Conference Supporters
We thank all of our supporters, without whom we would not be able to bring you such a comprehensive conference.
Conference Host
Muswellbrook Shire Council
The town of Muswellbrook is located at the centre of the Upper Hunter – the largest black coal region in Australia by production. Mining activity has developed substantially since 1995 and is projected to develop further.
The town is closely encircled by open-cut coal mining activity on an unprecedented Australian scale. Muswellbrook has the highest proportion of coal mining land-use (intensity) of any local government area in Australia.
The very close proximity of mining development, has created particular challenges around urban growth, land-use conflict, noise, blasting, dust, loss of visual amenity, as well as environmental and heritage impacts. Getting best practice rehabilitation is critical from that perspective, and the Shire is home to both some of the best and some of the worst mining rehabilitation practices in NSW.
As one of the State’s economic ‘heavy lifters’, Muswellbrook has been at the heart of the State’s energy industry for over four decades. The Shire’s two baseload power stations provide 40% of the State’s baseload energy requirements.
Home to Australia’s oldest continuing mining operation, the 109 year old Muswellbrook Coal, the Shire’s thermal coal industry provides 25% of the State’s total thermal coal exports.
Muswellbrook is also the home of the two largest thoroughbred horse studs in the southern hemisphere and approximately 40% of the value of thoroughbred bloodstock in Australia is reared within the Shire.
The Shire accounts for some 40% of the Hunter’s viticulture and is home to the largest dairy industry in the Hunter.
Land use conflict between the Shire’s main export industries has weighed heavily on social cohesion within the Shire.
www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au
The town of Muswellbrook is located at the centre of the Upper Hunter – the largest black coal region in Australia by production. Mining activity has developed substantially since 1995 and is projected to develop further.
The town is closely encircled by open-cut coal mining activity on an unprecedented Australian scale. Muswellbrook has the highest proportion of coal mining land-use (intensity) of any local government area in Australia.
The very close proximity of mining development, has created particular challenges around urban growth, land-use conflict, noise, blasting, dust, loss of visual amenity, as well as environmental and heritage impacts. Getting best practice rehabilitation is critical from that perspective, and the Shire is home to both some of the best and some of the worst mining rehabilitation practices in NSW.
As one of the State’s economic ‘heavy lifters’, Muswellbrook has been at the heart of the State’s energy industry for over four decades. The Shire’s two baseload power stations provide 40% of the State’s baseload energy requirements.
Home to Australia’s oldest continuing mining operation, the 109 year old Muswellbrook Coal, the Shire’s thermal coal industry provides 25% of the State’s total thermal coal exports.
Muswellbrook is also the home of the two largest thoroughbred horse studs in the southern hemisphere and approximately 40% of the value of thoroughbred bloodstock in Australia is reared within the Shire.
The Shire accounts for some 40% of the Hunter’s viticulture and is home to the largest dairy industry in the Hunter.
Land use conflict between the Shire’s main export industries has weighed heavily on social cohesion within the Shire.
www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au
Conference Partner
Department of Industry - Division of Resource & Energy - Environmental Sustainability Unit
Before any work can begin, any activity related to exploration, mining or production requires an approval known as a title. Titles act as a regulatory framework defining resource types, area, permitted activities and conditions applied to explorers and producers. Titles related to resources in NSW are managed by the Division of Resources & Energy (DRE). Various types of titles include applications, authorities, authorisations, licences, leases and claims.
Rehabilitation commitments and post mining land use objectives are established as part of the development approval/EIS phase of a mining operation and approved by a determining authority such as NSW Planning and Environment (P&E) under the Environment Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). DRE’s role under the Mining Act 1992 (MA) via a title is to regulate rehabilitation activities to ensure that the conditions of a development approval issued under the EP&A Act are met. A key objective of DRE’s regulatory oversight of mine rehabilitation is that sustainable post-mining land uses are achieved.
www.trade.nsw.gov.au
Before any work can begin, any activity related to exploration, mining or production requires an approval known as a title. Titles act as a regulatory framework defining resource types, area, permitted activities and conditions applied to explorers and producers. Titles related to resources in NSW are managed by the Division of Resources & Energy (DRE). Various types of titles include applications, authorities, authorisations, licences, leases and claims.
