Coal ash drainage and filter layer for the rehabilitation of open cut mines

Student

• Jack Stipcevich

Supervisors

• Dr Jianfeng Xue
• Dr Edward Kim

Project (MSc)

In collaboration with Monash University and Federation University, AGL Loy Yang is undertaking studies aimed at gaining insights into the potential for using constructed soils for rehabilitation and the appropriate formula for such soils. Field trials are being progressed to examine alternative constructed soils for their suitability for final rehabilitation of the mine. A research team is being put together to explore soil-plant-water relations, soil reinforcement, soil physics as well as environmental chemistry and soil leaching for a range of constructed soils derived from the following raw materials overburden, coal wastes, power station ash and composted water treatment wastes.

The design and construction of a capping layer is only one piece of the puzzle that needs to be solved. The objective of this research is to investigate and assess the performance of coal ash as an alternate material for the development of a drainage and filter to layer to be used as a final landform slope cover during mine rehabilitation.

The research will primarily involve lab testing and numerical modelling to investigate and assess the performance of coal ash, however, some field based trials will be undertaken. If the drainage and filter layer is considered feasible, it will open doors for future research projects and be a gateway for in situ and field tests.