enviroMETS acknowledge the role of The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) has provided in advancing innovative, practical pathways for 
Transformative Post-Mining Land Use (T-PMLU) in Queensland.

This confirms the significance of enviroMETS’ collaborative model — bringing together government, industry, research and community — and affirms the momentum building behind our
T-PMLU agenda across industry stakeholders.

"enviroMETS was engaged by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (the department) to find innovative and sustainable ways to make mining impacted land valuable for future generations.

Through a series of project collaborations, enviroMETS has supported mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies associated with mine planning, tailings, mine waste, mine affected water and mining land remediation in Australia, particularly in Queensland by:

• conducting and sharing research into improvements to the processes and innovative recommercialisation, repurposing and remediation ideas used in the industry.

• working with government at all levels to ensure that the interests of industry, community and environment are represented regarding the public decision-making process.

• providing a forum to engage within and beyond the (METS) sector to discuss best practice and enhance the future of mining land.

Activities have included:

• Project 1: Ensure Regulatory Framework Supports Innovative PMLU Opportunities

• Project 2: Establish Economic Viability of Pilot Project Sites

• Project 3: Operate Pilot Site Demonstrate Technologies at Scale

The enviroMETS Strategic Plan for Transformative Post Mining Land Use (T-PMLU) Solutions continues to contribute towards new industry insights and project collaboration; improved policy and regulation settings; and leading towards greater economic activity on post-mining land for the future of regional economies, jobs, communities and the environment."

As enviroMETS Executive Director [Allan Morton] puts it:

“We intend to have established several operating Transformative Post-Mining Land Use sites by 2027. Each site will be enabled by testing a new, efficient regulatory pathway, supported by a sound business case developed to address specific regional development opportunities — factoring in the technical, economic, community, and environmental needs for long-term investment.”

This vision is both ambitious and achievable — but it won’t happen without greater industry commitment.

We are already working with more than 25 industry organisations and regions who are offering generous in-kind contributions. But to take the next steps — and to turn strategies into scalable, place-based projects — we need financial backing from industry leaders who share our vision.

Support enviroMETS today:

•  Become a Corporate Sponsor — align your brand with industry-led sustainability and innovation

•  Be a Financial Supporter — invest in real-world solutions that benefit your sector and regional Queensland

•  Join our Network of In-Kind Contributors — collaborate, share expertise, and help shape the future of mining land use

Contact us to discuss how you can get involved and help Queensland lead the way in post-mining land transformation.

enviroMETS (Qld) Limited has partnered with SecondMuse, a global company dedicated to driving positive social and environmental impact to develop innovative funding models that will assist the economic transformation of Queensland’s mining regions, to maintain communities, create jobs, and improve environmental and social outcomes.

This partnership is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which combines enviroMETS’ local post-mining land use (PMLU) knowledge, with SecondMuse’s expertise in creating practical, community-focused solutions.

The goal is to find and fund innovative ways to transform former mining sites into spaces that benefit the people living and working in these regions.

The partnership will focus on unlocking the potential of mining-impacted areas, addressing key challenges, and delivering benefits for local communities. Some of the major plans include:

• Developing Funding Models to fund projects that make post-mining land more productive and valuable.
  
  
• Community Collaboration with traditional owners, local businesses, and community groups to ensure everyone’s needs are considered.
  
  
• Policy Advocacy for regulations that encourage investment in innovative and sustainable use of former mining land.
  
  
• Pilot Projects to test new ideas for how post-mining land can be transformed for the better.

This partnership can be a game-changer for Queensland’s mining regions. By working together, PMLU Transformation creates thriving spaces that bring lasting benefits to local communities and the environment.

The partnership will unfold in three stages:

1. Exploration: Using shared expertise to create tools that identify the best ways to transform mining-impacted land.
   
   
2. Business Case Development: Creating a methodology for quantifying the multi-criteria value of specific plans for projects and identifying ways to fund them.
   
   
3. Pilot Implementation: Launching several regional multi-use projects that show how post-mining areas can be successfully redeveloped.
   

SecondMuse brings a proven approach to building strong economies by focusing on partnerships and innovative funding. This collaboration will make sure that projects are sustainable, impactful, and can be replicated in other regions.

