The South Australian Government (through the Department for Energy and Mining [DEM]) assumed full control and management responsibility for the Leigh Creek Coalfield on 1 January 2024, when the five-year PCMMWP period concluded.

DEM does not have the resources or expertise in-house to carry out operational activities at the site and is proposing to procure suitably qualified suppliers to continue a regular presence at the site, initially in the short term, to maintain continuity of operations whilst a longer-term strategy is finalised.

Localised issues at the site include ongoing incidences of spontaneous combustion of coal and high-energy shale in the pit walls and waste dumps. This continues to pose a public safety risk at the site and is a matter that will require ongoing management in the short to medium-term.

Erosion and geotechnical instability are other matters at the site that will require attention.

DEM’s approach is to continue to actively manage spontaneous combustion, erosion, and geotechnical instability, and to manage third party access in this high-risk environment.

A range of other site management and administrative matters will be undertaken within DEM or by an appropriately qualified Mining Engineer.

If successful, the supplier (in consultation with DEM and the Mining Engineer) will undertake a range of on-ground site works aimed at delivering the following objectives:

• Minimising offsite smoke and related impacts from spontaneous combustion of the Leigh Creek Coalfield
• Maintaining on-site access roads
• Implementing and maintaining a landform management program
• Assist training of additional operators
• Site monitoring activities as required
• Ensuring site operational activities are compliant with SA Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (and Regulations) requirements
• Others matters as agreed with DEM.

The supplier will work under the direction of a Work Supervisor/Site Operator, DEM and a Mining Engineer to implement matters listed above