Establishing trial batter studies to calibrate landform evolution models for post-mining landform relinquishment

Authors: Dudley, O; Ludlow, W; Carlisle, W; Ma, Y Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_62

Cite As:
Dudley, O, Ludlow, W, Carlisle, W & Ma, Y 2026, 'Establishing trial batter studies to calibrate landform evolution models for post-mining landform relinquishment', 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. 1-14, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_62



Abstract:
Achieving successful relinquishment of post-mining tailings storage facility (TSF) landforms requires accurate predictions of long-term stability, erosion rates and vegetation establishment. Landform evolution models (LEMs) are powerful tools for predicting final landform behaviour, but their reliability depends on accurate calibration with laboratory and site-specific derived data. This study presents a structured approach for establishing a full-scale trial batter reshaping and revegetation study to support LEM calibration, ensuring robust, data-driven decision-making for mine closure. The study integrates findings from a large-scale trial batter study conducted between 2021 and 2025 in a tropical mining region of Australia. The trial batter study evaluates 8 potential TSF closure batter designs. There are multiple configurations with varying soil compositions, slope angles and vegetation treatments under real-world climatic and environmental conditions. Performance is monitored using high-resolution unmanned aerial vehicle imagery, lidar surveys, photogrammetry and site inspections. Quantitative measurements of erosion rates are captured from surveys, along with measures of vegetation establishment derived from photogrammetry and analysis of site inspection photographs and observations. These are compared to climatic data from nearby weather stations to understand the various batter treatments to site weather patterns. Analysis of the performance over the 4 years of the study is undertaken to assess trends. This data is then used to parameterise and validate LEM predictions, enabling a detailed comparison between modelled and observed erosion patterns. This research provides a systematic framework for integrating empirical data into LEM applications, improving confidence in their use for post-mining landform design. The findings offer practical guidance for landowners, mine closure practitioners, regulators, and researchers seeking to develop resilient, low-maintenance landforms capable of withstanding long-term environmental processes.

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