As several mining operations in the Hunter Valley approach the end of their operational life, there is growing attention on mine closure planning and the transition to sustainable post-mining land uses.
Mining companies have intensified efforts to integrate comprehensive environmental monitoring data into closure strategies. At CBased Environmental their mission is to provide safe, quality driven, professional and timely environmental monitoring to its clients.
Started by Colin Davies 23 years ago, CBased is an environmental consultancy with a large team of dedicated scientists and field technicians. They not only look after real time monitoring but also collect and test environmental samples from mine sites, quarries and other industries.
Nathan Lane has worked in the environmental industry for 16 years including a few years with Glencore across sites in NSW and QLD.
Colin gave Nathan a start in the mining industry at CBased all those years ago, and now Nathan’s career has brought him full circle joining CBased Environmental as General Manager.
“There’s about 40 of us at CBased, a mixed team of field technicians who collect data in the field and environmental scientists and support staff in Singleton, Gunnedah and Mudgee.
“We are lucky to have such dedicated and hard-working employees who genuinely care about looking after our clients and each other.
“We have two arms of the business, real time environmental monitoring which captures data from equipment in the field like air quality, weather or water monitoring stations and relays this back to websites for display and then there’s the more traditional environmental monitoring arm of the business collecting samples on the ground such as surface, groundwater, dusts and soils.
“We take that data, integrate and report it to the client for their statutory requirements or study processes,” said Nathan.
Throughout his years in the environmental space, Nathan has seen a lot of change, particularly in technology.
CBased uses its Teledata system for continuous environmental monitoring data. The system connects to water sensors and weather stations and sends that data to a dedicated website where the client can view charts, look at cameras, and take action based on real time monitoring data.
The system can also provide SMS or email alarms.
“When I started there was no real time monitoring. Now people can log in when they get an alarm from their sediment dam for instance, have a look at the camera at the dam and see what’s occurring and take action if needed.
“It makes your job easier and makes everything more efficient,” said Nathan.
With rehabilitation expectations constantly increasing and mining projects needing to do more to get across the line, CBased is busy making sure all the data clients require is robustly collected.
“Mine closure keeps us busy; businesses want to make sure all their requirements are met. There is so much science and data collection with rehabilitation and mine closure.
“There’s still a lot of coal left in the Hunter Valley. The policy and the decisions going forward will determine if the coal stays in the ground or not. When it comes to post mining land use, the mines are demonstrating they are committed to fulfilling their closure commitments.
“There is opportunity there for other industries to come in. It’s exciting to hear these discussions taking place. It will involve collaboration and incentive for new industries to form.
“It would be great to see long term reputable companies come into the Hunter Valley and provide generational employment, such as the mines have and still do. We want industries to provide a future for the region,” said Nathan.
