Updates on the Former Leigh Creek Coalfield
Latest update: 4 July 2026
There has been a significant improvement in conditions at the Leigh Creek Coalfield since the Department for Energy and Mining assumed management control of the site in January 2024.
In particular, the most problematic spontaneous combustion outbreaks in the high wall of the coalfield’s 'Main Series' have responded well to the department’s efforts to reduce the amount of combustible remnant coal and shale in the high wall, and replacing that with inert non-combustible cover. This improvement is demonstrated in the comparison photographs below of the most severe outbreak at Main Terrace 21.
Main Series Terrace 1, August 2024
Main Series Terrace 21, February 2026
This work is continuing. In the 2026 State Budget, the Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Mining, announced funding to continue this work over the next four years. A program of works, designed in conjunction with a consulting mining engineer, is aimed at bringing spontaneous combustion under control, before moving to an externally contracted campaign basis to address minor combustion outbreaks and undertake routine site maintenance.
The department has also been undertaking air quality monitoring at the coalfield to understand health risks to both the community and its on-site operational team.
With respect to the broader Leigh Creek area, the department has collected air quality samples from various locations around the site. In particular, the department has tested for the presence of the 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are chemical compounds primarily generated by incomplete combustion and decomposition of organic matter and are classified as reasonably anticipated or probable human carcinogens. None of the 15 priority PAHs have been detected in the Department’s monitoring. Air quality monitoring will continue at the site.
The department will continue to post relevant updates to this website, and is intending to facilitate a meeting with community members to provide information and updates when possible to do so.
Previous updates
The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) is aware of occurrences of visible smoke coming from the former Leigh Creek coalfield.
In managing the site, DEM continues to treat spontaneous combustion outbreaks, the source of the visible smoke. DEM and contractors will maintain a regular presence on site undertaking this work where it is safe to do so.
Spontaneous combustion is known to occur in former coalfields. It typically follows rainfall events when the coal and shales come in contact with oxygen, starting the oxidation process. This results in smoke which at times can be visible from the Outback Highway.
Smoke from spontaneous combustion is more evident during colder months when a temperature inversion layer can prevent smoke from dispersing into the atmosphere. This typically occurs overnight and into the early morning, trapping and increasing the concentration of smoke within low lying mine voids, until the day warms up and removes the effects of the inversion layer.
DEM is working with health and air quality experts in the South Australian Government to identify any potential health risks associated with the smoke.
It is expected the rate of spontaneous combustion will decrease over time.
On 1 January 2024 the South Australian Government assumed full control and management responsibility for the former Leigh Creek Coalfield. These responsibilities now rest with the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM).
The site was previously managed by Flinders Power Partnership which, until 31 December 2023, had been responsible for a program of monitoring and maintenance following the rehabilitation works.
DEM is aware of the spontaneous combustion occurring at the Leigh Creek Coalfield, which at times have been noticeable from the Outback Highway or neighbouring communities.
From 1 January 2024, DEM has been actively monitoring the former coalfield, and will be implementing a range of short-term strategies, including to address spontaneous combustion outbreaks, where it is safe to do so.
DEM is also developing a long-term management framework for the site. Public safety, appropriate site access, maintenance, and environmental management will be critical components of this framework.
The former Leigh Creek Coalfield is not open to the public. It is a large and potentially hazardous site with steep pit walls, spontaneous combustion, and unstable ground conditions presenting extreme risks if accessed by people lacking the appropriate induction and training.
Access to the site is not permitted without authorisation from DEM.
For any enquiries about the former Leigh Creek Coalfield, please contact DEM on dem.miningregrehab@sa.gov.au.
About the Former Leigh Creek Coalfield
Resource and location
The former coalfield is located approximately 550 km north of Adelaide, and almost 15 km north of the Leigh Creek township.
Mining operation and status
the Leigh Creek Coalfield was owned and operated by the South Australian Government from 1948 until it was leased to Alinta Energy in 2000.
In June 2015 Alinta informed the Government of South Australia of its business decision to close its Leigh Creek Coalfield which was operated by Flinders Power Partnership.
The mine's closure was linked to Alinta's decision to close the Port Augusta power stations, the only customers.
Operations at the Leigh Creek mine ceased on 17 November 2015 and planning began for the closure of the mine site.
A Mine Closure Plan (‘Development Program’) setting out the rehabilitation for the site was prepared by Flinders Power Partnership and subject to a comprehensive government assessment.
Following completion of the bulk rehabilitation works, on 1 January 2019, the site commenced a five-year program of monitoring and maintenance activities to ensure effectiveness of the rehabilitation strategies implemented during the closure of the mine site.
On 1 January 2024 the Government of South Australia took over the ongoing management of the site.
Documents and reports
Approved Development Program 2018
- Appendix A: Designs & figures - Vulcan data - Ick survey (PDF 130 MB)
- Appendix A: Designs & figures - closure plan - map notes (PDF 86 MB)
- Appendix A: Designs & figures - A3 figures & adjusted X sections (PDF 40 MB)
- Appendices B to J (PDF 74 MB)
- Appendices L to Q (PDF 24 MB)
- Appendices R to T (PDF 97 MB)
- Appendix U - Thermal imaging reports (catalogue) (PDF 70 MB)
- Appendices V to Z (PDF 9 MB)
- Appendices AA to HH (PDF 17 MB)
- Appendix II (catalogue) (PDF 223 KB)
- Appendices JJ to MM (PDF 22 MB)
- Appendix NN (PDF 160 KB)
- Appendix OO (PDF 113 MB)
- Appendices PP to VV (PDF 108 MB)
- Appendix WW to ZZ (PDF 128 MB)
- Appendices AAA to FFF (PDF 23 MB)
- Appendices HHH to VVV (PDF 75 MB)
- Appendices XXX to ZZZ (PDF 4 MB)
- Appendices AAAA to FFFF (PDF 67 MB)
- Appendix GGGG (PDF 68 MB)
- Appendices HHHH to KKKK (PDF 9 MB)
NOTE: Some of the above appendices are large and may take some time to download.
Assessment report
- Assessment Report for Flinders Power Partnership mine closure plan for the Leigh Creek Coalfield (PDF 11 MB)
NeuRizer in-situ gasification
NeuRizer (previously named Leigh Creek Energy) plans to produce fertiliser from coal using a process known as underground coal gasification (UCG), also known as in-situ gasification (ISG). This project is located within the former Leigh Creek Coalfield.
Further information is available on DEM’s NeuRizer project page.
More information
More information on the closure and rehabilitation of the Leigh Creek mine can be found at:
For enquiries relating to current management activities at the coalfield or to receive updates contact:
- Minerals Regulation, Department for Energy and Mining: email DEM.MiningRegRehab@sa.gov.au
