Most people know that mine sites are serious operations, both in scale and complexity. However, fewer people know what goes into decommissioning a mine site.
As the leading name in mine site decommissioning from Perth to the Pilbara (and beyond), C.D. Dodd has unique experience in end-of-life mining operations. Our unmatched experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and impeccable safety record make us the trusted partner for the mining industry’s biggest names.
In this guide, we explore the full range of our mine site demolition services and the importance of a holistic approach.
Why a Comprehensive Approach is Essential
The life-cycle of a mine involves more than just extraction. It demands a complete approach that considers the environment, safety, and community. Not only during the mine’s operation but also long after it shuts down.
While mine site decommissioning and rehabilitation can realistically be a decades-long process, the demolition phase is especially critical.
Managing the complexities – including environmental risks, hazardous materials, community engagement, removing and recycling metal structures, rehabilitating soil and adhering to safety regulations – requires planning and experience.
It also requires a team with the capacity to handle all the moving parts. We have seen many smaller contractors attempt to tackle complex mine site demolitions, only to get in over their heads.
Read more: Navigating the Complexities of Onshore Decommissioning.
Small Decisions Make a Big Difference
Long-term mine site decommissioning and rehabilitation goals are achieved one step at a time. It’s also important to keep up with the latest trends and technologies.
The bottom line is that careful planning and a holistic approach are essential for success.
Our Experience is Your Peace of Mind
At C.D. Dodd, we offer a full suite of services to meet these needs. Our experience ensures safe mine site demolition, seamless decommissioning, and rehabilitation that benefits all parties (including the environment).
Planning for Mine Site Demolition
Planning for mine site decommissioning in Perth kicks off long before the mine starts producing. That’s because building and running a mine is subject to Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approval, among other regulatory approvals. And EPA approval is usually contingent on a rehabilitation plan.
According to the Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute, around 85% of mining proposals required rehabilitation and/or closure plans.
While you might not need a fully detailed rehabilitation plan at this stage, the EPA does need evidence that you’re considering the mine’s impact on biodiversity, water, soil and air.
Input from a mine site decommissioning specialist helps to streamline planning. It ensures your EPA submission is practical, site-specific and holistic, with room to adapt rehabilitation strategies as technologies and best practices evolve.
Progressive Rehabilitation Plans Add Complexity
The EPA is increasingly requiring mining companies to submit progressive, whole-of-life rehabilitation plans. Each phase of the project needs a plan, not only end-of-economic-life demolition.
Naturally, progressive plans are more complex. But they’re also more effective. We can work with you to assess demolition and recycling opportunities at each stage, and create a safe plan for progressive site rehabilitation.
Moving On to the Demolition Phase
As we mentioned earlier, mine site demolition is a critical phase. It’s also delicate. We employ a systematic approach that ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry and environmental regulations.
Initial Site Assessment
We thoroughly evaluate the site before demolition begins. This stage involves identifying potential hazards, assessing the stability and structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure, and developing a tailored demolition plan.
Site assessments can happen while the mine is still operational or winding down. We’ll work around you.
Demolition Techniques
Our team utilises various mine site demolition techniques, including:
- Mechanical demolition
- Explosive demolition
- High-reach demolition
We tailor each technique to the conditions and structure, ensuring it all comes down safely, efficiently and effectively.
Safety Management Planning
We prioritise safety throughout the demolition process by implementing stringent safety measures and adhering to industry best practices.
As a company, we’re certified to OHS ISO 45001 standards. We’ve developed robust safety systems for mine site decommissioning so Perth clients have peace of mind.
Handling Hazardous Materials During Mine Site Decommissioning
Many mine sites contain hazardous materials. From heavy metals used in processing plants to asbestos in old structures and explosives like discarded fuel tanks, these contaminants are risky for human health and the environment. Skilled handling is non-negotiable.
Identification and Assessment
During the initial risk assessment phase, we identify hazardous materials and assess their potential risks.
Occasionally, additional hazards appear during the mine site demolition process. For example, forgotten flammable materials or unknown contaminants in tailings.
Experience is everything in these situations. We have processes in place to isolate, contain and remove unforeseen risks.
Safe Removal and Disposal
We employ tried and tested techniques for hazard removal and disposal. This includes specialised vehicles to transport materials like scrap metal, batteries and old cars, and a statewide network of contractors to handle contaminants.
Our processes and techniques are Environment ISO 14001 certified. We don’t take chances when it comes to preserving WA’s biodiversity.
Recycling and Resource Recovery
Sustainability is an increasingly important factor in Perth mine site decommissioning projects. By this, we mean on-the-ground efforts and long-term sustainability initiatives.
- Material sorting and processing: Some materials are sorted on-site, while others require further processing in our recycling facility. As well as diverting metal from landfills, processing can extract valuable metals and other recyclable components.
- Recycling technologies: As the leading scrap metal recycler in Perth, we are always improving our technology and methods to ensure efficient and environmentally responsible resource recovery.
- Vehicle battery recycling: We’re investing in battery recycling equipment to reduce e-waste and reclaim more materials from vehicle batteries.
- Circular economy: Recycled metal and battery components can be repurposed into new products, reducing greenhouse emissions and the need for raw materials.
Once It’s Clear: Land Rehabilitation and Restoration
After demolition and recycling, we focus on restoring the land to its natural state.
Some of the steps will be outlined in your EPA-approved plan (see above). Others will depend on factors like soil health, nearby waterways, community land use and site-specific biodiversity which can change over time.
Soil and Vegetation Restoration
Rehabilitation goes beyond simply covering the land. We work to restore the soil’s health and reintroduce native vegetation, promoting biodiversity and supporting long-term regrowth.
Water Management
We implement measures to prevent water pollution and ensure the long-term health of water resources. This includes managing tailings and runoff to avoid contaminating nearby waterways.
Laying Foundations for Future Use
Local community consultation helps to inform our mine site decommissioning plans. The long-term vision for how the land will be used impacts the decisions we make during demolition and rehabilitation. For example, whether we leave structures in place, the type and scale of vegetation we plant, and how dug-out ground is restored.
Invest in C.D. Dodd’s Expertise for Mine Site Decommissioning that Benefits Everyone
Our commitment to safety, sustainability, and effective resource recovery makes us the trusted partner for mine site decommissioning in Perth.
With over 50 years of experience in mine site demolitions, we deliver results that work for the WA community, our clients, and the environment.
We consider all the eventualities. We manage all the risks. We assist with community consultation, develop tailored strategies, and coordinate all the moving parts to keep the project on track.
For more information about our services, or to discuss your project, contact us today.