Mine rehab conference handbook

6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference Thursday 7 April 2016, Singleton Civic Centre, Queen Street, Singleton, New South Wales, Australia

Conference Organising Team Belinda McNab Naomi Keenan Nigel Stace Tim Roberts

Scientific Committee Corinne Unger Dee Murdoch Jason Desmond Jayant Keskar Julie Thomas Kate Newman Louise Pastro Maryanne Crawford Matthew Newton Nanthi Bolan Nigel Fisher Nigel Stace Peter Elliott Prashant Srivastava Sharon Molloy Simit Raval Tim Roberts We would like to acknowledge the considerable time and dedication to the 6th Annual Mined Land Rehabilitation Conference that the Organising Team and Scientific Committee have contributed to the planning and preparation of this conference. We would like to acknowledge the contribution of session chairs and volunteers who enable the smooth running of our conference today.

Conference Hosts Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment - University of Newcastle NSW Government Department of Industry NSW Office of Environment & Heritage

Gold VRM Biologik NSW Mining

Speaker Hunter Coal Environment Group

Media Mining Oil Gas

Session Valley Hydramulch & Revegetation Pty Ltd Niche Environment & Heritage Pty Ltd University of New South Wales Kleinfelder REGYP Recycling Solutions & Gypsum Sales

Exhibitor Suregro Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia (SERA) Sky Land Management PGG Wrightson Seeds NSW Office of Environment & Heritage Insitu Geotech Solutions

“We acknowledge the Traditional Accommodation Partner Lands of the Wonnarua / Gringai Quest Apartments people of the Hunter Valley who remain the spiritual and cultural owners of our land and continue to practice our values, language, beliefs and knowledge, we offer respect to our Elders past and present and through our Elders, to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.

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Contents Welcome....................................................................................4

POSTER PRESENTERS........................................... 41-67

About the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment........... 5

Angus M Robinson - Proposed Hunter Valley National Mining Park – A vision beyond mine site rehabilitation........................................................................41

CONFERENCE HOSTS..........................................................6 GOLD SPONSORS.................................................................7 SPEAKER SPONSOR............................................................7 SESSION SPONSORS...........................................................8 EXHIBITORS............................................................................9 PROGRAM.........................................................................13-15 Contributing Panellists...........................................................16 SPEAKER PROFILES.....................................................20-39 Kate Newman - Soil Biology in Rehabilitation: Mount Owen Mini Case Study......................................................20 Peter McLean - Effective rehabilitation using organic matter....................................................................................21 Andrew Claridge - Interrelationships among plants, fungi and mammals: key linkages in the rehabilitation and longterm resilience of Australian terrestrial ecosystems..........................................................................22 Matthew Newton - A risk-based regulatory approach for rehabilitation........................................................................24 Hamish Aiken - Mine final landform design – Assessment by Department of Planning and Environment. ......................................................................25 Kingsley Dixon - Restoration standards for Australia................................................................................26 Martin Sullivan - Generating biodiversity credits for ecological rehabilitation of previously mined land ........ 28 Neil Griffiths - Upper Hunter mine grazing study......... 29 Mariola Wróbel - Rehabilitation of Open-Cut Lignite Mines in Poland...................................................................30 Didik Triwibowo - Managing Potential Acid Forming (PAF) Materials for successful mine reclamation and revegetation at coal mine of PT Adaro Indonesia.......... 32 Cornelia Rumpel - Role of geogenic and pedogenic organic matter types in the functioning of rehabilitated soils after coal mining.........................................................33 Louise Pastro - Key proposed policy initiatives as part of Upper Hunter Strategic Assessment................................34 Wendy Timms - Scenarios for final mine voids in the Hunter Valley: backfill feasibility and water level-salinity conditions.............................................................................36 Greg Sullivan - Rehabilitation initiatives within the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue.....................................................37 Jemma Purandare - The applicability of LiDAR Technology to Mine Rehabilitation – a Case Study in Queensland..........................................................................38 Greg Hancock - Rebuilding topography – how can landscape evolution models help.....................................39

Will Mitry - Longstem tubestock......................................42 Longbin Huang - Engineered pedogenesis for long-term hydro-geochemical stability in sulfidic tailings landscape and sustainable closure ....................................................44 Talia Wei Xien Schlen - Conceptual framework for an ecological assessment of Jamieson Valley – a historical coal mining area of NSW...................................................45 Chloe Christensen - Quantification of final void parameters in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Gloucester coalfields of NSW...........................................47 Hasintha Wijesekara - The land application of biosolids on soil carbon sequestration in mined lands: A metaanalysis.................................................................................48 Colin Randall - Rehabilitation of hell in paradise ........ 50 Danielle Lloyd-Prichard - Honey bees: the new canaries for monitoring of mined-land rehabilitation..................... 51 Emily Hebbard - Efflorescences and arsenic processing residues at the Ottery As-Sn Mine, New South Wales, Australia: Implications for arsenic mobility and remediation of contaminated processing sites .............. 53 Penny Dunstan - The rehabilitation process re-examined.........................................................................54 Ramkrishna Nirola - Assessment of metal toxicity and bioavailability in metallophyte leaf litters and metalliferous soils to Eisenia fetida........................................................56 Robert Scanlon - Does soil treatment matter when restoring a native plant community?................................57 Yilu Xu - The microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) in heavy contaminated soil....................................................59 Yubo Yan - Immobilization of Pb and Cd in water and soil using hydroxyapatite derived from FGD gypsum.......... 60 Julia Serjeantson - A review of the mine closure financial securities..............................................................62 Jason Fischel - Fate, transport, and cycling of hexavalent chromium in the soil environment................ 63 Peter Stevens - An Asymmetric Microrelief System (AMS) for Mined Land........................................................65 Matthew Stanton - Rehabilitation: To what state and for which purpose?...................................................................66 Thomas Gray - Geotechnical and environmental characteristics of final open-cut coal mine voids in the USA with comments on applicability to Australian mines............................................................................67

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Welcome These were my welcoming words in 2011 at our first conference - “The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment at the University of Newcastle is proud to bring you this ground-breaking and ground-repairing Workshop, on behalf and for the Office of Environment & Heritage, Department of Premier & Cabinet. The theme for the Workshop is best practice in restoration of mined lands and has been designed to bring to one venue, experts in the science and practice of restoring disturbed lands to full function in terms of regrowth, regeneration and reuse.” Much has changed since then and much has stayed the same.

Today I welcome you to our 6th Annual Conference, preceded by a commercial short course yesterday and followed by mine-site tours to three different mines on Friday to witness first-hand the practise of on-going remediation and reuse. Today will be a full one, with international speakers from Poland, Indonesia, and France, and expert presenters from around Australia.

The Conference has come a long way in the last five years. I believe it has had a strong hand in bringing together the latest thinking about the postmining landscape. Our objectivity has provided an open and honest forum for the discussion of all facets of the rehabilitation process. We have had the chance to spread our local experiences to the world. Last year I was Professor Tim Roberts, Director of the Tom invited to speak at a forest rehabilitation conference in Borneo. As a result, Farrell Institute for the Environment we have today a presentation from Didik Triwibowo on the restoration of green forest ecosystems at a mine that produces 50 million tonnes of coal per year on that tropical island.

Further positive outcomes are envisaged as opportunities exist for research students to work with Didik on the Adaro mine in Indonesia on topics related to reclamation, revegetation and mine closure preparation.

Today, the mining industry is in a state of flux. We feel the winds of change blowing from many quarters. Fear has been expressed that funds for rehabilitation may not be sufficiently available as coal mines change hands.

The rapid advances in the new rehabilitation and monitoring technologies are yielding stronger results. It is vital today that we address both the knowns and the unknowns. Please join-in throughout the day to ask questions and make your opinions known. Please participate actively in the two Panel Sessions, as your questions will create the momentum to carry us to some concrete resolutions.

Professor Tim Roberts, Director, The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment

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About the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment was established in 2006, as part of the University of Newcastle's commitment to the ongoing sustainability of our region. Our aim is to build long-term partnerships with industry, business, government and the community in promoting environmental sustainability in our region and beyond.

Our Vision is to champion regional solutions for a sustainable future both within the University of Newcastle and within the community.

Our Mission: •

Be a centre of excellence in environmental research and its application

•

Build University and community partnerships to meet the environmental challenges of the future

•

Advance the development and application of environmental knowledge

•

Integrate cultural, social and economic values into environmental solutions

mini ust th ug 14 A th 13 & 2016 kart stle b a c new ing clu rac park ron came

sponsorship prospectus

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incorporating the

SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS

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Join the excitement of the EV Prize by building your own mini solar car.

student prizes

Open to Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 Primary students.

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symbiotic microbes voids and much more

Compete for prizes and glory plus a chance to compete at the state level.

competition day - saturday 13 august 2016

www.hunterevfestival.net

www.hunterevfestival.net

Stage 1 students build a solar powered car and compete in the 20m Mini Sprint on a straight track.

Stage 2 & 3 Students build a solar car and compete on the 20m curved Pursuit track.

This solar car race is aimed at first time players and students who just want to have fun and learn the skills of engineering and photovoltaics. While the cars are simple in design they need to be accurate and fast.

This race will provide students with an insight to the main Pursuit race plus plenty of room for fun and learning.

This solar car pursuit race is aimed at students who would like to test their skills of engineering and photovoltaics. While the cars are simple in design they need to be accurate and fast. This race will provide plenty of room for fun and learning.

e kits complet only to build ea !

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To find out more, call Belinda McNab on 02 4921 5700 or visit our website at www.hunterevfestival.net

Thursday 7th April 2016 Singleton Civic Centre Queen Street Singleton NSW http://www.tomfarrellinstitute.org/mined-lands-conference.html

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CONFERENCE HOSTS NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Working with the community, business and government OEH cares for and protects NSW’s environment and heritage, which includes the natural environment, Aboriginal country, culture and heritage, and built heritage. Our purpose is to enrich life in NSW by helping the community to conserve and enjoy our environment and heritage. In particular our goals are to ensure vibrant natural assets for the health and prosperity of NSW, to support economic development without devaluing the environment, to help save the environment and money through efficient use of resources, to encourage communities to enjoy their national parks and value their local environment, to build resilience to climate change and environmental hazards and risks and to become a more agile, effective, innovative and customer-focussed organisation. The Hunter Central Coast Regional Operations Group supports the important role of the Tom Farrell Institute in bringing together quality researchers and practitioners working in this field. www.environment.nsw.gov.au/

NSW Department of Industry The NSW Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development (known as the NSW Department of Industry) 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 We support all areas of economic activity where NSW has competitive strengths. We also have responsibilities 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.

Our strategies are built on close relationships to understand industry's needs. We deliver a wide range of training and specialist advisory services; and we help to secure efficient and dependable government decisionmaking that contributes to business confidence.

We measure our success by the: • •

growth in quantity of employment and the value of output; and the competitiveness and sustainability of industries in NSW.

www.industry.nsw.gov.au/

6 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

GOLD SPONSORS VRM Biologik VRM Biologik (R) is a leading provider of high quality microbial formulations used in organic recycling, advanced water and soil remediation, agricultural support programs and industrial and domestic cleaning. Our objective is to provide safe and sustainable products that improve commercial and domestic operations, without harming our environment. We do this by harnessing the power of naturally occurring microbes as a sustainable replacement for harsher chemical inputs.

P: +617 4774 6337 | E: enquiries@vrm.com.au | W: www.vrmbiologik.com

NSW Mining Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue

Many communities ​in the Hunter Valley ​have been built around the economic activity generated by mining, which continues to be a big part of the Hunter's economy, injecting ​around $6 billion in wages and payments to local businesses​ each year​.

The growth of mining in the Upper Hunter has resulted in some challenges ​and concerns about infrastructure and services, land rehabilitation, water, affordable housing and air quality.

The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue ​brings together local miners, community and business leaders, environment groups, residents, regulators and other industries​to better understand and address these challenges together​.​ ​ he Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue is a new way of thinking​and working together to minimise the cumulative T impacts of mining. www.miningdialogue.com.au

SPEAKER SPONSOR Hunter Coal Environment Group The Hunter Coal Environment Group Inc (HCEG) is a network group of environmental professionals which was originally formed in 1990 to provide a forum for the exchange of developments in mine rehabilitation in the coal mining industry of the Hunter Region. In July 1998 the HCEG was incorporated with its role broadened beyond mine rehabilitation to include other issues of environmental management.

Its objectives are: •

to facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge and practices between operatives in environmental management in the coal mining industry of the Hunter Region

•

to promote excellence in environmental management in the mining industry

•

to promote the benefits and achievements of successful environmental management in the coal mining industry of the Hunter Region

www.hceg.com.au

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SESSION SPONSORS Valley Hydramulch and Revegetation Valley Hydramulch and Spraygrass Solutions are operating Divisions of Paul Clarke and Associates Pty Ltd and have been carrying out revegetation works in New South Wales and South East Queensland for over 30 years.

We provide a comprehensive professional service and have never had works rejected or a requirement to carry out works under defects liability. We have worked for mining companies, all the major civil engineering contractors, government departments, and local councils.

We provide technical advice for best results and back up everything we do with unconditional warranty of our works when carried out in accordance with our requirements. www.spraygrasssolutions.com.au/

Niche Environment and Heritage Pty Ltd Niche Environment and Heritage is a leading environmental and cultural heritage consultancy operating from nine locations across eastern Australia. Niche delivers innovative, practical solutions to mine rehabilitation projects.

Niche provides expertise in environmental assessment and approvals, biodiversity and archaeological survey and assessment, and BioBanking assessments and offset strategies. 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. www.niche-eh.com “Excellence in your environment”

ReGyp & Pacific Fertiliser REGYP & Pacific Fertiliser sell a wide range of high quality soil amendment, soil improvement and fertiliser products out of Sydney, Brisbane, Cowra & Melbourne.

We have products tailored to mine site rehabilitation and bulk civil works with differing capital budgets. Some of the soil improvement products we sell include gypsum, lime, fertiliser blends and compost. We can package up our products with delivery and spreading to ensure the application and results meet or exceed the desired outcomes.

P 1300 473 497 | www.regyp.com.au/

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University of New South Wales 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/

Kleinfelder Kleinfelder Australia is an environmental consulting firm providing professional and technical services for land contamination and remediation, environmental planning and approvals, ecology, flora and fauna, spotter catcher services, land rehabilitation, and bushfire planning and design. With over 100 staff operating across Australia, Kleinfelder Australia continues to deliver local projects with local and international experience.

Kleinfelder Australia provides professional consulting services to a broad range of markets including oil and gas, mining and extractive industries, commercial and residential development and all levels of government.

Kleinfelder Australia, as part of the global Kleinfelder Group, an employee-owned environmental, engineering, architectural and science based consulting firm, is able to utilise the experience of almost 2,000 employees globally. www.kleinfelder.com/australia/

EXHIBITORS The Society for Ecological Restoration

The Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia (SERA) is the leading organisation in ecological restoration for Australia and the region with members from 17 countries. SERA aspires to bring the highest standards in restoration to the region and Australia specifically through its links with the international Society for Ecological Restoration. With members from industry, government, NGO organisations and the research community, SERA operates biannual conferences and provides links the broader restoration community both in Australia and internationally. The booth is specifically focused on displaying the newly launched and first time National Standards in Ecological Restoration for Australia and members of the Society will be on hand to answer questions.

www.seraustralasia.com/

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PGG Wrightson Turf PGG Wrightson Turf is part of PGG Wrightson Seeds Ltd, Australasia's largest proprietary seed business. DuraVeg, our research driven revegetation brand, is designed to deliver cost effective and environmentally friendly revegetation solutions.

PGG Wrightson Turf’s range of revegetation solutions and native seeds compliments what is regarded as the cornerstone of the DuraVeg brand - a highly valued partnership with US based wood fiber mulch manufacturer Profile Products; a world leader in hydraulic erosion control, remediation, revegetation products such as ProGanics™, Flexterra® High Performance-Flexible Growth Medium™ and the GreenArmor™ System.

