Aims
- Develop long-term, environmentally sustainable solutions for existing mine voids with water acidification issues
- Initiate employment, commercial and business enterprise opportunities for the Collie community.
Objectives
- Develop a commercially viable Aquaculture Project using treated mine lake water, achieving 10% return on capital
- Build the capacity of the Ngalang Boodja Council Aboriginal Corporation (NBCAC) to self govern the project within five years of establishment
- Facilitate the completion of 15 trainees of relevant TAFE / University courses by 2010.
Demonstration of leadership
In a resource-rich environment, where the affects of industry are stark, Premier Coal is demonstrating leadership to guide the future of the environmentally sustainable rehabilitation of mine voids.
Leadership requires determination. Environmental excellence requires innovation. Premier Coal continues to express these qualities, fuelled by a commitment to achieve pioneering solutions in environmental rehabilitation and community partnerships through involvement and leadership.
Through leadership, Premier Coal established the Aquaculture Project Leadership Group, comprising of representatives of Premier Coal, the Ngalang Boodja Council Aboriginal Corporation, the Aquatic Council of WA, industry representatives and an education/Indigenous support advisor. The purpose of this group is to guide the
Project using knowledge and experience, and to foster success through strong leadership and direction.
The Aquaculture Project has allowed Premier Coal to lead by example, paving the way forward for the future of mine void rehabilitation in the state. Premier Coal demonstrates its leadership and dedication through:
- future commitment of $150,000 financial and $150,000 in-kind support over three years (2008 – 2010)
- use of haul trucks to transport 35,000 tonnes of clay during Project construction. Trucks operated for 21 days, hauling over 320 truckloads of clay
during a 16km round trip - donation of time and expertise of heavy machinery operators (including excavator operators and truck drivers) to assist with Project construction works (refer image 2)
- ongoing rehabilitation advice and support from Premier Coal’s environmental superintendant
- over 800 hours of volunteer resources.
Premier Coal have instigated a range of initiatives to ensure management systems are in place for the Project, supported by training and academic resources, community consultation, and relationship development with strategic partners to deliver practical experience and leadership.
Premier Coal is playing a leadership role in the rehabilitation of former mine lakes, demonstrated by an unwavering commitment to ongoing managerial involvement, and dedication to ongoing research and development – particularly through the establishment of research projects through the Australian Coal Association Research Program.
Our contributions to assist innovations and ongoing development demonstrate a true commitment to leadership. Since 1998, we have been formally recognised through state and national awards, confirming the longevity of our dedication.
Through our leadership, we have assisted with the development of other funding options for the Project. An example of this is the grant of $250,000 to the Ngalang Boodja Council Aboriginal Corporation towards the Aquaculture Project from the Royalties for the Region South West Regional Grants Scheme.
Implementation
Previous research and development projects identified the potential to treat acidic mine water to a condition suitable for aquaculture. Aquaculture will produce organic material that can be recycled in the lake to assist in pH buffering and establishment of appropriate lake ecosystems.
The planning and implementation for the Aquaculture Project is being completed over three stages:
1. Identification
Early 2000: Premier Coal identified a potential rehabilitation project – the establishment of an aquaculture project using treated water from mine voids.
2. Research
Late 2000: A research facility was established at an existing mine lake and investigations commenced. Six ponds were constructed and a poly-culture grow-out trial was undertaken with marron (Cherax tenurmanus) and silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus). Data collected was used to develop a bio-economic model for the assessment of aquaculture as a mine void rehabilitation option.
2007: After seven years of research, results indicated aquaculture was commercially viable and logistically possible.
Following this confirmation, the Ngalang Boodja Council Aboriginal Corporation (NBCAC) expressed their eagerness to be involved in the project. Premier Coal committed further funds to ongoing research and commenced a feasibility study.
3. Commercial viability
December 2007: After the completion of the feasibility study, it was concluded an additional 22 ponds would be required to ensure commercial viability.
December 2008: Construction of additional ponds completed, together with a 25ML header dam to store treated water before being pumped into the ponds (refer image 2).
June 2008: Approximately 12,000 marron fingerlings introduced to the facility (refer image 3), and progress continues to be monitored intensely.
Stakeholder and community involvement
Premier Coal has identified three key stakeholder groups involved in the Aquaculture Project – community, government and stakeholder – and has developed strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with each. The success of the partnership and contribution are detailed below:
1. Community: Ngalang Boodja Council Aboriginal Corporation (NBCAC)
Premier Coal’s partnership with NBCAC commenced in 2007, and has continued to prosper in parallel with project growth and development. This partnership has generated success through a robust approach to project management and transparent communication, supported by community education and awareness to boost the profile of the project. The success of the partnership is evident through strong local knowledge about the project.
2. Government: Local, State and Federal agencies
Support from government agencies has been essential to project growth. Mutually beneficial relationships have been established which deliver tangible outcomes to both parties. Success is evident through financial support received, and in return, the development of commercial marron initiatives for WA’s indigenous community.
3. Stakeholders: Collie TAFE and Murdoch University
This partnership is driven by a desire to educate, train and ultimately employ indigenous members of the Collie community at the aquafarm. Premier Coal’s involvement in the development of curriculum taught to trainees is at the heart of this successful partnership, and delivers ‘real world’ experience to eager students.
In addition to the above partnerships, there are also partnerships with local community, mining and environmental groups, surrounding mining projects and local media which have been developed to ensure a strategic approach to continued growth and success.
