Summary
In collaboration with Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri Coal Operations (NCO), located near Gunnedah, NSW, IEMA has developed thirteen specialised modules built in the IMERCS intelligence framework to streamline data management and operational workflows. Centralised Cloud Data Stores provide organisation-wide access to structured and secure data, supporting seamless collaboration across the organisation.
The Objective
NCO partnered with IEMA to design and implement a comprehensive intelligence system—IMERCS—that would transform how mining operations manage environmental compliance, rehabilitation, and closure planning.
This project has had a profound impact on operational transparency, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
The trigger for change at NCO was a desire to develop effective spatial data controls to manage surface disturbance activities in accordance with environmental approvals. These activities, governed by the Permit to Work (PTW) system, depended on a cumbersome paper-based process that provided limited visibility, was prone to human error, and often lacked critical real-time data required for proactive environmental management.
NCO recognised that the PTW process had to evolve into a more intelligent, automated, and integrated system to ensure that all works were carried out in compliance with approval conditions, while also enabling streamlined internal governance and reporting.
Our Response
Implementation of IMERCS followed a phased, risk-managed approach over 2022–2024 (Figure 1). The project began with a discovery phase involving a scoping workshop with key stakeholders across operations, including surveyors, planners, and environmental teams. This collaborative approach ensured system requirements were defined clearly, and user needs were understood.
A pilot/minimum viable product (MVP) version of the ePTW App was evaluated alongside existing paper workflows, allowing for bug fixes, feedback, and data validation before full-scale deployment. Training and ongoing support were essential components of the rollout, especially given the initial hesitancy among some users unfamiliar with digital systems.
A comprehensive risk assessment identified potential risks in shifting to digital records and data workflows. Mitigation measures were implemented, including user access controls, automated data backups, and procedural changes aligned with Whitehaven Coal’s risk management framework.
The Impact
The implementation of IMERCS has delivered wide-ranging benefits to NCO’s operational, environmental, and compliance performance including:
- Operational Efficiency: Over 100 ePTWs have been processed without incident, showcasing the system’s reliability. The digital interface has saved personnel significant time and reduced errors, while also streamlining interdepartmental approvals.
- Compliance and Audit Readiness: During a 2024 audit by the NSW Resources Regulator, IMERCS was recognised as a ‘comprehensive and robust system for managing inspections and monitoring data.’ The audit team praised its transparency and ease of access to historical and real-time data.
- Enhanced Rehabilitation Performance: Greater than 95% of available rehabilitation areas in the mining zone were completed successfully. The system enabled prioritisation of rehabilitation works and efficient allocation of civil resources, leading to significant environmental improvements.
- Real-Time Environmental Intelligence: Dashboards displaying live rehabilitation progress, disturbance status, and PTW approval metrics empower managers and supervisors with actionable insights. This facilitates proactive decision-making and timely intervention (Figure 2).
- Cultural Shift and Workforce Engagement: Through targeted training and ongoing support, IMERCS fostered a culture of accountability and digital literacy. Teams now rely on live data for planning and decision-making, enhancing internal governance.
Client Quotes:
“The Data Hub has brought about a remarkable transformation in how we manage and track environmental and rehabilitation data.” (Surface Operations Manager)
“We used to lose hours chasing signatures or replacing lost paperwork. Now with ePTW, everything is digital and integrated.” (Registered Surveyor)
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