and Gua para la Evaluacin de Impactos en la Calidad de las Aguas Superficiales por Actividades Minero Metalrgicas Guide to Evaluate Impact on Surface Water Quality due to Mining and Metallurgical Activities (MEM, 2007). Other reference criteria were taken from Water Quality Monitoring A Practical Guide to the Design and Implementation of Freshwater Quality Studies and Monitoring Programme (PNUMA/OMS, 1996) and from the procedures established in the Handbook for Sampling and Sample Preservation of Water and Wastewater (USEPA, 1982).
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Graphic 75. Sample stations for surface water quality (pre-mine stage)
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Surface Water Micro basin Station RQ-LMAM Toromacho MC-20 Stream MC-22 MC-23 MC-LAZU-1 MC-LAZU-2 MC-LAZU-2F MC-LAZU-3 MC-LCHI-1 Alto MC-18 Jadibamba River MC-15 MC-12 MC-11 CEM-1 CRJ-1 CEBA-1 Chugurmayo Stream MC-52 MC-27 MC-25 MC-08 MC-24 MC-28 MC-LPER-1 MC-LPER-2 MC-LPER-2F Chirimayo MC-LPER-3 Stream MC-LPER-4 MC-LHUA-1 MC-LHUA-1F CEP-1 CVCH-1 CCHU-1 CCHI-1 CLI-1 MC-LMAL-1 MC-LMAL-1-F MC-07A MC05 Chailhuagn MC08 River RG-RG1 MC-LCHA-1 MC-LCHA-2 MC-LCHA-2F MC-LCHA-3 CCYB-1
Coordinates East North 785 135 9 234 988 785 747 9 238 124 786 118 9 238 085 785 180 9 235 420 790 860 9 236 833 790 738 9 236 874 790 738 9 236 874 790 631 9 236 845 790 329 9 236 759 789 552 788 602 788 066 787 915 788 077 788 566 787 600 794 259 791 949 791 379 793 881 791 769 791 318 792 371 792 547 792 547 792 327 792 738 791 772 791 772 792 493 792 557 792 580 793 978 794 158 790 531 790 531 791 230 790 233 788 959 791 650 790 173 789 971 789 971 789 846 789 698 9 237 258 9 237 263 9 241 073 9 241 362 9 237 570 9 237 286 9 241 851 9 237 134 9 235 479 9 233 561 9 232 937 9 234 095 9 235 742 9 234 682 9 234 513 9 234 513 9 234 330 9 234 555 9 232 698 9 232 698 9 234 408 9 233 443 9 233 742 9 233 382 9 233 302 9 231 927 9 231 927 9 231 112
Reason to be included Mamacocha lagoon in the project evaluation area Downstream this micro basin Downstream projected tailings deposit Downstream this micro basin Azul lagoon that will be drained for the project Chica lagoon that will be drained for the project Upstream projected tailings deposit and dowstream projected Perol waste dump. Downstream projected tailings deposit Adjacent flow to projected tailings deposit Downstream projected tailings deposit Canal within project evaluation area Canal within project evaluation area Canal within project evaluation area Downstream this micro basin Upstream this micro basin Upstream this micro basin Downstream this micro basin Perol wetland in evaluation area Perol wetland in evaluation area
Perol lagoon that would be drained for project operation
Huashwas lagoon, located in project evaluation area Canal within project evaluation area Canal within project evaluation area Canal within project evaluation area Canal within project evaluation area Canal within project evaluation area
Mala lagoon that will be drained for project operation Upstream projected Chailhuagn pit Upstream projected Chailhuagn pit and Chailhuagn waste 9 230 675 dump 9 231 950 Dowstream projected mine facilities 9 222 901 Downstream this micro basin 9 230 668 9 230 605 Chailhuagn lagoon located in project evalaution area 9 230 605 9 230 495 9 229 593 Canal within project evaluation area

Table 40. Control stations for surface water quality upon micro-basin
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In order to interpret results, Gua para la Evaluacin de Impactos en la Calidad de las Aguas Superficiales por Actividades Minero Metalrgicas (MEM, 2007) was used as well as the international reference document known as Water Quality Assessments (UNESCO/OMS/PNUMA, 1996). As it has been mentioned before, evaluation parameters were defined upon ECA requirements established by MINAM for Category 3 (D.S. N002-2008-MINAM).
10.1.2.2 Review and processing of information available

For the EIA data regarding surface water quality were reviewed including the following documents: Klohn Crippen SVS S.A. 1998. Lnea Base de Calidad del Agua Superficial Surface Water Quality Baseline. Minera Yanacocha SRL, 1998- 2009. Resultados del monitoreo de calidad de agua superficial en ros y quebradas Results of surface water quality monitoring in rivers and ravines. Water Management Consultants S.A. Preliminary Baseline Hydrological and Hydrochemical Characterization. Water Management, 2004. Technical Memorandum Minas Conga Hydrologic Baseline Program Advance. Golder, 2007. Preliminary Internal Environmental Impact Study. Water Management Consultants S.A., 2007. Baseline Hydrological and Hydrochemical Characterization. Water Management Consultants S.A. 2007. Memorandum Tcnico Estudios hidrolgicos, hidrogeolgicos y geoqumicos en soporte al EIA Resultados de la ronda de monitoreos del mes de agosto Technical memo hydrological, hydrogeological and geochemical studies supporting EIA Results from monitoring during August. Water Management Consultants S.A. 2007. Caracterizacin Hidrolgica e Hidroqumica de la Lnea Base para la Microcuenca de Chailhuagn Hydrological and hydrochemical Baseline for Chailhuagn Micro-Basin. Water Management Consultants S.A. 2007. Caracterizacin Hidrolgica e Hidroqumica de la Lnea Base para la Microcuenca de Rio Grande Hydrological and hydrochemical Baseline for Rio Grande Micro-Basin. Water Management Consultants S.A. 2007. Caracterizacin Hidrolgica e Hidroqumica de la Lnea Base para la Microcuenca de rio Chirimayo Hydrological and hydrochemical Baseline for Chirmayo river Micro-Basin. Regarding historical information, lagoons and Canals, documents reviewed were the following: Comisin de Monitoreo de la Calidad y Cantidad de las Aguas, COMOCA 2004- 2006. Resultados del Programa de Monitoreo de Calidad y Cantidad de Aguas de los Canales de Riego ubicados en las subcuencas de la Quebrada Pencayoc, Chirimayo y Ro Grande de Combayo Results from Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring Program for Irrigation Canals in sub-basins of Pencayoc ravine and Grande River in Combayo. Minera Yanacocha SRL, 2006 2009. Resultados del monitoreo de calidad de agua superficial en lagunas y canales. Results from surface water quality monitoring in lagoons and canals.
10.1.2.3
Field Works
Field works (by Water Management Consultants, Minera Yanacocha SRL and Knight Pisold) used a standard methodology for sample taking, preservation, conservation, labeling, shipping and transportation, all upon procedures established in Protocolo de Monitoreo de Calidad de Agua (MEM, 1994) Water Quality Monitoring Protocol, and Guas de la Agencia de Proteccin
210
Ambiental de los Estados Unidos (USEPA) United States Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines. Likewise, previously established standard methodologies were applied to develop a sampling program including field quality measurements with WTM multi-parameter equipment, model 340i, adjusted at the beginning of each sampling campaign. From the EIA it is inferred that control procedures and quality assurance were applied during field works as to prevent water from being altered for lab analysis. Also, flow was measured at some points for each sample taking using volumetric procedures or speed measurement with floaters. Each sampling station recorded the following information: Characteristics of the immediate environment Visual characteristics of the water body Geographical coordinates (X, Y, Z) Flow In situ parameters: pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and electric conductivity.
As part of the procedures used for control and quality assurance, duplicate samples and blanks were taken. In addition to this, chains of custody were made as to assure proper sample transportation. Finally, it is worth mentioning that all surface water control stations were identified and georeferenced for rivers and ravines as well as for lagoons and canals. All this proves that conditions for reliable work have been followed. 10.1.2.4 Laboratory analysis
Samples collected in 2007 and 2008 were systematically divided and sent to three labs for specific chemical analysis. Laboratorio NKAP, in Cajamarca, for biochemical oxygen demand analysis (BOD) and coliforms, on account of the requisite for analysis within 24 hours after sample taking. Laboratorio ALS, in Lima, for other parameters with relatively short preservation times (i.e., CN, SST). Laboratorio Actlabs, in Ontario (Canada), for cations and anions trace elements. Samples collected in 2009 were analyzed in two labs. Laboratorio NKAP, in Cajamarca, for biochemical oxygen demand analysis (BOD) and coliforms. Laboratorio Envirolab Per, for the remaining parameters. Laboratories used are recognized by domestic and international entities and their procedures for control and quality assurance are based on the standards established by USEPA. Lab results were defined upon specifications of the Manual of Standard Methods for Water and Wastewater analysis (APHA, 2005) as main guideline complementing with the Test Methods of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA, 2003). Lab reports are attached in the appendixes of the EIA.
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10.1.2.5
Evaluation of results
Data obtained were processed using statistic and graphic techniques and hydrochemical modeling software as to generate consistent information useful for result interpretation upon the framework of the EIA objectives. After collection of all water quality data, FULCRUM data analysis and management system was especially used for integral processing (Knight Pisold). In the EIA, information is grouped on a micro basin basis. The most noticeable quality features of each sample group are marked for each group, such as physical-chemical, inorganic, and organic parameters, total and dissolved metals, bacteriological parameters and BOD. Micro basin analysis reports every parameters and variations among maximum, and minimum concentrations, and means. Those results with anomalies for water quality expected or those exceeding ECA established by MINAM, for Category 3 (low stem vegetable irrigation and water for animals) are remarked.
10.1.3 10.1.3.1
Detailed Results Toromacho ravinestream micro basin
Within this micro basin, a sampling station was located in Mamacocha lagoon (RQ-LMAM) and three surface runoff sampling stations (upstream to downstream: MC-23 that would remain upstream of projected tailings dam and MC-22 and MC-20 would remain downstream) (Table 40 and Graphic 76).
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Source: Knight PisoId Consulting. February, 2010. Graphic 76. Quality control stations for surface water in Toromacho ravine micro-basin.
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Table 41 shows quality characteristics for water in Mamacocha lagoon (RQ-LMAM) (Graphic 76). Parameter Facies pH field Unit Station RQ-LMAM Range Not determined 8.48 - 8.50 8.49 Media
Table 41. Water characteristics at Mamacocha lagoon (LMAM)
Parameters recorded are very scarce in this lagoon. No trends in pH were observed In general, metal concentrations were low; many of them were at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA for Category 3. No trends were observed for such metals. Water in Toromacho ravine (MC-23, MC-22 and MC-20) (Graphic 76) show the characteristics described on Table 42. Parameter Facies pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms NMP/100mL <1.8 - 483 mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L Unit MC-23, MC-22 and MC-20 Range 8.48 - 8.50 141-263 <3 - 177 1.7 -31.1 4.1 (MC 20) 8.6 (MC 22) 3.8 (MC 23) Media 8.49 Bicarbonate and calcium
Table 42. Water characteristics at Toromacho ravine
In general, metal concentrations in the three stations were low and there was no record of metal concentration exceeding ECA for Category 3. Coliforms did not exceed ECA in samples analyzed. Dissolved oxygen measured in the field was below ECA for animal drinking, at least in one sample. Laboratory dissolved oxygen was over the standard for the same sampling campaigns.
10.1.3.2
Alto Jadibamba micro basin
In this micro basin where the tailings deposit and Perol waste dump will be located, among other facilities of the project the following has been installed: five sampling stations in two lagoons (Blue lagoon: MCLAZU-1, MC-LAZU-2, MC-LAZU-2f, MC-LAZU-3 and Chica lagoon: MCLCHJ-1); four surface water sampling stations in the river (upstream to downstream: MC-18, MC15, MC-12, and MC-11); four in canals (upstream to downstream: CRJ-1, CEM-1, CLCH-1 and CEBA-1), three of them (CRJ-1, CEM-1 and CLCH-1) would disappear upon development of Conga project (Table 40 and Graphic 77).
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According to the project, water from Azul and Chica lagoons would be transferred to the Upper and Lower reservoirs before being covered with waste materials from Perol pit.

