Disused Hunter mines could be transformed into picturesque lakes and used for aquatic activities such as boating, fishing and swimming.
This is a practice carried out successfully in Europe and North America and is under investigation in Western Australia.
Mine closure expert and senior research fellow at Edith Cowan University in Perth Dr Clint McCullough, said he could not see why the practice could not be evaluated for disused mines in the Hunter and urged mining regulators, companies and regional communities to consider the idea and start planning.
Dr McCullough said there were hundreds of pit lakes not far from Berlin that were used for sailing, water skiing and swimming, some with hotels and cafes next to them.
He explained that mine pit lakes were deep holes left after open-cut mining, which eventually filled with groundwater, runoff from creeks and rivers and rainwater.
NSW Minerals Council deputy CEO Sue-Ern Tan said the council hosted a community workshop last year for local stakeholders to come together to develop a framework for the integration of mine rehabilitation in the Hunter Valley.
Newcastle Herald
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