A new research project has been launched to make open-cut mining safer.

Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio launched the $2.2 million ‘Batter Stability project’ at Energy Australia’s Yallourn Mine in Gippsland this week.

Researchers from Federation University will carry out a five year project at the Yallourn Mine site with technical support from the Victorian mining regulator, Earth Resources Regulation.

It involves geotechnical and hydrogeological studies of mine batters, which are the sloping pit walls between the top of the mine and the pit floor.

These slopes can become unstable due to the interaction of surface and ground water levels, excavation work and the structure and strength of soils and rock.

In worst-case scenarios, a slope could collapse or create a sink hole putting the safety of workers, the community, public infrastructure – such as roads – and the environment at risk.

The project stems from recommendations by Victoria’s independent mining Technical Review Board to study the risk factors that affect batter stability in mines, to make them safer.

The findings are expected to be taken up at all of Victoria’s open pit coal mines to help prevent major accidents like wall collapses, and to ensure future mine rehabilitation is safe and stable.

Field work will start immediately, with the project due to be finished by June 2020.