Rehabilitation commitments and post mining land use objectives are established as part of the development approval/EIS phase of a mining operation and approved by a determining authority such as NSW Planning and Environment (P&E) under the Environment Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). DRE’s role under the Mining Act 1992 (MA) via a title is to regulate rehabilitation activities to ensure that the conditions of a development approval issued under the EP&A Act are met. A key objective of DRE’s regulatory oversight of mine rehabilitation is that sustainable post-mining land uses are achieved.
www.trade.nsw.gov.au
Major Sponsor
The NSW Department of Industry - Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer
The NSW Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development leads the state government's contribution to making NSW a fertile place to invest and to produce goods and services, and thereby create jobs and opportunities for our citizens, and supports all areas of economic activity where NSW has competitive strengths. The Department is also responsible for skill formation and development to match industry demand; partnering with stakeholders in stewardship and sustainable use of the state's natural resources; and supporting economic growth in the regions.
http://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/
The NSW Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development leads the state government's contribution to making NSW a fertile place to invest and to produce goods and services, and thereby create jobs and opportunities for our citizens, and supports all areas of economic activity where NSW has competitive strengths. The Department is also responsible for skill formation and development to match industry demand; partnering with stakeholders in stewardship and sustainable use of the state's natural resources; and supporting economic growth in the regions.
http://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/
Gold Sponsor
NSW Minerals Council
The NSW mining industry works to ensure that impacts of mining are minimised wherever possible and that disturbed land is restored to a safe and stable condition which facilitates beneficial post mining uses for the
communities in which we operate.
Mine rehabilitation is considered throughout the lifecycle of a mine, with extensive pre-mining planning, progressive rehabilitation during mining, leading ultimately to relinquishment of the land once all obligations have been
met post-mining.
The industry’s approach to mine rehabilitation has improved significantly over time due to improving knowledge and understanding of rehabilitation methods, evolving community expectations and continued company investment.
NSW mine operators pay a significant rehabilitation security deposit to fund rehabilitation work if a company is unable to fulfil its obligations, protecting the government and taxpayer from mine closure costs.
NSW mine operators partner with the community on initiatives such as the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue, which have been particularly active in overseeing rehabilitation-focused research projects, including cattle grazing trials on rehabilitated land and examining the beneficial reuse of voids.
The NSW Minerals Council is a proud sponsor of this Conference and recognises the importance of mine rehabilitation in securing and maintaining the industry’s social licence to operate as we continue to implement a comprehensive mine rehabilitation and mine closure strategy across industry.
Mr Stephen Galilee
Chief Executive Officer, NSW Minerals Council
www.nswmining.com.au
Alternate link: www.worldclassminers.com.au
The NSW mining industry works to ensure that impacts of mining are minimised wherever possible and that disturbed land is restored to a safe and stable condition which facilitates beneficial post mining uses for the
communities in which we operate.
Mine rehabilitation is considered throughout the lifecycle of a mine, with extensive pre-mining planning, progressive rehabilitation during mining, leading ultimately to relinquishment of the land once all obligations have been
met post-mining.
The industry’s approach to mine rehabilitation has improved significantly over time due to improving knowledge and understanding of rehabilitation methods, evolving community expectations and continued company investment.
NSW mine operators pay a significant rehabilitation security deposit to fund rehabilitation work if a company is unable to fulfil its obligations, protecting the government and taxpayer from mine closure costs.
NSW mine operators partner with the community on initiatives such as the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue, which have been particularly active in overseeing rehabilitation-focused research projects, including cattle grazing trials on rehabilitated land and examining the beneficial reuse of voids.
The NSW Minerals Council is a proud sponsor of this Conference and recognises the importance of mine rehabilitation in securing and maintaining the industry’s social licence to operate as we continue to implement a comprehensive mine rehabilitation and mine closure strategy across industry.
Mr Stephen Galilee
Chief Executive Officer, NSW Minerals Council
www.nswmining.com.au
Alternate link: www.worldclassminers.com.au
Session Sponsors
Niche Environment and Heritage
Niche Environment and Heritage is a multidisciplinary consultancy specialising in ecology, cultural heritage management, environmental
approvals and biodiversity offsetting. Established in 2009, Niche has successfully delivered more than 2500 projects to clients across
eastern Australia. Our 40-strong team includes ecologists, botanists, archaeologists and environmental engineers.
Niche delivers innovative, practical solutions to mine rehabilitation projects. We offer a full range of ecological monitoring and management services - including freshwater and marine ecology - supported by our in house GIS and remote sensing capabilities.
