Digital Atlas project aims to unlock renewable energy potential in unused mines
The pilot project aims to identify the information needed to assess the potential of a mine site to host renewable energy infrastructure Image: Martina Berg — stock.adobe.com
Researchers from Federation University's Centre for New Energy Transition Research (CfNETR) have started work on a project to explore the potential for former mine sites to host renewable energy generation.
CfNETR researcher Associate Professor Rakibuzzaman Shah says there are thousands of former mines in Australia no longer being used, with others progressing to closure over time.
The project is funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME), a dedicated research organisation examining and helping improve what happens after mining ends.
The researchers will work with industry partners Rio Tinto, BHP, Green Gravity and the Office of the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner, to explore opportunities for these mine sites and the nearby communities.
"One major challenge is of the absence of central access important data about mine sites and their surroundings. This pilot project aims to identify what technical, environmental, social and other information is needed to assess the potential of a site to host renewable energy infrastructure," Associate Professor Shah said.
He says the work will test the potential to create a digital atlas – an online tool that would show relevant data to inform assessments of these sites for renewable energy generation.
Global experiences will also be examined as part of the project.
"There are opportunities to develop these sites but there are many factors that need to be considered when looking at what the appropriate renewable technologies for each site could be. That could be a mix of technologies," he said.
"Using former mines for future renewable energy generation has been done before every site is different and not all will be suitable.
"For example, for a decommissioned open-pit mine, these considerations include the potential challenges with terrain and structural integrity of the site."
He says understanding the geography and the geological environment of each site is essential as are the complexities around nearby infrastructure.
"Many sites have existing constraints. For example, without a transmission corridor to transport the energy generated and connect that to the grid, the options may be too limited."
The lack of comprehensive records regarding the history of these mines and their operational data complicates the planning process.
Collaborating with the research partners will help the research team deliver.
"There are many critical information gaps to fill," he said.
CRC TiME Research Director Professor Tom Measham highlighted the importance of understanding the opportunities for repurposing previously mined areas towards socially acceptable and economically viable post-mining options.
“This foundational work towards producing a digital atlas will help to identify which previously mined sites are suitable for renewable energy production. Understanding the characteristics of mine sites is an important step towards identifying suitable post-mining land uses.”
CfNETR director Professor Nima Amjady said the initial pilot phase of the project will conclude in February 2026 and the researchers were hopeful of continuing the collaboration through a digital atlas.
He said the implications of this research extended beyond environmental sustainability, they also encompassed financial viability.
"The capacity and efficiency of renewable systems directly impact the return on investment," Professor Amjady said.
"By understanding climate and terrain factors, we can maximise the energy output of solar and wind farms, ensuring a more robust energy future. The increasing penetration of renewable energies into various levels of electric power systems presents significant challenges.
"Consequently, power system monitoring, analysis, decision-making, and control strategies need to be modernised. Acquiring the necessary data is the essential first step in this process."This project is part of a suite of atlases being developed through CRC TiME to support consideration of post-mine land and asset use and support wider environmental priorities.
CRC TiME is supported by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources Cooperative Research Centre project.