Planning and executing large-scale mine rehabilitation: the Newlands Coal Mine experience

Authors: Gimber, C; Mann, C; Bushell, C; Baillieu, N Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_110

Cite As:
Gimber, C, Mann, C, Bushell, C & Baillieu, N 2026, 'Planning and executing large-scale mine rehabilitation: the Newlands Coal Mine experience', in AB Fourie, G Boggs, J Heyes & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2026: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-11, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_110



Abstract:
Newlands Coal Mine (Newlands), one of Australia’s largest open cut and underground coal mining operations, operated continuously from 1983 until cessation of mining in 2023. Over its operational life, progressive rehabilitation was undertaken in parallel with mining. However, the transition from operations to closure, which occurred during a period of strong coal market conditions, created uncertainty in closure timing and compressed the period available for detailed closure design to approximately 24 months prior to closure execution. To date, more than 4,650 ha of land has been rehabilitated at Newlands, including 632 ha formally certified by the Queensland Government under the progressive certification for an environmental authority framework. A further approximately 3,533 ha is planned for rehabilitation during closure implementation. This paper describes the planning, design and execution of one of Australia’s largest coordinated mine rehabilitation and closure programs. Key elements include adaptive closure planning, post-mining land use (PMLU) definition, integration of multiple land uses, landscape-scale landform design and water management, highwall treatment, management of legacy subsidence from former underground operations, and final void assessment and design. The closure landform includes 25 final voids (including non-use management areas (NUMAs) and voids assigned a PMLU), with design decisions informed by integrated assessments of void lake behaviour, groundwater interaction, surface water hydrology and hydraulics, geotechnical stability, and long-term land use objectives. Highwalls were reprofiled at scale using controlled blasting techniques to create stable, undulating landforms capable of supporting grazing land use. To improve habitat diversity and connectivity with adjacent conservation areas, large areas of native ecosystem were also planned. Delivery of rehabilitation at scale required a coordinated transition in workforce, equipment and operating model, together with active water management and staging of landform readiness to enable progressive certification outcomes. The paper also highlights challenges associated with evolving regulatory frameworks, changing completion standards, updated design rainfall guidance, and emerging climate change considerations. Lessons emerging from the Newlands experience provide practical insights for operators, regulators and practitioners involved in planning, executing and sustaining large-scale mine rehabilitation and closure programs.

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