Graphic 77. Quality control points for surface water in Alto Jadibamba river micro-basin.
215
Water from Azul lagoon (MC-LAZU-1, MC-LAZU-2, MC-LAZU-2f and MC-LAZU-3) (Graphic 77) has shown characteristics as described on Table 43. Parameter Facies pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms BOD COD mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL mg/L mg/L Unit Azul lagoon Range 6.8 - 7.6 32.0 - 76.0 10 - 13 9.4 - 15 Detection limit Detection limit 2 2.0 - 4.52 2.84 Media 7.2 30.3 - 50.0 11.7 - 12.9 Bicarbonate sulphate and calcium
Table 43. Water characteristics at Azul lagoon
Alkalinity measured only in one sampling campaign Increasing concentration trend for sulfides, related to dry season Metal concentrations are generally low; many concentrations are at or below detection level. No metal exceeded ECA for Category 3 in 3 out of 4 sampling campaigns (2 out of 3 at station MC-LAZU-3) except for samples collected in October 2007 where Al, As, Cd, Fe and Zn exceeded irrigation ECA significantly at MC-.LAZU-1, MC-LAZU1 and MC-LAZU-3 Total dissolved solids did not report high concentrations in any sample, though there is sufficient evidence to assure that one of the samples was contaminated with sediment for the concentration was extremely high in Al, Fe and Zn (Al from 2.365 11.340 mg/L and Fe from 4.648 to 19.030 mg/L) and hundreds of ppm of Zn (188 1.893 mg/L). Moreover, this is supported by very low concentration reports of the same metals during the corresponding sampling campaigns. No seasonal trends were identified for metal concentration from samples in this lagoon neither dry nor rain season. Table 44 (August 2009) shows characteristics of water from Chica lagoon (MC-LCHJ-1) (Graphic 77). Parameter Facies TDS Alkalinity Total coliforms Fecal coliforms Dissolved oxygen - field mg/L CaCO3/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL mg/L Unit Chica lagoon Bicarbonate and calcium 35 13 Detection limit Detection limit 6.9
Table 44. Water characteristics at Chica lagoon
Low metal concentrations with many results at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA for category 3. Water from Alto Jadibamba river (MC-18, MC-15, MC-12 and MC-11) (Graphic 77) shows characteristics as described on Table 45.
216
Parameter Facies pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms
Unit
Alto Jadibamba River Range 6.79 - 8.93 Media 7.2 18.1 - 14.8 Bicarbonate and calcium
mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL
5 - 140 22.9 - 88.7 6.83 - 42.9 High concentrations High concentrations
Table 45. Water characteristics at Jadibamba river
Station MC-15 located at the lower stretches of the basin, showed the most alkaline pH with a variation 8.20 to 8.93. At MC-18 water contained dominant bicarbonate, sulphate and calcium facies. MC-15, located at the highest point of the basin, showed the maximum alkalinity while MC12 showed the lowest. No clear seasonal trends have been identified; however, sulphate concentrations and total dissolved solids increased in dry season. Metal concentrations at all sampling points were low and no concentration of the ones measured exceeded ECA Category 3. Water from canal CRJ-1 (Reynaldo Jambo canal) (Graphic 77) that would be eliminated upon development of Conga project (tailings site) has shown characteristics as described on Table 46.
Parameter pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms BOD
Unit
CRJ-1 Range 7.99 - 8.53 47 - 103 32.9 - 55.0 4.6 - 11.9 14 - 700 14 - 540 Detection limit Media 8.3 76.4 48.8 7.9 -
mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL mg/L
Table 46. Water characteristics at Reynaldo Jambo canal
In 6 out of 7 campaigns, metals were low, many at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA Category 3, except for a sample collected in February 2008, where Al and Fe exceeded ECA for irrigation. Such a sample showed very high total suspended solids (284 mg/L); this indicates the presence of sediments in the water sample which can occur in the project area during the rainy season. This sample was collected on the same day with sample CEM-1 which also showed excess of Al and Fe. No seasonal trends were identified for metal concentration in samples collected from this canal in wet or dry season. High coliform concentration was found both in dry and rainy season, though ECA was not exceeded at that station.
217
Water from canal CEM-1 sampled at El Perolito canal (Graphic 77) that would be eliminated upon Conga project development (tailings site) has shown characteristics as per Table 47. Parameter Facies pH field pH laboratory TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms Dissolved oxygen - field Dissolved oxygen - field BOD COD mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L Unit CEM-1 Range Not determined 7.9 - 8.5 Not determined 46 - 145 32.8 - 78.9 1.2 - 25.2 14 - 330 4.5 - 230 Not determined Not determined Detection limit Not determined 71 58.5 8.9 8.2 Media
Table 47. Characteristics of water at El Perolito canal
In 6 out of 7 campaigns, metals were low, many at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA Category 3, except for a sample (collected in February 2008) where Al and Fe exceeded ECA for irrigation. This sample showed very high total suspended solids (298 mg/L); this indicates the presence of sediments in the water. No seasonal trends were identified for metal concentration in samples collected from this canal in wet or dry season. Water from canal CEBA-1 located at El Bado canal (Graphic 77) that would be eliminated upon Conga project development, showed characteristics described on Table 48.
Unit
CEBA-1 Range 7.5 - 8.7 40 - 133 31.3 - 73.0 3.0 - 13.0 9.3 - 330 4.5 - 230 Detection limit Media 8.1 50.3 50.3 6.2 -
Table 48. Water characteristics at El Bado canal
In general metals were low, many at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA Category 3, for irrigation. No seasonal trends were identified for metal concentration in samples collected from this canal in wet or dry season. Water from canal CLCH-1 (Graphic 77) located at La Chilca canal, downstream the proposed tailings site, shows characteristics as described on Table 49.
218
Unit
CLCH-1 Range 7.1 - 8.8 40 - 113 30.8 - 76.5 0.5 - 28.4 4 - 2800 2 - 1300 Detection limit Media 7.9 72 50.3 5.7 -
Table 49. Water characteristics at La Chilca canal
Metal concentrations were low, most at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA Category 3, Coliforms exceeded ECA of 1000 NMP/100 mL in this station twice (August 2007 and December 2007). High concentration of coliforms was found both in dry and rainy seasons.
10.1.3.3
Alto Chugurmayo ravine micro-basin
In this micro basin located east from the footprint of the project there is a water quality sampling station called MC-52 (Table 40 and Graphic 78).

Graphic 78. Surface water quality control points in Chugurmayo ravine micro basin
219
Water from Chugurmayo ravine at sampling station MC-52 (Graphic 78) shows characteristics as described on Table 50 below. Parameter Facies pH field pH laboratory TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms Dissolved oxygen - field Dissolved oxygen - lab BOD COD mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L 2 - 4.6 2.0 - 11.0 Unit CEM-1 Range Bicarbonate and calcium 7.5 - 8.5 7.19 - 8.69 110 - 234 61.6 - 86.8 3.7 - 14.6 45 - >1300 20 - >1300 4.3 - 8.0 8.23 8.19 159 77.1 7.7 5.6 6.0 2.5 6.8 Media
Table 50. Water characteristics at Chugurmayo ravine
TDS and sulphates showed a seasonal pattern, minimum in November and maximum between June and August. Metal concentrations were low, many at or below the detection limit. Al, Fe, and Mn increased remarkably in March 2009, probably as a result of particulate matter. No trends were observed for Sb, As, or Pb. Fecal coliforms exceeded ECA once during the control period. Maximum concentrations of coliforms occurred in June 2008, yet below the ones in 2009. Dissolved oxygen measurements at the lab were higher than at the field, probably due to the difference in instrumentation or environmental conditions. No trends were observed. No trends were observed in BOD or COD.
10.1.3.4
Alto Chirimayo ravine micro-basin
In this micro basin where Perol pit and Chailhuagn waste dump would be located, among other facilities of the project the following has been installed: three sampling stations in the micro basin head (MC-27, MC-26 and MC-08); two in Perol wetland (MC-24 AND MC-28); five in Perol lagoon (MC-LPER-1, MC-LPER-2, MC-LPER-2F, MC-LPER-3 and MC-LPER-4); two in Huashwas (MC-LHUA-1 and MC-LHUA-1F); and five in canals within the project evaluation area (CEP-1, CVCH-1, CCHU-1, CCHI-1 and CLI-1) (Table 40 and Graphic 79). Perol wetland and lagoon would disappear upon opening of Perol pit.
220
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010

Graphic 79. Surface water quality control stations in Alto Chirimayo ravine micro basin
Surface water from Alto Chirimayo ravine (Graphic 79) located in the micro basin head (MC-27, MC-26 and MC-08) shows characteristics as described on Table 51. Parameter Unit MC-27, MC-26 and MC-08 Range Bicarbonate sulphate 6.4 - 8.6 mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL 27 - 189 < 1 -175 3.7 - 19.6 <1.8 - 1700 <1.8 - 1700 and
Media calcium
calciumand -
Facies pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms
Table 51. Water characteristics at Alto Chirimayo ravine
Average sulphate concentrations for the three stations were 11 mg/L (MC-08), 10.1 mg/L (MC-26) and 12.5 mg/l (MC-27). No evolving seasonal trends for water quality were identified. Metal concentrations in the three stations were generally low and no metal concentration exceeding ECA for Category 3 was found. Coliforms exceeded ECA at least once.
221
From Perol wetland surface water (MC-24 and MC-2821) (Graphic 79), former analysis have also been considered (from 2003 and 2007, with 33 and 29 samples from stations MC-24and MC-28 respectively); main characteristics described are shown on Table 52. Parameter Facies pH field pH laboratory TDS mg/L Unit CEM-1 Range 3.0 - 6.4 3.0 - 7.2 <10 - 41 19 1.3 18 Media 3.1 - 4.2 Calcium sulphate CEM-1 Range 3.0 - 6.4 3.0 - 7.2 36 - 102 <1.0 12 - 31 25 55 Media 3.1 - 4.2 Calcium sulphate
Alkalinity CaCO3/L <1.0 - 12 Sulphates mg/L 9,8 - 47 Table 52. Water characteristics at Perol wetland
Between 2003 and 2007, sample results from station MC-24 were between 3.2 and 6.2 (mean at 4.2) and lab pH was between 3.2 and 6.2 (mean at 4.2). Results from station MC28 ranged from 3.3 to 5.1 (mean at 3.9) and pH measured at the lab ranged from 3.3 to 5.1 (mean at 3.9). Metallic ions from MC-24 were low; many samples were at or below the detection limit and MC-28 also showed low readings. Most concentrations did not exceed ECA for Category 3, except for Fe that exceeded ECA in all 33 samples from MC-24. In average dissolved Fe represented 78% and 70% of total Fe (Mc-24 and MC-28). Water from Perol lagoon (MC-LPER-1, MC-LPER-2, MC-LPER-2F, MC-LPER-3 and MCLPER-4) (Graphic 79) shows characteristics as described on Table 53.
Parameter
Unit
MC-LPER-1, MC-LPER-2, MCLPER-2F, MCLPER-3 and MC-LPER-4 Range Media Bicarbonate and calcium 7.45 - 8.25 7.93 37 - 73 6.9 - 13.3
Facies pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms Dissolved oxygen - field mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL mg/L
<3 - 75 45.7 - 49.2 5.2 - 14.6 <1.8 - 17 <1.8 - 920 6.15 - 7.12
Table 53. Water characteristics at Perol lagoon
Station MC-LPER-2-F showed dominant facies including bicarbonate, sodium and potassium. Metal concentrations at Perol lagoon were variable; most metal concentrations were at or below the detection limit, except for a campaign/ sampling point that presented extremely high concentrations probably due to sediment content in samples. Samples with high metal
21
water quality from station MC-27, mentioned before, may be included as wetland water
222
concentrations belonged to MC-LPER-1 (October 11, 2007), MC-LPER-2 (October 12, 2007), MC-LPER-3 (April 21, 2008) and MC-LPER-4 (October 12, 2007). Total dissolved solids were not determined for such samples. However, there was sediment charge due to the extremely high metal concentrations (for example, Al almost 1000 to 3000 mg/L or Fe almost 2.100 a 12.100 mg/L). Even more, this is supported by the low dissolved concentrations of the same metals when determining total and dissolved metals (MCLPER-2 October 12, 2007). Water from Huashwas lagoon (MC-LHUA- 1 and MC-LHUA-1F ) (Graphic 79) shows characteristics as described on Table 54. Parameter Facies pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL Unit MC-LHUA-1; MC-LHUA-1F Range Media Bicarbonate and calcium 7.47 - 8.3 190 - 192 174 - 179 0.6 - 3.0 7.8 - 39 7.8 - 14 1.1 - 2.0 7.89
Dissolved oxygen - field mg/L 4.78 - 6.38 Table 54. Water characteristics at Huashwas lagoon Metal concentrations were generally low, most at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA for category 3 in neither any sampling campaign in MCLHUA-1F nor in two out of the three sampling campaigns in MCLHUA-1. The exception was a light increase of Hg (0,0013 as opposed to the limit 0.001 mg/L) in samples collected in MC-LHUA-1 on May 6, 2008 and on October 5, 2007, when Al, As, Ca, Cu, Fe , Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn exceeded ECA significantly. Samples were not assayed for total suspended solids. However, it is clear that the 2007 sample was sediment impacted as show on extremely high metal concentrations (tens to thousands of mg/L). Water was sampled from canals at the micro basin head in five stations (CEP-1, CVCH-1, CCHU-1, CCHI-1 and CLI-1). The first one would disappear upon development of Conga project. Sampling station CEP-1 is located in El Perolito canal (Graphic 79), near present Perol lagoon and has the following characteristics described on Table 55. Parameter Facies pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL Unit CEP-1 Range Bicarbonate and calcium 7.47 - 8.6 25.6 - 92.2 1 - 97 8.1 - 15.6 1.8 - 1600 Media 8.2 57.7 51.4 11.6
223
Fecal coliforms BOD
NMP/100mL
1.8 - 1600 Detection limit
mg/L Table 55. Water characteristics at El Perolito canal
No clear trend was observed for sulphate ion at dry or rainy seasons. In 17 out of 18 control campaigns, metal concentrations were low, many at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA Category 3, except for a sample collected in February 2008, where Pb concentration nearly exceeded 0,05 mg/L ECA (sample concentration was 0,046 mg/L) and Fe exceeded 1 mg/L ECA. No seasonal trends were identified for metal concentration in samples collected from this canal in wet or dry season. High coliform concentration was found both in dry and rainy season. Sampling stations CVCH-1 and CCHU-1 were located in canals Villanueva Chvez / Villanueva Atalaya and Chugur respectively (Graphic 79) spaced 500 m from each other and located downstream Perol lagoon. They show characteristics described on Table 56. Parameter pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms BOD mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL mg/L Unit CVCH-1 Range 7.47 - 8.6 3.0 - 6.4 3.0 - 7.2 <10 - 41 <1.9 - 12 9,8 - 47 Detection limit 19 1.3 18 8.2 3.1 - 4.2 Media CCHU-1 Range 7.47 - 8.6 3.0 - 6.4 3.0 - 7.2 36 - 102 <1.0 12 - 31 Detection limit 25 55 Media 8.2 3.1 - 4.2
Table 56. Water characteristics at canals Villanueva ChvezI Villanueva Atalaya and Chugur
Measurement at CCHU-1 for pH of 2,3 is possibly due to an instrument error. No clear trend for sulphate ion was observed in relation to the dry or rainy season. Metal concentration was generally low in both stations, many at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA Category 3, except for a sample collected in February 2008 at CCHU-1 where Fe was near ECA standard of 1mg/L (concentration reached 0.93 mg/L). No seasonal trends were identified for metal concentration in samples collected from this canal in wet or dry season. High coliform concentration was found both in dry and rainy season, though ECA was exceeded for category 3 in April 2007. Sampling stations CCHI-1 and CLI-1 correspond to Chirimayo and Lozano Izquierdo, respectively, spaced 500 meters away from each other (Graphic 79). They show characteristics described on Table 57.
224
Unit
CCHI-1 Range 7.4 - 8.6 40 - 198 82.8 - 151.0 3.2 - 26.4 33 - 1600 17 - 1600 Detection limit Media 8.3 124.3 117.0 12.0
CLI-1 Range 7.4 - 8.6 40 - 198 82.8 - 151.0 3.2 - 26.4 13 - 16000 7.8 - 9200 Detection limit Media 8.4 122.0 122.0 11.8
Table 57. Water characteristics at canals Chirimayo and Lozano Izquierdo
Sulphates did not show a clear trend between dry and rainy seasons. Metal concentrations were low, many at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA Category 3. No seasonal trends were identified for metal concentration in rainy or dry season. Coliform content for ECA was exceed once (February 2008) at CLI-1 and at CCHI-1 (September 2008). High coliform concentration was found both in dry and rainy seasons.
10.1.3.5
Chailhuagn river micro-basin
Chailhuagn river micro basin runs across the southern end of Conga project and has four surface water control stations (MC-07A, MC-05, MC-06, and RG-RG1); five stations in lagoons (Mala lagoon: MC-LMAL-1 and MC-LMAL-1F, and Chailhuagn lagoon: MC-LCHA-1, MC-LCHA-2, MC-LCHA-2F, MC-LCHA-3); and one in the canal (CCYB-1) (Table 40 and Graphic 80). In this basin Chailhuagn pit and Chailhuagn dam would be located as well as Chailhuagn sedimentation pond and a topsoil deposit. Chailhuagn Yerbabuena Canal (CCYB-1) is downstream outside Minera Yanacocha SRL property.
225

