Skip to Main Content
logo
Aerial view of construction site with vehicles and equipment on red dirt terrain.Aerial view of construction site with vehicles and equipment on red dirt terrain.

Gold Fields – Granny Smith Gold Mine 2024 

Environmental approvals and risk assessment for expansion of the Granny Smith Gold Mine gas power station to increase capacity to 55.13MW. 

Client

Confidential Client 

Location

Confidential Location

Connect with an expert

Person wearing a navy blue polo shirt with "CDM Smith" logo.
Julia Curran BSc, PGDip
Regional Business Leader - Western

CDM Smith delivered statutory approvals support, technical review, and license amendments

CDM Smith delivered environmental approvals support for the proposed 15MW expansion of the Granny Smith Gold Mine gas power station. The team conducted a comprehensive environmental risk assessment, recommended the approvals pathway, and prepared key documentation — including the Mining Proposal and Mine Closure Plan — in accordance with DEMIRS 2020 guidance. 

Comprehensive Environmental Risk Assessment  

CDM Smith assessed all potential environmental and regulatory risks associated with the power station expansion, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and minimizing delays in the approvals process. 

Strategic Approvals Pathway Development

The team provided a detailed memo outlining the optimal environmental approvals pathway, identifying the need for Works Approval and preparation of Mining Proposal and Mine Closure Plan under the DEMIRS 2020 guidelines.

Regulatory Alignment and Documentation  

The Mining Proposal and Mine Closure Plan incorporated detailed risk assessments and mitigation measures, aligning with the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) 2020 guidance for compliance and best practice.

Supporting Responsible Expansion  

By ensuring all approvals and risk management processes were in place, CDM Smith enabled Gold Fields to responsibly expand its power generation capacity without additional environmental disturbance.

Gold Fields’ Granny Smith Gold Mine (GSM) proposed a 15MW expansion of its existing gas power station, increasing total capacity from 40MW to 55.13MW with the addition of 10 new gas generators. As the facility exceeded 20MW, it was classified as a prescribed premises under the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987. CDM Smith was engaged to conduct a comprehensive environmental risk assessment and define the required approvals pathway. The team reviewed environmental risks, assessed potential delays, and prepared a detailed memo recommending approvals including a Works Approval, Mining Proposal (MP), and Mine Closure Plan (MCP). Both documents were developed in accordance with DEMIRS 2020 guidelines, incorporating environmental risk assessment and mitigation measures to ensure responsible and compliant project delivery. 

Curious to learn more? 

Connect with an expert to find out how we delivered this project. 

Person wearing a navy blue polo shirt with "CDM Smith" logo.

Julia Curran

Associate Environmental Scientist

Julia Curran has 18 years of experience in environmental impact assessment, approvals, management, strategic advice, project management and contractor management

Curious to explore related projects? 

Selected projects illustrating our technical and delivery experience. 

Red rocky cliff with sparse trees overlooking vast flatlands under a cloudy sky.
Confidential Location

Mine Closure Plan Review and Benchmarking – Gold Mining Client

Surveyor in orange vest uses equipment near a white SUV in a scrubland area under a clear blue sky.
Confidential Location

Worsley Alumina Mine Expansion - South32 Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd 2021 – 2024 

Aerial view of a rural, sparsely wooded landscape with a dirt road winding through it.
Confidential Location

Santos Darwin Pipeline Duplication (DPD) – NT Approvals – Phase 3 – Santos 2021–2022

CDM Smith logo

Let's Build Something Together

Have a project in mind or want to stay in the loop? Reach out to our team or subscribe to get the latest updates from our work.

CDM Smith Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters, and community.

Australia Headquarters

Suite 1, Level 4
140 Ann Street
Brisbane City, QLD Australia
CDM Smith™ | CDM™ | WILBUR SMITH™
© 2026 CDM Smith. All rights reserved.