Quarry closure and rehabilitation strategy and order-of-magnitude cost estimate

SGME conducted a comprehensive review and assessment of five quarries to develop a detailed rehabilitation strategy, cost estimate and proposed schedule based on regulatory requirements, environmental risks and development application compliance. The quarries are located in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

The quarries faced challenges in developing an effective rehabilitation strategy that complied with regulatory requirements and addressed environmental risks while ensuring cost-effective closure. This included assessing liabilities, estimating costs accurately and proposing a schedule that aligned with legal obligations and environmental objectives.

SGME implemented a comprehensive approach to address quarry rehabilitation that included a regulatory analysis, an environmental risk assessment and sustainable planning. Safety considerations were paramount to ensuring a stable and secure landform could be developed and maintained post-rehabilitation. Environmental evaluations focussed on ecological integrity and included land use, contamination mitigation and drainage management attributes. Detailed scheduling and a cost estimation were done by considering direct and indirect expenses associated with clean-up, restoration and ongoing monitoring. Stakeholder engagement and continuous maintenance were emphasised for sustained effectiveness. SGME’s strategy balanced legal compliance, environmental stewardship, safety protocols and financial efficacy to align with regulatory standards and sustainability objectives. The overarching goal was efficient closure and rehabilitation while prioritising safety, environmental wellbeing and community satisfaction.

SGME adds value to quarry rehabilitation through expertise in environmental engineering and sustainable land management. We conduct thorough site assessments to understand ecological needs and regulatory requirements. Our solutions include innovative cover design, landform design, erosion control measures and revegetation strategies that enhance biodiversity and minimise potential environmental impacts. We also bring expertise for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management plans to ensure long-term sustainability and compliance with regulatory standards, providing enduring value to quarry rehabilitation projects.