These project ideas are in the early stages, and as conceptual projects, we invite industry, government, and regional stakeholders to participate actively in shaping their development.
Approved projects
- Collaborative planning for post-mining development in Latrobe Valley (stage 2)
Program: Regional Economic Development
Proponents: Federation University
Project Leader: Dr Jessica Reeves
By 2035, Latrobe Valley’s coal mines will cease, opening 130 km² for repurposing. Stage 2 of Project 1.7 collaboratively plans post-mining development by engaging stakeholders to devise land use mixes and scenarios, now presenting options to diverse groups for deliberation. The outcomes will inform future land use planning, demonstrating effective multi-stakeholder engagement. - Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment Management (RCEAM) to support transitions in mining economies (stage 2)
Program: Data Integration, Forecasting and Scale
Proponents: Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute, Murdoch University
Project Leaders: Darren Murphy, Dr Jenny Pope
Regional economic transitions, especially post-mine closures, involve cumulative effects that span environmental, social, economic, and cultural aspects. Currently, there is a lack of tools and governance structures to predict and manage these impacts at a regional scale. This presents challenges in handling legacy risks for safe site relinquishment and shaping positive, economically diverse futures for mining regions and communities. Successful transitions require collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, addressing both legacy issues and forward-looking development. - Optimising Ecosystem Management Areas: Integrating ground validation with remote sensing for enhanced solutions
Program: Data Integration, Forecasting and Scale
Proponents: University of Queensland, Rio Tinto & DCCEEW
Project Leader: Professor Peter Erskine
Focusing on advancing remote sensing technologies for rehabilitation monitoring, this project aims to create a centralized repository for hyperspectral and structural data. The project includes auditing the potential of these technologies, developing standardized protocols, and providing guidance to stakeholders. By enhancing data collection and analysis methods, the project supports effective rehabilitation monitoring and closure planning.
Project proposals – Advanced engagement underway
- Identifying, quantifying, and managing acceptable levels of transferrable residual risk: A desktop study of global best practice
Program: Risk, Evaluation and Planning
Proponents: Curtin University
Project Leaders: Associate Professor Bryan Maybee
The project aims to establish methods for miners to identify and quantify residual risks for land relinquishment. It seeks to address knowledge gaps and implement best practices for risk management, facilitating land transfer to alternate use categories. CRC TiME plans to develop a transparent methodology for residual risk calculation and liability offset.
Concepts under exploration
- Developing and trialling a framework to guide regional repurposing of closed and abandoned mines in Queensland: a people-centred approach
Program: Regional Economic Development
Proponents: Sustainable Minerals Institute
Project Leader: Associate Professor Sarah Holcombe
To develop a framework that supports practitioners – including the mining industry, government, investors and community groups – to consider and engage with potential repurposing scenarios. The framework will be people-centred and ensure that regional identity and aspirations are at the core of scenario building and also guide potential implementation. We will develop and trial the framework in stages in a proof-of-concept approach, beginning with one site. The transferability of the framework will be trialled at different sites in subsequent projects (not outlined here). Though we will draw on lessons from case studies in other contexts, this project is driven by the practical considerations of application and providing guidance for uptake and impact. In many cases, the chances of repurposing success are going to be where it is driven by local interests. - Alternative usages of mined lands for new energy applications
Program: Data Integration, Forecasting and Scale
Proponents: Federation University Australia & Curtin University
Project Leader: Professor Syed Islam
This project explores the feasibility of repurposing active and abandoned mines for renewable energy production and storage. The initial phase includes a comprehensive literature review, a global study of renewable energy projects, and an engagement workshop to identify opportunities and barriers in Australia. Essential data requirements for analyzing renewable energy feasibility at mines will be proposed, setting the stage for innovative energy solutions. - Environmental genomics for life-of-mine biomonitoring and biodiversity assessments
Program: Data Integration, Forecasting and Scale
Proponents: Curtin University, DCCEEW, & Illumina
Project Leader: Dr Jason Kirby
This project pioneers the use of environmental genomics for biomonitoring and biodiversity assessments at mine sites. Through partner workshops and conversations, the project assesses the utility of genomic tools, identifies best practices, and determines key enablers and barriers. The subsequent phase involves developing case studies and guidance for the mining industry, fostering the adoption of genomic data to manage biodiversity risks effectively. - Feasibility study for an atlas of Australian mineral by-product for a circular economy
Program: Operational solutions
Project Leader: Daniel Franks
The Australian mining sector faces sustainability challenges like resource depletion, waste generation, and unequal benefits distribution. There is no comprehensive information on potential mineral by-products. The proposed Atlas of Australian mineral by-products aims to fill this gap, enhancing circular economy efforts. CRC TiME, leveraging regional partnerships, will drive this initiative, identifying data needs and stakeholders to develop a user-led Atlas, promoting circular economy transitions and sustainable mining practices. - Australian Water Atlas for Resource Extraction (AWARE)
Program: Operational Solutions
Proponents: University of Queensland
Project Leader: Professor Claire Côte
For mine closure planning, clear information on environmental risks is crucial for regulators and mining companies. The Australian Water Atlas for Resource Extraction (AWARE) will address this by mapping water opportunities and risks, developing a database and models, and identifying data gaps. Focusing on water access, infrastructure, and wastewater, AWARE will enhance understanding and communication of water-related issues in mining regions, drawing on previous programs like Bioregional Assessment. CRC TiME will lead this with key stakeholders. - Securitisation of intangible training for mining companies
Program: Risk, Evaluation and Planning - Native seed procurement training for mining companies
Program: Operational Solutions - Incorporating climate change risk in closure planning
Program: Operational Solutions - An overview of the role of tenure in achieving post-mining transformation
Program: Regional Economic Development
Information sessions for some of the concepts in development will be held across 2024. Contact us to express your interest.
