Solid Energy's Wangaloa open cast coal mine was operated
between 1945 - 1989, and remained closed and disused until 2001 when SENZ
initiated a mine rehabilitation programme. It is nearing the final stages of
physical and environmental rehabilitation, aimed at creating an aesthetically
pleasing and useful landscape. The final goals of these efforts are to produce
an area, which has recreational and educational value. SENZ's holistic approach
to rehabilitation has been undertaken, treating the entire historical mine
footprint instead of focusing only on those disturbed areas and the minimum
range of issues just to meet with legal compliance. Rehabilitation at the site
has included overburden modification with an emphasis on stability, removal and
replacement of unhealthy and invasive plant species, and an AgLime amendment to
alter soil pH conditions, which would support native plant species. To date,
most ongoing activities relate to final planting and plant upkeep, and
maintenance of the landform including ongoing erosion control, pest control,
environmental monitoring, and research. Environmental quality concerns at the
site may be treated by using a combination of methods, including regrading and
capping of acid-generating pyrites, soil treatment with AgLime, and passive
wetland treatment within existing water courses. Following major works, the mine
site area may be opened to the public for recreational activities, interpretive
displays on historical mining activities, and observation and appreciation for
otherwise unseen geological features. SENZ's holistic approach to reclamation,
rather than treating minor issues, will result in the former mine site being
transformed into an asset and the environmental and financial liability
associated with the closed mine being discharged. Former mine sites can be
turned from environmental liabilities with no recreational or public value (and
potentially dangerous to life) into sites that can be safely used by the public
for recreational and educational purposes.