Duraveg is at the forefront of supplying proven solutions in fundamentals to revegetation of disturbed mined lands. www.pggwrightsonseeds.com.au

Suregro SureGro are an Australian owned Environmental Management product supply company.

Operating since 1986, SureGro supply over one thousand products associated with soil, water and vegetation management.

Based in Melbourne, we are committed to providing users nationwide with the most comprehensive range and continue to strive for innovative, environmentally friendly solutions.

We have qualified staff with experience and an understanding of issues within the civil, landscape, horticultural and environmental management fields.

So whether you are establishing new vegetation, protecting existing valuable natural assets, we have a solution for you! www.suregro.com

Sky Land Management

Sky Land Management

Sky Land Management provides high quality, innovative aerial and traditional ground based land management solutions. The unique capabilities of the Yamaha Rmax Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) enables Sky Land Management to provide safer, targeted and cost effective solutions for clients, in conjunction with traditional ground based services. Based in the Hunter Valley, we service NSW. The UAV is successful in accessing steep and unstable areas, aquatic areas and tailing dams, dam walls, windrows and easements such as pipeline or electricity. Analysis by a major client (RioTinto) showed Blackberry control using our UAV was significantly cheaper and more effective than previously employed ground based spot spraying methods.

Our clients include RioTinto, Hanson Quarries, Local and State Government, Water NSW and agricultural companies. With such a diversity of clients and applications, our unique capabilities and over 17 years experience in the environmental industry, we can provide complete solutions to your land management issues. www.skylandmanagement.com.au

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NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

Working with the community, business and government OEH cares for and protects NSW’s environment and heritage, which includes the natural environment, Aboriginal country, culture and heritage, and built heritage. Our purpose is to enrich life in NSW by helping the community to conserve and enjoy our environment and heritage. In particular our goals are to ensure vibrant natural assets for the health and prosperity of NSW, to support economic development without devaluing the environment, to help save the environment and money through efficient use of resources, to encourage communities to enjoy their national parks and value their local environment, to build resilience to climate change and environmental hazards and risks and to become a more agile, effective, innovative and customer-focussed organisation.

The Hunter Central Coast Regional Operations Group supports the important role of the Tom Farrell Institute in bringing together quality researchers and practitioners working in this field. www.environment.nsw.gov.au/

Carbon Based Environmental Carbon Based Environmental is a specialist environmental consultancy based in Singleton and Gunnedah, NSW. We provide quality and reliable environmental monitoring and management services.

Carbon Based Environmental has extensive experience with managing rehabilitation projects for the mining industry and can assist you with: • • • • • • • •

Rehabilitation planning; Seed supply; Land preparation and seeding; Soil amelioration; Mine closure criteria; Rehabilitation sustainability monitoring and progress towards completion criteria monitoring; Ecosystem establishment; and Exclusive supply of Organic Growth Medium - a recycled organic compost product that can dramatically improve soils and mine site rehabilitation www.cbased.com.au/home/.aspx

The Australian Landscape Laboratory The TFI fosters innovative solutions to key environmental issues through collaborative means.

The TFI brokers industry, public sector and research partnerships designed to deliver game changing environmental reforms at the local and regional level. New initiatives for the TFI in 2016 include: Australian Landscape Laboratory – which will explore on-ground projects that secure biological capacity in modified landscapes using microrelief and ‘whole of catchment’ recharge hydration patterns drawn from the interpretation of productive ecosystems that have evolved under variable, often extreme climate conditions across the continent. The A.L.L. will bring experts together from across sectors and foster a land management culture designed to address the significant legacy of degraded land and the escalating costs of environmental risk and disaster. The aim is to foster many local successes and advance providers in the region as a group to lead the nation and the world in ecologically sustainable and biologically balanced land use.

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World Café –A cross-disciplinary approach used to undertake ‘soft’ research tapping the collective wisdom of knowledge holders from across disciplines with a focus on resolving specific environmental challenges. The appreciative inquiry method used by trained TFI facilitators is an effective means of aligning the interest of key stakeholders within and across sectors, at low cost, in short time, to secure practical outcomes of mutual benefit. Effective, industry, government, research and education sector partnerships are brokered through this process of informed inquiry.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation Planning has also been added to TFI research and facilitation program for 2016, with the capacity to engage across disciplines and communities of interest to tackle the issues that underpin accelerated stormflows, soil loss, flood, inundation, prolonged drought, increasing terrestrial heatload and bushfire. Reducing the physical, social and economic impacts of these climate related events is a matter of necessity. The TFI can provide support to organisations and businesses seeking to reduce risk and increase sustainability.

See Peter Stevens for more information - 0431 33 3337

Insitu Geotech Services Pty Ltd www.insitu.com.au/index.html

projects also in PNG and Philippines

IGS

IGS

Insitu Geotech Services Pty Ltd

Geotechnical

IGS - 48 Tailings and Mine Waste Projects

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In situ Testing

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Best Quality Sampling

Environmental − −

reducing geotechnical uncertainty

Deposition Profiling Sediment Sampling

Accessing −

We can access embankments, tailings surfaces and water

With thanks to our Accommodation Partner Quest Apartment Hotels Singleton 5 - 7 Civic Avenue Singleton NSW 2330 P: +61 2 6570 3800 Fax: +61 2 6570 3899 Quest Singleton is the only purpose built 4 ½ Self Rated Serviced Apartment accommodation option in Singleton. Our One, Two and Three Bedroom Apartments provide open plan living and a flexible accommodation solution ensuring we can accommodate all our guests travel needs, requirements and lifestyles. Guests are welcome to enjoy the on-site gymnasium, BBQ terrace and conference facilities along with the Business Desk for complimentary internet and email access. www.bookings.questapartments.com.au/

12 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

PROGRAM Session One - Sponsored by Valley Hydramulch & Revegetation 08:30 - 09:57am 08:30 - 08.32

Conference Open - Prof Tim Roberts, Tom Farrell Institute (TFI)

08:32 - 08.35

Welcome to country - Laurie Perry, CEO Wonnarua National Aboriginal Corporation

08:35 - 08:40

Chair Opening and Session Sponsor Introduction - Tim Roberts, TFI

08:40 - 08:45

VRM Biologik - Gold Sponsor Address - Ken Bellamy, Director

08:45 - 08:50

NSW Mining - Gold Sponsor Address - Greg Sullivan, Director - Policy

08:50 - 08:51

Get up, Stand up, ask the one next to you why they are here

08:51 - 09:01 Rebuilding topography - how can landscape evolution models help Greg Hancock, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle 09:01 - 09:11 Effective rehabilitation using organic matter Peter McLean, Australian Organic Recycling Association Ltd 09:11 - 09:19

Questions

09:19 - 09:34 Interrelationships among plants, fungi and mammals: Key linkages in the rehabilitation

and long-term resilience of Australian terrestrial ecosystems Andrew Claridge, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage / UNSW 09:34 - 09:39

Questions

09:39 - 09:57

Poster Presenters - 2 mins each

09:57 - 10:20 Morning Tea

Session Two - Sponsored by Kleinfelder 10:20 - 11:40am 10:20 - 10:22

Call to order second session - Chair Opening and Session Sponsor Introduction

10:22 - 10:37 A risk based regulatory approach for rehabilitation Matthew Newton, Division of Resources & Energy, Department of Industry 10:37 - 10:42

Questions

10:42 - 10:52 Mine final landform design - assessment by Department of Planning and Environment Hamish Aiken, Department of Planning and Environment 10:52 - 11:02 Restoration standards for Australia Kingsley Dixon, Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia (SERA)

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PROGRAM CONTINUED...

11:02 - 11:10

Questions

11:10 - 11:30

Poster Presenters - 2 mins each

11:30 - 11:40

Short Stretch Break

Session Three - Sponsored by Niche Environment & Heritage 11:40 - 12:55pm 11:40 - 11:42

Call to order third session - Chair Opening and Session Sponsor Introduction

11:42 - 12:12

Panel 1

Setting and achieving completion criteria - continuity between science and practice

Chair - Peter Elliott, with Corinne Unger, Kingsley Dixon, Dee Murdoch and Matthew Newton 12:12 - 12:22 Generating biodiversity credits for ecological rehabilitation of previously mined land Martin Sullivan, Eco Logical Australia 12:22 - 12:32 Upper Hunter mine grazing study Neil Griffiths, NSW Department of Primary Industry 12:32 - 12:40

Questions

12:40 - 12:55

Industry Updates

12:55 - 1:55

Lunch

Session Four - Sponsored by REGYP Recycling Solutions & Gypsum Sales 1:55 - 3:13pm 1:55 - 1:57

Call to order fourth session - Chair Opening and Session Sponsor Introduction

1:57 - 2:07 Rehabilitation of open-cut lignite mines in Poland Mariola Wrobel, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland Special Mention of Speaker Sponsor - Hunter Coal Environment Group (HCEG) 2:07 - 2:17 Successful mine reclamation and revegetation at coal mine of PT Adara Indonesia (Borneo) Didik Triwibowo, PT Adaro, Indonesia 2:17 - 2:25

Questions

14 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

PROGRAM CONTINUED...

2:25 - 2:35 Role of geogenic and pedogenic organic matter types in the functioning of rehabilitated

soils after coal mining Cornelia Rumpel, National Centre for Scientific Research, France 2:35 - 2:45 A number of key proposed policy initiatives, as part of the Upper Hunter Strategic Assessment Louise Pastro, Office of Environment and Heritage NSW 2:45 - 2:53

Questions

2:53 - 3:08 Scenarios for final mine voids in the Hunter Valley: backfill feasibility and water level salinity conditions Wendy Timms, Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices, UNSW 3:08 - 3:13

Questions

3:13 - 3:45

Afternoon Tea

Session Five - Sponsored by University of New South Wales 3:45 - 5:04pm 3:45 - 3:47

Call to order fifth session - Chair Opening and Session Sponsor Introduction

3:47 - 4:17

Panel 2

Socio-economic and environmental outcomes following mine closure - future possibilities Chair - Di Sneddon, with Cameron Archer, Andrew Thaler, Angus M Robinson & Gary Ellem 4:17 - 4:27 Rehabilitation Initiatives within the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue Greg Sullivan, NSW Minerals Council 4:27 - 4:37 The applicability of LiDAR technology to mine rehabilitation - a case study in Queensland Jemma Purandare, AECOM 4:37 - 4:47 Soil biology in rehabilitation - Mount Owen case study Kate Newman, Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle 4:47 - 4:59

Questions

4:59 - 5:04

Chair to Close Conference

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Contributing Panellists Panel 1

Corinne Unger

Senior Research Officer, Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute | The University of Queensland | Brisbane, QLD, 4072 T: +61 7 3346 4262 | M: +61 4 1755 0021 | E: c.unger1@uq.edu.au Corinne Unger studied earth sciences and education, then commenced her career in land rehabilitation in the NSW Soil Conservation Service. She later managed mine rehabilitation and research at Energy Resources of Australia’s, Ranger Uranium Mine in the Northern Territory. In Central Queensland she was employed as a mining environmental regulator before shifting her focus to abandoned mines where she developed the Mount Morgan Mine Rehabilitation Project (1999-2004) and Plan (2003). Corinne won a Churchill Fellowship in 2009 to study leading practice abandoned mine rehabilitation and post-mining land use in the northern hemisphere.

She was then employed as a part-time researcher at the University of Queensland’s Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation where she undertook engagement and research to support the development of a national initiative on abandoned mines.

Peter Elliott

Panel 1

Closure Biosketch - M: 0418904307 | E: elliottpd@westnet.com.au Peter is an independent consultant providing strategic management and environmental advice and solutions to complex problems including mine closure. Previously Peter worked for AECOM as Technical Director Strategic Advisory and Environment and Senior Principal Sustainability with URS Australia Pty Ltd in the Perth office. Peter has had a long history of facilitating and leading integration of sustainable principles into both mine and other infrastructure projects. He has assisted the Australian Centre for Minerals Extension and Research part of the Sustainable Mining Institute with mine closure workshops, with a focus on the integration of socio-economic aspects of mine closure into Mine Closure Plans. He has provided advice to the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum and Office of the Environmental Protection Authority in the development of Guidelines for preparing Mine Closure Plans.

Kingsley Dixon

Panel 1

Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia (SERA), Curtin University, P: +61 8 9385 7969 | M: +61 (0) 4282 85565 Professional botanist specialising in conservation biology and restoration ecology and is the Chair of the Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia. Is a leader in minesite restoration research particularly in biodiverse ecosystems including World Heritage Areas and overseas including the Middle East.

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Contributing Panellists Dee Murdoch

Panel 1

Associate Director AECOM - M +61 408 489 689 | Dee.Murdoch@aecom.com Dee is a land management specialist. Her area of core expertise is the establishment of objectives, criteria and indicators for post mining land use and landscapes through to the development, implementation and monitoring of rehabilitation programs many of which are focused on assessment of sites reviewing financial assurances or working towards feasibility of closure. These skills include stakeholder engagement, ecologically sustainable native plant communities, mine site revegetation, assessment of stocking rates / carrying capacity and pasture productivity, seed collection, habitat reconstruction and enhancement, weed and vertebrate pest animal management and control.

Matthew Newton

Panel 1

Acting Assistant Director Environmental Standards, Division of Resources & Energy – Environmental Sustainability Unit, P: +61 2 4931 6745 E: matthew.newton@industry.nsw.gov.au Matthew commenced in the role of Principal Officer Rehabilitation Standards with the Division of Resources & Energy (DRE) in November 2013. Amongst the key functions of this role includes the development and implementation of standards, guidelines, policies and procedures based on best practice to improve mining / exploration rehabilitation outcomes across the state of New South Wales (NSW).

Di Sneddon

Panel 2

Economic Development Officer - events, Singleton Council M 0407 108 423 | F 02 6571 5999, E: dsneddon@singleton.nsw.gov.au As a journalist and former editor of the Singleton Argus for 25 years, Di Sneddon has experienced first-hand the impacts of coal mining on the Singleton district during both boom times and gloom times. Di is a fourth generation Singletonian and proud of it.

She has been an advocate for communities to demand world’s best practice in mining and better outcomes for the local community.

Cameron Archer

Panel 2

Chair, Belgenny Farm Trust. Chair, Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia M: 0427 202 948 │E: cameron.archer@dpi.nsw.gov.au Dr Cameron Archer has spent his career in agriculture and education having started his involvement growing up on a grazing property on the Southern Tablelands. He is a graduate of the Universities of Sydney and Newcastle and was Principal of Tocal College for 28 years. He has strong interests in agriculture and environmental history.

Cameron has been actively involved in many aspects of the Hunter Valley community and beyond for many years. Following his completion of service at Tocal he continues to be involved in a wide range of boards and committees. He has had a long interest in the changing landscape and land use in the Hunter.

17 www.tomfarrellinstitute.org

Contributing Panellists Andrew Thaler

Panel 2

M:+61 (0)412 460 561, E: andrew@scrapyard.com.au Andrew is an Electrical Fitter tradesman who worked in both Coal fired (Bayswater, Liddell) and Hydro Power stations: Kangaroo Valley and Bendeela.

Employed as plant-technician at Pacific Solar in the 1990’s kickstarted a life-long passion for Renewable Energy technologies.

After operating a scrap metal business for 20 years, Andrew is now rebuilding and expanding the 408kW Singleton Solar Farm and the 70kW Superdome Solar Array.

Singleton Solar is currently the fifth largest solar farm in NSW

Angus M Robinson

Panel 2

GSA Geotourism Standing Committee P: +61 (0) 29144 5636 │ M:+61 (0)418 488 340, E: angus@leisuresolutions.com.au W: http://gsa.org.au/heritage/Geotourism.html Angus is an exploration geologist by profession. After the past 20 years working in technology and industry development executive roles, and as the former CEO of a manufacturing industry association, he is now working in geotourism industry development as Chair of the Geotourism Standing Committee of the Geological Society of Australia.

