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Case summary
Client - Department of Industry and Investment - Minerals
Task - Rehabilitation of the Derelict Ardlethan Tin Mine
Value - $1.9m
Date - 2007-2008
Background
Open cut mining for alluvial tin at Ardlethan was undertaken during the 1990s. Over 100 hectares of farming land was disturbed during the mining operation. The final mining company at the site went into liquidation without undertaking any rehabilitation. The then Department of Mineral Resources undertook the rehabilitation of the site using forfeited security deposits and State Government funds.
The mining process involved open cut mining following the alluvial tin veins up to ten metres deep, approximately six kilometres long and up to 300metres wide. The open cuts that remained had vertical sides and the deeper areas contained water. All the overburden was stockpiled in the vicinity of the open cut.
Processing treatment plants were located within the mined area with the processing of the tin involving caustic floatation. The waste from the treatment plant was discharged into the open cut mines and settlement ponds. The tailing ponds were toxic and and unsafe due to their depth of tailings sludge. They did not support vegetation growth.
Objectives
The objective of this project was to rehabilitate the area disturbed by mining and return the landscape to the original farming and grazing activities.
Works Undertaken
The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was initially engaged to the rehabilitation measures on the mined area. These measures included a system of graded contour banks, rock lined waterways, sediment retention structures and revegetation.
Following the SCS design of the works the then Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) called for tenders to undertake the bulk earthworks involved with the rehabilitation process. Upon acceptance of a suitable tenderer DMR engaged SCS to project manage and supervise the implementation of the bulk earthworks in accordance to the design. SCS was engaged to undertake the specialised soil conservation works (drainage works, installation of rock lined flumes) and the revegetation through its plant hire and consultancy sections.
Derelict Ardlethan Tin Mine prior to rehabilitation
Derelict Ardlethan Tin Mine following rehabilitation
Outcomes
The landscape of the area disturbed by mining has been returned to that of the surrounding countryside.
Referee
Client Contact
Scott Brooks, Derelict Mines Coordinator
T: 02 4931 6604
SCS Contact
Col Adams, Area Manager Central
T: 02 6391 4317
SCS Contact
Col Adams, Area Manager Central
T: 02 6391 4317
