Managing mine subsidence along railways and highway pavements in the Southern Coalfield

There is a long history of underground coal mining in the Illawarra, dating back to the mid-1800s. In recent times, coal mines have worked closely with the owners and operators of both private and public infrastructure to mine directly beneath infrastructure whilst maintaining their safe operation. An overview is presented of recent methods that have been used to successfully manage potential mine subsidence impacts on railway and highway infrastructure, whose presence in the past necessitated sterilisation of coal resources. Some of these methods represent “world first” technology and have applications beyond the field of mine subsidence management.