By teaming up, enviroMETS and SecondMuse are showing their commitment to helping Queensland’s mining regions. Their shared vision is to create new economic opportunities while protecting the environment and improving the lives of local people.

Simon Baldwin, Senior Vice President – APAC at SecondMuse, said: 

"This partnership is about working together to achieve something truly meaningful. By blending local expertise with global ideas, we can set a new standard for how mining regions can thrive in the future."

About SecondMuse SecondMuse is a global impact company that fosters resilient economies through community collaboration. With a mission to build systems that benefit both people and the planet, SecondMuse creates transformative solutions for lasting social and environmental impact.  For more about SecondMuse https://www.secondmuse.com/

Thank you for the industry support for our project because it’s important for Queensland’s state development, its mining sector, the development of our regional communities, the environment, our cultural heritage and the states economic health. We are excited to share some significant updates on the enviroMETS LightHouse Project initiative, which is making great strides in reshaping post-mining land use across Queensland. Support and Endorsement To date, 23 major resources companies, local governments, and regional development organisations have joined us in advancing this vital work. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for your commitment to this project. Prominent organisations, including CRC TiME, Mt Isa City Council, Future Foods CRC, and GHD, have collectively pledged over $550,000 in cash and in-kind support. This strong backing highlights the importance of the project and its potential to benefit both the mining sector and regional communities. In addition, the project has received $765,000 in seed funding through the Queensland Government Regional Economic Futures Fund, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to the initiative. Economic Value and New Methodology We are developing a groundbreaking portable business case assessment tool for mining land, which will be built using case studies from pilot sites across regional Queensland. These areas are experiencing significant change due to the evolving nature of mining activities. The tool will provide a forward-thinking approach to assessing and comparing land use options for post-mining landscapes. Beyond traditional factors like cost and rehabilitation, the new methodology will consider five key components: Prospective further mineral extraction Innovative non-mining commercial operations Social impact assessment Environmental and biodiversity changes Cultural and heritage value assessment The resources, time, and expertise provided by our allies will help us demonstrate the viability of these new planning tools, with the potential to unlock an additional $1.14 billionin regional income for Queensland every year. Project Progress We continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to shift the focus of post-mining land from a liability to a long-term, productive asset for regional communities. A Project Reference Group with government representatives is being formed to guide this work. Twenty subject matter experts drawn from the enviroMETS ecosystem are now engaged in qualifying then quantifying the five value components. The first regional meetings are scheduled for February–March 2025, and the first versions of the toolkit modules will be ready for testing on pilot case study sites by mid-2025. A full program and additional updates will be available later this year. We are proud of the progress made so far and grateful for the continued support of everyone involved. This is an exciting time for the future of post-mining land use in Queensland, and we look forward to achieving even more in the coming months. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to enviroMETS. Let's acknowledge the support from the organisations shown below. If you have any questions or would like more information, or extend your organisations support, please don’t hesitate to make contact. Allan Morton Executive Director

The end of the Mining extractive phase doesn't have to be the end of the story. Imagine transforming these spaces into assets that bring economic, environmental, and cultural value back to local communities. With some creative thinking—and a focus on sustainable, community-centered goals—the possibilities are endless. Time to reimagine what post-mining land can truly be!
Here's an article that brings this thinking to the fore.

…more

Abandoned outback mines sit lifeless, but renewable energy is reviving them. Here's how

abc.net.au

Over 300 Participants are 
Thinking Differently About PMLU

It’s hard to overstate the success of Dr Pete Whitbread-Abrutat’s visit to Queensland over the past few weeks with enviroMETS.

In two weeks of late July 2024 we directly engaged with over 300 influential people, from 80 organisations, including 20 Tier 1 and mid Tier mining companies, all invested in finding innovative and sustainable higher value post-mining land use (PMLU).

With the extensive press coverage over 1 million
now know what can be done with old mining land.

enviroMETS was able to create a reassuring neutral space where the various stakeholders could hold wide-ranging and progressive conversations around PMLU futures – witness the discussion in the Mackay and Mount Isa workshops. This approach could be developed further to inform ongoing site/region-focussed PMLU initiatives, rather than just one-offs, building on enviroMETS’ excellent connections into the relevant expertise to facilitate this. 

Key to this approach is to expanding minds beyond the state into other parts of Australia and beyond, where the relevant issues have been – arguably – addressed somewhere. The power of showcasing good examples to build confidence should not be underestimated.

