Coming Soon

The VNI West project is a proposed high-capacity 500 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line aimed at delivering essential new transmission infrastructure. 

CMQ is acting as a tender stage geotechnical support role to assist AusNet by offering expert advice on the necessary scope of the geotechnical and geophysical investigations. This ensures a thorough understanding of the ground conditions. Additionally, CMQ is preparing a geotechnical strategy paper that outlines key considerations and methodologies for future site assessments. By providing these technical insights, CMQ aims to support informed decision-making and optimise the project's engineering approach during the early planning phase.

Hazelwood Mine has been undergoing a mine closure plan, involving landform reshaping (i.e., a full pit lake), overburden dump drainage batters, temporary clay embankments, long-term ash deposits, and clay capping. Located in the Latrobe Valley Depression within the Gippsland Basin, the site contains three distinct coal units and interseams, leading to varied geotechnical conditions.

CMQ has played a key role in the closure process, delivering ash settlement calculations, dam stability analysis, rehabilitated landform design, and geotechnical support on the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process. Additionally, CMQ has implemented a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) program to ensure compliance with geotechnical and environmental standards.

Loy Yang Mine, situated in the Latrobe Valley, consists of five primary coal units separated by interseams, presenting significant geological and geotechnical complexities.

CMQ is supporting the mine closure and rehabilitation process by developing a strategy paper using a reliability-based design approach. This includes reviewing interseam shear strength and testing data, defining a material strength testing program, and establishing transient Design Acceptance Criteria (DAC). Additionally, CMQ is evaluating the impact of batter movement during the mine development, lake filling and post lake fill, to ensure both short-term and long-term stabilities. These efforts contribute to a comprehensive geotechnical framework for effective mine rehabilitation and closure planning.

Fulton Hogan operates several rock quarries across Victoria, including Tynong and Tylden, with some sites seeking Work Plan Variation (WPV) approvals.

CMQ supports the client in preparing WPV documentation, including facilitating a Geotechnical Engagement Session with Earth Resources Regulator (ERR), drafting the Ground Control Management Plan (GCMP) and Geotechnical Assessment (GA), performing erosion calculations, site inspections, and risk assessments. Additionally, CMQ conducts annual geotechnical compliance reviews aligned with the client’s internal processes and evaluates the impact of proposed work plan variations and expansions, ensuring regulatory compliance and long-term site stability. These efforts contribute to effective rock quarry management and sustainable operational practices.

Barro Group operates the Sand Creek Road Quarry, which involves sand washing and stockpiling excavated material from the adjacent Work Authority (WA), with wash plant rejects stored in multiple slimes dams.

CMQ provides project management support, conducting site visits, assessing the condition and capacity of slimes and water-holding dams, and preparing a quarry plan with engineered designs, including road and drainage layouts, new granite and sand pit designs, and slime management analysis. CMQ also performs risk assessments, rehabilitation planning, slimes material balance calculations, dam break analysis, and a Consequence Category Assessment (CCA), while participating in Hold Point meetings.

Glencore operates the Lady Loretta Mine, an underground mine from which zinc-lead-silver ore is extracted. The mine’s operations are scheduled for completion in 2025, with a closure and rehabilitation plan currently being developed.

CMQ is assisting the client in preparing a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) to support the regulatory approvals and stakeholders engagement. The scope of work includes conducting 2D and 3D analyses of the Waste Rock Emplacement (WRE), Run of Mine (ROM) pad, former LMD stockpile, and underground domain. Additionally, CMQ develops a geotechnical monitoring plan, creating 2D and 3D models, and performs stability assessments to ensure safe and effective mine closure planning, meeting both regulatory requirements and project goals.

Lismore City Council is proposing a new landfill site on Wyrallah Road, located within black pug clay of the Gundurimbah Creek / Wilsons Ricer floodplain, known for its high shrinkage limit.

CMQ conducts a desktop assessment, performs a geotechnical site investigation, and drafts a Geotechnical Assessment (GA). The study includes thorough CPT interpretation and cohesive soil shear strength analysis, providing detailed cross-sections of critical batters. These cross-sections outline soil behaviour at CPT locations and identify weak layers. This comprehensive evaluation ensures a thorough understanding of subsurface conditions, supporting informed design and construction decisions for the proposed landfill site.