Skip to main content

The AusIMM office is closed for the end of year break until Monday 6 January 2025. Please note members can pay their renewals online at ausimm.com/renew, and hardcopy publication orders will be processed on our return. We wish you a safe and happy festive season.

Conference Proceedings

Life of Mine Conference 2023

Conference Proceedings

Life of Mine Conference 2023

PDF Add to cart

Queensland’s open cut coalmine void rehabilitation planning practices – challenges and opportunities

Thermal and metallurgical coal mining in Queensland has resulted in mines which contain voids due to open cut mining. While there are several proposals for greenfield coalmines or expansions to existing operations, many existing open cut coalmines are reaching maturity and most will leave one or more residual voids in place. The rehabilitation of mine voids is challenging. Water held in voids will evaporate over time leaving solutes to concentrate. This is likely to lead to poor water quality with limited practical use. The most basic practices to rehabilitate voids have historically involved stabilising the high and low walls, bunding to provide flood protection, and preventing public access. Regulatory reforms for mine rehabilitation were introduced in Queensland as part of the Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018, and aimed to strengthen progressive rehabilitation planning, limit risks to the environment and improve outcomes for local and regional communities. Under the reforms, the goal for rehabilitation of voids is to achieve a safe, stable, and non-polluting landform, which can sustain a post-mining land use (PMLU). The reforms also introduced a requirement to describe rehabilitation of mined land in Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure (PRC) plans, replacing the description of such plans in Environmental Authorities (EAs). The reforms are not retrospective and recognise historic approvals for voids, meaning established voids will remain in the landscape as non-use management areas (NUMAs). The objectives of this study were to outline historic void rehabilitation planning practices, describe water quality limitations of Queensland mine voids and identify possible opportunities for improved planning
Return to parent product
  • Queensland’s open cut coalmine void rehabilitation planning practices – challenges and opportunities
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • Queensland’s open cut coalmine void rehabilitation planning practices – challenges and opportunities
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 2023
  • Pages: 4
  • PDF Size: 0.249 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P-03237-X8W5P2

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.