HAIL CREEK EASTERN MARGIN PROJECT

Hail Creek Mine is an open cut mine, using a dragline, truck and shovel method.  The coal deposit is part of the Bowen Basin, a significant Permian coal basin stretching 600 kilometres long and 250 kilometres wide.

The purpose of the Hail Creek Eastern Margin works was to provide supporting infrastructure to facilitate the expansion of the existing Hail Creek mining operations to the east. To suit the proposed mine plan, a new haul road, was required to cross Hail Creek and Schammer Creek to connect the existing mining operations to the Eastern Margin area.

The 1km haul road required a 70m long culvert section using 5-cell, 3x3m reinforced concrete culverts and a 1000m3 reinforced concrete base slab. The expansion also required a new dam – the Mine Water Release Dam. The dam is to provide water storage for the dewatering of Hail Creek Open Cut mine pits, with a maximum capacity of 1.3 GL.

The Mine Water Release Dam was to be equipped with a Controlled Release System to be used during permitted periods to discharge water to the environment via an open channel into Hail Creek, approximately 1km downstream. As Hail Creek is located 120km from the nearest major centre, FKG were focused on sourcing local employees, local supplies and supporting local businesses.

The project was challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in logistical challenges.  Significant rainfall between December 2019 and March 2020 also had a significant impact on the project program and scope.

Recognition

• WINNER 2021 CCF Earth Award (Queensland) - Projects valued between $10M and $30M – CIVIL CONTRACTORS FEDERATION (CCF) EARTH AWARDS