Media releases

Federation University researchers from the Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Engineering Research Group (GHERG) are exploring whether the quality of water used to fill open cast pits from coal mining affects the stability of mine walls.

With the proposed rehabilitation of Latrobe Valley’s coal mines involving filling the pits with water, the researchers are studying how water quality, or a change in water quality from runoff and rainfall, may affect the mechanical stability of the coal, and in turn, the mine batters or rehabilitated slope sections.

The project is one of two GHERG is undertaking with $465,000 in funding from the Victorian Government to look at the long-term rehabilitation of mines in the region.

As part of the second project, researchers are assessing the long-term stability of rehabilitated mine slopes under certain conditions using numerical models as a predictive tool.

Both projects are expected to be completed in June 2021.

GHERG was established in 2009 at Federation’s Gippsland campus to undertake research in geotechnical, hydrogeological and environmental issues related to the Latrobe Valley mines, particularly mine pit stability and mine rehabilitation.

The group’s primary objectives include fostering research and innovation, addressing specific issues relating to insufficient expertise and skills shortage and developing training programs for mine personnel.

Quotes attributable to Federation University GHERG Director, Professor Thomas Baumgartl

“As the Latrobe Valley transitions away from coal-fired power generation, the rehabilitation of disused mines has become a focus of governments, researchers and the community.”

“There is a knowledge gap in whether the quality of water within a disused mine, as part of a pit lake rehabilitation option, would affect the geo-mechanical stability of coal and therefore the mine walls.”

“This study will help provide certainty for mine closure and rehabilitation planning.”