Macquarie Geotechnical was engaged to deliver a combined technical drilling and geophysical investigation at the existing tailings storage facilities (TSFs) at BHP’s Mt Arthur coal site, in preparation for future design work and dam raises. The project focused on assessing the structure and condition of previously backfilled ground, which included historical mine workings, coarse material such as boulders, and potential voids. A combination of seismic refraction, Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), and sonic drilling was used to develop full ground profiles and support the design and construction planning of a new facility. Boreholes were installed for Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP), with specialised grouting techniques applied to stabilise the casing in voided fill conditions and ensure high-quality seismic data acquisition. The investigation also involved drilling through challenging subsurface conditions — including fill, rock, coal measures, and spontaneously combustible material — with the integrated approach enabling the project to be completed safely, on schedule, and to a high technical standard.
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