For every six cubic metres of coal that is mined, about one cubic metre of overburden has to be removed and placed somewhere.
One of the good things about the brown coal at Loy Yang Power is that it contains quite small amounts of ash (1 - 3%). However, because such large amounts of coal have to be burnt, large amounts of ash are still produced, which need a large area for their disposal.
Loy Yang Power generates 2000 - 3000 cubic metres of general waste (from tins to bricks to timber etc) each year.
By reducing waste, including recycling as much as possible, the company can save money and help the environment.
When the mine reaches its maximum depth, up to 60% of overburden being dug will be put back into the mine. Until then, it is conveyed to the overburden dump and progressively rehabilitated (see Land).
Ash settling pond
Ash is stored in an ash settling pond where it is dried before disposal within the overburden dump. The company has also looked into possible ways of actually using ash, such as extracting and selling the trace metals or the sand within it.
Loy Yang Power has become the 100th business in Victoria to take part in the State Government's 'Waste Wise' program, which aims to reduce industry wastes through analysis of wastes and identifying uses for waste.
Recycled products include paper, metal, oil and storage drums. Each waste product has specified storage, transport and disposal rules under EPA regulations, and Loy Yang Power has a licensed tip for its general waste.