The Eden Project (UK), where Peter was part of the founding team for 12 years, starting changing perceptions of what’s possible when we begin thinking differently about our mined land as assets. “102 Things to Do with a Hole in the Ground” tells that story and a hundred more, including 15 from Australia.

enviroMETS has made available copies for interested members and others to purchase. It builds on the success of “101 Things…” that was published in 2009; it’s sequel is destined to become the go-to reference for the mining industry 'closure' specialists and environmental managers. 

We believe that Pete's hits then hot buttons on this topic in his Reflections extracted from his report.

REFLECTIONS - Dr Pete Whitbread-Abrutat

There is an evident appetite for changing closure/ transition and PMLU practices in Queensland, given the context of numerous large-scale mine closures within the next couple of decades; current legislation was developed for a different time and generally favours a return to the original or a pastoral land cover. This does not always maximise the socio-economic – or even environmental – opportunities offered by mine site infrastructure, services and landforms, etc., that could provide the basis for a new future for surrounding post-mining communities. Some government departments and mining companies are keen for a more progressive approach to PMLU, but there are obvious concerns about holding poorer mining performers to account. As well as waving a stick to the laggards, any revised regulations could consider enticing more progressive behaviour with a carrot!

It is critical to ensure that restoring environmental and ecological integrity are key elements of a progressive socio-economic agenda (the essence of sustainable development) – it cannot be either/or. Such an approach might provide encouragement to those concerned with a more environmental perspective and may provide common ground for the start of joint deliberations.

EnviroMETS was able to create a reassuring neutral space where the various stakeholders could hold wide-ranging and progressive conversations around PMLU futures – witness the debates in the Mackay and Mount Isa workshops. This approach could be developed further to inform ongoing site/ region-focussed PMLU initiatives, rather than just one-offs, building on enviroMETS’ excellent connections into the relevant expertise to facilitate this. Key to this approach will be expanding minds beyond the state into other parts of Australia and beyond, where the relevant issues have been – arguably – addressed somewhere. The power of showcasing good examples to build confidence should not be underestimated.

Most of enviroMETS direct funding is from the Queensland state, with a much smaller proportion from industry – mainly smaller players and mainly in-kind. To date, there has been a disappointing response from the larger companies in supporting enviroMETS work, despite it offering an independent, multi-stakeholder and neutral platform for advancing progressive thinking – and with strong government support.

enviroMETS aims to establish five pilot sites on mines to test and showcase new ideas for creating post-mining socio-economic and environmental values. The large players have much to offer and to gain from such an approach, given the benefits of testing and demonstration to the wider industry, government and other stakeholders – including communities.

Downloads of the presentations are available on the site, as is his report. enviroMETS is proud to have Pete as our international project advisor. We are enlivened to have the Queensland State Government supporting our strategy for a fresh approach to how we can facilitate new value PMLUs.

enviroMETS is proud to support Stephen D'Esposito visit Queensland in June-July 2024 for a series of meetings and presentations where he’ll share further insights on how innovation in mine waste processing is expanding, offering new technologies to re-mine waste and address pollution. And, how the business model for restoring degraded sites can provide significant benefits for both community and commercial bottom lines.

Stephen Desposito is President and Founder of Regeneration, a global public good company who is making a difference in how we can turn waste into a resource, create nature-based solutions, and achieve better mine closure outcomes.

Below are links to a number of articles our members should find interesting on how the re-mining of old sites can provide the basis for environmental and social restoration.

Articles:

 Canadian Mining Journal; a two part article that references Regeneration's vision and projects.

A nature positive development company would have two main functions: re-mining and restoration. Tailings, milling and processing residues, waste rock, and mine impacted waters represent opportunities to recover metals and minerals as well as create new products. With this in mind, people should take a fres look at mining and milling waste.

Part One         Part Two

Videos:

As the demand for critical minerals outstrips supply and strains ecosystems and communities, we must restore the land at the same rate as we mine.

  

Regeneration, a partnership between RESOLVE and Rio Tinto

Stephen and John speak about the formation of Regeneration as a new style of mining company.

Stephen   John

 This is a 20 min insight into Stephen's journey and thinking behind the founding of Regeneration. 