Graphic 80. Surface water quality control stations in Chailhuagn micro-basin
Water from Mala lagoon (MC-LMAL-1) (Graphic 80) shows characteristics as described on Table 58.
226
Parameter Facies pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms
Unit
MC-LMAL-1 Range Bicarbonate and calcium 8.1 - 8.27 302 165 - 170 1.2 - 3.2 6.8 2 7.15 and 7.2 Media 8.19 302 168 1.9
mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL
Dissolved oxygen - field mg/L Table 58. Water characteristics at Mala lagoon
Metal concentrations were low, many at or below the detection limit. Al, Fe, Mn, Sb, As and Po concentrations were below the detection limit. No seasonal trends were observed. At Chailhuagn river the following was installed: two stations at the Footprint of the project (MC-07A and MC-05) and two stations downstream (MC-06, and RG-RG1) (Graphic 80), whose characteristics are shown on Table 59. Parameter Facies pH field pH laboratory TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms Dissolved oxygen - field Dissolved oxygen - lab BOD COD mg/L CaCO3/ L mg/L NMP/1 00mL NMP/1 00mL mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L Unit Station MC-07A Station MC-05 Station MC-06 Station RG-RG1
Range Media Range Media Range Media Range Media Bicarbonate sulphate Bicarbonate and Bicarbonate and Bicarbonate and and calcium calcium calcium calcium 7.45 - 7.52 7.48 7.45 - 8.2 125 - 245 86 6.1 - 82.2 49 - 170 46 and 170 4.05 6.21 2.0 - 2.6 2.2 4.52 - 6.38 5.14 32 7.72 162 7.3 - 8.9 6.3 - 8.4 110 - 234 124 - 157 3.4 - 11 9.3 16.000 6.8 16.000 2.72 3.4 - 7.2 2 - 4.2 2.1 - 16.4 6.0 2.3 6.2 > 33 - 1.600 > 23 - 1600 3.5 - 7.14 3.5 - 7.09 2 - 4.96 5.67 5.66 2.99 70 7.02 --2 8 94 8.0 7.9 159 149 7.4 7.45 - 8.58 7.97 7.45 - 8.58 8.0 5 - 223 121.2 202.4 1.3 - 10.6 14 163 3.75 188 9.2 8.4 --176
2.0 - 19.73 7.91
Table 59. Water characteristics at Chailhuagn river
Metal concentrations were in general very low. No sample showed concentrations exceeding ECA for Category 3. In some tests, total and fecal coliforms with high concentrations show cattle and/or anthropic diseases. Coliform concentrations were higher in the river than in lagoons and canals, exceeding ECA at least once. Dissolved oxygen increased from December 2008 to August 2009, probably due to a decrease in temperature that raised gas solubility.
227
Waste water treatment plant located upstream Conga project exploration camp, does not discharge water. Station MC-07A Alkalinity: a single measurement Sulphates do not show marked seasonal trends Metal concentrations are generally low, many at or below the detection limit. All measurements of Sb, As, or Po were below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA for Category 3. No trends were observed in metals in this section. Station MC-05 Lab pH was generally below field pH Sulphates did not show seasonal trends Metal concentrations were low, many at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA for category 3. Pd and Mn concentrations increased during the dry season showing the highest concentrations between June and September. Maximum coliform concentrations were recorded in May 2008 and exceeded ECA. Dissolved oxygen in the field was below the ECA standard of 6 mg/L. Dissolved oxygen in the lab was slightly higher maybe due to instrument or temperature change. Maximum BOD was recorded in May 2008, matching the maximum coliform value. Station MC-06 Sulphates did not show evolving trends, apart from a noticeable decrease in September 2009. Metal concentrations were low, many at or below the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA for category 3. No evolving trend was observed for metal concentrations in this station. Total coliforms and fetal coliforms exceeded ECA once (December 2008) Dissolved oxygen in the field matched the values in the lab; it increased from December 2008 to August 2009, possibly as a result from seasonal temperature drop. Station RG-RG1 (samples only on 10/02/2009) Metal concentrations were low, many at or below the detection limit. Results on Sb, As, or Pb were under the detection limit. No metal exceeded ECA for category 3. Water from Chailhuagn lagoon (MC-LCHA-1, MC-LCHA-2, MC-LCHA-2F and MC-LCHA3) has shown characteristics as described on Table 60.
228
Parameter
Unit
MC-LCHA-1, MC-LCHA-2, MC-LCHA-2F and MC-LCHA-3 Range Media
Facies pH field TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms Fecal coliforms Dissolved oxygen - field BOD COD mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL NMP/100mL mg/L mg/L mg/L
Bicarbonate and calcium 8.16 - 8.29 137 - 191 138 - 145 1.2 - 9 <1.8 - 24 <1.8 - 4.5 7.05 - 7.33 <2 and 4.2 7.2 and 16.1 64 143 4.1
Table 60. Water characteristics at Chailhuagn lagoon
Sulphate concentrations did not show seasonal trends. Metal concentrations were low, many at or below the detection limit. A set of samples from October 2007 in stations MC-LCHA-1, MC-LCHA-2 and MC-LCHA-3 exceeded ECA for Category 3 with very high concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn, As, and Pb, probably due to a significant particle contribution. No increase of total dissolved solids was observed in these samples as opposed to those collected with metals at or below the detection limit. No other sample had total concentrations exceeding ECA. Trends were not observed, except for the sample with very high concentration.
10.1.4
Conclusions
Since this is not included in the EIA, we have prepared the following summary of the most relevant aspects of surface water quality in the pre-mine stage: Chemical facies: most water analyzed has bicarbonate and calcium, as it happens to low salinity waters. Some of the samples have bicarbonate and sulphate in Chailhuagn river. Some of the facies contained sulphate and calcium in Azul lagoon and the same happened to surface runoff in Alto Chirimayo. The water had clear contents of sulphate and calcium in Perol wetland. pH measured in the field: most of the samples show pH over 7 reaching up to 9. Occasionally, some samples have lower values between 6,5 and 7 (some analyses from Azul lagoon and from surface runoff from Alto Ro Jadibamba and Alto Chirimayo ravine). On the other hand, water from Perol wetland has a pH of 3,0 to 6,4 and mean values for different sampling locations showed 3,1 to 4,2. Total dissolved solids22: values recorded range from less than 3 mg/l to 302 (the highest value comes from Mala lagoon). Low values mainly from water with bicarbonate and calcium show evident lower solubility from the lithological formations lying below such water.
22
Total dissolved solids: organic and inorganic substances in molecular form, ionized or micro-granular (they pass through a 2.0 m or less)
229
Alkalinity23: Minimum values are present at Perol wetland (<1,0 to 12 CaCO 3/L, with a mean of 1,3) indicating bad quality water. The rest of tests showed variable values up to over 202 times the value of CaCO3/L. Values below 20 are all from samples at Azul lagoon and Chica lagoon, which reflects bad quality water for animal development. Records below 20 are also found in Toromacho ravine, Chirimayo ravine and CEP-1 canal. Sulphates: its content may be considered low (between <0,5 and 42,9 mg/L) indicating that, though the presence of pyrite (especially in mineralized material) this does not react and this is due to these materials being saturated with water, therefore, there is no oxygen and oxidation does not occur. Regarding seasonal trends, there are some sampling stations with increasing concentrations in dry season (also in total dissolved solids) with minimum in November and maximum in June and August, while the other stations do not show a seasonal trend. Heavy metals: Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn were analyzed but there is neither a compiled report of analytical results nor explained characteristics of water regarding these elements as to have a pattern to compare with for future situations. In general, concentrations recorded have been low (even many times below the detection limit); there is no record of metals exceeding ECA for category 3. However there are analyses that resulted in high content of heavy metals for not having timely used a Millipore filter (in suspension or sediment). This Millipore filter shall be used in situ for surface water sample taking. This situation has been observed at: Azul lagoon (MC LAZU 1, MC-LAZU-1 and MC-LAZU-3): In October 2007, limits were significantly exceeded for Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn. There is enough evidence to assure that the sample was contaminated with sediments due to the extremely high concentration of Al, Fe and Zn: Al 2.365 to 11.340 mg/L, Fe 4.648 to 19.030 mg/L, and Zn 188-1.893 mg/L. Canal CRJ-1 and Canal CEM-1: in February 2008, limits were exceeded for Al and Fe. These samples showed very high total suspended solids 264 and 298 mg/L respectively), probably because of the presence of sediments in the sample. Alto Chugurmayo ravine: in March 2009, contents of Al, Fe and Mn increased remarkably probably due to particle material. Perol Lagoon: extremely high concentrations were found probably due to sediment charge in samples: MC-LPER-1 on October 11, 2007; MC-LPER-2 on October 12, 2007; MC-LPER-3 on April 21, 2008; and MC-LPER-4 on October 12, 2007. This sediment charge resulted in extremely high metal concentrations (for example: Al with 1.000 to 3.000 mg/L) or Fe with 2.100 to 12.100 mg/L). Huashwas lagoon (MCLHUA 1): in a sampling campaign a light increase of Hg was recorded (0,0013 mg/L when the limit is 0,001 mg/L). On May 6, 2008, and on October 5, 2007 limits were considerably exceeded for Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn, due to sediments as shown by extremely high metal concentrations (tens to thousands of mg/L). Canal CEP-1: in February 2008, Pb concentration was close to exceed 0,05 mg/L limit upon ECA (concentration in the sample was 0,046 mg/L) and Fe exceeded ECA. Chailhuagn river: in dry season, concentrations of Pb and Mn increased with a maximum level between June and September. Chailhuagn lagoon: In October 2007, very high concentrations of Al, As, Fe, Mn and Pb, at MC-LCHA-1, MC-LCHA-2 and MC-LCHA-3 were found exceeding the limit probably due to particle contribution. A different matter is Perol Wetland (MC-24) where 33 samples showed an excess of Fe over ECA limit.
23
Alkalinity: water ability to neutralize acids. It is mostly present in three classes of ions: bicarbonate, carbonate and hydroxide. It is expressed as mg/L of CaCo3
230
In general no seasonal trends were identified (dry or rainy seasons) for metal concentrations in the samples. Biological quality: frequently contents of fecal and total coliforms exceeded ECA limits for category 3, especially in rivers but also in canals; frequently the limit for these elements is exceeded for human consumption both in dry and rainy season. All these is due to cattle and anthropic diseases.
10.2 Pre-mine stage: ground water quality

10.2.1 Approach
The Conga project analyzes composition and quality of ground water in the most impacted micro basins around Conga project: Toromacho ravine, Alto Jadibamba ravine, Alto Chirimayo ravine and Chailhuagn river. For such an analysis, a work plan was prepared considering geographical and hydrogeological aspects, current environmental conditions, studies previously made, requirements of the national law and components of Conga project. In this regard, during the last years, MYSRL has periodically sampled ground water quality as part of the environmental studies in the area. Thus, quality data refer to analytical results obtained from 2003 2009 (data included in EIA appendixes). In August, - September 2009 a sampling campaign was carried out partially on wells previously sampled that were still working at that time. In this way, the most recent, updated, and homogenous situation has been analyzed and its results are evaluated and discussed in the EIA for they are better site representatives from the time and methodology standpoint and also for they complement historical data. On Table 3.2.98 of the EIA there is a list including nomenclature and coordinates of the 29 points of ground water used for quality control: 2 in Toromacho basin, 7 in Alto Jadibamba river, 14 in Alto Chirimayo ravine, and 6 in Alto Chailhuagn river. Location is shown on Graphic 81.
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Water quality results from 2003 are included at some of these points (historical sampling data are found on Appendix 3.13 of the EIA).
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010.