Gary Ellem

Panel 2

Conjoint Academic & Program manager – Future Industries, Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, University of Newcastle E: Gary.ellem@newcastle.edu.au │ M: 0423 163714 Dr Gary Ellem is a biophysicist, sustainability futurist and entrepreneur working mainly in the areas of the social connectivity, transport, energy and regional innovation. He identifies and investigates system scale opportunities which combine technology, business, regulatory and social innovation such as electric and autonomous vehicles.

He is co-founder of Social Business Pty Ltd, a company helping people and organisations to harness the scale of social media connectivity to do good business.

Gary has played a key role in initiating the Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival and the Diamonds from Coal initiative as part of his role as Project Manager for Future Industries at the Tom Farrell Institute at the University of Newcastle. He has worked as a University Academic and well as a Senior Scientist, Analyst and Strategist in the cleantech and digital innovation industries.

Gary’s is a national thought leader in sustainability, appearing on the ABC Science Show and writing for The Conversation. He has developed IP in the fields of wireless signal communications, photobioreactor design and the high temperature thermal processing of biomass for biofuels production.

18 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue The Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue (UHMD) was established in 2011 in response to community concerns about infrastructure and services, mine rehabilitation, water and air quality.

The UHMD seeks to engage with the industry’s stakeholders and the community. The UHMD is a collaborative effort that addresses the local community’s concerns by understanding these concerns and then working together to develop and implement solutions.

Participating Coal Producers Glencore Muswellbrook Coal Company Anglo American Coal & Allied BHP Billiton Mt Arthur Coal The Bloomfield Group Peabody Energy Australia Ashton Coal Operations

The UHMD Promotes: •Listening to and working in collaboration with the community to address concerns •Providing a reliable source of information that builds trust between the mining industry and the community •Coexistence with other industries •Contribution to a healthy living environment and stronger community in the Upper Hunter

UHMD Projects The Dialogue’s progress is largely driven by the development and implementation of projects. In 2012, the UHMD brought together industry and stakeholders in four workshops to establish five year goals, and projects to work towards those goals, in the areas of: Water; Emissions and Health; Social Impacts and Infrastructure; and Land Management.

Joint Working Groups, made up of representatives of groups participating in the Dialogue as well as industry, are guiding the development of the projects and the development of new projects to continue progressing towards the five-year goals.

The UHMD is progressing work to address concerns about cumulative impacts through a number of projects. These projects are being developed and implemented with the guidance of interested community, environmental, business and agricultural groups, as well as government.

Find out more at miningdialogue.com.au

SPEAKER PROFILES

08:51 - 09:01

Kate Newman Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308 E: Kate.Newman@newcastle.edu.au Kate is currently a PhD candidate in Biological Sciences at the University of Newcastle. She is investigating organic and microbial amendment of mine spoil for rehabilitating native vegetation communities following open cut coal mining.

Kate has worked in public and private sectors in the Hunter for over 10 years. Her roles encompassed vegetation assessment, natural resource compliance, site remediation, environmental impact assessment and land use planning.

Soil Biology in Rehabilitation: Mount Owen Mini Case Study K. Newman1, Y. Nussbaumer1, M. Cole3, P. McGee2, C. Grof 1.

1

Centre for Plant Science, University of Newcastle, University drive Callaghan NSW AU 2309; kate.newman@uon.edu.au

2

School of molecular biosciences, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW AU 2000

3 Consultancy in Sustainable Ecosystem Restoration, Jesmond 2299

Most people tend to associate microorgansisms like bacteria and fungi with disease and sickness. However, in soils (as in our guts) they also have many important positive functions. They may decompose litter to fertilise the soil, bind particles together to stabilize soils against erosion, sequester carbon, increase drought tolerance of plants, or have an antibiotic-like effect that protects plants against disease. The types and numbers of microorganisms in soils can even play a role in determining plant species diversity above ground. Thus, their importance in rehabilitation be it, with a final land use focus on parkland, production, or native ecosystem is obvious.

However, adverse effects of agriculture and mining on some microorganisms including Mycorrhiza and Rhizobia are well documented. Infection of plants by these beneficial microbes was previously found to be low in soils at Mount Owen, Hunter Valley NSW. As a result, investigations involving adding these microbes to the mine soils (inoculation) have been undertaken. Some positive results for the growth of some native plants and potential effects on Carbon content and soil aggregation have been observed. Preliminary DNA analysis as part of the current study, provides an indication of the types of fungi and bacteria occurring in, on and around the roots of plants grown in bare spoil with and without inoculum. Further detailed analysis is still required.

However, these studies highlight the need for appropriate consideration of soil health and biology during the planning, impact assessment, implementation and rehabilitation phases of mining developments. This requires the involvement of communities, policy makers, industry, regulators and scientists!

20 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

SPEAKER PROFILES

09:01 - 09:11

Peter McLean Executive Officer AORA Australian Organics Recycling Association Ltd M: 0416 227 158 E: peter@aora.org.au W: www.aora.org.au A: PO Box 3049, Gross Vale NSW 2753 S: aoraltd The Australian Organics Recycling Association’s (AORA’s) Executive officer, Peter McLean has a background in State and Local Government as well as the not-for-profit industry. Local government experience includes working at Warringah Council and State government experience includes working for National Parks and Wildlife Service before moving over to Keep Australia Beautiful where he spent 11 years.

Peter holds a degree in Environmental Management, a Master's degree in Business Administration submajoring in Business Law and Public Relations and Certificates in Bush Regeneration and Business Governance

Effective rehabilitation using organic matter It is well known that rehabilitation on mining sites is significantly assisted by adding organic materials including compost, however how can we make sure this is achieved most effectively and within the confined of present and emerging legislation? Australia’s peak body for the organics recycling industry, AORA, would like to present recent case studies, cost benefits and best practice on how we can achieve effective rehabilitation using organic matter of different types and size as well as the reasons and field studies to highlight why. Other boundaries will also be explored including how to reduce transport, regulation, future land use options and opportunities. AORA will also invite the audience to ask questions and create discussion.

21 www.tomfarrellinstitute.org

SPEAKER PROFILES

09:19 - 09:34

Andrew Claridge NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and University of NSW Canberra.

Office of Environment and Heritage, Parks and Wildlife Group, Nature Conservation Section, P.O. Box 733, Queanbeyan, New South Wales 2620, Australia; and School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Northcott Drive, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600, Australia.

P: +61 2 6229 7041 E: andrew.claridge@environment.nsw.gov.au Dr Andrew Claridge is a Senior Research Scientist with the Office of Environment and Heritage based in Queanbeyan, south-eastern New South Wales, Australia. Andrew is a wildlife biologist with a diverse range of interests, mostly relating to the management and recovery of threatened animals and the landscapes in which they live. Over the past 25 years he has undertaken research and implemented management actions in a diversity of locations, both here in Australia and also elsewhere in the Pacific. Andrew is particularly interested in the interrelationships among organisms and how they influence ecosystem resilience.

Interrelationships among plants, fungi and mammals: key linkages in the rehabilitation and long-term resilience of Australian terrestrial ecosystems.

The functional integrity of terrestrial ecosystems in Australian landscapes relies on maintaining the diversity of native organisms present and allowing key linkages among them to thrive. One such linkage is that among woody plants, truffle-like fungi and mycophagous (fungus-feeding) mammals. Within this tripartite interrelationship, woody plants benefit from mutualistic associations with the fungi that are mycorrhizal on their roots. The fungi play essential roles in the uptake of water and nutrients from the soil and transfer of those to the plant host. In return, the plants afford carbohydrates back to their fungal associates. Mycophagous mammals are vital to spore dispersal of truffle-like fungi, and benefit nutritionally from eating their fruiting bodies. Through foraging, the mammals also play a vital role in soil turnover, facilitating movement of water and nutrients back into the soil. Disturbances, including mining activities resulting in modification of vegetation, may variously affect the tripartite linkage between woody plants, truffle-like fungi and mycophagous mammals.

Here, it is imperative that rehabilitation attempts restore these interrelationships by ensuring that woody plants recovering in disturbed sites re-establish mycorrhizal associations. This could be through provision of new fungal inoculant on-site, or via establishment of mycorrhizae on plant seedlings ex-situ prior to planting.

In addition to this, it may also be critical to provide mycophagous mammals favourable habitat conditions by doing tasks such as reducing threats from introduced predators such as cats and foxes. Either way, acknowledging the interrelationships among native organisms and putting in place practices that enhance and encourage those linkages are critical.

22 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

Mine Rehabilitation Distressed and injured animals are more likely to be defensive and potentially dangerous Highly venomous snakes are found throughout Queensland and large construction site machinery disturbing snake habitat creates a potentially life threatening situation.

An Integrated Approach for the Successful Establishment of an Effective Ecosystem Kleinfelder Australia has extensive experience assisting mine companies to establish successful and self-sustaining mine rehabilitation programs in remote areas and / or sterile soil environments.

Often the entire construction site relies on the experience of the FSC. This makes our FSC’s the best option for your construction site.

Our Fauna Spotter Catcher training course –is designed to get hands on experience across a range of fauna species often not captured during normal ecological consultancy. The Shoalhaven Zoo has allowed the Kleinfelder/SSSafe Team’s staff access to its native animals to ensure this training process is meaningful.

This course trains the Kleinfelder/SSSafe Team’s staff in: Animal handling; Short term animal husbandry; Ethics, legislation and euthanasia techniques Understanding of Animal and Human Risk Factors, Appreciation of psychological factors (fear, anxiety, adrenalin, performance and peer pressures) that invariably arise when ecologists are confronted with the task of capturing frightened/defensive animals and where the risks are high; and,  Judgement skills and on the spot decision making.     

SSSafe also runs a Snake safety and management course which covers snake and spider identification, snake ecology and behaviour, venom and its effects, first aid techniques, safe handling skills, snake handling equipment, selection and use.

Enquiries about attending these courses are welcome!

We take Fauna Spotter Catching seriously

Kleinfelder will work with you and all relevant authorities to develop, implement and monitor mine rehabilitation plans which set out practical guidance for the most appropriate post-mining use of the land which is consistent with both environmental standards and community expectations.

Our soil microecologists are specialists in the activation of the nitrogen cycle, which is critical to the development of successful flora in sterile soils.

Their expertise has been demonstrated in several successful regeneration projects across Australia; from remote areas of Western Australia, to sand dunes and minesites along the East coast.

Kleinfelder’s objective is to establish a fully functioning ecosystem with the minimum of rework and at the lowest practical cost. Our approach is to utilize inoculated seeds to establish a multi-storied flora system with a minimum of fertilizer, thereby reducing weed growth and maintenance costs.

Our experienced ecology team provides the full range of specialists to develop a fully functioning ecosystem. Our team includes Flora Ecologist (Botanist)

vegetation of communities, species composition, provenance, flora monitoring

Fauna Ecologist (Zoologist) habitat enhancement, pollination and seed dispersal vectors, fauna monitoring Entomologist

vegetation pests, pollination vectors, ecosystem functionality and monitoring

Our land management team can assist in providing the practical aspects of mine rehabilitation including seed collection, revegetation (tube stock planting and seeding), weed control and habitat creation for native flora and fauna including the design and installation of nest boxes.

As accredited biobanking assessors, we can also manage your offset and biobanking sites to further improve biodiversity in the post-mining phase.

Projects we have worked on include;

Contact: Dr Nigel Fisher Email: nfisher@kleinfelder.com Phone: 1300 881 869

www.kleinfelder.com.au

•

Colongra Lateral Gas Pipeline, Wyee for Jemena Asset Management – development of re-vegetation and rehabilitation protocols;

•

Tanilba Northern Dune sand extraction project for Sibelco Australia – development and implementation of re- vegetation monitoring;

•

Ellendale Mine, Kimberley Diamond Mine – Design and implementation of seed inoculation trials for mine rehabilitation;

•

Design of top soil amelioration and revegetation trials at a central Queensland coal mine including organic and microbial amelioration.

SPEAKER PROFILES

10:22 - 10:37

Matthew Newton Acting Assistant Director Environmental Standards, Division of Resources & Energy – Environmental Sustainability Unit P: +61 2 4931 6745 E: matthew.newton@industry.nsw.gov.au Matthew commenced in the role of Principal Officer Rehabilitation Standards with the Division of Resources & Energy (DRE) in November 2013. Amongst the key functions of this role includes the development and implementation of standards, guidelines, policies and procedures based on best practice to improve mining / exploration rehabilitation outcomes across the state of New South Wales (NSW).

Matthew has approximately 18 years of experience in environmental assessment and management and has been involved in a range of environmental projects relating to mining operations situated throughout NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and Virginia in the USA. Prior to DRE, Matthew has worked as a consultant as well as in site-based roles with a particular focus on rehabilitation and mine closure projects.

Based on his experience in closure and rehabilitation planning, Matthew has prepared mine closure and rehabilitation monitoring standards for key corporate clients to be applied across world-wide operations as well as detailed closure cost liability assessments.

A risk-based regulatory approach for rehabilitation The Division of Resources & Energy (DRE) is responsible for facilitating sustainable resources development for New South Wales. DRE’s role under both the Mining Act 1992 and Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991, extends throughout the life-cycle of a mining or petroleum project from exploration through to the operational and closure phases.

The implementation of best-practice mine site rehabilitation is critical to ensuring NSW has a sustainable minerals industry. The aim of regulating mine rehabilitation is for land, affected by mining activities, to be returned to a condition at least as good or better as before any disturbance. As the lead regulator for mine rehabilitation, DRE will ensure rehabilitation is an ongoing priority for operators, after project approvals are issued and throughout the life cycle of the project.

Previously Government has focussed more on approving rehabilitation strategies rather than regulating on-theground performance. The impact of this approvals-based approach is that it may create a barrier to title holders to adopt innovative and best-practice rehabilitation solutions. In addition it also leads to regulatory burden on both government and industry due to the need to seek ongoing approvals, even for the minor variations.

DRE is reforming its regulatory principles by adopting a risk-based and outcomes focussed model which will allow for: • • • • •

DRE resources allocated to activities that pose the greatest risk to regulatory outcomes; increased focus on risk-control effectiveness as a means to drive better rehabilitation outcomes, prevent rehabilitation failure as well as promote industry education and compliance; industry innovation to achieve best practice rehabilitation outcomes; trust to be restored from the community in the mining and petroleum industry as well as government; and industry social licence to operate.

24 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

SPEAKER PROFILES

10:42 - 10:52

Hamish Aiken Department of Planning and Environment, NSW Government 22-33 Bridge Street, Sydney, NSW, 2001 P: +61 9228 6373 E: hamish.aiken@planning.nsw.gov.au Hamish is a Team Leader in the Resource Assessments and Compliance Branch of the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. He has experience in the regulation of coal mine and CSG projects in both NSW and Queensland. Hamish is currently involved in the Department’s assessment of State Significant Development applications for coal mine projects in the Hunter and Newcastle regions.

Mine final landform design – Assessment by Department of Planning and Environment.

State significant development is regulated under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, which requires applicants proposing coal mine developments to apply to the Department of Planning and Environment for development consent, supported by an EIS. Consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, the EIS must give proper consideration to potential environmental, social and economic impacts during the mine planning process of which final landform design is a key component.

The Department of Planning and Environment assesses proposed final landform designs against current best practice measures for the mining industry in NSW. Through this assessment process, improvements in design may be identified and required to ensure that potential mine developments can be managed to achieve appropriate final landform and rehabilitation outcomes consistent with best practice.