A genuinely interesting story of how he became an unlikely mining company leader. 

The interview link.

Creating Opportunities from Liabilities 

When it comes to post mining land use, it’s time to shift our mindset. We are on the cusp of a significant shift with mining challenges.  

We need to reframe the conversation about Post-Mining Land Use (PMLU) from the traditional focus on the liability of mining activities requiring it to be returned to past state, to prioritizing solutions that convert the as-mined asset into best possible high-value productive PMLU opportunities. 

Over the decades operators exiting from mining have taken different pathways, but only one is sustainable. There is a real opportunity to operate beyond compliance to de-risk the future Queensland economy and protect regional and remote communities and their jobs. 

STOP = Scars of the Past

For decades we’ve seen and heard about the enduring scars on landscapes, sparking calls for the banning of mining. Sadly, such demands overlook the significant lifestyle benefits provided by mining, including providing the materials of the latest electronic devices, from which we tweet those calls.

However, looking back over the centuries of mining the industry hasn’t done itself any favours on the PR front either. Those once profitable sites and their associated communities now abandoned are evidence of this. These ‘not great’exits were the result of the prevailing knowledge and practices of their time, and to criticise from today’s perspective is somewhat unfair. 

Instead, let’s find proactive solutions to remine, repurpose, and remediate these sites to ensure they become safe, stable, durable, and productive assets. 

REWIND = Return to Previous State

Since the 1970s, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impacts neglecting land rehabilitation. So much so that it’s now regulated and past practices largely rectified. In jurisdictions like Queensland, Environmental Authorities now require Progressive Rehabilitation Closure Plans to permit mining operations.  These are backed up by enforcement and penalties. However, as mining is a multi-decade activity, plans locked in at the approval stage, cannot take advantage of evolving land use technologies, thus leading to an inflexibility towards innovative PMLU. 

Further the long-term sustainability of mining land rehabilitation is not assured because defaulting to the singular pursuit of environmental remediation fails to provide sustainable economic and social outcomes, particularly in regions that have developed around mining.

If the land use is not economically viable, and without an invested community, then the environmental rehabilitation efforts are at risk of eventual failure. At enviroMETS we believe it’s time to look beyond the aesthetics of the current approach of returning to previous state.  

What if... we start thinking differently about the future of mining impacted land?

CONTINUE = Go Forward 

We should be prioritising a future aligned with the expectations and aspirations of regions directly and indirectly impacted by mine closures. Engaging the broader Queensland community on the post-mining land use transformation journey is essential.

Regional mining economies are on the cusp of a significant shift, with (CSIRO estimating) some 240 Australian mines due to close by 2040*. Mining remains a critically important economic contributor to Queensland with 500,000 people directly or indirectly employed, and heavily reliant on the sustainability of mining. When mining activity ends, we should have already established commercially successful non-mining enterprises. In other words, diverse businesses utilising the same resources concurrently.

Collaboratively planning for a post-mining future through transformation and critical strategic thinking will deliver real benefits that:

• Derisk the future Queensland economy.
• Protect regional and remote communities and jobs.
• Deliver significant environmental outcomes including decarbonisation and climate positive gains. 
• Provide better value for money for government and industry.

However, policy has not kept pace with technology, nor expectations to take advantage of the sunk investment in mining infrastructure assets, or its skilled people. For Queensland resources sector to remain globally competitive we should be rethinking how we prioritise or incentivise high value productive post-mining land use options. With planning and innovation, we can collectively create an opportunity to shape the future of key areas in regional Queensland. 

enviroMETS’ Lighthouse Projects

Over the past year we have delivered the following activities through our Lighthouse Projects which support/underpin a multi-year strategy to find new innovative and sustainable value in mining impacted land.

1. Perception survey of post-mining land use challenges
2. PMLU challenges and priorities workshop
3. ‘Regulatory and Industry Practices’ research and reporting
4. Multi-stakeholder business case methodology workshop
5. Further studies into ‘Regional Planning’, ‘Carbon Impact of Infilling Pits’, and ‘Circularity’.