Graphic 81. Location of ground water stations for quality control
10.2.2 10.2.2.1
Work Methodology Control Plan
Many aspects mentioned before for surface water study (Entry 10.1.2) have been applied with the respective modifications for ground water. Therefore, we do not repeat that here. It is worth mentioning that, since this water is for human consumption in the area of study, quality was evaluated referring to the National Standards for Water Environmental Quality (ECA) established by the Environmental Division (MINAM, 2008) for Category 1 subcategory A1 (water that can be drinkable by applying a simple disinfection treatment).
10.2.2.2
Laboratory analysis
Regarding the labs used, samples collected from 2003 to 2008 were systematically divided and sent over to different labs for specific analyses. Laboratorio NKAP in Cajamarca ran assays for BOD and coliforms, for the analyses needed to be done within 24 hours after sample collection. Laboratorio AL8, in Lima, analyzed other parameters that needed relatively short preservation times (for example: CN, SST).
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Laboratorio Actlabs, in Ontario (Canada) for anion and cation trace elements. Samples collected in 2009 were analyzed at: Laboratorio NKAP in Cajamarca for BOD and coliforms Laboratorio Envirolab Peru, for the remaining components. These labs are recognized by their respective agencies at their country and their procedures for control and quality assurance are based on the standards established by the US Environmental Protection Agency USEPA. Tables 3.2.99 to 3.2.102 of the EIA show a competitive record of ground water quality results for the samples analyzed. Determinations for parameters available are included: taken in situ (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, electric conductivity, turbidity, water level and flow); physical-chemical parameters (alkalinity to bicarbonate, total alkalinity, acidity, total hardness24, pH (lab), dissolved oxygen (lab), electric conductivity (lab), total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and turbidity); inorganic parameters (anions, bromide (dissolved), bromide (total), chloride (dissolved), chloride (total) fluoride (dissolved), fluoride (total), iodide (dissolved), iodide (total), nitrate, nitrite, sulphate, cyanide: total cyanide, WAD cyanide, phosphates, nitrogen, ammonia, total ammonia, ammonium, chromium VI; metals: aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, boron, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, lithium, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silver, sodium, thallium, vanadium, and zinc; total metals: aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, lithium, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silver, sodium, thallium, vanadium, and zinc; organic parameters: oils and fats, biochemical oxygen demand, phenols; microbiological parameters: fecal coliforms, total coliforms. The number of determinations made and maximum, minimum, and mean values are detailed in the respective tables for the determined parameters. Likewise, those values not meeting ECA standards are highlighted. In addition to this, all results are included Appendix 3.13 for each of the stations selected as well as graphics of a set of parameters used to identify potential changes in water quality along time (trend analysis). It is worth mentioning that no apparent changes were identified for the parameters considered in any of the micro basins analyzed. Therefore, a trend discussion is not included.
10.2.2.3
Evaluation of Results
The analysis of results for ground water quality control performed at selected wells is included in the EIA as detailed per micro basin. Results were processed by statistic techniques and graphs as well as geochemical modeling software. Tables and graphs for parameter comparison were made with FULCRUM software (developed by Knight Pisold) compiling ground water quality data for an integral management. In this way, the global behavior for each parameter was evaluated as well as their variations between maximum, minimum, and mean concentrations. In this analysis, results are marked for those values that may differ from expected natural concentrations, or that may represent an environmental hazard or may disagree with ECA for Category 1-A1, established by MINAM. AquaChem 4.0 (Waterloo Hydrogeologic, 2003) was also used for graph-numbering modeling to analyze interaction between ground water and the geological bed by calculating geochemical relations that explain values reported for concentrations of most important elements and trace elements. In general, results of total concentrations from labs were used except for hydro-
24
Total hardness caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium salts, dissolved in water. It is expressed in mg/L of CaCo3. Water is soft if hardness is below 100 mg/L of CaCo3 and it is hard when over this value.
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geochemical modeling which used dissolved metals. Results obtained help know the characteristics, composition and general behavior of ground water quality.
10.2.3
Detailed results
As an example, results from ground water sample analysis (2 wells) at Toromacho ravine micro basin are included here. Similar information can be extracted from the EIA regarding ground water from the other micro basins studied.
10.2.3.1
Toromacho ravine micro basin
Both water stations are located centrally in this micro-basin, west and downstream of the tailings site proposed location. Well MW-06 is located downstream MMEX-2. Water from the wells sampled at Toromacho ravine shows the characteristics included on Table 61. Parameter Facies pH field pH laboratory TDS Alkalinity Sulphates Total coliforms mg/L CaCO3/L mg/L NMP/100mL Unit Well MMEX-2 Range Ca-HCO3 6.85 - 7.6 6.85 - 7.6 199 - 320 173 - 205 18.5 - 21 6.8 - 23 6.8 - 23 1.38 4.79 2.1 - 7.8 6.3 - 9.4 --------7.3 7.27 247 184 104 - 153 173 - 205 18.8 - 21 129 194 Media Station MC-06 Range Ca+Na+K-HCO3 7.17 - 8.19 Media
Fecal coliforms NMP/100mL Dissolved oxygen field mg/L Dissolved oxygen lab mg/L BOD COD mg/L mg/L
Table 61. Ground water characteristics at Toromacho ravine wells
Remarks Well MMEX-2 It was sampled 15 times between years 2004 and 2009. Many metals analyzed were below ECA for Category 1, except for Fe, As, and Sb that exceeded ECA in the three sampling campaigns. Several sampling events reported dissolved metal concentrations but no total metal concentrations. Where sampling campaigns reported both dissolved and metal concentrations, mean concentrations for Fe and As were reported mainly as solids. Dissolved oxygen measurements did not meet ECA standard (6mg/L). Dissolved oxygen in situ and from the lab were measured in different samples. Maximum value for BOD was 7.8 mg/L and exceeded ECA.
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Well MW-06 It was sampled 2 times in 2005. Only dissolved metals were available for analysis. Therefore, no relative proportion comparison between dissolved and solid components could be made. For both wells Most metal concentrations were low in general; however, Al, As, Fe, Pb, and Mn exceeded ECA in the wells at many sampling campaigns. Al, Fe, and Pb were found in solid state while As and Mn were found both dissolved and solid. Coliforms were generally low; however, fecal coliforms exceeded ECA at MMEX-2.
10.2.3.2
Alto Jadibamba river micro basin
The EIA includes results of the hydrochemical study on water from 7 sampling wells (Graphic 81) as part of the baseline evaluation for this micro-basin: Two wells located in the upper stretches of the basin (GMW-16 and MW-04, southwest and southeast of the basin, respectively) Three wells located on the west side of the basin, downstream GMW-16, GMW-14, GMW-13 and GMW-05. A well located in the center of the basin (GMW-12) A well located north, in the lower stretches of the basin (GMW-01B). Quality of these ground waters may be characterized as neutral to alkaline with a pH ranging from 6,3 to 8,2. However, some values exceeded 11, possibly due to additives used for drilling or cement (these wells would need cleaning and development). Alkalinity ranged from a minimum value of 85,3 mg CaCo 3/L (GMW-13) to a maximum of 238 to 285 mg CaCo3/L (GMW-04). Total dissolved solids had low values ranging from 127 mg/L (GMW-13) and 132 mg/L (GMW-01 B) to 4.131 mg/L (GMW-16). Most metal concentrations were generally low, exceeding ECA for Al, Fe, Pb, and Mn, in all wells of the micro basin at many sampling campaigns. As exceeded ECA in several wells (MW -4, GMW-14 and GMW-16); Al, Fe and Pb were generally present in solid fraction while Mn was usually divided between solid fraction and dissolved state. As appeared both solid and dissolved (GMW -4 and GMW-16) but was mostly dissolved in GMW-14. Analytical results for coliforms were also generally low. However, some elements exceeded ECA in several wells. Dissolved oxygen, BOD and COD generally did not meet ECA at any of the wells sampled.
10.2.3.3
Alto Chirimayo ravine micro basin
The EIA includes results of the hydrochemical study on water from 14 sampling wells (Graphic 81) as part of the baseline evaluation for this micro-basin: Seven wells located in the area for projected Perol Pit (PZP-01, PZP-02, PZP-03, PZP04B, PPP-3, MW-03, and PHA-02) Two wells located between projected Perol waste dump and Chailhuagn pit (PZC-5 and PPP-5) Two wells located downstream of all projected facilities (MW-02A and CHEX-3) A well located in the footprint proposed for the crusher (CHEX-1)
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A well located between footprints proposed for the conveyor belt and Perol pit (PZP-05) Ground water quality at Alto Chirimayo ravine basin may be characterized as neutral to alkaline, with a pH ranging from 7,0 to 8. pH ranged from 4,2 to 12,7. It is assumed that wells with high pH have been influenced by drilling additives. There were wells located in the mineralized area that showed low pH values (pH under 5) but the chemistry of the water show inconsistencies and therefore data is not considered reliable. Alkalinity ranged from <1 to 2 mg CaCO3/L (PHA-2) in the area proposed for Perol pit to a high value of 640 mg CaCO3/L (CHEX-3), the lowest ground water value in the basin. Sulphate concentrations were evenly low, ranging from 2 to 18,5 mg/L, in 4 out of five wells, higher concentrations were reported at MW-02A (32,3 to 129 mg/L). Total dissolved solids showed low values from 11 to 17 mg/L (PHA-2) to high values between 258 and 687 mg/L (CHEX-3). Most metal concentrations have been generally low. However, Al, As, Fe, Pb, and Mn have exceeded ECA in most locations of sampled water. Al, Fe and Pb were found in solid state while As and Mn were found both dissolved and solid. Coliforms were also generally low; however, ECA was exceeded in several locations.
10.2.3.4
Chailhuagn river micro basin
The EIA includes results of the hydrochemical study on water from 6 sampling wells (Graphic 81) as part of the baseline evaluation for this micro basin. Several of these wells are located within the footprint for proposed Chailhuagn pit (PCZ-02, PCZ03, PCZ-04, and CHA-1). Ground water quality may be characterized as neutral to alkaline, with a pH ranging from 7,5 to 7,7, with an exceptional pH value of over 8,4 (PZC-03), possible due to drilling additives. Most metal concentrations have been low. ECA was exceeded for Al, As, Fe, Pb and Mn in all samples except once. Hg exceeded ECA (PCZ-3) and Al, Fe, Pb, Mn and Hg were found in solid state while As was found dissolved. Coliforms and BOD and COD measurements exceeded ECA for ground waters in this basin. Dissolved oxygen measurements did not meet ECA standards in any sample collected. 10.2.4 Sources of parameters exceeding ECA
In response to Observation 90 in EIA (Knight Pisold Consulting, August 2010), origin of metallic ions exceeding quality standards in a set of ground water samples analyzed is discussed. After the study, we assume this argument. Thus, from the geological and metallogenic standpoint, we can highlight that the environment of Conga project is a zone that has received deep mineralizing fluids that have locally produced mineral enrichment of economic interest for mining. In other areas of this zone there may have been enrichments on the regional background level, though they may not be of economic interest for mining.
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A large percentage of metals such as As, Cu, Mn, and Pb seem to fall into this category in certain areas of the basins involved in the project. Al and Fe occurrence also indicate an alteration halo though these metals are everywhere in the Earth crust. This supergene enrichment would turn the presence of dissolved metals in ground water into a hydrochemical balance with rock mineralization in the area of study. On the other hand, and to confirm the previous statement, there seems to be a balance correlation between pH values recorded in ground water of the area of study (pH almost neutral or slightly alkaline between 7,5 and 8,2) and metal dissolved concentrations for Al, Cu, Pb and Fe ranging from micrograms per liter to tens of micrograms per liter. Total metals analyzed exceeded ECA limits (National Standards for Water Environmental Quality) while dissolved metal concentrations are one or two orders of magnitude below total metal concentrations. These high total metal concentrations would indicate the presence of sediments or colloids in non-filtered samples. This was confirmed by the existence of sediments in samples collected from the lagoons. As was found in water with much Fe due to colloidal FeOH adsorption. Total and fecal coliform concentrations in samples analyzed prove the already defined human or animal contamination which was also found in surface water. None of these real situations can be blamed on mining development as the latter has not been yet started.
10.3 Mine and post-mine stage: contact waters

In a mining operation, quality of the so called contact waters25 depends on the reactivity of the lithological materials through which water may flow. In that sense, Newmont (2000) and Water Management Consult (2004, 2009a and 2009b) have carried out studies and assays that are included in the EIA and its appendixes that we are going to analyze. In any case, for a better understanding of this analysis, we shall begin by describing the summarized lithological characteristics of the two deposits that we extracted from the EIA and appendixes. 10.3.1
Lithology of Perol pit
Perol pit is located on feldspathic quartz porphyry (PQF) from the Miocene and on picota diorite from the Eocene, having varied composition with contents of hornblende and plagioclase. Zones with skarn and marble occur near silty argillite. The PQF hosts main gold and copper mineralization. PQF intrusions indicate a close relation to alteration and mineralization on rock surface. PQF is a multiphase intrusive with at least three emplacement stages showing similar compositions and structures that are referred as: main or early (Pqf) associated to strong gold-copper mineralization; intramineral (Ipqf), and late or young (Ypqf). Porphyry in aphanitic matrix of quartz and plagioclase contain phenocrysts of plagioclase (20 30% from 2 to 8 mm), quartz (2 - 8%, from 2 to 6 mm), biotite and hornblende (10%, from 2 10 mm). PQF introduces a sequence of mixed calcareous sediments (marls, limestone, calcareous limonite and schist) from Mujarrn and Quillquin formations resulting in skarn development. The
25
Contact waters: those waters that, on account of one process or another, get in contact with reactive rocks (mainly due to the presence of pyrite)
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main stage of PQF is associated to the highest grades of gold and copper and it is considered a mineralization source in Perol deposit. 10.3.2
Lithology of Chailhuagn pit
Mineralization in Chailhuagn deposit is located in the microgranodiorite porphyry (Mgd), Miocene intrusive body, generally porphyritic containing disseminated pyrite. It is 2 km long north to south and 0.4 km wide. It consists of a microcrystal matrix of plagioclase and quartz with phenocrysts of plagioclase, biotite and hornblende and isolated quartz phenocrysts. This porphyry penetrates the limestone of Yumagual formation and develops skarn. A contact metamorphism halo is also formed (marble) in the calcareous units. Three phases are found for microgranodiorite: early o main (Mg), intramineral (Img) and young (Ymg). Main Mg is located in the richest mineralization part and the most intense alteration in rock surface of Chailhuagn deposit comes from a potassic alteration and high grades. However, Img shows the largest volume of mineralization. As dominant primary sulfides, we have chalcopyrite and bornite in Chailhuagn. 10.3.3
Lithology of mineralization
In both deposits gold and copper mineralization is associated with the intensity of quartz veinlets developed in potassic and phyllic alteration where sulfides are disseminated. As dominant primary sulfides in Perol deposit we have pyrite and chalcopyrite and in Chailhuagn we have chalcopyrite and bornite, where gold occurs as inclusions inside these minerals. Sub-microscopic free gold has been found in quartz and molybdenite veinlets, and it has also been found in subordinate quantities. There are secondary sulfide zones as a result of supergene enrichment. In Perol, secondary sulfides are more developed (chalcocite) and are mainly associated to phyllic alteration. In Chailhuagn, supergene sulfides are locally present and poorly developed in fractures and skarn zones.
10.3.4
Waste materials
It is reviewed upon the role it can play as contact water composition. Here are the geochemical characteristics of the different materials.
10.3.4.1
Initial information
Geochemical characteristics of waste material refer to rocks that will be produced during mining of Perol and Chailhuagn deposits. Sampling performed included the following documents: Proyecto de Caracterizacin de desmonte Waste characteristics Project (Newmont, 2000). Static assays made on 134 individual samples of waste material analyzed for Net Carbonate Value NCV; and 11 samples composed of waste Perol analyzed for Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure SPLP. Caracterizacin Preliminar del material de desmonte Preliminary characteristics of waste material (WMC, 2004). Designed to complement the former study with minimum assays duplicated. Characteristics of 111 waste samples Chailhuagn and 148 waste samples Perol, samples were taken in 1999 and 2000 by Newmont and sampled by WMC to complement the information. Additionally, 40 composed samples were prepared for the individual samples collected for the future pit footprints and they were
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subject to SPLP (17 composed samples from Perol and 23 from Chailhuagn) and 16 were subject to humidity cell test (HCT) (9 from Perol and 7 from Chailhuagn) Review of waste rock characterization for Chailhuagn, Conga project, Cajamarca, Peru (WMC, 2009a). It summarizes data from previous reports using a new classification system for lithoalteration and mineralization. Review of waste rock characterization for Perol, Conga project, Cajamarca, Peru (WMC, 2009b). It summarizes data from previous reports using a new classification system for lithoalteration and mineralization
10.3.4.2
Lithological characteristics and alterability
The lithological classification and types of alteration of the samples was first based in the classification used for block modeling developed by Newmont in 2004. Such models evolved significantly because from 2004- 2008 a great number of drill holes were made in both deposits and this produced great modifications in the rock classification system and in modeling and pit optimization, that led to modify the classification of rocks and the block model. Under these conditions WMC updated geochemical data upon the methodology below: Reclassify samples upon lithology, alteration and mineralization (LAM), nomenclature currently used for Perol and Chailhuagn deposit areas. Develop a methodology to extrapolate sample analysis results a block modeling scale. Apply the potential acidity generation (PAG) and non-PAG for all waste and mineral blocks in the block model. Here is a summary of the topics developed by WMC in studies regarding waste material characteristics.
10.3.4.3
Sampling Methodology
Representative samples were selected upon LAM and assemblage distribution for lithoalteration in ore deposits. For Perol deposit, 148 samples were used from drill cores. For Chailhuagn deposit, 111 samples were used for analysis. Upon spatial distribution of drill holes, the largest set of samples is towards east and north of Chailhuagn deposit. Lithology and alteration types were used by WMC to reclassify within the new block model. Such reclassification is shown on Table 3.2.31 of the EIA.
10.3.4.4
Geochemical assays
Samples were analyzed with static and kinetic tests. WMC carried out a static test program to provide information related to potential acid drainage generation, and pit face and rock waste material leaching chemistry for those rocks that will be exposed environmental alteration during operation. As part of the static tests, the following lab assays were performed: Rock chemistry: the chemical composition of each of the 16 composed samples was determined by a whole rock analysis. These samples were selected for kinetic tests. Additionally, in order to know the chemistry of the rocks, main oxides were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and trace metals and ultra-trace metals by ICP-MS. Mineralogy: mineralogical composition of the 16 composed samples was determined by quantitative analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld method. Paste pH test: paste pH provides a qualitative estimation of pH for leached material such as that produced by rain when in contact with reactive rock. Acid generation by hydrogen peroxide (NAG pH): The pH-NAG test procedure is an analog test by standard method of net acid generation (NAG) and is designed to measure the sulfide rock response to induced chemical oxidation. Hydrogen peroxide
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(H2O2) is applied to every sample after measuring pH from lode or solution (pH NAG). In general, this pH NAG is inversely proportional to long term acid drainage generation potential. pH-NAG over 4,5 indicates there is sufficient excess of alkalinity in the sample to prevent long term acid generation. Net carbonate value (NCV): established by the standard method of Newmont to characterize waste material in terms of acid generation and neutralization potential. The method includes percentage determination for carbon and total sulfides (TC and TS), carbon and residual sulfide from pyrolysis (CAP and SAP at 550C in one hour) and residual carbon (CAI) with hydrochloric acid (HCI). Those values are used to define: o Acid neutralization potential (ANP) estimated from the quantity of carbonate during HCI digestion (TC CAI). o Acid generation potential (AGP) estimated for residual sulfur subtraction from total sulfur (TS SAP). o Net carbonate value (NCV) is calculated by adding ANP to AGP results; it is expressed as units of % CO2. To determine acid drainage potential in the different materials studied, W MC used criteria established by Newmont as shown on Table 62
Classification Highly acid (HA) Acid (A) Slightly acid (SA) Inert (I) Neutral (N) Slightly basic (SB) Basic (B) Highly basic (HB) Source WMC, 2004
Newmont criteria NCV -5% CO2 -5% < NCV -1% CO2 -1% CO2 < NCV -0.1% CO2 -0.1% CO2 < NCV < -0.1% CO2 and ANP<0.1 and AGP>-0.1 -0.1% CO2 < NCV < -0.1% CO2 and ANP > 0.1 and AGP < 0.1 -0.1% CO2 NCV< 1% CO2 1% CO2 NCV< 5% CO2 NCV 5% CO2
Table 62. Evaluation criteria for acid-base balance tests
Short term leaching analysis: leaching analysis by extraction (SPLP) with spinner flask was made to evaluate amount of easily soluble metals that can be leached from the rock upon contact with deionized water, simulating natural precipitation. Resulting leached material was analyzed for: pH, conductivity, acidity, alkalinity, sulphates, and metals of low concentration (by ICPMS). SPLP standard uses USEPA protocol established by the analysis form (USEPA 1312).
As part of the kinetic tests humidity cell testing (HCT) was made (Graphic 82 and Picture 28) in order to accelerate natural weathering rate in samples with acid drainage generation potential. HCT analysis were made on 16 composed samples (WMC, 2004) and 6 cells more for Chailhuagn material (2009) to verify results from 2004 (WMC, 2009). From HCT on, weekly analysis were performed for pH, conductivity, acidity,
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alkalinity, Fe+2, Fe+3, SO4-2 and as well as total concentration parameters for more than 35 major elements and traces.
Source: Tim OHearn

