Advanced Monitoring System Design

Okane was engaged to assist with closure planning of a recently backfilled open pit. The cover system material consisted of a mine rock growth medium lacking structure and containing coarse rock fragments with macro-pores, resulting in limited soil water availability for re-establishing vegetation. Returning the site to its intended post-mining land use would require a vegetated surface consistent with the surrounding area. Additional insight into water migration and thermal flux patterns within the backfilled mine rock material and their anticipated effects on vegetation establishment and maturation was required.

Nestled within a World Heritage-listed national park with delicate ecosystems and significant Indigenous cultural heritage, it was essential to employ a holistic approach that took the ‘bigger picture’ into consideration. Okane ensured the greater mine closure project was central to the mining operation and collaborated closely with a variety of personnel to ensure seamless integration of the soil moisture monitoring system with the final landform design, aligning precisely with closure objectives and requirements.

The monitoring system was installed before the wet season, enabling continuous data collection. The installation took just over a week, with instant soil data capture. Data acquisition systems were fitted with modems for remote data transfer, eliminating the need for on-site personnel. This allows Okane to promptly identify and address emerging issues while maintaining data integrity.