Challenges, Opportunities, and Minetek's Role in Accelerating Mine Reopening

Australia's mining industry has proven to be a significant driver of its economy, contributing a remarkable 13.7% to its GDP. With more than two-thirds of Australia's total merchandise export relying on this sector and providing direct employment to over a quarter of a million people, the mining industry holds immense importance in the nation's economic landscape. However, it is common for mine sites to undergo temporary closures before completion, only to reopen at a later date.?

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As of 2020, there were around 80,000 inactive mines scattered across Australia, with some dating back to the gold rush era that began in the 1850s, long before progressive rehabilitation practices were implemented during a mine's life cycle. In light of this, researchers at Monash University, led by Associate Professor Mohan Yellishetty from the Department of Civil Engineering, conducted a study revealing that these abandoned mines have the potential to become valuable assets. The research identified various rehabilitation and reuse opportunities for these sites, such as construction projects, tourism ventures to rehabilitated areas, carbon farming, renewable energy generation, utilisation of overburdened waste for building bricks and ceramic products, and establishment of recycling facilities. These abandoned mines could once again contribute to the nation's economy by generating income through these newfound possibilities.?

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Many of these inactive mines are being considered for reopening and resuming operations. Nevertheless, the process of reviving a mine is intricate and time-consuming, which can present challenges when time is of the essence. In this article, we will explore the rejuvenation process and how Minetek has helped clients accelerate the process, enabling them to resume mining operations much sooner than expected.?

Reasons for Mine Site Closure?

Mining operations can be compelled to close for various reasons, ranging from financial hurdles and ownership changes to fluctuations in commodity prices, geopolitical concerns, and environmental considerations.?

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While many mining ventures enjoy success and profitability for all involved parties, others encounter obstacles that prevent them from realising their full potential. Fluctuating commodity prices, high operational costs, and unforeseen financial difficulties can make it challenging for mining companies to sustain operations. In such cases, some mines may temporarily halt their activities or be put on care and maintenance until market conditions improve.?

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The mining industry is highly susceptible to the impacts of geopolitical factors, which can disrupt operations significantly. International conflicts, governmental policy shifts, and trade restrictions can profoundly affect the sector. Trade disputes and tariffs imposed on specific commodities can lead to fluctuations in demand, thereby affecting a mine's profitability and long-term viability. For instance, in 2018, the imposition of $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese imports by then-US President Donald Trump led to a decline in metals and mining shares and undermined investment, as reported by BHP. Such challenges often force companies to make tough decisions concerning the future of their mining endeavours.?

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Extreme weather events, particularly heavy rainfall, can also contribute to mine closures. The impact of heavy rainfall and other weather extremes can result in substantial damage to mining infrastructure, causing operations to come to a standstill for extended periods, often spanning months or even years. For example, in March, 29Metals reported seven-meter flooding at a Queensland site, causing damage to supporting infrastructure. Although the processing plant remained intact, the site remained flooded after two months, and the company expects it to reopen only in 2024.?

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Health and safety concerns are also significant reasons for mine closures. The infamous incident at the Beaconsfield Gold Mine in 2006 gained significant attention and raised questions about safety and emergency protocols within the mining industry. A rockfall trapped three miners underground, and tragically, one miner lost his life in the collapse, while two others were trapped for 14 harrowing days before being rescued. This incident shed light on various health and safety issues, such as the lack of workplace safety training, reduction in cement usage to close exploited parts of the mine, removal of supports in lower sections of the mine, and ineffective rock collapse prevention measures. While there have been attempts to reopen the mine, it has remained closed since 2012.?

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However, closure due to financial or geopolitical reasons does not necessarily mark the end of a mine's productive life. In some cases, new owners step in to rejuvenate the asset by injecting fresh focus, technology, and investment. This breathes new life into the mine, creating opportunities for economic growth and employment once again.?

Key Steps and Strategies for a Successful Mine Reopening?

The process of reopening a mine can be intricate and challenging, especially as each site possesses unique characteristics and reasons for closure. However, regardless of the specific circumstances, several crucial elements contribute to a successful mine restart.?

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1. Building a Robust Leadership Team?

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The cornerstone of any successful mining operation lies in having a strong and experienced leadership team at the helm. This is especially true during a mine reopening because their expertise and strategic acumen are crucial in navigating the complexities involved in resuming operations after a period of closure. Their ability to address challenges effectively, anticipate potential hurdles, and implement best practices is essential for a smooth and efficient restart process.?

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Crucially, the leadership team must understand regulatory, social, and permitting requirements related to mining operations. They must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to following these guidelines, whether it pertains to Western Australia's new underground legislation, prioritising health and safety for miners and visitors, or any other regional regulations. To achieve this, mine sites must diligently assess risks and develop robust controls to mitigate them, encompassing various aspects from ventilation to noise management.?

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Compliance with these regulations is not only vital for workers' health, safety, and environmental reasons but also critical for obtaining the necessary approvals and permits required to recommence mining activities.?

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2. Environmental Impact Assessment and Compliance?

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An integral part of the mine restart process is conducting a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA). This meticulous evaluation plays a pivotal role in the responsible resumption of mining operations after a period of closure. The EIA serves as a critical tool for assessing the potential environmental effects of recommencing mining activities and aids in identifying any potential risks or impacts on the surrounding ecosystem.?