Our highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team has proven experience in the design, implementation and management of mine site rehabilitation and monitoring programs, habitat recreation and restoration, site closure rehabilitation assessment and derelict mine bat surveys.
Niche Environment and Heritage -
Excellence in your environment
www.niche-eh.com
Niche Environment and Heritage is a multidisciplinary consultancy specialising in ecology, cultural heritage management, environmental
approvals and biodiversity offsetting. Established in 2009, Niche has successfully delivered more than 2500 projects to clients across
eastern Australia. Our 40-strong team includes ecologists, botanists, archaeologists and environmental engineers.
Niche delivers innovative, practical solutions to mine rehabilitation projects. We offer a full range of ecological monitoring and management services - including freshwater and marine ecology - supported by our in house GIS and remote sensing capabilities.
Our highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team has proven experience in the design, implementation and management of mine site rehabilitation and monitoring programs, habitat recreation and restoration, site closure rehabilitation assessment and derelict mine bat surveys.
Niche Environment and Heritage -
Excellence in your environment
www.niche-eh.com
University of NSW Mining Engineering
UNSW Mining Engineering is one of the largest mining schools in the world, with close links to industry and governments, leading to excellent research and producing high-calibre graduates.
We are the largest educator of mining engineers through our undergraduate and postgraduate programs, producing “globally-aware” mining engineers with a balanced combination of technical and management skills, together with appropriate social, cultural and community awareness.
A major strength of our School is the Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices (ACSMP) which is recognised by both government and industry in Australia and internationally as an authority on sustainable mining practices.
www.engineering.unsw.edu.au/mining-engineering
UNSW Mining Engineering is one of the largest mining schools in the world, with close links to industry and governments, leading to excellent research and producing high-calibre graduates.
We are the largest educator of mining engineers through our undergraduate and postgraduate programs, producing “globally-aware” mining engineers with a balanced combination of technical and management skills, together with appropriate social, cultural and community awareness.
A major strength of our School is the Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices (ACSMP) which is recognised by both government and industry in Australia and internationally as an authority on sustainable mining practices.
www.engineering.unsw.edu.au/mining-engineering
Hunter Coal Environment Group
HCEG is a networking group of environmental professionals that:
facilitates the exchange of technical knowledge and practices between operatives in environmental management in the coal mining industry of the Hunter Region
HCEG Activities
The HCEG provides quarterly forums for the communication and dissemination of information on mining-
related environmental issues. Forums have been conducted on water, vegetation and land management
issues relating to the mining industry.
Membership
HCEG welcomes applications for membership from all parties that are interested in the information that we
distribute. Meetings are held in Singleton. The Annual subscription fee is $50 for individual members and $200
for memberships. Membership enquires to [email protected]
Our website is www.hceg.com.au
HCEG is a networking group of environmental professionals that:
facilitates the exchange of technical knowledge and practices between operatives in environmental management in the coal mining industry of the Hunter Region
- promotes excellence in environmental management in the mining industry
HCEG Activities
The HCEG provides quarterly forums for the communication and dissemination of information on mining-
related environmental issues. Forums have been conducted on water, vegetation and land management
issues relating to the mining industry.
Membership
HCEG welcomes applications for membership from all parties that are interested in the information that we
distribute. Meetings are held in Singleton. The Annual subscription fee is $50 for individual members and $200
for memberships. Membership enquires to [email protected]
Our website is www.hceg.com.au
SUEZ
SUEZ is one of the largest processors of urban-generated organics in Australia.
Our network of state-of-the-art facilities across Australia create specialist composted products used in a variety of land remediation andrehabilitation works. We support businesses across a variety of disciplines working to restore eroded and depleted environments into stable and, preferably, vegetated landforms. Our products can be used for:
[email protected]. www.sita.com.au
SUEZ is one of the largest processors of urban-generated organics in Australia.
Our network of state-of-the-art facilities across Australia create specialist composted products used in a variety of land remediation andrehabilitation works. We support businesses across a variety of disciplines working to restore eroded and depleted environments into stable and, preferably, vegetated landforms. Our products can be used for:
- Minesite revegetation andrehabilitation
- Erosion and sediment control
- Compost blankets
- Spraygrassing activities such as hydromulching or hydroseeding
- Commercial civil works
- Commercial landscaping works
[email protected]. www.sita.com.au