25 www.tomfarrellinstitute.org

SPEAKER PROFILES

10:52 - 11:02

Kingsley Dixon Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia (SERA) Curtin University Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia P: +61 8 9385 7969 | M: +61 (0) 4282 85565

Professional botanist specialising in conservation biology and restoration ecology and is the Chair of the Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia. Is a leader in minesite restoration research particularly in biodiverse ecosystems including World Heritage Areas and overseas including the Middle East.

Restoration standards for Australia The Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia has launched the first National Standards for the practice of Ecological Restoration in Australia. The Standards are a response to the national push for sustainable and cost-effective restoration of degraded and damaged landscapes with particularly emphasis on mining restoration. These world-first Standards in Ecological Restoration provide a ‘code of conduct' and the first ever system for rating restoration for ensuring Australian restoration practices are at the very highest and internationally acceptable level. If you are involved or interested in restoration come along to the SERA booth to learn more and look out for the presentation by Professor Dixon.

EMIT www.electromag.com.au

26 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

ELECTRO MAGNETIC IMAGING TECHNOLOGY

3 The Avenue Midland WA 6056 AUSTRALIA +61 8 9250 8100 info@electromag.com.au

Adv geophy

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Volume 37 • Issue 6 • 2015 • 529–635

Contents www.publish.csiro.au/journals/eg

Special Issue: Innovation in Australian rangelands. A special issue from the 18th Biennial Conference of the Australian Rangeland Society 309–319 Integrated interpretation of overlapping AEM datasets achieved through standardisation Guest Editorial: Innovation in Australian rangelands. A special issue from the 18th Biennial Conference Camilla C. Sørensen, Tim Munday and Graham Heinson of the Australian Rangeland Society 529

Jocelyn Davies, Digby Race and Boyd Wright

RESEARCH320–331 PAPERS Laboratory modelling of self-potential anomalies due to spherical bodies Innovation in the rangelands: the role of people F. Chaney Mohamad Sadegh Roudsari and Ali Beitollahi

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Cultural indicators, country and culture: the Arabana, change and water Melissa Nursey-Bray andKirchhoff Arabana Aboriginal 342–348 prestackCorporation migration using the suppressed wave equation

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New partnerships for managing large desert landscapes:(SWEET) experiences from the Martu Deserts Project estimation of traveltime algorithm in VTILiving media Tony Jupp, James Fitzsimons, Ben Carr and Peter See

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Ho Seuk Bae, Wookeen Chung, Jiho Ha and Changsoo Shin

Remote mining towns on the rangelands: determining dependency within the hinterland Stuart Robertson and Boyd Blackwell 349–358 Imaging tilted transversely isotropic media with a generalised screen

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Rangeland pastoralism changeamplitude and sustainability ed excitation imaging condition for prestack 359–370inAnorthern modiAustralia: P. R. Holmes

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Challenging the concept of Aboriginal mosaic fire practices in method the Lake Eyre 371–380 Direct simulation Monte Carlo withBasin a focal mechanism R. G. Kimber and M. H. Friedel

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Radicalising the rangelands: disruptive change or progressive policy?

Asep Nur Rachman, Tae Woong Chung, Kazuo Yoshimoto and Sukyoung Yun Bruce W. Walker

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RANGELAND JOURNAL Contents

Human–wildlife interactions in urban ecosystems C. D. Soulsbury and P. C. L. White

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Human–wildlife interactions in urban areas: a review of conflicts, benefits and opportunities C. D. Soulsbury and P. C. L. White

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A cross-continental look at the patterns of avian species diversity and composition across an urbanisation gradient B. Clucas and J. M. Marzluff

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Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) concentrate around urban waste dumps across Tigray, northern Ethiopia G. Yirga, H. Leirs, H. H. De Iongh, T. Asmelash, K. Gebrehiwot, J. Deckers and H. Bauer Special Issue: Innovation in Australian rangelands. conflicts A special issue from the Evaluating patterns of human–reptile in an urban environment 18th Biennial Conference Australian C. P. Teixeira, L. Passos,ofV.the D. L. R. Goulart,Rangeland A. Hirsch, M.Society Rodrigues and R. J. Young Guest Editors: Jocelyn Davies, Digby Race and Wright Good neighbours: distribution of Boyd black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in an urban environment

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B. Teixeira, A. Hirsch, V. D. L. R. Goulart, L. Passos, C. P. Teixeira, P. James and R. Young

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Boldness and urban dwelling in little ravens A. Vines and A. Lill

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The fancy city life: Kuhl’s pipistrelle, Pipistrellus kuhlii, benefits from urbanisation L. Ancillotto, A. Tomassini and D. Russo

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Achieving positive social outcomes through participatory urban wildlife conservation projects S. J. Hobbs and P. C. L. White

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381–386 Calculation of gravity due to a vertical cylinder using a spherical harmonic series and numerical integration Sung-Ho Na, Hyoungrea Rim, Young-Hong Shin, Mutaek Lim and Yeong-Sue Park

Au str

PP 535283/0001 • Registered by Australia Post

ISSN: 1036-9872 Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Society of Exploration Geophysicists of Japan Published by CSIRO Publishing for the Australian Rangeland Society

Korean Society of Earth and Exploration Geophysicists

An International Journal for managing natural resources, improving remote living and sustaining businesses in unpredictable and harsh environments, especially in arid regions

www.publish.csiro.au/journals/wr ISSN 1035-3712

Published by CSIRO Publishing with endorsement of CSIRO and the Australian Academy of Science

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Organic phosphorus speciation in Australian Red Chromosols: stoichiometric control Melinda R. S. Moata, Ashlea L. Doolette, Ronald J. Smernik, Ann M. McNeill, Lynne M. Macdonald

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Assessing soil-quality indices for subtropical rice-based cropping systems in India Nirmalendu Basak, Ashim Datta, Tarik Mitran, Satadeep Singha Roy, Bholanath Saha, Sunanda Biswas, Biswapati Mandal

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Texture effects on carbon stabilisation and storage in New Zealand soils containing predominantly 2 : 1 clays Denis Curtin, Michael H. Beare, Weiwen Qiu

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Effects of tillage management on soil CO2 emission and wheat yield under rain-fed conditions Xingli Lu, Xingneng Lu, Sikander Khan Tanveer, Xiaoxia Wen, Yuncheng Liao

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Digital mapping of pre-European soil carbon stocks and decline since clearing over New South Wales, Australia Jonathan M. Gray, Thomas F. A. Bishop, Peter L. Smith

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Soil organic carbon in cropping and pasture systems of Victoria, Australia Fiona Robertson, Doug Crawford, Debra Partington, Ivanah Oliver, David Rees, Colin Aumann, Roger Armstrong, Roger Perris, Michelle Davey, Michael Moodie, Jeff Baldock

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Observation of water and solute movement in a saline, bare soil, groundwater seepage area, Western Australia.

Part 2. Annual water and solute balances Eiichi Shimojima, Ichiro Tamagawa, Masato Horiuchi, Robert J. Woodbury, Jeffrey V. Turner

VOLUME 54 • ISSUE 1 • 2016 • 1–124

SOIL RESEARCH An International Journal for Soil Research

RESEARCH PAPERS Procedure to estimate ammonia loss after N fertiliser application to moist soil Ian R. P. Fillery, Nirav Khimashia

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Linking Land Use Capability classes and APSIM to estimate pasture growth for regional land use planning Iris Vogeler, Rogerio Cichota, Josef Beautrais

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Soil-specific calibration of capacitance sensors considering clay content and bulk density Nargish Parvin, Aurore Degré

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Theoretical equilibrium considerations explain the failure of the maleic-itaconic copolymer to increase efficiency of fertiliser phosphorus applied to soils S. H. Chien, G. W. Rehm

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■ SOIL CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY ■ SOIL CONTAMINATION AND REMEDIATION ■ SOIL PHYSICS ■ LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT ■ PEDOLOGY AND PEDOMETRICS

INTERACTIONS BETWEEN HUMANS AND WILDLIFE IN URBAN AREAS Edited byby CSIRO Carl D.withSoulsbury and Piran C. L. White Published Publishing endorsement of CSIRO and the Australian Academy of Science ISSN 1838-675X

A cooperating journal of the IUSS

CSIRO PUBLISHING

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www.publish.csiro.au/journals/trj

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394–402 Case studies of geophysical imaging for road foundation design on soft soils and embankment risk assessment Robert J. Whiteley, Richard B. Kelly and Simon B. Stewart

Rangeland

www.publish.csiro.au/journals/sr

WILDLIFE RESEARCH CONTENTS Management and Conservation

387–393 Identication of leachate from livestock mortality burial using electrical resistivity and small-loop EM survey: case history Sung-Ho Song, In-Ky Cho and Kwang-Jun Choi

an a li

2015

VOLUME 54 • ISSUE 1 • 2016 • 1–124

Pages 541–617

Adaptive capacity on the northern Australian rangelands Bingluo Gu, Youshan Liu, Xiaona Ma, Zhiyuan Li and Guanghe Liang Nadine A. Marshall

2015

2015

Supporting Indigenous rangers’ management of climate-change impacts on heritage sites: propagator developing an effective planning tool and assessing its value Sung-Il Shin, Joongmoo Byun and Soon Jee Seol Bethune Carmichael

Issue 7

Interactions between humans and wildlife in urban areas Edited by Carl D. Soulsbury and Piran C. L. White

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WILDLIFE RESEARCH Management and Conservation

WILDLIFE RESEARCH

EXPLORATION RANGELAND JOURNAL GEOPHYSICS

Volume 37, Issue 6, 2015, Pages 529–635

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VOLUME 54 • ISSUE 1 • 2016 • 1–124

Managing Editor M. Lackie • Co-Editors T. Yokota, J. Byun

Vol. 46 no. 4 • December 2015 • ISSN 0812-3985

Exploration Geophysics Vol. 46(4), December 2015, pp. 309–402

vanced electrical ysics instrumentation and software

Celebrating 20 years of science publishing

■ SOIL BIOLOGY ■ FERTILITY

T: 1300 788 000 E: publishing.sales@csiro.au

SPEAKER PROFILES

12:12 - 12:22

Martin Sullivan Principal Consultant, Eco Logical Australia Suite 28 & 29, Level 7, 19 Bolton ST, Newcastle, NSW, 2300 P: +61 4910 3405 M: +61 (0)413 351 359 E: martinsullivan@ecoaus.com.au W: www.ecoaus.com.au Principal Consultant and Botanist with a high level of technical expertise, responsible for leading large multidisciplinary teams to deliver nationally significant projects for key clients in oil and gas, coal mining, infrastructure and urban development sectors.

I'm motivated by delivering the best possible outcomes with no compromises. With each project I seek to understand the clients' unique challenges and objectives and use an innovative and robust scientific approach to solve problems and navigate complex regulatory requirements.

Responsive and timely project management is always at the centre of every project I undertake, with the highest standards applied to each deliverable, ensuring a quality result from start to finish.

Specialties include major project ecological impact assessment, biodiversity offsets, federal approvals, revegetation and landscape management, biodiversity monitoring, species and habitat modelling and vegetation mapping.

Generating biodiversity credits for ecological rehabilitation of previously mined land The NSW Biodiversity Offset Policy for Major Projects (the policy) commenced in October 2014. The policy provides a range of flexible options for proponents in lieu of providing biodiversity offsets, including ecological rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation of mines is seen by the industry as an important part of the overall biodiversity offset package for new mine approvals and modifications, and is expected by the community. Over the past five years, the targets for quality and success of rehabilitation have been steadily increasing. The policy sets the bar higher, requiring the rehabilitation of self-sustaining and recognisable plant community types.

There are two stages to rehabilitation in the policy which can deliver biodiversity credits: Stage 1 (upfront credits); and Stage 2 (further credits). Upfront credits can be generated to reduce offset liability of the project, whilst further credits can be generated once completion/relinquishment criteria have been met.

The challenge of delivering self-sustaining and recognisable plant community types on previously mined land requires a detailed understanding of ecological landscapes– climate, soils and geology, topography/drainage/ aspect, vegetation communities and habitat elements.

I will discuss the relevant criteria and requirements of the policy as well as identifying the advantages and opportunities in taking an ecological landscape approach to deliver successful rehabilitation outcomes.

28 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

SPEAKER PROFILES

12:22 - 12:32

Neil Griffiths Technical Specialist Pastures NSW Department of Primary Industries, Tocal Agricultural Centre PATERSON NSW 2341 P: +61 2 4939 8948 E: neil.griffiths@dpi.nsw.gov.au Neil Griffiths has been NSW Department of Primary Industries District Agronomist and Technical Specialist Pastures based in the Hunter Valley since 1985. Most of his work is particularly relevant to the dairy and beef industries and seeks to balance need for production and profit with environment and sustainability issues. While having a broad general knowledge of agronomy issues Neil has specialised in pasture management with emphasis on grazing management, forage conservation, soils and fertilisers and use of alternatives such as poultry litter. Other issues include pastures species adaptation, feed quality and irrigation management. Neil now leads the team working on the Upper Hunter mine grazing study.

Upper Hunter mine grazing study The primary objective of this study is to investigate the question “Can rehabilitated mine land sustainably support productive and profitable livestock grazing” which has been posed by the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue (UHMD). The project is being undertaken by NSW DPI with support from ACARP, DRE, Coal and Allied, BHP Billiton and numerous cattle producers who contribute to the project. Study sites are being monitored at Singleton and Muswellbrook. Each site comprises a rehabilitated mine site and an adjacent native pasture analogue site of the same area. The mine sites were rehabilitated at least 15 years ago, this has allowed the sown pasture to establish and stabilise. Pastures are monitored and cattle weighed seasonally. Cattle are angus steers introduced as weaners and grazed for 12 to 18 months before sale. Each site uses randomly allocated steers with common breeding and background. Pastures are a diverse mix of species. The rehabilitated mine land is dominated by the introduced tropical grass rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) with green panic (Megathyrus maximus) and kikuyu grass (Pennisetium clandestinum) also common.

The native pasture analogue sites are dominated by redgrass (Bothriochloa spp.), wiregrass (Aristida ramosa), Sporobolus sp. and Queensland bluegrass (Dichanthium sericeum. Soil fertility is similar on each paired study site. Steers are moved in a simple two or three paddock rotation after each weighing. Results to date show that steers grazing rehabilitated mine land have gained more weight than those on the native pasture analogue sites and botanical diversity across the sites has been maintained during the study with more than 70 species identified on the rehabilitated mine sites and more than 120 species identified on the native pasture analogue sites.

29 www.tomfarrellinstitute.org

SPEAKER PROFILES

1:57 - 2:07

Mariola Wróbel West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland Slowackiego 17, 71-434 Szczecin, Poland M: +48 (00) 606 922 955 E: mariola.wrobel@zut.edu.pl I am an assistant professor in Department of Botany and Nature Protection in Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture at West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin (Poland, Central Europe). My research and teaching interests include botany and phytosociology, agroecology, nature protection, biological reclamation of degraded lands and biology of energy plants. I received my PhD in environmental management and protection at Academy of Agriculture in Szczecin (2004) and postdoctoral degree in agroecology in the Institute of Technology and Life Sciences in Warsaw (2013). My recent work has focused on the role of energy plants in maintaining of local biodiversity in the agricultural landscape and biological reclamation of ash landfills. I am a member of the Polish Botanical Society, the Scientific Council of the Drawa National Park and the Regional Council of Nature Protection in Szczecin (West Pomerania).

