Coal Mining Risk Assessment
Thanks to extensive experience in coalfield ground conditions, we deliver targeted ground investigations that assess the legacy of previous coal mining and confirm whether land is safe and suitable for development.
In former coal mining areas, abandoned workings, mine entries and weakened strata can create a complex and potentially unstable ground environment. A dedicated ground investigation is essential to identify these legacy risks, understand how they affect your site, and support safe, cost‑effective development.
Purpose
A ground investigation focused on historic coal mining establishes the condition of the ground beneath your site, including the presence and depth of old workings, mine entries, voids, soft backfill, mine gas and groundwater. By combining desk-based research with intrusive investigation, the work confirms whether previous coal mining poses a risk to stability or safety and what remedial measures, if any, are required.
The resulting report provides clear, defensible evidence for planning submissions, insurers and funders, demonstrating that coal mining legacy has been properly assessed and managed. It also informs foundation design, infrastructure layout and any ground improvement or stabilisation that may be needed.
Process
Ground investigation typically begins with a Phase 1 desk study, reviewing Coal Authority records, historical mapping, geological data and any previous site investigations to build a conceptual ground model. This stage highlights potential hazards such as shallow workings, recorded mine entries, zones of past subsidence, mine gas sources and groundwater pathways linked to historic mining.
Where the desk study indicates elevated risk, a Phase 2 intrusive investigation is undertaken using appropriate techniques such as boreholes, rotary drilling, probing, trial pits and in‑situ testing. Samples and monitoring data are then used to confirm ground profile, strength, groundwater conditions and any mine gas, allowing precise assessment of stability and the design of any required stabilisation or protection measures.
Why work with Groundrisk
Don’t let legacy issues disrupt your project development. Knowing in advance the issues your site may create allows you to prepare your team and adjust your planning accordingly. Minimise the impact of coal mining sites on your business with help from the team of experts.
Get in touch
For more information about ground investigation in areas of previous coal mining, or to discuss the level of investigation appropriate for your site and planning stage, please contact our team.
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