Department of Mines releases tender for help assessing public safety risk of abandoned Northampton mines

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has released a tender to assess abandoned mine shafts near Northampton for remediation and rehabilitation. DMIRS is working with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage to investigate and reduce public safety risks at the abandoned Commonage and Wanerenooka sites near Northampton. A spokesperson for DMIRS said it was seeking geotechnical engineering services to help assess the shafts. “The department will consider the findings and develop suitable remediation and rehabilitation options after consulting with key stakeholders in relation to Aboriginal and State heritage, and potential contaminated site impacts,” they said. Abandoned mine structures can be dangerous as they can be concealed by vegetation or debris, hiding vertical openings, or can become unstable and collapse. If you come across an abandoned mine feature, it is recommended to stay clear and report it to DMIRS by emailing abandonedmines@dmirs.wa.gov.au. The window for expressions of interest closes on March 15.