The perfect storm: mine closure in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria

Authors: Scrase, A; Brereton, J Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2415_94

Cite As:
Scrase, A & Brereton, J 2024, 'The perfect storm: mine closure in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria', in AB Fourie, M Tibbett & G Boggs (eds), Mine Closure 2024: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1297-1310, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2415_94



Abstract:
In response to the global energy transition, the three large open cut coal mines in the Latrobe Valley of Victoria, Australia, have announced their closure. However, the lack of preparedness by both government and industry for the cessation of mining operations and the subsequent rehabilitation of three mines sets the scene for the perfect storm in the Latrobe Valley. This lack of preparedness could potentially lead to detrimental social, economic and environmental legacies for the region. As stated by Laurence (2006): ‘The excitement and fanfare that surrounds the opening of a new mine is never present when it finally closes.’ Although the timing may be uncertain, the closure of mines is ultimately inevitable. In Victoria, legislation defines the concept of a declared mine. A declared mine is defined as a mine that has geotechnical, hydrogeological, water quality or hydrological factors that may be deemed to pose significant risk of harm to the community, environment and infrastructure. The regulatory framework was inadequate for the closure of declared mines in Victoria, but has been and continues to rapidly change to provide more focus on closure and rehabilitation. The catalyst for a shift of focus to mine rehabilitation in Victoria came with the Hazelwood mine fire in 2014 and the subsequent inquiry (Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions), Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry 2016), which foreshadowed mine closure in the Latrobe Valley. The regulatory change comes as the declared mines in the Latrobe Valley come close to ceasing operations. Good practice mine closure requires planning to commence at the beginning of mine planning, before mining commences, and continue throughout the life of the mine. Massive regulatory change so close to the end of the operational life of mines creates problems for the operators and government alike. There are many examples of poor mine closure around the world. However, of particular relevance is in the north-eastern UK counties where the whole coal industry was closed quickly with little planning or care for the social or environmental impacts. Over 25 years later these counties are still feeling the effects (Sheldrick 2018). The closing of the Latrobe Valley mines has created many questions that need to be answered to ensure a successful closure outcome, including: What is the post-mining vision for the Latrobe Valley? Where are we now, and how do we get to the vision for the Valley? Are government, the mining industry, other industries and the community ready, and do they have the capacity, to start down the transition path? Are they willing to collaborate and co-fund the transition process? Is the legislation fit-for-purpose and will it drive good outcomes? This paper will outline the arrival of the ‘perfect storm’ to the Latrobe Valley and some solutions to help move towards the safe, stable and sustainable closure outcomes that all participants are seeking. This paper does not address the community or First Nations’ engagement aspects required for mine closure planning and implementation in the Latrobe Valley.

Keywords: mine closure, mine rehabilitation, closure skills and experience, regulation, energy transition

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