Glencore’s Westside coal mine in New South Wales stands as an inspiring example of mine rehabilitation success in Australia. After operating from 1992 to 2012 near Wakefield on the north-western shores of Lake Macquarie, the mine underwent a progressive and scientifically guided rehabilitation process that set a new benchmark for the industry.
This effort was so successful that Glencore’s Westside open-cut coal site became the first in the state’s coal industry to receive government certification for meeting modern mine rehabilitation standards. The certified 38 hectares roughly the size of 60 football fields have successfully met all closure and rehabilitation criteria set by key regulatory bodies, including the Department of Planning and Environment and the Resources Regulator (Westside Achieves a New South Wales Rehabilitation First, n.d.).
Glencore prioritizes both the scale and quality of rehabilitation. To ensure high standards, a Rehabilitation Report Card is used across its Queensland sites to evaluate progress and measure outcomes against defined success criteria.
Rehabilitation efforts involved shaping the bulk landscape, applying topsoil, constructing contour drains, incorporating gypsum, and preparing and fertilizing areas for vegetation growth. To reduce contaminated stormwater runoff, the width of the haul road was narrowed, bunds were removed, and drains were built and revegetated with couch grass. Ongoing monitoring includes land and water management, along with regular surveys of flora, fauna, and soil. These activities are reported monthly by Glencore (Westside Coal Mine | Bioregional Assessments, n.d.).”
Reference:
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1.2.2.1.6 Westside Coal Mine | Bioregional Assessments. (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://www.bioregionalassessments.gov.au/assessments/12-resource-assessment-hunter-subregion/12216-westside-coal-mine
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Westside achieves a New South Wales rehabilitation first. (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2025, from http://www.glencore.com.au/media-and-insights/news/westside-achieves-a-nsw-rehabilitation-first
