Associated Workshops

“Prevention is Better than Cure: the Causes, Consequences and Control of Soil Erosion in Mine Rehabilitation”

Saturday, 22 September 2012, Sofitel Hotel, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

This one day workshop will be presented as a series of interactive presentations and participatory exercises. On successful completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

· Understand the role of soil erosion and it’s control in landscape reclamation and restoration

· Understand the drivers, mechanics and processes of erosion of slope forming materials

· Undertake erosion risk assessment using a range of techniques, including the use of erosion prediction models (practical exercise)

· Recognise the on-site and off-site impacts of erosion and sediment production

· Understand the principles of soil erosion control and soil conservation

· Select, design and evaluate appropriate techniques for the protection of soil and other slope forming materials, using vegetation, inert materials and/or engineering structures (case study exercise).

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME IS NOW AVAILABLE.

Workshop Co-Presenter

Professor Jane Rickson
Cranfield University

Workshop Co-Presenter

Dr Rob Simmons
Cranfield University

Sustainable Mining Now and Landform Design Course

Saturday, 22 September 2012, Sofitel Hotel, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Each registrant of this workshop will receive a complimentary copy of the “Sustainable Mining Now” publication.

Workshop Presenter

Dr Gord McKenna
BGC Engineering Inc., Canada

Workshop Presenter

Dr Rob Abbott

Abbott Strategies, Canada

ACG’s Interpretation of Geochemical Data for Environmental Applications

Sunday 23 September 2012, Sofitel Hotel, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Those working in mine closure frequently are in receipt of geochemical data, whilst having little experience in its interpretation in solving environmental issues. The advent of ICP-MS and other modern analytical instrumentation has led to the generation of large quantities of geochemical data in the ppb range appropriate for addressing environmental problems. Such data is often obtained routinely from laboratories employing methods of sample preparation and analysis that may significantly bear upon the utility of the results. Sample collection may also compromise the usefulness of the final data. Even where the data is generated under optimal conditions, dealing with results for a wide variety of elements can be a daunting challenge for those with limited knowledge of the behaviour and significance of chemicals in the environment.

This one day workshop aims to guide those with limited, or no, experience of environmental geochemistry into the application of geochemical data for environmental problem solving.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME IS NOW AVAILABLE.

Workshop Presenter

Professor Ron Watkins

EIGG, WA School of Mines

Curtin University

Working with Communities Facing Closure

Sunday, 23 September 2012, Sofitel Hotel, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Workshop Presenter

Caroline Digby
Post-Mining Alliance, Eden Project, UK

Designing for Closure: Appropriate Design Criteria and Methods of Analysis Workshop

Monday 24 September 2012, Sofitel Hotel, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

This one day ACG workshop is intended for designers of tailings storage facilities, which are primarily consulting engineers.

Workshop objectives:

- Review of ANCOLD guidelines on designing using risk-based methodology

- Choosing an appropriate design earthquake

- Characterising seismic design parameters for tailings

- Methods of analysis

- Field testing to determine liquefaction potential

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME IS NOW AVAILABLE.

Workshop Presenter

Winthrop Professor Andy Fourie
The University of Western Australia

Delivering Effective Rehabilitation: Monitoring and Manipulating the Soil Biota for Success Workshop

Monday 24 September 2012, Sofitel Hotel, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Introduction to life in the soil

This is a one day workshop designed for environmental mangers, regulators and consultants who wish to understand more about how the biology of the soil functions and how it can be used in the monitoring and management of mine site rehabilitation. Experience in soils science is not necessary for attendees of the workshop.

Workshop objectives

On the successful completion of the workshop the participants will be able to:

· understand the size, composition and activity of the soil biological community and its control on plant community assembly and growth

· understand the roles of different trophic levels of the soil biota and their roles in nutrient cycling and decomposition processes

· recognise the importance of plant-microbe symbioses and how these can be manipulated

· know what is required to monitor soil ecological development in context.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME IS NOW AVAILABLE.