Rehabilitation of Open-Cut Lignite Mines in Poland The Polish energy industry is based on its own coal and lignite reserves, which are part of some of the richest in Europe. The growing share of Renewable Energy Sources (11.4% in Poland, 2014) and the requirements of European and global policy concerning environmental protection, assume reductions of CO2 emissions and limitations in the use of fossil fuels. This does not change the fact that coal and lignite will continue to be strategic energy resources in Poland until 2050. In Poland, coal is obtained by means of underground mining and it’s the vast spoil tips which make up the landscape of industrial Silesia, a region in southwest Poland with the largest coal deposits, that are rehabilitated. Lignite from surface mines generates 35% of electricity in Poland and the Surface Mine in Bełchatów is the largest and the most modern mine in Poland among 5 operating ones; it is also one of the largest in Europe. It is situated in an agricultural, densely populated area with a well-developed road and municipal infrastructure. The effects of surface mining include vast hydrological and geomorphological changes, including the formation of a cone of depression, the lowering of groundwater level and, above all, the formation of an enormous external tip from excavated spoil. The postmining rehabilitation methods are aimed at reducing damage caused to the natural environment and restoring the usability of this area. In Poland, forest rehabilitation, which includes 60% of reclaimed land, is the most frequent, followed by approximately 20% of agricultural rehabilitation, about 10% water rehabilitation and remaining 10% of other types of rehabilitation, for instance, for recreational, sports and municipal purposes.

As surface resources of freshwater in Poland are very limited, transformation of former mining pits into water reservoirs is an important trend.

At power plants, locally mined lignite is burned on-site. The power plant in Bełchatów is the largest in Europe and it provides electricity at low cost. The enormous amount of silica-alumina ashes, which are stored wet in the form of pulp, is a major problem. After sedimentation and evaporation in settlers, it undergoes mechanical, chemical and biological reclamation.

30 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

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Niche provides expertise in environmental assessment and approvals, biodiversity and archaeological survey, assessment, monitoring and management. We offer a full range of ecological survey and monitoring services – including freshwater and marine ecology – supported by our in house GIS and remote sensing capabilities.

Our mine rehabilitation project experience includes: • BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – West Cliff Emplacement Area Annual Monitoring, 2010-present • Coal & Allied - Mt Thorley-Warkworth Operations and Hunter Valley Operations North: Rehabilitation monitoring, 2015-2016 • Wambo Coal – Annual Environmental Monitoring. Flora, fauna, riparian and subsidence

• Peabody - Wilpinjong Coal Mine: Biodiversity Management Plan.

Ecological management strategies, procedures, controls and monitoring for biodiversity offsets, regeneration and rehabilitation areas • LakeCoal – Mannering Colliery and Chain Valley Colliery Mining Operations Plan Review • LakeCoal – Catherine Hill Bay Mining Operations Plan incorporating mine closure • Centennial Airly – Landscape

Our highly skilled, multimanagement Plan • Wambo Coal – Landscape Function disciplinary team has proven Analysis. Monitoring of rehabilitation • Wild Quarries – East Quarry, Surface experience in the design, of overburden and riparian systems Water Management and Design implementation and management Coal – Aquatic and Riparian of robust mine site rehabilitation • Wambo For more information contact: Management and Monitoring Plan: and monitoring programs, North Wambo Creek Diversion Rhidian Harrington habitat recreation and restoration • Wambo Coal – Ecological Monitoring Director programs, BioBanking and Plan including development of 0488 224 999 offset assessments, site closure conceptual completion criteria and rharrington@niche-eh.com rehabilitation assessment and management derelict mine bat surveys.

• Coal and Allied – Warkworth Sands Recovery Plan and Woodland Restoration Manual

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SPEAKER PROFILES

2:07 - 2:17

Didik Triwibowo M. Env. Man, PT Adaro Indonesia Haul Road, Adaro KM 73 Wara, Tanta, Tabalong, South Kalimantan, INDONESIA 71571 P: +62 526 2021997 │ M: +62 (0)812 2600 7127 E: didik.triwibowo@adaro.com; didiktriwibowo08@gmail.com W: www.adaro.com Didik is Quality Health Safety Environment (QHSE) Compliance Manager of PT Adaro Indonesia, a major coal producer in Indonesia.

Prior to his current position, he worked as Chief Engineer Regional and Long Term Hydrology at PT Freeport Indonesia 2010-2012, a major copper and gold producer in the world.

One of his main roles within these two companies is dealing with managing significant environmental impacts of mine operation that is acid rock drainage (ARD) or acid mine drainage (AMD). Along with this task, he leads team working on post mine closure study and preparation i.e. pit lakes utilization study. He also leads environmental monitoring team of Adaro to ensure the result of environmental management programs such as water quality, reclamation and revegetation, biodiversity, hazardous waste, emission has been complied with government regulations.

In 2007, he received Australian Partnership Scholarship (APS) award from Australian Government to pursue master degree on Environmental Management from the University of Queensland, Australia and completed the study in 2008.

Managing Potential Acid Forming (PAF) Materials for successful mine reclamation and revegetation at coal mine of PT Adaro Indonesia Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is the major environmental threat of open pit coal mine operation as its adverse impact can last up to decades once AMD is generated from PAF materials. Successful AMD management is also determine the successful of mine reclamation and revegetation process. PT Adaro Indonesia, an open pit coal mining company in Indonesia, implement an integrated AMD management to encapsulate PAF overburden material that involving different roles within the company e.g. geology, mine planning, mine operation and environmental department.

Up to 2015, geochemical characterization (paste pH, % Sulphur, Net Acid Generation (NAG) and Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC)), has been conducted to 5,327 core drilling samples of overburden material from three pits of Wara, Paringin and Tutupan Pit. The result shows that Wara Pit has highest potency for AMD generation as it has highest portion of Potential Acid Forming (PAF) overburden material. Kinetic test and field observation also shown that Wara pit overburden material has low pH of leachate water (<4). It also has been observed at small area of Wara waste dump, that without proper encapsulation of PAF materials, the revegetation process will fail as the vegetation eventually dies caused by AMD generation.

32 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

2:25 - 2:35

SPEAKER PROFILES Cornelia Rumpel Director of Research, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) Campus AgroParisTech, bâtiment EGER, Thiverval-Grignon, France P: +33 1 30815479 E: cornelia.rumpel@grignon.inra.fr Cornelia received an award for research excellence from the French government. She is serving on the editorial board of five scientific journals. Cornelia has supervised 15 PhD students to successful completion of their work. She is engaged in national and international research projects and is actively taking part in national and international research project assessments. Cornelia has published more than 130 papers and given more than 30 invited presentations at national and international conferences. She participated in the Report on Status of the World Soil Resources, which was published in 2015 by the FAO.

Role of geogenic and pedogenic organic matter types in the functioning of rehabilitated soils after coal mining Accumulation of organic matter is one of the most important soil forming processes after mining. Assessment of the C storage potential of coal mine soils is often hindered by the presence of geogenic C, which makes it impossible to account for quantity and chemical composition of new plant derived soil organic matter.

Differentiation of organic matter types is important to (1) quantitatively determine C sequestration potential and for (2) apprehension of their implication into biogeochemical cycles in order to evaluate reclamation success. Differentiation of organic matter types may be achieved based on their isotopic composition and chemical structure, which differentiate coal from plant-derived organic matter. Contribution of coal-derived C may be quantified by radiocarbon analyses, as it does not show any 14C activity. Several studies showed good correspondence between coal content and structural properties of SOM of mine soils, allowing for use of less cost intensive methods based on infrared spectroscopy for quantitative assessment of different C types in mine soils. Despite its recalcitrant nature, carbon derived from coal was found to participate in C and N cycles of mine soils thereby most probably enhancing the reclamation success.

33 www.tomfarrellinstitute.org

SPEAKER PROFILES

2:35 - 2:45

Louise Pastro Principal Project Officer, Upper Hunter Strategic Assessment, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage P: +61 2 9995 6559 E. louise.pastro@environment.nsw.gov.au Louise is a Principal Project Officer at the Office of Environment and Heritage. In this role she has led the development of key policy initiatives for the Upper Hunter Strategic Assessment (UHSA), including the proposed impact management system and the cumulative impact assessment and risk assessments. Louise is also responsible for drafting the key UHSA documents including the Biodiversity Management Plan and Strategic Assessment Report.

Louise’s work on the UHSA is supported by an Honours degree in Environmental Science and a PhD which focused on the responses of Australian arid zone fauna to wildfire.

Key proposed policy initiatives as part of Upper Hunter Strategic Assessment This presentation will overview a number of key proposed policy initiatives that have been developed as part of the Upper Hunter Strategic Assessment (UHSA). The initiatives aim to protect the unique biodiversity of the Hunter region, while allowing the region to continue to benefit economically from the extraction of high quality coal resources.

A new management system based on the avoid, mitigate and offset policy framework has been developed, informed by a cumulative impact and risk assessment of potential impacts to threatened communities, populations and species. The management system is designed to protect species and communities that are most at risk. A new approach to mine site rehabilitation in the Hunter region will encourage high quality rehabilitation of mined sites and new mitigation guidelines have been developed which are tailored specifically for the Hunter region. An offsets fund for use by UHSA proponents is expected to provide further regional benefits, both economically and environmentally. Strategic offsetting areas have been identified which will aim to consolidate offsets in high quality habitats and key corridors within the Hunter region.

34 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

image courtesy of Valley Hydramulch and Revegetation

SPEAKER PROFILES

2:53 - 3:08

Wendy Timms Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices (ACSMP), School of Mining Engineering, UNSW Australia Kensington NSW 2052 P: +61 02 9557 9791 | M: +61 (0)404823331 E: w.timms@unsw.edu.au | W: www.acsmp.unsw.edu.au This research was completed by Alexandra Fegan with Dr Wendy Timms and Dr Simit Raval and the support of UNSW.

Dr Wendy Timms is a hydrogeologist and water engineer with 20 years of professional experience, mainly in Australia and Canada, on water and waste issues in mining and agriculture. She has experience across consulting engineering, government, research and education. She has been involved in mine water engineering projects at a number of coal mines in the Hunter Valley, and also for metal, potash and uranium mines. She is Director of Postgraduate Studies (Coursework) at the UNSW School of Mining Engineering, promoting high quality education that helps solve real world challenges, and is Vice President of the International Association of Hydrogeologists.

Scenarios for final mine voids in the Hunter Valley: backfill feasibility and water level-salinity conditions A review of available information on mine voids within the Hunter Valley indicated there are currently 30 final voids, with a combined footprint of 3,840 hectares (or 0.18% of the total region). Based on this review, mine void models (A to F) were designed to typify a range of realistic site conditions. Our evaluation found that backfill might be economically feasible only for void types B and E, with various assumptions including a strip ratio of 4:1 (waste:ore) and the number and type of earth moving equipment deployed. However, backfill of other void types was unlikely to be feasible. Numerical models (n=18) for water in open voids were then developed in Goldsim software. Results indicated water salinity at 500 years was fresh (n=6), brackish water (n=9), moderately saline (n=2), and seawater salinity (n=1), and thus with a range of beneficial uses for the water. Final voids that could be brackish or saline should be designed as groundwater sinks with negligible risk of overflow from void top. It is recommended to evaluate voids on a case by case basis, for future water storage, aquaculture, pumped hydro storage, and the possibility of wetlands managed for carbon sequestration.

36 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

4:17 - 4:27

SPEAKER PROFILES Greg Sullivan Director Policy, NSW Minerals Council P: +61 2 9274 1431 E: gsullivan@nswmining.com.au │ W: miningdialogue.com.au Greg Sullivan Following four years at Brisbane City Council, finishing as the Acting Divisional Manager for Families and Community Services, he held the position of Deputy Director General with the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water (later the Office of Environment and Heritage) in NSW and was Chief Environmental Regulator at the inception of the re-establishment of the independent NSW EPA.

After leaving the public sector in late 2011, Greg took on the role of Deputy CEO Australian Coal Association, following which he was appointed Interim CEO of the ACA Low Emissions Technology Ltd (ACALET).

Greg commenced his current role in October 2014 and has been responsible for leading the development of industry positions on planning, biodiversity and indigenous employment policy and legislation. His current portfolio includes Health and Safety and Community Engagement. Greg represents the mining industry on a range of boards, committees and working groups, including chairing the Steering Committee which oversees the Minerals Industry Agreement on Aboriginal Employment and Enterprise Development.

Greg holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and a Master of Laws postgraduate degree also from QUT. He also holds a Masters of Public Administration from Griffith University.

Rehabilitation initiatives within the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue Further details can be provided, however presentation would include: •

Brief overview of UHMD and its Land Management Working Group

•

Overview and update on current UHMD projects:

•

Rehabilitation principles, commitments and figures (updated to include 2014)

•

Study into beneficial reuse of mine voids, including feedback obtained at Voids Workshop in November 2015.

•

Grazing study (very brief update only as this has previously been presented at the conference).

•

Brief overview of new projects commencing in 2016:

•

Rehabilitation awareness and promotion project with DRE.

•

Sharing of biodiversity reference site information across mines / industry.

•

Welcome conference delegates to participate to join UHMD Land Management Working Group / UHMD stakeholder list.

37 www.tomfarrellinstitute.org

SPEAKER PROFILES

4:27 - 4:37

Jemma Purandare Senior Environmental Scientist, AECOM Australia, Level 8, 540 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006, P: +61 7 3553 4078, M:+61 (0)438 684 444, E: jemma.purandare@aecom.com │ W: www.aecom.com Jemma is a senior environmental scientist with over ten years of experience, based in AECOM’s Brisbane office. As a geomorphologist and sedimentologist, Jemma applied her coastal and catchment-based knowledge to mine rehabilitation four years ago, and now specialises in the management of sediment on rehabilitated mine sites.

Jemma’s experience in monitoring the geomorphological changes and sediment dynamics of disturbed and constructed landscapes has shown that on-ground monitoring has its limitations with respect to gathering the full picture of the state of the landscape. In partnership with Craig Lockhart’s team at Peabody, she began investigating the used of spatial imagery to identify sediment movement and geomorphological change, to which the presentation relates.

Craig Lockhart

Senior Manager Environment and Closure, Peabody Energy Australia 100 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, P: +61 7 3333 5678, M:+61 (0)488 051 485 E: clockhart@peabodyenergy.com │ W: www.peabodyenergy.com Craig is a Senior Manager of Environment and Closure working for Peabody Energy Australia. With over fifteen years of experience in the industry, Craig has extensive knowledge of the design and implementation of rehabilitation monitoring programs and mine closure planning and is now responsible for managing Peabody Energy Australia’s mine closure and rehabilitation. Acknowledging the need for a cost effective and scientifically sound rehabilitation monitoring program, Peabody established a Queensland group wide rehabilitation monitoring program to measure the success of Peabody’s rehabilitation. In partnership with Jemma Purandare and the AECOM team, Craig and the Peabody team set about using LiDAR imagery to measure the rehabilitation success.

The applicability of LiDAR Technology to Mine Rehabilitation – a Case Study in Queensland It is common practice for mine sites to use LiDAR - remote sensing using laser light refraction to measure distance between the device and the ground - during the mine planning process. LiDAR provides data as a series of spot heights which can be converted into digital elevation models (DEM) commonly used by the industry to provide an understanding of the mine pit topography, pit wall and slope length and pitch, and inform waste rock placement and dump design.

However, LiDAR can also be analysed for the purposes of determining landform stability, erosion severity, surface water drainage, and geomorphological evolution of rehabilitated landforms.

This paper explores the contribution that LiDAR provides to the overall mine rehabilitation and landform analysis, and the potential for several years of LiDAR data to be analysed to assess the rehabilitations success and inform maintenance and management decisions. Using the example of Peabody Energy’s Coppabella Mine in central Queensland, the paper discusses the methodologies employed during the project to determine current land stability features, and the analysis of historical LiDAR to determine the geomorphological evolution of the landscape. The outputs of the data are discussed, determining the suitability of LiDAR as a process for managing and informing decisions related to rehabilitation management and the limitations of the technology.

