An overview of coal mine-induced subsidence in the Newcastle and Hunter Coalfields

Stephen Fityus

Coal mining has been carried out in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions since the first European settlement in the area. The methods used were originally adopted from mining in other countries, but evolved over time, leading to changes in the coal mining legacy that underlies the cities of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and greater Cessnock. The paper will present a brief overview of the structure of the Newcastle and Hunter Coalfields and a brief history of the mining that has been carried out. The many factors that affect the stability of the mine workings will be considered and the mechanisms of instability explained, with consideration of subsequent expressions of ground surface subsidence. A brief discussion will be provided in regard to how subsidence risk is managed and mitigated, and the how the effects of subsidence are remediated.

About the speaker

Stephen Fityus Douglas Partners Pty Ltd, Newcastle

Dr Stephen Fityus has a BE(civil engineering), a BSc(geology) and a PhD from the University of Newcastle, where he was Professor in the School of Engineering for over 20 years. He currently holds a position in the Newcastle office of Douglas Partners. His wider research interests include the behaviour of residual and expansive clay soils, soils in the unsaturated state, rockfall phenomena and risk mitigation, and slope stability in dipping sedimentary strata and characterisation of waste rock dumps.

Engineers Australia members participating in AGS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.