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In a move that could counter similar situations elsewhere in Australia’s underground coal mining sector, Peabody has successfully completed a remediation trial using PUR to repair cracking in a stream rock bar at the Waratah Rivulet.
The PUR technology provided by water control specialist company Minova was tested on localised areas of cracking on the rivulet with the involvement of the Sydney Catchment Authority to ensure its safety.
Peabody head of communications for Australia Jennifer Morgan told International Longwall News the mining area was 400m below the surface and the cracking on the rivulet did not extend from the surface to the mine.
She explained the process basically involved drilling a hole into the affected area and pumping PUR liquid through a tube, with the product expanding to act as a natural buffer for the cracks.
“Natural water flow was returned to the rock bar and there is no impact at all on the water quality,” Morgan said.
Extensive testing by the Sydney Water Catchment Authority has also resulted in approval of the technique.
Morgan added PUR could be used with different sorts of cracking and was quite transportable and indicated the approach could be adopted by other mining companies.
Meanwhile, Peabody’s Wilpinjong open cut coal mine picked up the People’s Choice Award and was also highly commended in the community category for its partnership progress under a native title agreement with the North East Wiradjuri community.
The native title agreement was made back in 2005 and led to the establishment of the North East Wiradjuri Wilpinjong Community Fund, with associated agreements involving land, income and training packages to be available to the local indigenous population along with employment opportunities.
Peabody native title liaison officer Robyn Williams told ILN she was thrilled with industry recognition and said the partnership project had set a good example.
“I think the mining industry is finally changing, recognising the traditional owners of native title,” she said of the popularity of the project.
