Potential for Carbon Capture and Reduction of Emissions and Carbon Footprint through Regenerative Post-Closure Agricultural Land Use on Coal Mines Albert

No standard technique for predicting, controlling or extinguishing spontaneous combustion emerged, and the methods in use proved expensive and not routinely successful. Because every mine differs, the work sets out a sequence of locating the fire, assessing the risk, choosing a strategy and method, then monitoring it. Separate control measures are given for old workings, exposed coal and spoil heaps.

Compared against concrete and gabions on cost, construction time, footprint, durability and safety, the Dongalock product proved cheaper and quicker to install in small and medium incised valley bottom wetlands, and needs no heavy plant, so local enterprises can build it. Concrete still suits large wetlands carrying high water velocities.

Monitoring and geochemical modelling at five pilot sites, on undisturbed soils and on opencast spoils, showed that most soils held a large share of the applied salt in the upper unsaturated zone and that salinity built up slowly. Leachate volumes, leachate quality and aquifer mixing ratios were quantified. Irrigation is recommended on alternating pivots and for no longer than ten years in one area.