Looking ahead, our strategy includes additional actions delivered across the following areas:

1. Supporting and testing ‘sandbox’ regulatory changes. 
2. Validation study of ‘Carbon Impact of Infilling Pits’ (a very significant number!).
3. Commercial feasibility study for reuse of identified coal mine wastes.
4. Development and testing of multi-stakeholder business case methodology.
5. Establishment of multiple regional post mining pilot sites.
6. Reframe the conversation to prioritise high value productive solutions.
7. Identify and promote Queensland METS solutions to international markets.

These actions will provide the economic and social enablers to drive positive outcomes for Queensland; for the resources sector; for industries operating or looking to operate in Queensland; our local and indigenous communities, and the environment. 

 

enviroMETS Lighthouse Project One (LHP1) to undertook a high level analysis of regulatory and industry practices impacting on Post-Mining Land-Use (PMLU) outcomes in Queensland. As a for-purpose company funded by industry and government, eMQ has a key role in growing the METS sector in Queensland. 

The analysis was done over 15 weeks from August 2023. It identified a number of key findings that impact the industry's ability to do something better than filling in the mining void. 

Unsurprisingly, for potential PMLU proponents, navigating this complex governance environment can be daunting, if not outright intimidating. Yet, the achievement of PMLU outcomes offers communities and individuals so many potential benefits, including improved environmental outcomes, new economic development opportunities, as well as just outcomes for Traditional Owners and regional communities.

The report makes nine recommendations that are now being further developed as a briefing white paper for delivery early 2024.

A copy of the report can be downloaded from here.

Last week I had the good fortune to present enviroMETS Qld and share our ideas with the 'Smart Transformation' action committees in Dysart and Moranbah, of the Isaac region of the Bowen Basin. Everyone is on the same page here.

We all know that every mining resource has a finite life, but a region does not.

The families, government and companies that have invested in building these towns have done so for mutual best interest. Mining has enabled these model communities to develop many of our inland regions. New rewarding lifestyles developed.

Now is the time, while mining flourishes, to activate fresh ideas that will over the next few decades grow to establish sustainable new future for all.

Thanks for the opportunity Mitch Innes and www.smarttransformation.com.au 

For anyone interested in viewing the presentation it can be viewed HERE.

• 

  The Lighthouse Project #1 “Navigating the Regulatory Framework Impacting the Economic Transformation of Mine Affected Land” is now underway. 

  UQ Industry Professor Dr Brett Hayward – who brings significant senior Queensland Government resources policy experience - is leading the project.

  CRC TiME is Lead Research Partner working with Brett’s team and integrating findings from their Foundation Research portfolio

  Sedgman, the Resources Centre of Excellence, Greater Whitsunday Alliance and Regeneration Enterprises are collaborators and industry funding partners. Further support is being sought.

  A fast-paced project

  The 15-week qualitative industry orientated research is looking at 10 – 15 recent case studies, where proponents pursued remining, repurposing and remediation projects under the current Queensland regulatory regime.

  We’ll be collecting and examining experiences with aim to design a regulatory system guide to incentivise innovative post-mining land use outcomes.

  Findings will then be applied to a group of potential new projects, including critical minerals extraction, mine waste management, repurposing and environmental remediation to identify a matrix of pathways that could accelerate development. 

  Four core elements

  The project aims to:

1.  Identify and map available regulatory pathways, challenges and enablers.   

2.  Specifically identify the challenges for establishing pilot/trial sites for research, testing and commercial development of remining, repurposing and remediation options on an abandoned or mine site approaching closure. 
3.  Provide recommendations on solutions to the identified regulatory challenges in order to establish pilot sites in Queensland where stakeholders can find new economic purposes, creating jobs. 
4. Provide additional feedback to government that supports shaping of a future regulatory landscape and enabling environment.

Key milestones include a Stakeholder Workshop late August, an Interim Report late September and the Final Report with guidelines, late November.

All material arising from the project will be available on the enviroMETS and CRC TiME websites as well as via the Advisory Group and supporting contributors.

Huge Goodwill

enviroMETS is very grateful for the extensive industry, research and government goodwill received for undertaking our Lighthouse Projects. These projects are complementary, supporting the work being done by the QLD Government internally.

We are delighted to be partnering with CRC TiME on this project, working together to bring innovation to move mine closure from being an end point to a transformation that delivers economic, environmental, social and cultural sustainable benefit.

An important step, this project will inform regulatory pathway guidelines and develop support material to inform further considerations to unlock the potential of repurposing mining assets.