What was developed or tested
Characterisation, coal recovery, amendment optimisation, microbial stimulation and plant-growth response formed the proof-of-concept programme.
What the evidence supports
A useful full-volume mine-site reuse concept. Evidence supports field validation rather than immediate specification as a general-purpose rehabilitation soil.
Environmental and technical uncertainty
The route can reduce topsoil demand and recover residual coal, but sulphur, salinity, residual reagents and field erosion remain controls.
Benefit-case screening lens
Potential value: Closure and rehabilitation outcomes, reduced erosion or exposure, improved land use and possible avoidance of imported rehabilitation materials.
Deployment constraints: Long-term geochemistry, soil function, vegetation performance, water quality, monitoring duration and whether treatment changes the underlying liability.
Question before applying elsewhere
Will the amended material sustain vegetation while controlling erosion, pore-water quality and contaminant exposure over the required timeframe?