Graphic 82. Humidity cell outline
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Source: http://metal-recovery.blogspot.com
Figure 28. Cylindrical cells connected in series.
Additionally, analyses were made for main anions and cations in leached material from composed samples after 28 days (every 4 weeks).
10.3.4.5 10.3.4.5.1
Results Net carbonate value (NCV)
Results obtained are included in Appendix 3.4 of the EIA and it is summarized as follows:
Results from NCV analyses in 2004 for Perol and Chailhuagn allowed identifying of the following general trends (described in detail in WMC report 2004). Waste material includes sulfide ore (pyrite and marcasite) that, when exposed to the environment, may become the main acidity generation source. These sulfide ores are mostly found in Perol waste rather than Chailhuagn (upon XRD analysis and NCV analysis where SAP had a low TS percentage). On the other hand, calcite dissolution in waste rock is probably the main neutralization factor for acid water generation due to sulfide weathering. Samples from Chailhuagn contain a high percentage of calcite as opposed to those from Perol. According to mineralogical analyses confirmed by NCV analysis, Chailhuagn samples resulted in higher CAP (carbon after pyrolysis). Results from NCV analysis indicated a larger potential to generate acidity in Perol waste. In general, these results were negative for Perol samples, indicating a potential for acid generation. Chailhuagn samples have a positive result for NCV, indicating that they may not generate acidity. Briefly, 2004 test results indicated a larger amount of Perol waste was PAG and all Chailhuagn waste was no-PAG. Reclassification of samples on a new block model for both deposits (WMC, 2009) had a little effect on NCV result for Perol waste. NCV values were statistically related to TS using a linear regression to determine PAG threshold for each LAM assemblage without limestone.
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Afterwards, TS-based PAG thresholds were extrapolated in a block model to estimate PAG distribution in waste and pit slopes. Reclassification of Perol and Chailhuagn waste (WMC, 2009) showed the following: Perol waste o 96% of samples analyzed were classified as potential acid generators (PAG) o 1% of samples were classified as uncertain regarding potential acid generation. o 3% of samples were classified as no acid generators (no-PAG) Chailhuagn waste o 20% of samples have been classified as PAG. o 10% of samples are considered uncertain regarding potential acid generation. o 20% of samples have been classified as PAG A summary of the results of this analysis is shown on Table 3.2.32 of the EIA. In Perol pit, with cut-off grades from 0,1 to 0,2% of Cu or 0,3 to 0,5 gr/t of Au, 96% of the waste would be PAG and approximately 79% of the pit slopes would be PAG. In Chailhuagn pit, with the same cut-off grades, approximately 20% of waste would be PAG and approximately 18% of the pit slopes would be PAG.
10.3.4.5.2
Perol pit
Humidity cells
Mineralogical analyses indicate that pyrite and/or marcasite are found in all samples of the HCT performed on rocks from this pit, in 1% or 5%, except for one that corresponds to potassic diorite/quartz of the main feldspathic porphyry. Upon NCV analyses, all samples out of 9 HCT from Perol pit were acid generating; one being highly acid generating and two being slightly acid generating (Table 3.2.33 of EIA). All samples had little or no neutralizing capacity and no sample had detectable calcite. Results of paste pH test on composed samples treated in humidity cells ranged from 3,5 to 7,6 and pH-NAG ranged from 2,3 to 3,9 (Table 3.2.33 of the EIA). Out if the 9 HCT for Perol, seven were acid at first and remained acid during the 20 weeks of analysis. The other cells resulted in 26 almost neutral pH at the beginning of the sampling period (cells 5 and 8) and remained with no signs of acidity for 23 weeks of analysis, though pH dropped significantly in the sampling period (0,71 pH for cell 5 and 1,1 for cell 8). Metal concentration was high in all cells in the first week of analysis in acid cells, Cu ranged from 0,78 to 515 mg/L and remained high in the 23-week period (Cu final concentration was 0,24 to 83,6 mg/L). Several cells showed high concentrations of Pb and Ni at initial leaching (cells 5 and 9). Other leached metals kept concentrations high: Al, Fe, Mn and Zn (Table 3.2.34 of the EIA). In general, sulfide production was higher in humidity cells HCT1, HCT3, HCT7, HCT9, presenting high concentrations from 1.589. 2.111, 2.890 and 5.726 mg/week, respectively, and finally values were up to 476, 595, 278 and 821 mg/week, respectively in week 26 (Table 3.2.35 of the EIA). Cell 5 showed high sulphate production (1.041 mg/week) and remained relatively high (final sulphate rate of 92 mg/week) in different assays along a 26-week period, even though this cell was not acid generating.
26
Almost neutral pH between 6,5 and 7,5
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Chailhuagn pit HCT for Chailhuagn on rocks composed of skarn limestone and marble were classified as highly basic. Two cells contained potassic micro-granodiorite and young chloritic micro-granodiorite were classified as slightly basic. One cell containing potassic micro-granodiorite was classified as neutral. Two cells containing phyllic and propylitic micro-granodiorite were classified as slight acid generating (Table 3.2.36 of the EIA). All samples subject to HCT contained calcite but upon mineralogical analysis only two samples contained pyrite. Chailhuagn waste composed minerals produced an average value of paste pH of 8,5 and pH-NAG of 9,3. For pH at first leaching, analyzed for Chailhuagn waste, average value obtained was 7,9. No HCT from Chailhuagn (WMC, 2004) represented LAM types after reclassification (Table 3.2.37 of the EIA) and so other humidity cell tests were started in June 2009 (Table 3.2.38 of the EIA). No cell analyzed in 2004 was acid generating. Kinetic tests are still being carried out in humidity cells for the 2009 period. On composed samples HCT1, HCT2, HCT3, HCT4 and HCT5, and on the date of preparation of the EIA, they indicate that only results from 12 weeks of analysis could be used but that tests will continue for at least a 20-week period that is the time recommended to observe if the sample shows oxidation thus providing sufficient information for statistical processing. Tables 3.2.37 and 3.2.38 of the EIA indicate results of humidity cell tests for 2004 and 2009. It is observed that no humidity cell from of that period produced acid or metal concentration, and all humidity cells of 2004 and 2009 shows alkaline pH ranging from 7,31 to 9,0. Metal concentration in Chailhuagn humidity cells for both phases / periods was at or below detection limit for almost all metals analyzed (Tables 3.2.37 and 3.2.38 of the EIA). Only selenium was observed in measured concentrations (0,022 mg/L) in the rougher of cell HCT11. Sulphate production was low for both set of cells analyzed (Table 3.2.39 of the EIA). In general, sulphate production was higher in humidity cells HCT-10, HCT-16 and HCT-5 with an average concentration at week 0 of 109,5, 122,6, and 119,8 mg/week, respectively. This concentration dropped in the following weeks and finally reached up to 1,5, 8,6 and 13,9 mg/week, respectively, at week 12 (Table 3.2.39 of the EIA)
10.3.5 Tailings 10.3.5.1 Origin of samples

