Mauls Creek Pit Lake Modelling

RGS was engaged by Whitehaven Coal Limited to complete several geochemical assessments and develop a final void water balance and water quality model for the final void at Maules Creek Coal Mine in the Gunnedah Basin, near Boggabri in New South Wales, Australia. The work was required to satisfy regulatory requirements including an Environmental Approval (EA) Geochemical Impact Assessment for the Project in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Requirements (EARs).

RGS completed geochemical characterisation and assessment of overburden and potential coal reject materials associated with the proposed mining of several coal seams. The geochemical characterisation included the operation of large kinetic leach columns in the RGS laboratory. The results of the characterisation were used to develop/ recommend environmental management measures related to overburden and potential coal reject emplacement and rehabilitation.

The water balance and water quality model for the final void was developed to verify how backfilled waste in the pit will be affected by inundation of the void over time as initial groundwater level recovers.