2026 Queensland Mine Rehabilitation, Soil Management, Closure & Water in Mining Summit

12–13 November 2026 | Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville, Queensland

Rebuilding Soil Systems. Protecting Water. Delivering Responsible Mine Closure.

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National Industry Summit | Event Overview

Advancing Mine Rehabilitation, Environmental Recovery, Water Stewardship & Sustainable Closure Outcomes

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Queensland's mining industry is navigating an increasingly complex environmental and regulatory landscape, with growing expectations surrounding mine rehabilitation performance, soil and water management, ecological recovery, environmental accountability and the long-term responsibilities associated with mine closure.

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As critical minerals development expands, established mining operations progress towards closure and legacy environmental challenges continue to demand attention, the need for integrated, scientifically informed and financially sustainable rehabilitation and closure strategies has never been greater.

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The 2026 Queensland Mine Rehabilitation, Soil Management, Closure & Water in Mining Summit, convened by Mines & Environment, brings together mining operators, environmental regulators, government representatives, researchers, engineers, environmental consultants and technical specialists for two days of focused industry discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping responsible mine rehabilitation and closure across Queensland and Australia.

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The Summit recognises that successful mine closure cannot be considered through soil rehabilitation, landform stability or water management in isolation. These interconnected systems influence the long-term environmental performance of rehabilitated landscapes, the achievement of approved post-mining land uses and the financial and environmental liabilities that may remain beyond the operational life of a mine.

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Across the mining lifecycle, decisions concerning soil characterisation, mine waste management, landform design, water infrastructure, contamination risks and rehabilitation methods can have significant consequences for closure costs, regulatory compliance and long-term environmental outcomes.

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At the same time, advances in environmental science, ecological engineering, predictive modelling, remote sensing, water treatment and rehabilitation technologies are creating new opportunities to improve environmental performance, reduce uncertainty and strengthen evidence-based closure planning.

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Particular attention will be given to Queensland's evolving rehabilitation and environmental management landscape, including Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP) requirements, rehabilitation performance assessment, residual environmental risks, climate resilience and the challenges associated with demonstrating safe, stable and sustainable post-mining outcomes.

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2 Days | 2 Complementary Technical Programs

The Summit is structured around two distinct but closely connected conference programs, allowing attendees to participate in either day independently or attend both days for a broader examination of mine rehabilitation, environmental management and closure.

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Day 1 – Thursday 12 November 2026

Queensland Mine Rehabilitation, Soil Management & Environmental Recovery

Day 1 focuses on the science, engineering and practical delivery of successful mine rehabilitation, with particular emphasis on soil functionality, constructed and manufactured growth media, erosion and landform stability, contaminated soil management, ecological engineering and nature-positive closure.

The program will examine how advances in soil microbiology, landform evolution modelling, LiDAR, remote sensing and ecological restoration can strengthen rehabilitation performance, support regulatory assessment and contribute to resilient, self-sustaining post-mining landscapes.

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Day 2 – Friday 13 November 2026

Water in Mining, Environmental Risk & Mine Closure

Day 2 examines the operational, technical, regulatory and long-term challenges associated with managing water across the mining lifecycle.

The program will explore mine-impacted water systems, acid and metalliferous drainage, groundwater protection, pit lake management, extreme rainfall and climate resilience, advanced water treatment technologies, PFAS remediation, water recycling and the management of residual water infrastructure and closure liabilities.

A central focus will be the integration of water stewardship into mine planning, environmental compliance, rehabilitation and long-term closure responsibilities.

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Connecting Science, Industry Practice & Environmental Responsibility

Through technical presentations, applied research, industry case studies and interactive panel discussions, the Summit will provide a professional forum for examining emerging challenges, sharing practical experience and exploring approaches to improving rehabilitation performance and environmental management.

The 2-day program aims to strengthen understanding of the relationship between scientific evidence, operational decision-making, regulatory expectations, environmental risk and the long-term responsibilities associated with mine closure.

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For mining companies, regulators, researchers, consultants and technical professionals, the Summit provides an opportunity to consider how rehabilitation and water management strategies can be better integrated to support sustainable post-mining outcomes while managing environmental and financial risks.

From rebuilding functional soil systems and restoring ecosystems to protecting water resources, strengthening environmental governance and managing long-term closure liabilities, the Summit brings together the critical elements of responsible mine rehabilitation and environmental stewardship.

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Flexible Attendance – Day 1, Day 2 or Both Days

Attendees may register for Day 1 only, Day 2 only, or the complete two-day Summit, selecting the technical program most relevant to their professional interests and responsibilities.

An optional conference dinner on Thursday 12 November provides an additional opportunity for networking and professional engagement.

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Join Mines & Environment in Townsville on 12–13 November 2026 for 2 days dedicated to advancing rehabilitation science, strengthening environmental performance and supporting responsible mine closure across Queensland's resources sector.