As part of the material classification program, a geochemical sampling was conducted on material of metallurgical assays from Perol pit and Chailhuagn pit (Golder, 2006). Code identification, lithology, types of tailings (rougher / cleaner), and types of analysis on samples assayed are shown on Table 3.2.40 of the EIA. Static and kinetic tests were run on samples collected as it is described below: Acid-base balance. On 18 tailings samples: 4 samples from Chailhuagn and 14 from Perol. Mineralogy: 4 samples from Chailhuagn and 9 samples from Perol. Total metal concentrations: 5 samples from Chailhuagn and 9 samples from Perol. Interstitial water composition water chemical analysis (decanted and filtered) from tailings, 2 from Chailhuagn and 12 from Perol.
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Synthetic precipitation leaching analysis (SPLP): 1 samples form Chailhuagn tailings and 1 from Perol tailings. HCT analysis. 1 sample from Chailhuagn tailings and 3 samples from Perol tailings. HCT analyses for tailings samples were conducted in order to determine the start time for acid generation and the hydrochemistry of an eventual seepage. Samples for kinetic test analysis were collected in the third quarter of 2004 and initial analysis started in January 2005 (Golder, 2006). Results obtained (Golder, 2006) for tailings characteristics are summarized below.
10.3.5.2
Acid-base balance
Samples from Perol pit According to the Production Plan of Conga project, it has been estimated that approximately 64% of all tailings would come from Perol pit, and those tailings would have the following dominant mineralogical phases: quartz, potassic feldspar, orthoclase, and plagioclase (Table 3.2.41 of the EIA). Alteration phases include clay minerals such as kaolinite, chlorite, and smectite. Samples contained from 1 to 7% pyrite. Only one sample has 36% pyrite. Carbonate phases (such as calcite and siderite) were generally no detected or showed quantities at a trace level. Total trace metals of environmental significance in Perol tailings include As (5 -16 ppm), Cu (208-1.451 ppm), Mo (1-20 ppm), Pb (12-77 ppm), Sb (8,4-9,4 ppm) and Zn (32-564 ppm) (Table 3.2.42 of the EIA). Net carbonate values for Perol tailings were identified in Leco oven upon Newmont standard procedures. Results and methodology for NCV estimations are found on Table 3.2.43 of the EIA. Sulfur concentrations range from 0.14 to 3.6%, except for one sample that obtained 22% S which makes it have the highest potential for AGP. Carbon content for Perol tailings ranges from 0,02 to 0,27% and ANP ranges from non-detectable to 0,92% of CO2. Relatively high AGP and low ANP values on Perol tailings samples result in negative NCV values. Perol samples were classified from slightly acid (SA) to acid (A) including that one sample as highly acid. Samples from Chailhuagn pit Tailings from Chailhuagn processing would represent 36% of total tailing generation. According to mineralogical results of the tailings samples, the dominant mineralogical phases were: quartz, plagioclase, and feldspar (Table 3.2.41 of the EIA). These samples reported few alteration phases as opposed to samples from Perol tailings, and included 1% pyrite. Chailhuagn tailings have 2 to 7% calcite. Metals of environmental significance identified in the tailings include: As (0,6 - 5,4 ppm), Cu (108 - 141 ppm), Mo (1 - 7,8 ppm), Sb (1 - 2,6 ppm) and Zn (53 - 102 ppm) (Table 3.2.42 of the EIA). Chailhuagn tailings generally show higher ANP and lower AGP in relation to those obtained from Perol. Total carbon ranges from 0,27 to 0,57% and ANP from 0,84 to 1,7% of CO2 (Table 3.2.43 of the EIA). TS concentrations ranged from 0,02 to 0,58%. All samples from Chailhuagn had NCV values ranging from slightly basic (SB) to basic (B) except for sample MCS-4 (potassic) that was classified as slightly acid (SA).
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10.3.5.3
Solute leaching
Tailings samples were also analyzed to identify the presence of leachable solutes. To that end, Golder analyzed the chemistry from tailings decanted water and interstitial water of the material obtained from sample filtering. Also SPLP tests were conducted as to indicate possible short term solute release and long term HCT.
10.3.5.3.1
Short-term leaching tests
Short-term solute leaching for Perol and Chailhuagn tailings is based on analytical results for decanted and filtered tailings samples. Considering also results from short-term leaching assays (SPLP), it is possible that leaching of decanted and filtered water from tailings may reasonably represent water quality (seepage) in a short term (Golder, 2006), before any other geochemical reaction takes place due to material exposal to environment. Decantation of samples consists of the solution from the tailings pulp while filtering is the interstitial water filtered from tailings. Results for short-term water chemistry (metal concentration ranges from SPLP analysis, decanted and filtered water analysis) are described on Table 3.2.44. Tailings from Perol pit Information from SPLP analysis (Newmont, 2000) and chemical analysis for decanted and filtered water have been compared for permissible maximum levels in mining-metallurgical liquid effluents (R.M. N 011 -96- EM/VMM). According to results, Perol tailings have a significant potential to generate acidity. However, pH acid values have not been found on solutions in a short term. pH values range from 7 to 10 and sulphate concentration range from 45 to 334 mg/L being considered as high values. Trace metals of environmental significance had concentrations over ECA standards (As, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Se) as regulated by the Environment Division (MINAM) for Category 3. As shown on Table 63. Metals regulated upon R.M. N 011 -96-EM/VMM did not exceed permissible limits for effluents. However, for Cu a higher concentration was detected for the maximum value registered.
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Parameter
Unit
Ranges of concentration (SPLP analysis, chemical analysis of decanted and filtered water) 0.05 - 1.2 0.0003 - 0.12 0.001 - 4 0.0002 - 0.002 0.007 - 2.2 0.002 - 0.31 0.001 - 0.03 0.0002 - 0.20 0.00003 - 0.20
Water quality MINAM (*) Category 3 Irrigation of low Drink stem animals vegetables 5 0.05 0.2 0.001 0.2 0.2 0.05 0.05 5 0.1 0.5 0.001 0.2 0.2 0.05 0.05
- Liquid (**) for
effluents
MINEM
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Al As Cu Hg Mn Ni Pb Se Ti
mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L
1.0 1.0
1.0 2.0
0.4
1.0
* ECA MINAM: Environmental Quality Standards by MINAM (D.S: N 002-2008- MINAM) ** Ministry Resolution N 011-96-EM/VMM Source: Knight Pisold. 2011 Table 63. Concentration of metal of environmental significance upon SPLP analysis: Tailings from Perol pit. Tailings from Chailhuagn pit Results from these tailings show a little inclination to leach metal or generate acid in a short term (Table 3.2.44 of the EIA). pH values range from 7,5 to 8,5. Fe and SO 42 concentrations range from 0,007 to 0,03 mg/L and from 29 to 50 mg/L, respectively. Trace metals of environmental significance showed Mn maximum concentration over ECA for category 3 as described on Table 64. Those metals regulated by R.M. N 011-96-EM/VMM did not exceed permissible limits for effluents.
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Parameter
Unit
Water quality MINAM (*) - Liquid effluents MINEM Ranges of Categoria 3 (**) concentration (SPLP analysis, chemical Irrigation of low analysis of decanted Drink for stem Appendix 1 Appendix 2 and filtered water) animals vegetables 0.07 - 0.72 0.003 - 0.04 0.0001 - 0.03 0.001 - 0.03 0.0003 - 0.02 0.0005 - 0.07 0.05 0.05 5 0.05 0.2 0.05 5 0.1 0.2 0.05 0.4 1.0 1.0 1.0
Al As Mn Pb Sb Se
mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L
* ECA MINAM: Environmental Quality Standards by MINAM (D.S: N 002-2008- MINAM) ** Ministry Resolution N 011-96-EM/VMM Source: Knight Pisold. 2011 Table 64. Concentration of metal of environmental significance upon SPLP analysis: Tailings from Chailhuagn pit.
10.3.5.3.2
Kinetic tests
Tailings from Perol pit Samples analyzed for NCV resulted in different values from slightly acid (skarn) to acid (argillaceous and siliceous). Kinetic test results are shown on Table 3.2.45 of the EIA. Trace metals of environmental significance showed concentrations with maximum values for Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Zn exceeding ECA for category 3 as shown on Table 65. Metals such as Cu and Zn regulated by R.M. N 011-96-EM/VMM exceeded permissible limits for effluents.
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Parameter
Unit
Water quality MINAM (*) - Liquid effluents MINEM Category 3 (**) Ranges of Irrigation of low concentration HCTs Drink for stem Appendix 1 Appendix 2 animals vegetables 14-38 0.0004 - 0.04 0.0001 - 0.02 0.001 - 1.2 0.002 - 25 0.0003 - 0.002 0.01 - 2.4 0.003 - 0.58 0.0005 - 0.02 1.2 - 7.4 5 0.05 0.005 0.01 0.2 0.001 0.2 0.2 0.05 2 5 0.1 0.01 1 0.5 0.001 0.2 0.2 0.05 24 0.4 3 1.0 6 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0
Al As Cd Cr Cu Hg Mn Ni Pb Zn
mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L
* ECA MINAM: Environmental Quality Standards by MINAM (D.S: N 002-2008- MINAM) ** Ministry Resolution N 011-96-EM/VMM Source: Knight Pisold. 2011 Table 65. Concentration of metal of environmental significance upon humidity cell analysis: Tailings from Perol pit. Tailings from Chailhuagn pit Though sample MC-4 (potassic) was classified as slightly acid, this showed a little tendency to generate acidity in the 20-week period for kinetic cell analysis. Results from kinetic tests are described on Table 3.2.45 of the EIA. Recorded pH results for Chailhuagn pit are high (pH > 7,6), and they were alkaline during the 20-week period of analysis. Sulphate concentration in week 1 is high up to 329 mg/L. However, the following weeks it dropped down to 31,8 by week 20. Recorded trace metals of environmental significance showed low concentrations and did exceed neither ECA for category 3 nor maximum permissible levels for effluents. Results compared are shown on Table 66.
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Parameter
Unit
Water quality MINAM (*) - Liquid effluents MINEM Category 3 (**) Ranges of Irrigation of low concentration HCTs Drink for stem Appendix 1 Appendix 2 animals vegetables 0.035 0.05-0.228 0.0004 - 0.04 0.0004-0.11 0.00002 - 0.002 0.001 - 1.2 0.009 - 0.017 0.0004-0.03 0.078-0.18 0.2 5 0.05 0.5 0.005 0.01 0.2 0.5 1 5 0.1 6.5 0.01 1 0.5 0.5 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0
Fe Al As B Cd Cr Cu Se Si
mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L
* ECA MINAM: Environmental Quality Standards by MINAM (D.S: N 002-2008- MINAM) ** Ministry Resolution N 011-96-EM/VMM Source: Knight Pisold. 2011 Table 66. Concentration of metal of environmental significance upon humidity cell analysis: Tailings from Chailhuagn pit. Estimation of depletion upon results from cell MCS-4 HCT showed that it would take approximately 40 years to deplete all sulfides and 35 years to deplete all alkalinity. Despite this long term for neutralization potential depletion, water quality in tailings from Chailhuagn pit, before sulfide elimination, is not expected to be enriched with metal (low metal concentration) at a long term, though there are doubts whether this is to happen also with heavy metals that remain soluble for high pH. According to the EIA and upon results from kinetic tests, the only possibility of trace metal of environmental significance was thallium (0,2 mg/L). Concentrations of other trace metals iron and sulphates were relatively low in regarding ECA for category 3 and regarding results for tailings from Perol pit.
10.3.5.4
Conclusions
Based on the geochemical reclassification studies developed by WMC, Perol pit waste material will in general be a great acid generator through all types of LAM in about 90% (PAG waste material). Chailhuagn pit will be 10 to 20% PAG and PAG waste material shall be mostly composed of intramineral intrusive rocks with moderate-to-weak potassic alteration. As for tailings material, tailings from Perol are more reactive, with high concentrations of sulfur and lower neutralization potential than those from Chailhuagn. NCV classification ranged Perol samples from slightly acid to highly acid while Chailhuagn samples ranged from slightly acid to basic.
10.3.6 Ore treatment

Adequate reagents are added in the process plant for ore treatment as to obtain differential flotation of metals for beneficiation. Reagent volumes to be used per ton and per year during the process are shown on table 67.
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Reagents Lime (85%CaO) Primary collector Secondary collector (PAX) Foaming agents Modifier (CMC) Cupper depressor (NaHS) Floculants
Consumption g/t 1,900 9 20 15 25 15 50
t/a 63,871 303 672 504 840 504 1680
Source: Knight Pisold. 2010, August. Table Obs 18-b

Table 67. Consumption of reagents during ore processing
These reagents shall be partially recovered and reused in the process, in a closed circuit. Some more reagents shall be added to concentrates aimed for exportation and transported to the coast by truck. And a third part of reagents shall remain in the tailings that will be thickened at the process plant up to 62% in solids coming off the pipes to the tailings deposit, there we strongly recommend encapsulation of tailings. Annual tailings production during operation of the process plant is shown on Table 68.
10.4
Deposition and storage of tailings
Based on our former conclusion (entry 10.3.5.4), Perol tailings shall vary from slightly acid to highly acid while Chailhuagn samples ranged from slightly acid to basic. Under these conditions, the EIA considers subaerial disposal as a single option for tailings storage in the respective projected tailings site. In order to eliminate the need for very prolonged treatment for drainage acid water, this expert analysis states that in mining there are subaquatic storage methods for tailings as to reduce acid water generation and so need for treatment is reduced dramatically. Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Production Daily (T/day) 82,672 94,482 89,695 89,574 88,605 84,622 82,314 85,996 81,613 80,898 87,631 80,430 71,599
Yearly (106 T/year) 30.2 34.5 32.7 32.7 32.3 30.9 30.0 31.4 29.8 29.5 32.0 29.4 26.1
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14 15 16 Total
72,914 72,641 15,187
26.6 26.5 5.5 460.2
Source: Knight Pisold. 2010, August. Table Obs 18-b

Table 68. Tailings production during mine life
10.4.1 Disposal system

Minas Conga project is considering subaerial disposal for waste. However there are other solutions such as subaquatic disposal that eliminates acid water formation and therefore it also eliminates the need for treatment. This disposal shall allow having an artificial lagoon, though that requires a larger storage volume (possibly with the construction of a complementary tailings deposit) and geotechnical problems need to be solved by the tailings deposit engineering team who has experienced solutions. Pouring can be made with mobile pipes running from the concentration plant into the lagoon (finger-type), from the axis of the Main dam (along its construction) to 3,796.5 meters of altitude and from its floodable surrounding. Subaquatic disposal disadvantage is related to the need for adequate anti-seismic design and more storage capacity for the water retained in the tailings that need to be covered and horizontality of the water surface. Another aspect this expert analysis considers problematic for subaerial disposal involves projected canal construction on the tailings surface which can be difficult to protect from erosion. This concept should be analyzed in the Closure Plan for it may prolong the area reclamation time and, especially, if choosing the subaerial option, it may involve adding water to tailings which would provoke acid effluent formation and would make progressive reclamation more difficult. This expert analysis also emphasizes that all materials to be used as rock fill downstream the main dam and Toromacho dam shall be inert as to eliminate acid leaching contribution from pyritic components in rocks coming from the pit (especially from Perol pit). Tailings deposit analysis in the EIA is fundamentally referred to the location of an installation that can receive thickened tailings generated in the process (504 Mt). At first thirteen potential sites were selected in a 12-km radius around the central area of the project (Golder, 2000). As we have mentioned before, subaquatic disposal would need two tailings deposits; this implies technical and economic considerations by itself (storage capacity/dam volume ratio and associated cost) that would lead to include: Technical and economic considerations: Construction stage: preparation of area, costs, and deed of mining claims and surface terrain is relatively easy. Operation stage: capacity, storage capacity / dam volume ratio, water manageability, location regarding the concentrator plant and operation costs (for example, pumping costs, considering distance and height for boosting).
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Closure stage: facilities offered to meet the objectives of the Closure Plan. Environmental considerations: Ecologic importance of the site: referred to the existence of lagoons, soil adequacy, presence of flora and fauna in preservation state. Associated potential environmental impact: possibility of significant environmental impact, contention and filtration control. Socioeconomic and cultural considerations: Conditions of the social environment: relevant social characteristics of near surroundings as the number of houses, use of soils and perceptions regarding the project. Socioeconomic impact: possibility of social impact, changes in infrastructure characteristics or impacts on elements that may affect the production dynamics of the area. Presence of cultural elements
10.5 Water discharge from the zone with mining-metallurgical activity

In order to maintain a base flow in rivers and ravines downstream the project area, four points have been projected for controlled discharge. This implies, with no doubt, an improvement in hydrological regulation for rivers and ravines are temporarily dry in the dry season under natural conditions. These discharges are described on Table 69. Collection and discharge site Lower Reservoir Upper Reservoir Perol Reservoir Chailhuagn Reservoir Total Source: Knight Pisold. August 2010
Table 69. Approximate flows of regulated discharge for dry season coming from projected reservoirs
Hydrographic micro basin Jadibamba river Toromacho ravine Chirimayo ravine Chailhuagn river
Approximate discharge flow in dry season 33.1 L/s 1.0 L/s 7.3 L/s 9.7 L/s 51.1 L/s
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11. PROPOSAL OF FACILITIES TO BE REVIEWED

11.1 Approach
After analyzing in detail the Environmental Impact Assessment of Conga Project, this Experts Review understands that the EIA complies with all the technical conditions required to be approved, in relation wo the implied hydric aspects. However, and within the framework of continuous improvements that are happening with respect to Conga project, this Experts Review proposes some possible activies related to forecast facilities that may be progressively included, after a study in detail. With them the negative impacts would be reduced and the positive assets would increase in the hydrological-environmental matters. At the same time, we would like to hightlight the opportunity underneath the project to improve the knowledge and management practices of relevant aspects related to water and the environment in Andean sectors of the highlands.
In this sense, the experts responsible for this Experts Review Rulin propose, in this Chapter, some aspects to be considered and that may improve the environmental aspect of the project facilities.
11.2 Topsoil deposits

The most favorable conditions to preserve organic soils must be optimized to the best on the storage facilities to have a better preservation of the seed bank within them.
11.3 Wetland deposit

Perol pit mining implies, without any doubt, the removal of the wetland next to Perol laggon. Regarding the extraction, transportation and storage of this material MYSRL relied on reports from Vector (2000), Golder (2004), AMEC (2006) and Knight Pisold (2007) and proposed to encapsulate these soils, under barren material of Perol pit at the bottom of the Perol waste dump. (Graphic 83). This experts review considers that since it is a humic soil, wth an important organic element, the possibility of a suitable storage must be analyzed to be used as cover and remediation material during the conditioning of the waste dump or tailings pond, or as support material to transfer the wetlands at the periphery of the tailings pond or in other sites, such as the reservoir surrounding and the Chailhuagn reservoir/lagoon. These may be also be useful to repair the degradated wetlands of the surrounding, outside the project area. This is why it is proposed to forecast a specific deposit for this humic soil with the required characteristics for its preservation, to give them a better use. Within a mine operation the organic soil is never enough.
254
Source: Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010. Modified.

