AbstractsEarth & Environmental Science

Best practice mine water management at a coal mining operation in the Blue Mountains

by Daniel Cohen




Institution: University of Western Sydney
Department:
Degree: M. Eng.
Year: 0
Keywords: Wollangambe River; Blue Mountains National Park; Wollemi National Park; acid mine drainage; Clarence Colliery; environmental damage
Record ID: 1050581
Full text PDF: http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/430


Abstract

This study covers the following aspects of mine water management at the Clarence Colliery, located at the headwaters of the Wollangambe River, N.S.W. The Wollangambe River flows through the World Heritage listed areas of the Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Parks. 1. Quantification of the impact of discharge of treated mine water on the Wollangambe River, through analysis of sediment metal concentrations. 2. Investigation of the possible sources and causes of acid mine drainage within the mine. 3. Review of the current treatment process employed at the mine, as well as a review of other possible treatment options for avoidance or treatment of acid mine drainage. 4. Recommendation of a strategy for improving the process of mine water management at the colliery. The study reveals problems discovered from the investigation and describes the findings and recommendations. Master of Engineering (Hons.)