Narrabri Coal major environmental win

Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri underground mine in NSW, has successfully rehabilitated all disturbed land in its Northern Longwall mining area.

193ha brings the completion total to more than 95% of all areas that are available for rehabilitation.

Narrabri Mine surface operations manager Ashley Howland says this achievement is an important milestone reflecting Narrabri’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Progressive rehabilitation is an integral part of the life cycle of our mines as we transition land from its temporary use for mining to its post-mining use; we’re proud of what we’ve achieved,” he said.

The successful rehabilitation of the Northern Longwall mining area is the result of many years of hard work by Narrabri’s Surface Civil team, in close collaboration with the Environmental team and primary partner, KT Civil Group. Its commitment to excellence, safety and environmental stewardship has been critical at every stage of the rehabilitation process.

Disturbance of the surface areas began at commencement of the underground mining operations in 2012, with progressive rehabilitation commencing as areas became available in the following years. The remaining 5% of surface disturbance yet to be rehabilitated is required for mine infrastructure and vehicle access and will be rehabilitated once mining activities are complete.

The rehabilitation efforts have prepared the land for its post-mining uses, including agricultural grazing and native ecosystem restoration. These outcomes align with the mine’s approved Rehabilitation Management Plan, designed to ensure the land’s safety, stability and compatibility with the surrounding landscape.

The rehabilitated land will continue to be monitored to ensure it meets regulatory requirements, including safety, stability, effective drainage and functionality that aligns with or improves upon the surrounding landscape.

Narrabri’s Rehabilitation and Surface Civil teams now commence progressive rehabilitation above the current underground mining area, Longwall 203. This progressive approach will enable the team to complete rehabilitation activities directly behind the current longwall panel surface disturbance.