38 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

4:37 - 4:47

SPEAKER PROFILES Greg Hancock School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle Geology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia P: +61 24921 5090 E: greg.hancock@newcastle.edu.au Research Expertise 1. Mine and disturbed landscape rehabilitation 2. Applied and theoretical geomorphology 3. Environmental modelling

Rebuilding topography – how can landscape evolution models help Greg Hancock1 and Garry Willgoose2 School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308 School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308

Erosional stability is key for successful post-mining rehabilitation. Without stability excess erosion will remove topsoil and vital nutrients while gullies can remove large volumes of material and cause slope instability. In recent years, post-mining landscapes have become increasingly large as technology allows greater and more efficient resource extraction. Therefore, advanced methods for assessing long-term stability are required.

Computer based Landform evolution models (LEMs) are a practical tool for assessing the erosional behaviour of landforms. The advantage of LEMs are that they calculate both erosion and deposition and allow a landscape to evolve through time, something other more traditional approaches cannot provide. When calibrated for the site, LEMs can provide insights into the type of erosion (sheetwash and or gullying) as well as erosion rate. Modelling the evolution of the landform draws out features of the erosion process that cannot be demonstrated by traditional approaches. They can be run for various time intervals from years to millennia depending on site needs.

In recent years there have been new model advances where different surface materials that exist across a site can be input to the model together with weathering and surface armouring processes if known. The most advanced models have the ability to predict pedogenesis, or the evolution of the newly emplaced material as it becomes soil. A further development is that climate risk can be assessed using different likely rainfall scenarios. This is vitally important for sites where containment of suboptimal materials is critical (such as uranium mines).

These models have been employed across a range of post-mining landscapes both here and overseas and have provided insights into landform behaviour. The information provided by LEMs allows any landscape design to be then adjusted and optimised to enhance erosional stability. Here we will provide background to this technology and demonstrate the capabilities of these models using a range of case studies.

39 www.tomfarrellinstitute.org

40 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

POSTER PRESENTER Angus M Robinson GSA Geotourism Standing Committee c/- 10 William Street Turramurra NSW 2074 P: +61 (0) 29144 5636 │ M: +61 (0)418 488 340 E: angus@leisuresolutions.com.au W: http://gsa.org.au/heritage/Geotourism.html Angus is an exploration geologist by profession. After the past 20 years working in technology and industry development executive roles, and as the former CEO of a manufacturing industry association, he is now working in geotourism industry development as Chair of the Geotourism Standing Committee of the Geological Society of Australia.

Proposed Hunter Valley National Mining Park – A vision beyond mine site rehabilitation Angus M Robinson, Dr Young Ng, Geoff Sharrock

It is proposed that the largest national mining park in the world be established – a fitting celebration of the significant role that mining has played for Australia’s development – first undertaken by Europeans with coal mining in Australia commencing near Nobbys Head in Newcastle in the 1790s.

Created and promoted by the NSW State Government, this iconic ‘park’ could embrace the region including mining and mining purposes lands from the Port of Newcastle and the Lower Hunter, Cessnock through to the Upper Hunter, and be nurtured within a regional, collaborative, multi-land use strategy which will provide for specified development within rehabilitated mined areas with the following uses: •

native flora and fauna habitat conservation – all connected through existing and proposed corridors;

•

‘soft adventure’ recreation;

•

coal mining heritage sites, geosites and geotrails;

•

areas set aside for renewable energy generation (solar arrays, wind farms, biomass production) and embracing light industrial sites for industry services and ‘value adding’ manufacturing;

•

innovative, ‘value add’ manufacturing; and

•

engagement with the six strategic hubs of the Strategic Aboriginal Culture and Enterprise Scheme.

As one key outcome, it is proposed that the strategy delivers a geotourism destination of global significance which would incorporate as well the outstanding wine tourism and other natural heritage attributes of the Hunter Valley.

41 www.tomfarrellinstitute.org

POSTER PRESENTER Will Mitry Inspector Environment, DRE 28 Third Ave Port Kembla 2505 P: +61 4222 8326 ǀ M:+61 (0)428770312 E: will.mitry@industry.nsw.gov.au * Will Mitry currently works for The Department of Trade and Investment however the Department was not involved in the research presented in this paper

As an Inspector Environment with DRE, Will's role is focused on regulating rehabilitation of mine sites. It has been in this position that the aspects of his Grandfathers longstem tubestock innovation have been seen in a new light. The longstem tubestock techniques, developed in the Hunter Valley, have been used to remediate river banks for over 20 years with the techniques success being replicated around the world. The success achieved in river remediation can also be achieved in mine site rehabilitation.

Will’s aim is to share the knowledge of these innovative remediation techniques with the mining industry with the hope that trials are undertaken within the mining environment to prove its value within the mining industry.

Longstem tubestock Traditional tubestock planted in the top 30cm of the soil profile have been used widely in mine site rehabilitation. The success rate for traditional tubestock is often low due to a number of factors such as: • Plant shock when planted into hostile environment, • Desiccation of soil profile and plant root ball, • Weed competition, • Grazing by animals An innovation called longstem tubestock has been developed, trialled, tested and has proven highly successful in river bank revegetation. This paper aim to introduce the use of longstem tubestock into rehabilitation of mine sites.

The use of longstem tubestock in river banks has proven extremely successful in rehabilitating these environments where traditional tubestock had failed. The success of longstem tubestock has been attributed to a number of factors: •

High survival rate »» root structure below the soil surface layer prone to desiccation and freezing »» root system below the area of weed competition • Stabilisation of rehabilitated water courses and slopes »» Deep planted trees creates extensive root network which helps to stabilise stream banks and slopes.

• Success of tubestock in hostile environments »» re-vegetation success achieved in of areas subject to high salinity Longstem tubestock is an innovative remediation technique that could be used in the mining industry to improve the success of rehabilitation.

42 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

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POSTER PRESENTER Longbin Huang The University of Queensland Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia P: +61 33463130 M:+61 (0)428 518 998 E: l.huang@uq.edu.au Associate Professor Longbin Huang is a Program Leader (Ecological Engineering of Soil-Plant Systems in Mined Land) in Environment Centers, Sustainable Minerals Institute, UQ. He has more than 20 years of research experience in the area of plant mineral nutrition, environmental physiology and soil-plant relations in farming and plantation systems. Since 2008, Longbin’s research has focused on new technology for low-cost and sustainable rehabilitation of metal mine tailings. He has established a new research area on engineered pedogenesis and ecological engineering of soil-plant systems. He has led many large projects funded by mining companies, to provide technological solutions for rehabilitating redmud, acidic waste rocks, and Cu-Pb-Zn tailings in Australia and China.

Engineered pedogenesis for long-term hydro-geochemical stability in sulfidic tailings landscape and sustainable closure Rehabilitation of sulfidic tailings landscapes with native and/or exotic plant communities is one of the major challenges in the closure of non-ferrous metal mines in many parts of the world. Despite vegetation cover may be established in root zones installed above the engineered capillary break (over tailings profile) within the conventional cover design model, successful closure of tailings landscapes have often been faulted by the presence of long-term drainages containing acidity/alkalinity and high levels of soluble salts (e.g. sulfates) and metals and metalloids, which are resulted from geochemical reactions of sulfidic minerals in the tailings.

The present paper proposes a new paradigm of tailings closure by means of engineered pedogenesis which is purposely initiated and stimulated by mineralogical alterations, autotrophic oriented geomicrobiological activities and associated mineral weathering, towards the goals of functional technosols and/or hydrogeochemically stable hardpans. On this basis, a new model of engineered pedogenesis has been proposed to illustrate the pathways of bio weathering of sulfidic minerals, aggregation/ cementation, and evolution of heterotrophic microbial communities, towards the final goal of functional technosols in the tailings landscape.

The substantially stimulated weathering of sulfidic minerals in the amended tailings under frequent and cyclic wetting-drying cycles shifts pollutant (e.g. sulfates, metals and metalloids) loading into wastewater within a short-term (e.g. years) which can be cost-effectively managed/treated on site, preventing longer-term geochemical reactivity in tailings sitting below the engineered capillary break layer and perpetual wastewater management after decommissioning. The trajectories of engineered pedogensis in sulfidic tailings can be manipulated by taking into accounts of local climatic conditions and ecophysiological attributes of plant species/communities to be rehabilitated.

44 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

POSTER PRESENTER Talia Wei Xien Schlen 35 Rosamond Street, Balaclava VIC 3183 M: +61 (0)404038755 E: taliaschlen@gmail.com W: +61 (03) 94197055 Professor Graciela Metternicht and Dr. Simit Raval of UNSW Australia are involved in supervising this ongoing research.

Talia is a recent graduate of UNSW, completing her Masters of Environmental Management early 2016. Now her interests lie with industry and land rehabilitation practices, namely ecological assessments. She currently resides in Victoria, but frequently makes trips up to NSW for camping and for her day job.

Conceptual framework for an ecological assessment of Jamieson Valley – a historical coal mining area of NSW Currently there is no broad consensus as to how to measure the state or nature of mine rehabilitation. Practice varies, ranging from measuring components of ecosystem structure to measuring both ecosystems structure and function. Defining ecological indicators of successful rehabilitation has excellent potential for the accurate representation of current ecosystems and functions. Multiple studies have described the short to medium term response (0-50 years) of organisms to post mining disturbance regeneration. However there is a paucity of studies that examine flora and faunal responses over longer time scales. Understanding long term impacts is critical to the overall success of any rehabilitated site. The former coal mining region of the Jamieson Valley in NSW, Australia, offers an excellent opportunity to evaluate and examine the long term response of the local organisms to natural regeneration following coal mining activity. Through a literature review of rehabilitation practices, this study aims to create a conceptual framework for an ecological assessment of the Jamieson Valley, which was disturbed by mining practices 130 years ago. The study highlights the importance of effective ecological indicators, gaps in current literature and it provides guidance on their suitability to assess natural regeneration of the site over a long-time scale.

45 www.tomfarrellinstitute.org

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Mining Engineering

Get the edge, improve your prospects Find out more at mining.unsw.edu.au 46E mining@unsw.edu.au T 61 2 9385 5006 MiningEngineeringUNSW 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

POSTER PRESENTER Chloe Christensen Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, University of Newcastle M: +61 (0) 466 837 230 E: Chloe.Christensen@uon.edu.au Chloe is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Environmental Management degree program at the University of Newcastle and is a volunteer at Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment.

Quantification of final void parameters in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Gloucester coalfields of NSW. Readily available and comparable data on voids is necessary for informed and productive discussions on postmining land use in the Hunter. In 1999 it was estimated that the voids of the Hunter Valley would contribute to a 1272 hectares of pit lakes (Hancock, Wright, & De Silva, 2004).

A desktop study undertaken by the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment in 2015, using public domain sources, has attempted to quantify data on the number, distribution, location, characteristics and size of final voids in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Gloucester NSW. We will present data on 21 operating open cut coal mines throughout the region Reading the final void management plans that were made available from each mine, eight (8) of these plans actually provided dimensions and a surface area of the final voids that would remain in the landscape upon cessation of mining. Three (3) operation’s final void sizes were gleaned from media reports. We have been unable to find quantification of final void sizes for 10 mining operations. We present data as we have it.

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POSTER PRESENTER Hasintha Wijesekara PhD Scholar, University of Newcastle GCER, ATC Building, Callaghan campus, Newcastle – 2308, NSW, Australia P: +61 2 49138750 │ M:+61 (0) 426169192 E: ssrmdonhasintha.wijesekara@uon.edu.au Hasintha obtained B.Sc degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management and M.Phil in Environmental Science from University of Sabaragamuwa and University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, respectively. He worked as a Research Assistant to the Chemical and Environmental Systems Modelling Laboratory, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy. In 2014, he received the prestigious International Presidential Scholarship (IPS) to pursue his PhD at the University of South Australia, Adelaide. Currently, he is a PhD scholar at the Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Australia. His PhD thesis title is “Biogeochemical mechanisms of biosolids application on carbon sequestration in soils”.

The land application of biosolids on soil carbon sequestration in mined lands: A metaanalysis Mining transforms productive land into infertile mined landmasses thereby causing severe environmental disturbances. In mined lands, low level of soil organic carbon (SOC) is a commonly identified poor soil characteristics. However, soil C sequestration (SCS) through land rehabilitation approaches is a rewarding opportunity. Land application of biosolids has been identified as one of the strategies towards SCS as biosolids comprises high amount of organic matter (50-70 %). Most studies on the use of biosolids in mined lands for SCS focussed on direct exogenous addition of C to soils and microbial derived C (indirect C enhancement) in soils. Nevertheless, the reported experimental outcomes are variable and dependent on different factors such as experimental methods, climatic regions, and soil and biosolids properties. Most of the studies (short and long terms) showed relatively low (<7 %) increment of SOC in biosolids applied mined soils. Therefore, the SCS as a result of biosolids application is an evolving discipline which needs detailed statistical analysis of the results from existing studies. Hence, this article will analyse the fundamental mechanisms and factors (i.e., soil types, influence of climatic conditions, stabilization and co-composting of biosolids, land management practice) that influences long term SCS in mined soils, using ‘Meta-analysis’ of literature data.

48 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

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CRC CARE Headquarters ATC Building University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia

Contact us P: +61 2 4985 4941 E: admin@crccare.com

POSTER PRESENTER Colin Randall Executive Chairman, Avenir Makatea Pty Ltd PO Box 683, Newcastle , NSW 2300 M:+61 (0) 408969424 E: colin@colinrandall.com.au W: www.avenirmakatea.com Colin is a graduate mining engineer with over 50 years of experience coal industry. He has held the position of mine manager, project manager, consultant mining engineer, General Manager, and Managing Director of underground and open cut coal mining and coal exploration companies in both NSW and Queensland. Since his retirement from the coal industry in August 2015 he has taken on the full time role of Executive Chairman of his company Avenir Makatea Pty Ltd. The wholly owned French Polynesian subsidiary, Avenir Makatea SAS, has an exploration permit for phosphate on the island of Makatea, 240km north of Tahiti.

Rehabilitation of hell in paradise Avenir Makatea Pty Ltd is developing an innovative mining methodology to economically extract remnant phosphate resources as a methodology for rehabilitation of the abandoned mine on Makatea Island in French Polynesia.

The island presents a complete confluence of topographical, environmental, social and logistical research and development challenges.

Makatea is remote, 240km north of Tahiti.

An elevated island with 70m cliffs, 4km by 6km, and with interconnected fresh water filled caves/grottoes under the island.

A chaotic karst environment with an estimated over 1 million holes ranging in depth from 1m to 75m and between 1-5m in diameter, which resulted from a legacy of historic mining that concluded in 1966.

Over a period of 60 years 11 million tonnes of phosphate sands, dug by hand, was exported to Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

With mine closure 3500 people lost their livelihood. The Makatea diaspora resulted. 60 people live on the island today. While many land owners want to return to Makatea approximately 1/3rd of the island is completely unsafe and unusable.

We seek to demonstrate to the government and people of French Polynesia, the environmental, social and economic benefits of remediating the previously mined area as part of the new mining process.

50 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

POSTER PRESENTER Danielle Lloyd-Prichard Research Officer, The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, University of Newcastle, IDC Building, University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308 P: +61 2 4921 5700 | M: +61 (0)407 603 730 E: Danielle.Lloyd-Prichard@newcastle.edu.au Danielle Lloyd-Prichard has over 20 years’ experience in the areas of education, science communication, and environmental research and management. Since 2011 she has coordinated community engagement programs at the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, most notably the secondary schools’ electric vehicle competition (EV Prize) as part of the Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival. In 2014 and 2015 she received several environmental research grants that have enabled her to combine a passion for beekeeping with biodiversity monitoring research. Her current project is using pollen from bee hives as an indicator of plant diversity, and pollinator forage species, within revegetated and natural bushland areas of Glencore’s Ravensworth Open Cut mine in the Hunter Valley.

Honey bees: the new canaries for monitoring of mined-land rehabilitation.

Bees provide essential pollination services for almost all terrestrial ecosystems including agricultural crops.

