Mine Site Decommissioning: Addressing the Risk of Contaminated Sites

Australia’s mining industry leads the world in many areas: innovation, safety, operational efficiency and, increasingly, decommissioning and recycling.

This is an even more impressive feat when you factor in the scale and complexity of mine site decommissioning

As the industry and the country strive for a more sustainable future, mine site contamination risks are a concern. 

Thankfully, mine site decommissioning techniques and recycling technology are improving all the time.

C.D. Dodd, a leader in sustainable mining solutions, leads these efforts with expert methodologies and innovative approaches to tackle complex mine site decommissioning.

 

Understanding Mine Site Contamination

A contaminated mine site is one where leftover materials or byproducts from mining operations have polluted the soil, water or air. 

Contaminated mine sites pose significant risks to the environment and public health. The pollutants render the area unusable, unsafe or uninhabitable – in some cases for several generations.

“Contamination is any substance present at above background concentrations in the land or waters of a site that presents or potentially presents a risk of harm to human health, the environment or any environmental value.”

  • Contaminated Sites Act 2003 (CS Act) section 4

Common Contaminants and Contamination Events

Common contaminants include toxic metals, chemical solvents and radioactive materials which threaten the environment.

Here are a few examples of contamination risks from the CS Act 2003:

  • Uncontrolled seepage from tailings storage into groundwater
  • Chemical drums leaking onto a bare earth floor
  • Leaking underground oil storage tanks
  • Ruptured underground fuel lines leaking diesel into the environment
  • Unsafe levels of contaminants detected in groundwater assays
  • Waste dumped at the site contains excessive concentrations of chemicals

In addition, improper handling of material and structures during mine site decommissioning can result in contaminated land, water or air. 

In our extensive experience, it’s safest to treat the site as though contamination risks exist until demolition, decommissioning and site clean-up are finalised.

Even small contamination events pose a serious threat to human health and the environment, causing issues like:

  • Water contamination, rendering it unsafe for drinking or irrigation
  • Soil sterility, hindering plant growth and impacting ecosystems
  • Air pollution through dust containing harmful elements
  • Health risks for workers and nearby communities exposed to contaminants

Most Contamination Risks are Preventable

Although the sources of contamination vary widely, most risks are partly or entirely preventable through sound environmental management and sustainable mine site decommissioning.

Effective decommissioning ensures that contaminants are contained, managed and removed. 

More importantly, it means the land can be safely repurposed.

 

C.D. Dodd’s Mine Site Decommissioning Strategy

Through our experience in mine site decommissioning, we have developed a structured approach that includes meticulous assessment, detailed planning and rigorous implementation.

Underpinning all this work is our commitment to community engagement. In our experience, transparent and proactive communication is essential for a successful mine site demolition project.

Innovative Remediation Techniques

Our process starts with a thorough site investigation to identify potential contamination sources. 

Using this data, we develop a customised decommissioning plan that outlines the most effective techniques.

This plan factors in difficult access and remote locations. We are equipped and experienced to tackle complex challenges.

Safe and Effective Mine Site Decommissioning

We use state-of-the-art equipment to de-risk the site, including removing contaminated soil. 

Our services include:

We adhere to strict environmental regulations and prioritise worker safety throughout the process.

 

Restoring the Land After Mine Site Demolition

As a full-service mine site decommissioning partner in Perth, we also offer site remediation services.

We will safely remove contaminated soil and materials, and restore the site so it is ready for rehabilitation.

 

Mine Site Recycling

We work to ensure the land can be restored to a functional and ecologically viable state, in accordance with our client’s rehabilitation plans and the community’s best interests.

As part of our efforts to reduce waste, we reclaim and recycle metal from structures, scrap and buildings. We also recycle batteries from mine vehicles to supply precious resources for future technologies.

The Challenges of Mine Site Decommissioning

Mining operations are complex. Safely decommissioning, demolishing and recycling these projects is not without its challenges.

Contamination is perhaps the most pressing challenge, and the one with the longest legacy. However, our approach accounts for a much greater range of risk factors.

  • Biodiversity loss caused by disturbing flora and fauna
  • Exposure to potentially toxic substances
  • Physical hazards such as collapses or unsafe structures during mine site demolition
  • Compliance with regulations, Environmental Protection Agency approvals and relevant standards
  • Accessing and removing hazardous material from isolated and remote locations
  • Community and stakeholder engagement, especially in areas of cultural significance

Addressing these challenges effectively requires a comprehensive approach that combines advanced technology, deep technical knowledge, hands-on experience, stakeholder engagement, and environmental and social responsibility.

 

Emerging Trends and Techniques in Safe Mine Site Decommissioning

Technologies such as advanced containment systems, robotic demolition and green remediation technologies reduce the environmental footprint of decommissioning activities and promote safe site restoration.

On the contamination control front, new techniques are helping with sustainable mine site rehabilitation:

  • Bioremediation uses microorganisms to break down contaminants in soil and water
  • Phytoremediation employs plants that absorb and neutralise pollutants from the soil
  • Soil washing removes contaminants from the soil through a series of washes and separations
  • Thermal desorption heats contaminated soil to vaporise and capture organic pollutants

Many of these technologies and techniques are only starting to be field-tested in Australia.

Closer to home in Perth is where most of the “mine site recycling” action unfolds. Our facility reclaims and recycles valuable materials, including batteries, to minimise waste and produce high-quality products for new applications.

 

Perth’s Mine Site Decommissioning Partner

C.D. Dodd is fully equipped and experienced to handle the challenges of mine site decommissioning in Perth and across Western Australia. 

With world-class equipment, global safety certifications and a team dedicated to excellence, we are your full-service partner for safe and sustainable mine site decommissioning.

Let’s get started

Perth

Gate 1, 521 Dundas Road, Forrestfield WA 6058

Karratha

Lot 109 Bedrock Turn, Gap Ridge Estate, Karratha WA 6714

Port Hedland

10 Trig Street, Wedgefield WA 6721

Kalgoorlie

1 Coath Road, Kalgoorlie West WA 6430

Onslow

Pilbara Regional Waste Management Facility, Onslow Road, Thalanyji