Graphic 83. Vertical cut view of Perol waste dump.
11.4 Perol waste dump

This deposit stores sterile material and low grade mineral from the Perol open-pit and it would cover the two lakes: Azul and Chica, with minimum storage capacity (each 100.000 m3 max). This action is raising social rejection. This expertise will search alternatives in order to keep one or both lakes. In this sense we understand that there are different options, one of those options is to consider a lateral displace of this dispositive. Second option would be that part of the Perol open-pit waste should be deposit into an already exploded area, which is Chaihuagn open-pit, covering a route of 3.0 to 4.0km (see fig. 84)
Graphic 84. Relative position of the Perol and Chailhuagn open-pits
With the right program, this deposit could start before year 15, when Chailhuagn open-pit exploitation is concluded, according to the elongated morphology of this mineral mass, which is a positive impact for the advance of the exploitation from north to south and realizing ahead of time the northern area in order to prepare it to store waste from the next Perol open- pit. All the above mentioned will be consider, without excluding the chance of superior elevation of the Perol waste dump, and even different alternatives with hydrological and environmental compensation, which could come up and be evaluated during the execution of the project. These different alternatives (not proposed here) must be technical, economic, social and environmentally acceptable.
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11.5 Rejection of Acid Water Treatment Plant

The active treatment of acid water by any design process, imply a production of a type of water that must comply with the required dumping parameters, but this implies also the production of solid or liquid waste in which chemical elements that impact the quality of water gather. The management these residues requires, in general, a suitable place for deposit. It seems that in Conga the sludge production would be 4.45 Tm/h. The storage of this sludge production has been prepared right next to the tailings. This experts review considers this as unacceptable from an environmental point of view. In this regard, we consider that the best and safest option for the environment would be to build a security deposit to encapsulate the waste in a semi dry state. Any other solution could be possible as long as it does not entail future problems. This does not exclude the proposal of sending these residues to an Authorized Handling Company to be stored and treated, yet this could bring some other problems regarding transportation and costs.
11.6 Passive Treatment of Acid Waters

The production of drainage acid waters could be a problem in different facilities or project areas. The proposal considered in the EIA for the treatment of these effluents goes through its delivery to the acid water treatment that implies its maintenance at an elevated cost for dozens of years. This experts review does not analyze the use of passive treatments applied in wetlands such as the macrophyte planting treatment. Figure 29) for the development of a natural and self-sustainable bio-remediation process at a low cost (Fernndez Rubio, 2007a and 2007b, 2008).
Figure 29. Thypha (cattail) used for the treatment of bio-remediation of acid waters from mines
(uranium mines, Spain).
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There are many experiences worldwide as many advances that had been reached thanks to the macrophytes technology, developed by Universidad Politcnica de Madrid, Spain (Polytechnic University of Madrid). This actions can be done all along the Alto Jadibamba river axis, or from the Chirimayo gulch or the Chailhuagn gulch, in order to correct the chemical quality of possible flows that would require it (Figure 30) plus the advantage to create a good environment for the fauna and ecosystems which had been impacted by the agriculture activities.
Figure 30 Cattail Pantanal planted by the waste storage (charcoal mines in Andorra, Spain)
11.7 Capacity Increase of Reservoirs

The improvement of the EIA propositions, in matter of superficial waters quantity comes from two interrelated options which are: to build bigger reservoirs and, as a consequence, the regulated larger water volume availability. The reservoirs filling precautions observations (graphic 59) and the overflow analysis indicates that even if the flow mitigation discharge is guaranteed, this are being undersized according to the main goal, which is to maximize the natural flow capacity regulation because this is not part of the EIA goal. For this reason, any viable capacity increase, technically and economically would improve the adjustable flow. The following comments are some ideas which viability should be confirm by topographic, geotechnical and economic information unavailable at this moment. The first solution of this kind would be the increase of the inferior reservoir, extending the volume to maximize the flow regulation capacity for the Alto Jadibamba micro watershed, according to the technical and economic viability of the project. It seems that according to verbal communication of Knight Pisold, this solution could be available. It is unknown if the users of Alto Chirimayo, downstream of the Perol reservoir, supplementary flow are need because the inventoried channels are small. If this is the case, the increase of the reservoir capacity is possible, justifying the viability.
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The increase of the Chailhuagn reservoir seems to be more difficult, according to the topographic conditions related to the re-growth of Chailhuagn Lagoon. Even though, if it could be possible this would beneficiate many downstream users, so it would be convenient to analyze this possibility. Finally, it wont be necessary to expand the Superior reservoir which is the only one that has difficulties to be filled due to its elevated capacity. However, after the mine closure (over 20 years later) pump units may be installed in order to send water to the Inferior reservoir as a complementary solution or alternative to the eventual reservoir increase of capacity. Since the superior reservoir does not have deep drains it would be necessary to pump since the dam is supported on the tailings pond. The reservoirs proposed in the EIA- and in their possible expansion- would increase the available water volume in dry seasons, as it is usual in the first regulating works of any watershed. In this sense, this is the first step to the development of a regulation system in the microwatersheds. Through their competent entities, the Autoridad Nacional del Agua will consider- in the framework of their plans of water management improvement in Peru- if the demand of water supply and irrigation in the region are properly meet with these reservoirs or building of other waters down the project is justify.
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12. BACKGROUND DOCUMENTATION

12.1 Reference Bibliography
To develop this Ruling, this Experts review has used the following documentation (chronologically sorted) Theis C. V, 1935. The lowering of the piezometric surlace and the rate and discharge of a we/J using ground water storage. Transactions of the American Geophysical Union, 16: 519-524. Turc L. 1951 Nouvelle formule pour le calcul du bilan d'eau en function des valeurs moyennes annuelles des prcipitations et de la temperature. C.RASc, 233: 633-635. Benavides, V. 1956. Cretaceous System in Northern Peru. Doctoral Thesis, Faculty of Pure Science, Columbia University. BulL American Museum of Natural History, 108: 353-494. Legan, J 1964. Estimating transmissibility from rourine producrion tests of water weJ/s Groundwater. 2' 35-37. Caslany, G. y Berkaloff, E. 1970. Evaluation rapde des ressources en eaux d'une rgion. In Simposio Internacional sobre Aguas Subterraneas de Palermo. AIH, Ente de Desarollo Agricola, Palermo, pp. 462-682. USEPA 1982. Handbook for Sampling and Sample Preservaton of Water and Wastewater. 418 pp. Hargreaves, G.H. y Samani, Z.A 1982. Estimating potential evapotranspiration. J. Irrig. and Draln Engr" ASeE, 108(IR3):223-230. Custodio, E y Llamas, MR. (Eds). 1983. Hidrologa subterrnea, Ed, Omega, 2 vol., Barcelona. 2.359 pp. Larsson, /. 1984. Groundwater in hard rocks. Studies and reports in hydrology. Unesco, Paris, 33: 1-228. Jai/lard, E. 1985. La formation Caja marca (Turonien suprieur) dans la rgion de Bambamarca (Andes nord-pruviennes). Approche sdimentofogique. Bull, Inst. Fr. El. And" 14, 49-56. Wilson, J.J. 1985. Geologa de los cuadrngulos de Jayanca, Incahuasi, Cutervo, Chiclayo, Chongoyape, Chota, Celendn, Pacasmayo y Chepn. INGEMMET, Boletn, Sene A Carta Geolgica Nacional, 38, 104 p. AI/er, l.; Benne/, T; Lehr, J.H. y Petty, R. 1987, - DRASTIC: a Standardized System for Evaluating Groundwater Pollution Potencial Using Hydrogeolegic Settings. U S EPA Report 600f285/018. Foster, S.s.o. 1987. Fundamental concepts in aquifer vulnerability, pollution risk and protection strategy. In W. van Duijvanbooden and H,G. van Waegeningh (eds.), Vulnerability of Soil and Groundwater to Pollution, Proceedings and Information No. 38 of the International Conference held in the Netherlands, in 1987, TNO Committee on Hydrological Research, Delft, The Netherlands. CEDEX. Centro de Estudios y Experimentacin de Obras Pblicas CEDEX. Madrid, Espaa. 1990. Inventario Nacional de Recursos Hdricos del Per. Plan Naconal de Irrigaciones del Per (PLANIR), Femndez Rubio, R 1991. Tratamiento biolgico de aguas en pantanales. Tecno Ambiente 1: 37 -44. Madrid. Wright, EP. Y 8urgess, w.G. 1992. The hydrogeology of crystalline basement aquifers in Africa. Geologcal Socety Special Publicalion, London, 66: 1-264. Cleary. R. W, Pnder, G. y Ungs, M-J. 1993. IBM pe applications in groundwater pollution & hydrogeology: hands-on short course. PC Laboralory Inslruclors. NGWA. Oublin. Ohio. Multicopied document MEM. 28 February 1994. Protocolo de Monitoreo de Calidad de Agua. MINEM. 31 March 1995. Guia Ambiental para elaborar Estudios de Impacto Ambiental. R.O. N015-1995-EM/DGAA 51 pp. Swiss Federal Government. 1995. Ley Federal sobre Proteccin de Aguas.
259
PNUMAlOMS. 1996. Water Quality Monitoring - A Practical Guide to the Design and Implementation of Freshwater QuaUty Studies and Monitoring Programme. Edited by J. Bartram y R. Ballance. Serrano, J, Lpez A.J, Fernndez Rubio, R, Len, A , Baquero JA, Gutirrez, A ,Lorca, D. y Carvajal. D. 1996. Afluentes de aguas cidas en la cuenca alta del Olivargas y rea de Tharsis (Huelva). Diagnosis y medidas correctoras. IV Simposio sobre El Agua en Andalucia (SIAGA). ITGE. Almera 11: 371-380. Singhal B.B.S. y Gupta R.P. 1999. Applied hydrogeology of fractured rocks. Kluwer Academic Publishers. 400 pp. Lloyd J. 1999. Water resources of hard-rock aquifers in arid and semi-arid zones. Studies and Reports in Hydrology. Unesco, Paris, 58: 1-284. Robins, N.S. y Misste8r, B.DR. 2000. Groundwater in the Celtic Regions. In: Robins N.S. y Misslear B.O.R. (eds.). Studies in hard-rocks and Quaternary hydrogeo/ogy. Geological Society Special Publicalion, London, 182: 5-17. Stober, l. y Bucher, K. 2000. Hydrogeo/ogy of cristalline rocks. Water Science and Technology Library, Kluwer Academic Publshers, 34: 1-284. MINAM. 23 April 2001 . Ley N 27446. Ley del Sistema Nacional de Evaluacin de Impacto Ambiental. Fetter, C. W. 2001 . Applied Hydrogeology. 4th Edition. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 598 pp. Gonzlez de Val/ejo. L./.. Ferrer, M. , Ortuo, L. y Oteo, C. 2002. Ingeniera geolgica. Prentice Hall, Madrid, 715 pp. MINEM. 28 April 2003. Reglamento sobre Proteccin del Medio Ambiente. O.S.N 016-93EM. 19 pp. Navarrete, C.M. y Garcla, A.G. 2003. Permetros de proteccin para captaciones de agua subterrnea destinada al consumo humano. Metodologia y aplicacin al territorio. Instituto Geolgico y Mnero de EspaM. 273 pp. Bergkamp, G. Orlando, B., Burton, l. 2003: Change. Adaptation of Water Management to Climate Change, IUeN, Gland, SwilZerland and Cambridge, UK. ix + 53 pp. Prieto. 8 .CJ. 2004. El agua. Sus formas, efectos, abastecimientos, usos, daos, control y conservacin. Ecoe ediciones. Colombia. MINEM. 15 August 2005. Reglamento para el Cierre de Minas. Aprobado por 0 .5. N 0332005 EM (MINEM). Carvalho, JM. 2006. Prospecr;ao e pesquisa de recursos hidricos subterraneos no Macir;o Antigo Portugus: finhas metodolgicas. Tess Doctoral. Universidade de Aveiro. 292 pp + carta hidrogeolgica + anexos. MINAM. November 2006. ECA para el agua, con alrededor de 80 parmetros agrupados por uso en cuatro categoras. Art. 81 Y82 del Reglamento de la LGA Aprobado por D.S. N 0022008-MINAM. Water Management Consultants. 2006. Soruchuco Spring Source Water Evalualon, Informe preparado para MYSRL, 93 pp, version Draft Gobierno Regional de Cajamarca Gerencia de Recursos Naturales y Gestin de Medio Ambiente. Agosto de 2007. Estrategia regional de la biodiversidad de la Regin Cajamarca. 87 pp. MEM 10 September 2007. Gua para la Evaluacin de Impactos en la Calidad de las Aguas Superficiales por Actividades Minero Metalrgicas. Espinha Marques, JM, 2007. Contribuir;ao para o conhecimento da hidrogeo/ogia da regiao do Parque Natural da Serra da Estre/a, Sector de Mantegas-Nave de Santo AntonioTorre (Contribution to the knowfedge of the Hydrogeology of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park regian, Manteigas-Nave de Santo Antonio-Torre sector). PhD thesis. University of Porto (in Portuguese). Femndez Rubio, R. 2007a. Activos ambientales de la minera espaola. Consejo Superior de Colegios de Ingenieros de Minas. 415 pp. Fernndez Rubio, R. 2007b. Rehablitacin de Espacios Mineros. XII Congreso Internacional de Minera y Metalurgia. Conferencia de Clausura, Oviedo. 14 pp. Water Management Consultants (Peru) S.A Julio 2007. Proyecto Conga. Caracterizacin hidrogeolgica e hidroquimica de la linea base. 276 pp. Fernndez Rubio, R. 2008. El agua de mina: un activo ambiental. VII Simposio del Agua
260
en Andaluca. IGME. Baeza. I 23-45. Gleeson, T. y Manning, AH. 2008 Regional groundwater flow in mountainous terrain: threedimensional simulations of topographic and hydrogeologic controls. Water Resour. Res. 44:W10403. doi:1 0.1029/2008WR006848 MINAM (Ministry of the Environment) 28 June 2008. Decreto Legislativo N 1078. Modificatoria de la Ley del Sistema Nacional de Evaluacin de Impacto Ambiental. MINAM (Ministry of the environment) .2008. Estndares Nacionales de Calidad Ambiental para Agua (ECA). D.S. N 002-2008-MINA Espinoza, J. C., et al. 2008. Spatio-temporal rainfall variability in the Amazon basin countries (Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador). Inte. Journal of Climatology, Royal Meteorological Society. Pouyaud, B., Yerren Suarez, J., Arboleda Orozco, J. y Suarez A/ayza, W 2008. Variabilidad pluviomtrica a escalas anual y cuatrimestral en la vertiente peruana del ocano pacfico36 Republic of Peru, March 2009. Ley de Recursos Hdricos del Per. Ley N 29338. Schlumberger Water Services. 15 December 2009. Modelo de desage del tajo Chailhuagn. 141 pp. Knight Pisold Consulting, May 2009. Baseflow Technical Memorandum, Made for MYSRL 18 pp. MINAM (Ministry of the Environment) 25 September 2009. Reglamento de la Ley del Sistema Nacional de Evaluacin de Impacto Ambiental. Decreto Supremo N 019-2009-MINAM. 36 http://www,bvsde,paho.org/lexcom/cd046995/JYerren.pdf MINAM (Ministry of the Environment) 2009 Disposiciones para la Implementacin de los Estndares Nacionales de Calidad Ambiental (ECA) para Agua. Decreto Supremo N 023-2009 MINAM Schlumberger Water Services 11 January 2010 Revisin III: Modelo geoqumico de la laguna del tajo Perol 30pp. Knight Pisold Consulting February 2010 Proyecto Conga Estudio de Impacto Ambiental Informe Final Made for Minera Yanacocha S.R.L 1,731 pp. Knight Pisold Consulting August 2010 Levantamiento de Observaciones. Ministry of Energy and Mines 6,916 pp. Espinha Marques, J. Samper, J. ; Pisani, B.; Alvares; Carvalho, J. M.; Chamine. H. I.; Marques, J. M; Vieira, G. T. Mora, Cy.; Sodre Borges, F, 2010 Evaluation of water resources in a high-mountain basin in Serra da Estrela, Central Portugal, using a semi-distributed hydrological model. Environ Earth Sci (2G11) 62:1219-1234 DOI 1G, 1GG7/s 12665-G1-G61G-7 Knight Pisold Consulting 2010. Evaluacin de descargas crticas de estacin seca. Memorando Tcnico Anexo 3.1 Proyecto Conga Estudio de Impacto Ambiental. Informe Final. Knight Pisold Consulting 2010 Rgimen Pluviomtrico y de Evaporacin. Anexo 3.10 Proyecto Conga Estudio de Impacto Ambiental. Informe Final Knight Pisold Consulting. February 2010 (2010) Proyecto Conga. Estudio de Impacto Ambiental. Informe final. Made for Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. 20.467 pp. Knight Pisold Consulting. August 2010 (2010) Levantamiento de Observaciones Ministerio de Energa y Minas. 6,919 pp. Especialistas de las Direcciones Regionales del MINAM. 21 November 2011. Comentarios al Estudio de Impacto Ambiental del proyecto minero Conga aprobado en octubre de 2010. 11 pp. Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo. 13 December 2011. Directiva 2011/92UE relativa a la evaluacin de las repercusiones de determinados proyectos pblicos y privados sobre el medio ambiente. Published in the Official Journal of the European Union 28.1.2012 pp SVS, S.A. 2011. Plan de Cierre Final. Proyecto Conga. Gobierno Regional de Cajamarca Consejo Regional 5 December 2011. Ordenanza Regional N 036-2011-GR-CAJ-CR. 6pp. INSIDEO February 2012 Proyecto Minero Conga. El agua en el Estudio de Impacto Ambiental. Power point presentation 85 slides Carlotto Caillaux V. and Pea Laureano F. 2012 Geologa e Hidrologa Regional (1/50.000) de la zona del proyecto Conga y alrededores. Geological Mining and Metalurgical Institute (INGEMET) Lima 16pp.
261
SWS. 2012 Actualizacin del estudio hidrogeolgico de Conga. Feflow Model conceptual y numeric 74pp + anexos + annexes. Lavado. W., Ronchail, J., Labat, D., Espinoza, J. C., Guyot, J. L. 2012 Basin scale analysis of rainfall and runoff in Peru (1969 2004): Pacific, Titicaca and Amazonas drainages, Hydrological Sciences Journal. DOI: 10.1080/02626667.2012.672985.
12.1 Other documentation considered