They enable flowering plants to set seeds and fruits, therefore maintaining the diversity and functionality of ecosystems. Honey bees are wide-spread pollinators in Australia. They are generalist foragers collecting nectar and pollen from a wide range of flower species within a several kilometre radius from their hive. Honey bees and their products can be used to sample water, soil, plants and the atmosphere within their foraging area. Analysis of pollen in honey and propolis offers an efficient method for identifying the floral nectar and pollen sources of bees and the vegetation in a geographical area around the hive. It can also allow for the survey of the presence of species relevant to conservation or control.

This project involved the placement of honey bee and native stingless bee hives on natural bushland and revegetation areas at Glencore’s Ravensworth Open Cut coal mine in the Hunter Valley over the Spring 2015 and Summer 2016 period. Remote hive scale technology allowed for continuous monitoring of the bees’ productivity, and seasonal samples of honey and propolis identified the pollen assemblages of both sites.

Employing honey bees on mine rehabilitation sites offers an innovative and efficient mechanism for biodiversity monitoring. It is an exciting area for future study and application in Australia with guaranteed sweet rewards.

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POSTER PRESENTER Emily Hebbard, Sasha Wilson, Simon Jowitt, Alastair Tait, Connor Turvey, Harriet Wilson Honours Student, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3800 E: emily.hebbard@monash.edu

I recently completed an Honours degree in science at Monash University, with a double major in geosciences. The work I present here is based on the findings from my Honours project, which focused on the environmental geochemistry, contamination potential and potential rehabilitation options for the Ottery mine site.

Efflorescences and arsenic processing residues at the Ottery As-Sn Mine, New South Wales, Australia: Implications for arsenic mobility and remediation of contaminated processing sites Arsenic is a carcinogen that can be released from rocks by natural and anthropogenic processes, but severe As pollution is commonly associated with derelict mines. Buildings at As processing sites are not typically considered a source of contamination, although processing of arsenopyrite-bearing ores can generate As-rich residues that can contaminate soils and waterways. This study used XRD, pXRF and SEM to analyse the mineralogy, geochemistry and microstructure of As-rich efflorescences on the old processing buildings at the Ottery As-Sn mine, NSW, Australia. Old processing residues on sheltered columns contain arsenolite (As2O3), gypsum and Ca-arsenate minerals and up to 76.48 wt.% As. Conversely, efflorescences on weathered columns contain gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), quartz (SiO2), an unidentified K-Al-As phase and 0.96–5.13 wt.% As. Previous sampling indicates that efflorescences on weathered columns regrow within 12 months. SEM imaging reveals that As-bearing minerals occur as (1) surface crusts, (2) 1–20 μm crystals inside the gypsum efflorescences and (3) within brick pore spaces, meaning that new As-rich efflorescences are generated each year. The soluble nature of the efflorescences means that although the most vulnerable mineral, arsenolite, is currently shielded, conditions could change rapidly and Ottery should be rehabilitated to prevent further arsenic release.

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POSTER PRESENTER Penny Dunstan PhD Candidate Fine Art, University of Newcastle, Earth Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia M: +61 (0)427 772321 E: penelope.dunstan@uon.edu.au W: pennydunstan.com Penny Dunstan is a PhD student in Fine Art at the University of Newcastle, studying environmental cross sections through mining rehabilitation areas. Penny has a background in agriculture and viticulture, with specialisations in soils management and plant physiology. She also has a background in Fine Art with specialisations in cross disciplinary drawing and digital/analogue photographic hybrids. Website: pennydunstan.com Email: penelope.dunstan@uon.edu.au Greg Hancock is an Associate Professor, Earth Science at the University of Newcastle, specialising in mine and disturbed landscape rehabilitation, applied and theoretical geomorphology and environmental modelling.

His current research is with the Ranger Uranium rehabilitation project. Email: greg.hancock@newcastle.edu.au

The rehabilitation process re-examined.

Penny Dunstan (PhD candidate) and Greg Hancock (Associate Professor Earth Science) University of Newcastle, NSW.

We are told by mining documents that open cut coal mining is a temporary land use for 50 years, but is this true? Certainly the mines will eventually leave but will the legacy of mining be a land that is similar to what was previously there, and will land use be similar?

Rehabilitation is the creation of a new land. It is a new beginning, a totally human manufactured landscape.

We don’t know how stable or how diverse it will be as a living system. In fact, the authors suggest that rehabilitation is not the appropriate word to describe what is actually occurring. It’s a lot more interesting and complex than that. As humans, we are designing a landscape to last until the next ice age. It may appropriate natural land form, it may reference previous vegetation and associated animals but it will be a new creation.

This PhD (Fine Art) study examines some of the assumptions about the act of rehabilitating land using soil pits, photography and drawing to document the beginning of the trajectory of re-establishment at Rix’s Creek mine in Singleton NSW.

54 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

The Hunter Coal Environment Group (HCEG) is a networking group of environmental professionals which promotes: - Excellence in environmental management - Exchange of technical knowledge and practices - Achievements of successful environmental management HCEG hosts quarterly forums that cover a broad range of environmental management issues, including water, dust, blasting, noise, and rehabilitation.

Current membership comprises representatives from Hunter Region coal mines, consultant companies, universities and relevant government agencies.

More Information is available at: www.hceg.com.au Any Questions? mail@hceg.com.au

POSTER PRESENTER Ramkrishna Nirola Student, Future Industries Institute Mawson Lakes Campus, University of South Australia, 5095 SA P: +61 883025170, M: +61 (0)412720166 E: ramkrishna.nirola@mymail.unisa.edu.au Ph.D in Environmental Science (January 2013 to current). Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095. M.Sc (Ecology and Environment), (July 2001- July 2004) Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. B.Sc (Botany Honours), (March 1998-May 2001)Department of Botany, St Joseph’s College, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling India.

Awards and achievements:•

Best Student oral presentation award, Challenges in Environment Science and Engineering (CESE 2015), 28th September to 2nd October- Sydney, Australia

•

University of South Australia, Australian Post Graduate Award and scholarship 2013.

•

Highest GPA in Supervision and Administration, Kathmandu Siksha Campus, TU Nepal, 2007.

•

Cornell Nepal Study Program, Cornell University USA, an award of Nrs 10,000 for the Best Thesis 2004

•

International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN-Nepal), an award of Nrs 40,000 for the best project proposal for research and research grant in 2003.

•

Gold medal in Botany(Honours) from St. Josephs College, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, India.

Assessment of metal toxicity and bioavailability in metallophyte leaf litters and metalliferous soils to Eisenia fetida The leaf litter of two tree species, Acacia pycnantha (Ap) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Ec), predominantly growing at an abandoned copper (Cu) mine, and two mine soils, one collected away from the mine site (mine soil A) and the other at the vicinity of the mine (mine soil B) were assessed for metal toxicity and bioavailability using an earthworm, Eiseniafetida, in a microcosm. Significant reduction in body weight as well as survival were observed when the worms were introduced into mine soil A alone and only mine soil B or its combination with mine Ap litter. Virtually, there were no juveniles when the worms were fed on the substratum that contained a mine soil or mine leaf litter. The extent of bioaccumulation was dependent on water-soluble fraction of a metal. The accumulation of cadmium, lead and Cu, but not zinc, in worm tissue was significantly more in treatments that received mine soil without or with mine leaf litter. Mine leaf litter from Ec, a known Cu hyperaccumulator, was more hospitable to earthworm survival and juvenile than that of Ap. Validation of the data on bioaccumulation of heavy metals indicated that the mine leaf litter significantly contributed to metal bioavailability; however, primarily it was the metal concentration in mine soil primarily responsible for earthworm toxicity and bioavailability. To our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates the bioavailability of metals in metalliferous soil and metallophyte leaf letter to the earthworm. This study has great implications to the food chain due to potential metal transfer via earthworms.

56 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

POSTER PRESENTER Robert Scanlon University of Newcastle Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308 M: +61 0403152460 E: robert.scanlon@uon.edu.au A casual research assistant at the University of Newcastle, Robert recently completed a Science Degree graduating with Honours Class 1. He has a keen interest in the restoration of degraded lands to native vegetation and has so far spent his career working on the restoration of open cut coal mines in the Hunter Valley.

Does soil treatment matter when restoring a native plant community?

A lack of quality topsoil has led to the use of various different products as soil replacements and ameliorants on mined land in the Hunter Valley, NSW. To assist in the selection of ideal ameliorants for the growth of native vegetation and the restoration of Endangered Ecological Communities (EEC) we have performed an experiment on the Ravensworth Open Cut Coal Mine rehabilitation area. We examined the effects of combinations of Subsoil, Mulch and Organic Growth Medium (OGM) over a Spoil base on the establishment of a diverse species seed mix. Our data indicates that the plant communities created with the treatments are significantly different from the desired EEC, likely due to the presence of exotic species. Species diversity and cover data suggest that treatments with OGM allow for the increase in exotic species, however, OGM also promotes a large increase to the cover of native species. The use of both Subsoil and Mulch can be seen as having a positive impact on producing a native plant community through improved diversity of native species.

Nevertheless, do the benefits of OGM on native species outweigh the negative impacts of exotic species or can these be managed?

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POSTER PRESENTER Yilu Xu PhD Candidate, University of South Australia X building, Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, 5095, Adelaide SA, Australia P: +61 8 83026234 M: +61 (0)437 511 480 E: yilu.xu@mymail.unisa.edu.au Yilu is a Ph. D. candidate in environmental science at the University of South Australia. She completed her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) at Hangzhou Normal University and Master of Science (M.S.) in East China Normal University. She worked as a Research Assistance at China Agriculture Department and gained experience in soil and plant analysis. As part of her PhD research work she is working on microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) in relation with soil carbon sequestration.

The microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) in heavy contaminated soil Soil contains the largest carbon (C) pool (4000 Pg carbon, to 3-m depth) in the terrestrial ecosystem (Lal, 2013). Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration can benefit both greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and soil fertility improvement. One practical management strategy to enhance soil carbon sink is based on increasing C input while reducing C output especially as CO2 by soil microbiota (i.e., microbial respiration). Microbial metabolism of soil organic matter (SOM) is a significant C destabilisation process.

Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) is an essential component of soil organic carbon (SOC) and microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) is an important parameter which control the release of CO2 through microbial respiration.

Microbial activity and CUE are sensitive to the abiotic and biotic stresses including heavy metal toxicity (Moreno et al., 2009).

In the research, a non-contaminated soil was spiked with Cd (25 and 50 mg kg-1 soil) and Pb (2500 and 5000 mg kg-1 soil) and incubated over a period of 7 weeks. The incubated soils were sampled at 7 and 49 days after spiking and various microbial parameters (microbial respiration, MBC and microbial community composition, and soil chemical properties (pH, CEC, EC, TOC/N, and bioavailable fraction of metals) were measured.

(Microbial CUE were calculated as E = ΔMBC/( ΔMBC + ƩCO2-C), where ΔMBC is the change of microbial biomass carbon; ƩCO2-C is the cumulative C lost during respiration.

The results indicated heavy metal stress decreased microbial activity and community size, finally resulting low carbon use efficiency.

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POSTER PRESENTER Yubo Yan PhD student, University of Newcastle, Nanjing Uni. Sci. & Technol.

ATC Building, Callaghan campus Newcastle – 2284 NSW, Australia T: +61 (0)474801063 E: ybyan@outlook.com Yubo is a direct PhD student of Nanjing University of Science and Technology, and is currently a visiting PhD student of University of Newcastle awarded by China Scholarship Council (CSC). His research interests revolve around the recycle of industrial solid wastes, such as developing various alkaline residue based absorbents for phosphate removal from aqueous solution, reusing phosphorus loaded alkaline residue for immobilization of Pb in shooting range soil, preparing hydroxyapatite from FGD gypsum for immobilization of Pb and Cd in water and soil, etc. He has published 6 SCI and 1 EI papers as first author, and was awarded the National Scholarship for Distinguished Doctorates of China.

Immobilization of Pb and Cd in water and soil using hydroxyapatite derived from FGD gypsum Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, a common waste generated from coal-fired power plants, was successfully transformed to hydroxyapatite (FGD-HAP) by hydrothermal synthetic method. The obtained FGD-HAP was characterized, and a series of batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorption behaviours of FGD-HAP toward Pb(II) and Cd(II). The kinetic analysis displayed that adsorption of both metals followed the pseudo-second order model well, and FGD-HAP provided a higher absorption rate for Pb(II) compared to Cd(II). Equilibrium studies showed that the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) could be adequately described by Langmuir isotherms model, and the predicted maximum adsorption capacities were even greater than some specially prepared absorbents, such as amino functionalized silica nano-hollow sphere.

The thermodynamic investigation revealed that immobilization of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in aqueous medium was a spontaneous endothermic process.

FGD-HAP was also compared with FGD gypsum on their abilities to immobilize Pb and Cd in a spiked soil. All experimental results showed that FGD-HAP was more effective in immobilizing Pb and Cd than FGD gypsum.

After 45 days of incubation at 5.0% FGD-HAP, the contaminated soil showed 95.6% and 75.0% reductions in 0.01M CaCl2 extractable Pb and Cd concentrations, respectively. The decrease in extractable metal concentration of soil was accompanied by improved enzymatic activity which significantly increased in 5.0% FGD-HAP amended soil.

These results suggested that the hydroxyapatite derived from FGD gypsum had a great potential as a low-cost material for immobilization of Pb and Cd in both water and soil environment.

60 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

POSTER PRESENTER Julia Serjeantson Mining Engineering Graduate, University of New South Wales UNSW Australia, High Street, Kensington, NSW, 2052 M: +61 434 641 450 E: j_sgtson@hotmail.com This research was completed under supervision of Dr Simit Raval and Mascha Blommerde of UNSW Australia.

Julia Serjeantson is a recent Mining Engineering graduate from the University of New South Wales. Her final year undergraduate thesis research project was focused on the mine closure financial security systems. Julia is currently undertaking a graduate program in Western Australia.

A review of the mine closure financial securities The mine closure financial security system is often found insufficient in ensuring the ultimate rehabilitation goal of many mine sites to make them environmentally safe and stable. When mining companies abandon a mine site rather than relinquishing it, a large financial liability is placed on the government.

The important completion criteria across different states and territories in Australia are reviewed in this study.

Some examples from North America are cited for comparison. A hypothetical mine scenario was then developed and the financial securities for this scenario were calculated. This analysis enabled to quantify differences between the states in Australia. It was found that the system in place in the Northern Territory estimated the largest financial security, as well as provided a means of funding derelict mines within the region by utilising a combination of a financial assurance system and a mining rehabilitation fund. A discount system based on past environmental performance instituted in Queensland might prove a good incentive for mining companies to adopt leading practice rehabilitation.

62 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

POSTER PRESENTER Jason Fischel PhD Student , University of Delaware Newark, DE, USA, 19716 E: fischelj@udel.edu Jason Fischel is pursuing his doctoral degree at the University of Delaware in environmental soil chemistry. His research focuses on understanding the cycling of chromium in natural systems along with manganese oxide mineralogy and reactivity. Jason completed his undergraduate studies at Juniata College in environmental science and graduated magna cum laude. His graduate research has been supported through the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Fate, transport, and cycling of hexavalent chromium in the soil environment In order to understand the long-term bioavailability of inorganic pollutants such as chromium(Cr) it is essential to quantify their cycling, stability, and absorption state. Nontoxic Cr(III) is the preferred species in the environment; however, manganese(IV) oxides and industrial activity can transform non-toxic Cr(III) into carcinogenic Cr(VI). Manganese oxides can also help immobilize chromium as surface precipitates, resulting in surface passivation of the Mn oxides and a reduction in redox capacity. This process has profound implications to prevent the formation of chromate [Cr(VI)], sequester free chromium, and minimize the risk of environmental contamination. Despite the significance of Cr in the environment, there is currently a very limited understanding of these reactions. Our research seeks to address these deficiencies by elucidating the mechanisms of chromium oxidation on manganese surfaces. Additional studies focused on Cr(VI) desorption from contaminated soils. Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) was used to differentiate chromium phases and understand their long term environmental stability.

