The mine pit lakes that form after a mine has closed are often regarded as a liability, but what if the mine pit lake could be managed to become a valuable resource?
ChemCentre researchers have partnered in a CRC Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) project which has examined the potential for environmental restoration of pit lakes, after mine closure, and opportunities for beneficial water uses.
The project identifies challenges and opportunities and the key research needed to enable water management to achieve better outcomes for the environment, communities and economic development.
Potential innovative approaches for post-mining activities include energy generation, water reservoirs for agricultural irrigation, aquaculture, recreation and tourism, and wildlife conservation.
The project has benchmarked the current state of knowledge and water management in below the water table open pit mines and identified knowledge gaps for future research to create a strategic framework to inform decision making around mine closure.
This work was conducted by a team with expertise in groundwater and surface water flow, water chemistry and water quality and an understanding of mine operational requirements.
Find out more about this project and other CRC Time research work