By different means, this experts review has received the following documentation (chronologically sorted): GRUFIDES, Enginyeria Sense Fronters, ACSUR, March, 2011 Por qu el Proyecto Conga es inviable? 8pp. Carta del MINAM (Ministry of the Environment) 27 February 2012, sending the documentation of 21/11/2011 by this letter 21. Comentarios al Estudio de Impacto Ambiental del proyecto Conga aprobado en octubre de 2010, 12pp. Lambn Jimnez, L.J. 29 November 2011. Comentarios generales sobre el Estudio Hidrogeolgico presentado en la Evaluacin del Impacto Ambiental del proyecto Conga aprobado en octubre del 2010, 12pp. Made for the NGO Engineering without borders 3pp. Moran, R.E. March 2012, El proyecto minero Conga. Comentarios al Estudio de Impacto Ambiental (EIA) y temas relacionados. Made for the Environmental Defender Law Center (USA) 22pp. Rojas Alcalde, T. (coordinador) Grupo Tcnico Cajamarca Marzo 2012 Observaciones y aportes al Proyecto Conga. 16pp. Arrojo Agudo, P. 2012. Informe Tcnico de la Misin Internacional de Observacin de la Marcha por el Derecho al Agua. Captulo Econmico - Financiero 24pp. Peralta Quiroz. G. Abril 2012 A partir del da siguienteInforme sobre las graves consecuencias del Proyecto Conga. 24pp.
12.3 Images (Photographs)

The photographic images concerning the Conga Project environment have been entirely taken by the authors of this experts review during their thorough inspections on the field, and in the three helicopter flights performed.
13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
scar Valds Dancuart, President of the Council of Ministers Jorge Humberto Merino Tfur, Minister of Energy and Mines Manuel Pulgar Vidal, Minister of Environment Luis Ginocchio Balczar, Minister of Agriculture Mariano Castro S.M., Deputy Environmental Management Minister. Ministry of the Environment Gabriel Quijandra Acosta, Deputy Minister of Strategic Development and Natural Resources. Ministry of the Environment Manuel Castro Vaca, Director General of Mining Environmental Affairs. Ministry of Energy and Mines Hugo E. Jara Facundo, Head of the National Water Authority. Ministry of Agriculture Jorge Luis Montenegro Chavesta, Director of the National Water Authority. Ministry of Agriculture
262
Susana G. Vilca Achata, President of the Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute INGEMMET Gustavo Adolfo Luyo Velit, Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute. Ministry of Energy and Mines Victor Santiago Carlotto Caillaux, Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute. Ministry of Energy and Mines Flucker Pea Laureao, Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute. Ministry of Energy and Mines Milagros Verstegui, Salazar Ministry of the Environment Roque Vargas Huamn, Ministry of Energy and Mines Amelia Daz Pablo, Head of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service, SENAMHI Julio Ordez Glvez, Director National Meteorological and Hydrological Service, SENAMHI Oscar Felipe Obando, Director National Meteorological and Hydrological Service SENAMHI Juan Fernando Arboleda, Orozco Director National Meteorological and Hydrological Service SENAMHI Waldo Sven Lavado Casimiro, Director National Meteorological and Hydrological Service SENAMHI Liaison coordination and logistical support Mara Elena Juscamayta Arangena, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), Tbata Dulce Vivanco del Castillo, Secretary General at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Marina Vilca Tasayco, Director of the General Management Office, of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), Victor E. Caballero Martn, Head of the Office for Social Conflict Management, of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), Walter Obando Licera, Adviser of the Office for Social Conflict Management, of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), Technical Coordinator of the expert report. Martn Carbajal Zegarra, Adviser of the Office for Social Conflict Management, of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), Technical Coordinator of the expert report. Rodrigo Prada Vargas, Adviser of the Office for Social Conflict Management, of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), Technical Coordinator of the expert report. Luis Alberto Len Flores, Head of the Office of administrative affairs of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), Lourdes de Souza Ferreyra Odar Secretary of the Office for Social Conflict Management, of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM), Michael Acosta Arce, Environmental Engineer of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Miluska Eran Bodero, Assistant of the Ministry of Energy and Mines Wendy Alfaro Wall, Assistant of Technical Support of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ral Gonzlez Neira, Support Engineer of the Ministry of Energy and Mines Sofa Mescua, Photographer Consultants (Listed alphabetically by last name) Carlos Aguilera M. Process Engineer. Fluor Michael K. Herrel, Geochemist. Golder Associates Alfredo Hijar, Environmental Consultant Rafael S. Dvila, Principal, Managing Director. Golder Associates Simon Mansell, Senior Project Manager, Schlumberger Water Services Mayra Medina Consultant, Metis Gaia Consultores. Nathan Nadramija, Director, Metis Gaia Consultores Xavier G. Panozo M, Project Manager. Knight Pisold Consulting Roberto Parra, Environmental Consultant Abelardo de la Torre Villanueva, Asesores Tcnicos Asociados S.A. Javier Torrealva, Hydrotechnical Group Lider. Golder Associates
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Mario Villavisencio, General Manager. Knight Pisold Consulting Contacts Cajamarca and Lima (listed alphabetically by last name) Narda Alarcn Rojas, UPAGU Hugo Arvalo Escar, PROESMIN Nicole Bernex, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru Luis Cspedes Ortiz, Managing Director Cajamarca Chamber of Commerce and Production Antenor Florndez Daz, NGO CUENCAS Christian H. Glvez Ruz Director Cajamarca Chamber of Commerce and Production Hector Garay Montaez, Universidad particular Antonio Guillermo Urrelo. UPAGU Ever Glicerio Hernndez Cervera, Regional governor, Region Cajamarca Jos H. Huamn Mantilla, PSI SIERRA (Program of Irrigation) MINAG (Ministry of Agriculture) Jos Carmelo Martnez Lzaro, Bishop of Cajamarca Mirco H. Miranda Sotil, Senior management adviser of the high authority on water Rosa Olivera Gonzlez AGRORURAL MINAG (Ministry of Agriculture) Telmo Ramn Rojas Alcalde, NGO CUENCAS Hugo Loli Salomn, Head of committees, Cajamarca Chamber of Commerce and Production Francisca Torres Hernndez, Josemar Consultores EIRL
14. FINAL RULING
264

International Experts' Review Hydric Component of The Environmental Impact Assessment Conga Mining Project

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INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS REVIEW HYDRIC COMPONENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT CONGA MINING PROJECT (CAJAMARCA PERU) Lima,

, April 17, 2012

Source file: Proyecto Conga_Dictamen Pericial internacional_Componente Hidrico del EIA_17-04-2012.doc

(Illegible signature) Rafael Fernndez Rubio

(Illegible signature) Luis Lpez Garca

(Illegible signature) Jos Martins Carvalho

Pre-mine stage: ground water quality .................................................................................................................231

Mine and post-mine stage: contact waters .........................................................................................................237

2.3 Location of the Conga Mining Project

Graphic 2 Administrative boundaries of the Conga Project Mining Concession

2.4 Conga Mining Project History

LoM: storage deposit of low-grade material

4. CONGA PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY

Figure 2. Dense cloud covering the Conga project area.

Figure 3 Mountainous landscape next to Conga project environment

Figure 4 Fluvial-glacial plain landscape next to Conga project environment

% 9,8 51,6 0,8 27,9 9,9 100,0

Figure 5. Micro reservoirs next to project area.

Figure 6. Detail of the micro-reservoirs of the area

Figure 8. Concentration of houses near Conga project areas.

Figure 10. Humic soil, barely 20 to 30 cm on unaltered rock.

Figure 15. Chailhuagn permanent lagoon (with established fish farms).

ECA: Environmental Quality Standards.

Climate and meteorology

Surface water (lagoons, ravines, and rivers)

7. Conceptual Closing Plan 7.1 Starting Point

7.3.3.1 Perol Pit

7.3.3.2 Chailhuagn Pit

7.3.3.3 Waste Dumps Perol

7.3.3.4 Waste Dumps Chailhuagn

7.3.3.5 Tailings Dumps

7.3.4 Chemical Stability

7.3.4.1 Perol Pit

7.3.4.2 Chailhuagn Pit

7.3.4.3 Waste Dump Perol

7.3.4.4 Waste Dump Chailhuagn

7.3.4.5 Tailings Dam

7.4 Post-Closure Conditions

7.4.2 Underground water

Station River Flow Period

Average monthly (m3/s)

Graphic 39. Regional hydrographic network

Station EA LlaucanoCorellama EA Maygasbamba EA Jesus Tunnel EA Pte Crisnejas

River Llaucano Maygasbamba Cajamarca Crisnejas

Annual average flow 8.93 1.71 6.00 45.37

Basin 575 162 776 4.150

Latitude 64111.00S 64027.00 S 71346,00 S 064300S

Length 78 31 5.00 0 78 31 28.00 0 78 2447 00 0 78 3200 0

Graphic 43. Stations of flow control

Figure 18. Storage and initial section of Chailhuagn Yerbabuena channel

Mala Chailhuagn Total

100.000 1.200.000 2.500.000

1430 000 1.000.000 10.830.000

Transfer/increase of capacity Runoff pond

Source: Knight Piesold Consulting, February 2010

Graphic 47 Continuous control of flows at MCPCH and MCLCH stations

Period of return (N) in years (1)

10-20 4-28 4-14

A lumped parameter model

Graphic 50. Lagoons impacted by the project

Graphic 53. Relationship rainfall vs. altitude, zones 5 +6

Inferior Total 2600.000 Source: Knight Piesold Consulting February 2010