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POSTER PRESENTER Peter Stevens PO Box 3437 Merewether 2291 M: +61 (0)431 333 337 E: kamayforum@gmail.com

An Asymmetric Microrelief System (AMS) for Mined Land Microrelief can be used to capture rain in situ and foster biologically active soil formation. Landscape hydration patterns are found in the natural landscape mosaic from a micro to macro scale. These patterns provide the basis for landscape recovery through biological means, in sequence, with the retention of available moisture and biota, and for a one-off inexpensive treatment requiring little more than a standard backhoe. The approach uses a standardised asymmetric microrelief form within a readily adapted system scaled according to soil character, rainfall intensity and slope. Results from a case study undertaken over twenty years have demonstrated that a scalable AMS can be designed and implemented to secure soil and water and biota in highly modified landscapes using inexpensive tools and resources to dissipate rainfall energy, reduce loss of water, sediment and nutrient by > 90%, and secure > 60% of peak stormflows with a commitment < 8% of the total land area. Microrelief is the major factor controlling stormflow and ecosystem functions, including soil formation. There is the opportunity to take a new approach to land use planning and ecologically sustainable development (ESD) based on the fluid patterns of exaggerated microrelief found in the naturally hydrated landscape mosaic. The likely benefits, savings and wider implications are discussed.

These include reduced risk; reduced high exposure maintenance liabilities; reduced disaster recovery costs; reduced pollution of aquatic ecosystems; the recovery of arable land with a net positive rate of organic soil formation; the rejuvenation of climate moderating biomass; an integrated ‘whole of system’ response to flooding, and increasing biological capacity on the urban fringe. There are implications for all planners and land managers. The approach replaces expensive gravity drainage systems and removes the exposure to high cost maintenance liabilities. The resulting macro landform is soft and undulating, reflecting the character of the naturally sustained hydration mosaic on which life depends. The approach addresses accelerated stormflows and fills a gap in the knowledge and implementation of microrelief as a tool for recovering mined lands. This research shows that AMS is a practical and affordable tool for elevating the biological capacity of modified lands for long term high value land use well beyond the degraded pre-mining condition.

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POSTER PRESENTER Matthew Stanton Niche Environment and Heritage Head office, PO Box 2443, North Parramatta NSW 1750 P: +61 (0)2 9630 5658 |

M: +61 (0)428 637 960

W: www.niche-eh.com Matthew is a recognised fauna specialist with 25 years’ experience as a wildlife researcher and forest ecologist within NSW State Forests, Department of Primary Industry and local government.

Matthew’s expertise include experimental design; nestbox and artificial habitat design; all aspects of biodiversity monitoring; statistical analysis and ecological modelling. He has expert knowledge of nocturnal birds, forest fauna and arboreal marsupials.

Matthew contributed to research underpinning the sustainable development and responsible management of Australia’s wildlife, forests and agricultural resources. Matthew conducted extensive studies of fauna in the Pilliga area and other parts of NSW and contributed to the development of major studies on koalas and barking owls and a broadscale monitoring strategy for fauna in state forest areas.

Matthew is a member of Birdlife Australia (RAOU), Australian Bird Study Association and Australia New Guinea Fishes Association (Publications Editor) and has authored numerous papers on habitat restoration and the ecology of threatened species.

Rehabilitation: To what state and for which purpose?

Habitat loss and alteration has been ongoing in many landscapes since European settlement. These changes in vegetation composition, condition and fragmentation have affected some species more than others. The objectives of mine-site rehabilitation rarely acknowledge this broader perspective, instead alternating between attempted restoration of the original plant communities or restoration to enable continued primary production, particularly grazing within already highly-modified landscapes or occasionally timber production. Mine-site rehabilitation provides an opportunity to target habitat restoration for certain highly-threatened species, and these restoration efforts may be simple to implement with a high chance of achieving the desired results within relatively short time-frames. We provide examples demonstrating that the establishment of young eucalypt plantations, comprising mostly preferred Koala feed trees, in predominantly agricultural landscapes can lead to rapid occupation and use by Koalas. Translocation of individuals may be required if there is no local source population. Similar targeted habitat restoration efforts have the potential to benefit many other threatened species.

66 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

POSTER PRESENTER Thomas Gray Energy and Natural Resources Group Manager, Tetra Tech, Inc 661 Andersen Drive | Pittsburgh, PA 15220 USA P: 412.921.8794 | M 412-526-5095 E: tom.gray@tetratech.com W: www.tetratech.com Mr. Gray has more than 40 years of professional experience. He is a technical expert in mining engineering, mine reclamation, coal ash disposal and utilization, watershed and ecosystem restoration, mine subsidence, acid mine drainage remediation, mine stabilization via grouting and abandoned mine fire mitigation. Mr. Gray specializes in active and abandoned mining projects and with infrastructure projects that have mining related concerns. His project management responsibility has included construction, engineering, regulatory compliance, and research and development.

He has been responsible for the successful completion of many unique projects.

Geotechnical and environmental characteristics of final open-cut coal mine voids in the USA with comments on applicability to Australian mines Co Authors Eric Perry, Tetra Tech Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA. Sasi Sasiharan and David L Knott, Coffey, Warabrook, NSW, AU, Local contact Sasi Sasiharan Sasi.Sasiharan@coffey.com 02 4016 2300

Reclamation and post mining use of final open cut coal mine voids (last cut pits) in the USA with comments on applicability to Australia are described in this paper. Prior to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, last cut pits in the midcontinent USA were allowed to flood, and form impoundments referred to as last cut lakes. Hundreds of these lakes exist in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri and other states. Many are used for fishing, wildlife, or agricultural supply. Water quality is variable ranging from acidic to neutral. Current regulations allow last cut pits to remain after mining for certain land uses, if geotechnical and hydrology criteria are met. The principal geotechnical and environmental issues for last cut pits include: • Slope stability; • Impoundment design and stability; • Spontaneous combustion of exposed coal seams and / or carbonaceous materials; • Materials availability for construction and reclamation; • Expected water quality in surface and groundwater; • Effects on adjacent aquifers and surface water flows; • Post mining use for industrial use, recreation, livestock, irrigation, fishing or other uses; • Future maintenance considerations; • Revegetation materials; • Approval of the regulatory agency; and • Cost These geotechnical and environmental criteria are useful tools for evaluating last cut pit projects. This paper will describe USA practices for last cut surface coal mine pit lakes and comment on their applicability to Australian Mines.

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Index

Division of Resources & Energy, Department of Industry......... 13

About the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment................... 5

Kingsley Dixon..................................................................... 13, 16, 26

AECOM............................................................................................. 15

Does soil treatment matter when restoring a native plant community?...................................................................................... 57

Hamish Aiken............................................................................. 13, 25 An asymmetric microrelief system (AMS) for mined land........ 65 Cameron Archer......................................................................... 15, 17 A review of the mine closure financial securities......................... 62 A risk-based regulatory approach for rehabilitation................... 24 Assessment of metal toxicity and bioavailability in metallophyte leaf litters and metalliferous soils to Eisenia fetida...................... 56 Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices, UNSW..... 15 Australian Organic Recycling Association Ltd............................. 13

B bees. See also Danielle Lloyd-Prichard, page 54 Ken Bellamy...................................................................................... 13 biodiversity credits. See also Martin Sullivan, page 30

Penny Dunstan................................................................................. 54

E Eco Logical Australia....................................................................... 14 Effective rehabilitation using organic matter................................ 21 Efflorescences and arsenic processing residues at the Ottery AsSn Mine, New South Wales, Australia: Implications for arsenic mobility and remediation of contaminated processing sites...... 53 Gary Ellem................................................................................... 15, 18 Peter Elliott.................................................................................. 14, 16 Engineered pedogenesis for long-term hydro-geochemical stability in sulfidic tailings landscape and sustainable closure... 44 Exhibitors............................................................................................ 9

F

C

Fate, transport, and cycling of hexavalent chromium in the soil environment...................................................................................... 63

Carbon Based Environmental........................................................ 11

final landform design. See also Hamish Aiken, page 26

Chloe Christensen............................................................................ 47

financial. See also Julia Serjeantson, page 63

Andrew Claridge........................................................................ 13, 22

First national standards for the practice of ecological restoration in Australia. See also Kingsley Dixon, page 29

Conceptual framework for an ecological assessment of Jamieson Valley – a historical coal mining area of NSW............................. 45

Jason Fischel...................................................................................... 63

contaminated processing sites. See also Emily Hebberd, page 56

fungi. See also Andrew Claridge, page 23

Contributing Panellists.................................................................... 16

G

D

Generating biodiversity credits for ecological rehabilitation of previously mined land..................................................................... 28

Department of Planning and Environment.................................. 13

68 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

geogenic. See also Cornelia Rumpel, page 36

L

Geotechnical and environmental characteristics of final open-cut coal mine voids in the USA with comments on applicability to Australian mines........................................................................... 3, 67

landform design. See also Hamish Aiken, page 26

Gold Sponsors................. 7. See also VRM Biologik, NSW Mining

Danielle Lloyd-Prichard.................................................................. 51

Thomas Gray..................................................................................... 67

Craig Lockhart.................................................................................. 38

grazing study. See also Neil Griffiths, page 32

Longstem tubestock......................................................................... 42

Neil Griffiths................................................................................ 14, 29

M

LiDAR Technology. See also Jemma Purandare, page 42

Greg Hancock............................................................................. 15, 39

Managing potential acid forming (PAF) materials for successful mine reclamation and revegetation at coal mine of PT Adaro Indonesia........................................................................................... 32

Emily Hebbard.................................................................................. 53

Peter McLean.............................................................................. 13, 21

Honey bees: the new canaries for monitoring of mined-land rehabilitation..................................................................................... 51

metal toxicity. See also Ramkrishna Nirola, page 58

H

Longbin Huang................................................................................. 44

Mine final landform design - assessment by Department of Planning and Environment............................................................. 25

Hunter Coal Environment Group.................................................... 7

Will Mitry.......................................................................................... 42

I

Dee Murdoch.................................................................................... 17

Immobilization of Pb and Cd in water and soil using hydroxyapatite derived from FGD gypsum.................................. 60

N

Insitu Geotech Services Pty Ltd...................................................... 12 Interrelationships among plants, fungi and mammals: key linkages in the rehabilitation and long-term resilience of Australian terrestrial ecosystems.................................................... 22

J Jamieson Valley. See also Talia Wei Xien Schlen, page 48

K Key proposed policy initiatives as part of Upper Hunter Strategic Assessment........................................................................................ 34 Kleinfelder........................................................................................... 9

National Centre for Scientific Research, France........................... 15 National Mining Park. See also Angus M Robinson, page 49 native plant. See also Robert Scanlon, page 59 Kate Newman.............................................................................. 13, 20 Matthew Newton............................................................ 13, 14, 17, 24 Niche Environment and Heritage Pty Ltd....................................... 8 Ramkrishna Nirola........................................................................... 56 NSW Department of Primary Industry........................................ 14 NSW Minerals Council................................................................... 15

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NSW Mining................................................................................. 7, 13

help..................................................................................................... 39

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage......................... 6, 11, 13

regulatory. See also Matthew Newton, page 24

O

ReGyp & Pacific Fertiliser................................................................. 8

Office of Environment and Heritage NSW................................... 15

Rehabilitation initiatives within the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue............................................................................................. 37

organic matter. See also Peter McLean, page 21

P

Rehabilitation of hell in paradise.................................................... 50

Louise Pastro............................................................................... 15, 34

Rehabilitation of open-cut lignite mines in Poland..................... 30

pedogenesis. See also Longbin Huang, page 47

Rehabilitation: To what state and for which purpose?................ 66

pedogenic. See also Cornelia Rumpel, page 36

Restoration Standards for Australia............................................... 26

Laurie Perry....................................................................................... 13

Tim Roberts.................................................................................. 4, 13

PGG Wrightson Turf........................................................................ 10

Angus M Robinson.............................................................. 15, 18, 41

Photography Protocol........................................................................ 4

Role of geogenic and pedogenic organic matter types in the functioning of rehabilitated soils after coal mining..................... 33

policy initiatives. See also Louise Pastro, page 38 potential acid forming. See also Didik Triwibowo, page 35 Program............................................................................................. 13 Proposed Hunter Valley National Mining Park – a vision beyond mine site rehabilitation.................................................................... 41 PT Adaro, Indonesia........................................................................ 14 Jemma Purandare....................................................................... 15, 38

Q Quantification of final void parameters in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Gloucester coalfields of NSW................................ 47 Quest Apartment Hotels Singleton................................................ 12

R Colin Randall.................................................................................... 50 Rebuilding topography - how can landscape evolution models can

Cornelia Rumpel........................................................................ 15, 33

S Robert Scanlon................................................................................. 57 Scenarios for final mine voids in the Hunter Valley: backfill feasibility and water level-salinity conditions............................... 36 Talia Wei Xien Schlen...................................................................... 45 School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle........................................................................................... 15 Julia Serjeantson............................................................................... 62 Session Sponsors................................................................................. 8 Sky Land Management.................................................................... 10 Di Sneddon.................................................................................. 15, 17 Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia............................. 13

70 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

Soil biology in rehabilitation: Mount Owen mini case study..... 20

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soils. See also Ramkrishna Nirola, page 58; See also Hasintha Wijesekara, page 52; See also Yilu Xu, page 61; See also Yubo Yan, page 62; See also Jason Fischel, page 64; See also Peter Stevens, page 66; See also Robert Scanlon, page 59; See also Cornelia Rumpel, page 36; See also Kate Newman, page 20

Corinne Unger............................................................................ 14, 16

speaker sponsor. See also Hunter Coal Environment Group, page 7

Upper Hunter. See also Neil Griffiths

Matthew Stanton.............................................................................. 66 Peter Stevens..................................................................................... 65 Greg Sullivan......................................................................... 13, 15, 37 Martin Sullivan........................................................................... 14, 28 Suregro............................................................................................... 10

T Andrew Thaler............................................................................ 15, 18 The applicability of LiDAR technology to mine rehabilitation - a case study in Queensland................................................................ 38 The Australian Landscape Laboratory........................................... 11 The land application of biosolids on soil carbon sequestration in mined lands: a meta-analysis.......................................................... 48 The microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) in heavy contaminated soil...................................................................................................... 59 The rehabilitation process re-examined........................................ 54 The Society for Ecological Restoration............................................ 9 Wendy Timms............................................................................. 15, 36

University of Newcastle................................................................... 13 University of New South Wales........................................................ 9

Upper Hunter mine grazing study................................................. 29 Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue. See also Greg Sullivan, page 41 Upper Hunter Strategic Assessment. See also Louise Pastro, page 38

V Valley Hydramulch & Revegetation........................................... 8, 13 voids. See also Wendy Timms, page 39; See also Chloe Christensen, page 51; See also Thomas Gray, page 67 VRM Biologik............................................................................... 7, 13

W Welcome.............................................................................................. 4 West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland.14 Hasintha Wijesekara........................................................................ 48 Mariola Wrobel........................................................................... 14, 30

X Yilu Xu............................................................................................... 59

Y Yubo Yan............................................................................................ 60

Tom Farrell Institute.................................................................... 5, 13 topography. See also Greg Hancock, page 44 Didik Triwibowo........................................................................ 14, 32

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Published by The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment - the University of Newcastle Email: farrell@newcastle.edu.au Website: www.tomfarrellinstitute.org © The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment 2016 The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment is an initiative of, and funded by, the University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

The role of the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment is to build long-term partnerships with industry, business, government and the community in promoting environmental sustainability in our region and beyond.

72 6th Annual Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined Lands Conference

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Our Vision is to champion regional solutions for a sustainable future both within the University of Newcastle and within the community.