Historically, tailings deposits and reject dumps were contained and then forgotten about, resulting in significant long-term rehabilitation challenges.
Our solutions
We recover and process coal from tailings deposits and reject dumps. We also have the capability to rehabilitate the existing site. The various tailings deposits are re-mined hydraulically, the saleable products removed and the resultant barren waste then transported and deposited in locations to fit in with the mine rehabilitation plan, which can be in sustainable final locations.
We are committed to continuously exploring and implementing new ways to efficiently maximise the coal produced from mine waste and minimise the impact on the environment.
Reduced contamination
Through our operations, we remove saleable products from the mine's waste stream, reducing the potential for groundwater or soil contamination. We appreciate the critical need to preserve water. As such, over the tailings re-mining cycle, projects are at least water neutral, as water locked in the recovered tailings dams is released and recycled through the treatment process.
Lower emissions
As well as the overall sustainable intent of our business, the coal we recover from waste requires substantially less energy to produce, resulting in further environmental benefits. Independent research has shown almost 80 percent less CO2 emissions are generated in recovering a tonne of coal from tailings, compared to traditional mining methods*.
Improved resource recovery
In addition, our solutions improve the resource recovery outcomes from existing and future mining operations on most sites. As a result, we can extend the output of a mine while reducing its environmental impact.
* E3 Environment Economics and Ethics (2007), Potential Environmental and Social Benefits Associated with Coal Tailings & Rejects Recovery Projects