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During the EIA process, various aspects of the mining operation are carefully analysed to determine their potential effects on the environment. This includes the evaluation of water resources, air quality, soil composition, biodiversity, and potential impacts on local communities. The leadership team gains invaluable insights into the potential ecological consequences of the mine's reopening by conducting a thorough assessment. In addition to securing the required permits, the leadership team must ensure that the mine's activities align with sustainable environmental practices. Implementing measures to minimise ecological footprints, such as adopting efficient water management techniques, employing eco-friendly waste disposal methods, and utilising renewable energy sources, can significantly contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the mining operation.?

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A well-conducted EIA and a strong focus on sustainable practices demonstrate responsible mining and respect for the environment, which are increasingly important factors in gaining public support and regulatory approval for mining operations.?

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3. Rebuilding Community Relations?

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Mining companies seeking to reopen a mine must prioritise rebuilding community relations, particularly if community concerns played a role in the mine's closure. When a mine faces closure, it often significantly impacts the surrounding communities, including disruptions to livelihoods, environmental concerns, and strained relationships with local residents. Thus, rebuilding these relationships becomes crucial for earning the trust and support of the community during the mine reopening process.?

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One of the key ways to demonstrate commitment to the well-being of local communities is by offering employment opportunities. Reopening a mine can create jobs and economic opportunities for the community, providing a source of income and improving the overall standard of living. By prioritising local hiring and job training initiatives, the mining company can empower community members to actively participate in the mine's operations, fostering a sense of ownership and partnership.?

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Regular and open communication with the community is essential throughout the mine reopening process. The mining company should actively seek feedback, listen to community concerns, and address them in a respectful and transparent manner. By involving community members in the decision-making process and considering their perspectives, the company can build a stronger, more collaborative relationship with the community.?

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4. Understanding the Reasons for Closure?

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Before proceeding with a mine restart, the most critical consideration is understanding the factors that led to its closure. Whether the closure was due to environmental, financial, or safety issues, addressing the root cause is essential to prevent a recurrence of the same challenges.?

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For instance, if heavy rainfall played a significant role in the mine's closure, implementing effective measures to mitigate its impact becomes imperative. This may involve reinforcing infrastructure, installing appropriate drainage systems, or relocating certain facilities to higher ground.?

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Today innovation provides viable solutions to address such challenges. For instance, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Minetek's Water Evaporation Technology can offer significant help in processing a diverse range of water qualities. Minetek's evaporation units possess a unique ability to handle water with varying pH levels, from 2.2 to 12. They can process acid water, caustic water, high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS), among others. Depending on the climate, these systems can evaporate up to 50% of the spray volume as pure water vapour, with the remaining non-evaporated droplets returning to the feed pond. By investing in such technology, mining companies can showcase a clear commitment to the welfare of local communities and adherence to regulatory compliance, ensuring that similar issues are proactively addressed in the future.?

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Understanding the specific reasons behind the mine's closure allows the leadership team to adopt a proactive and informed approach during the restart process.?

New Acland Mine Case Study

With over 30 years of operational experience, Minetek has established a strong presence in working with mining companies across Australia and around the globe. Our expertise lies in providing comprehensive Water, Sound, Power and Air solutions that have been instrumental in helping these companies successfully reopen their mining sites.?

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One notable example is the New Acland Mine, an open-cut coal mine located in Queensland, Australia, and owned by New Hope Coal. Mining activities at the New Acland site ceased on November 26, 2021, due to the exhaustion of coal reserves. However, in their 2022 annual review, New Hope reported that the main New Acland site had transitioned into a state of care and maintenance.

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Minetek has a longstanding relationship with the New Acland Mine spanning over a decade. Our partnership began when we first assisted them with a Sound Attenuation solution. At that time, they faced significant challenges in meeting strict noise requirements, severely limiting their daily operating hours and leading to substantial financial losses. However, with our support and expertise, we were able to help New Acland optimise its operations sustainably, allowing them to run efficiently day and night throughout the mine's lifecycle. Over the years, we have also provided Sound, Water & Power solutions to cater to various needs at the mine site.?

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New Acland approached us once again to seek our assistance in meeting all sound requirements for their stage 3 expansion. As their trusted partner, we are committed to helping them overcome these challenges and adhere to all necessary regulations.?The New Acland Stage 3 Coal Mine expansion has now commenced with the first trainload of coal departing the site in recent weeks.

The Role of Minetek in Accelerating Mine Reopening?

Minetek stands as a leading solutions provider, excelling in simultaneously resolving multiple challenges mining companies face. From environmental and regulatory compliance to safety, ongoing costs, and community pressures, our comprehensive approach ensures that all key issues are effectively addressed, providing mining companies with a holistic and reliable solution.?

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Our solutions are renowned as the best in the market, underpinned by our extensive experience and continuous innovation. We take the complexity out of mine restarts, making the process efficient and hassle-free for our clients.?

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Minetek's dedication to supporting mining companies, such as New Acland, has earned us a reputation as a reliable partner in the industry. We take immense pride in contributing to the sustainable growth and success of mining operations, and we eagerly anticipate continuing our fruitful collaboration with New Acland and other mining ventures in the future.?

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