Mine water management in variable climate regimes

Recent extreme rainfall events in Queensland have tested both strategic and operational water management practices, infrastructure and regulation of mine water discharge. Coal export losses following the 2010-11 floods have been estimated to be in the order of $2 billion and 45 of the 57 coal mines in the Bowen Basin were affected by accumulation of water on sites. This paper reviews the impacts and response of the coal industry and environmental regulators to the recent floods in the Bowen Basin and comments of the dual-challenges of sustainable mine water management in climates characterised by extended periods of drought and severe floods events