| To aid in the development of the portal’s permanent closure design, an inspection of the portal is required using a remotely controlled all-terrain vehicle, equipped with video capture ability (or similar). Human entry to the portal drive is not permitted.
Conduct an inspection of the portal and shaft with a remote controlled equipment. The chosen all-terrain vehicle must be able to video (or similar) conditions within the portal up to a distance of approximately one-hundred and eighty (180) metres from the portal entrance (apparent location of mine plug).
The inspection will be undertaken in the presence of a Departmental Project Officer who will liaise with the all-terrain vehicle operator to identify any specific areas or features requiring closer assessment during the inspection. For example, groundwater seepage locations, plug condition or other features.
The presence of obstacles, in the form of rock, disused mining parts and equipment or other debris may be present. As far as practical, the chosen all-terrain vehicle must be capable of operating in such an environment.
Ground water seepage can be observed escaping the portal entrance (refer to supporting photos). While the depth of this flow, in limited areas at the entrance is presently not more than one-hundred (100) millimetres, it is unknown if the water depth increases (or decreases) further into the portal.
The protected, Large-eared Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus robertsi) inhabits the portal. As a result, it is thought that the use of an aerial drone would not be appropriate due to the risk of bat strike to the drone and the potential damage to, or complete loss of the drone.
The full inspection video, in MP4 format and any supporting photographic stills, are to be provided to the Department within seven (7) days of the completion of the inspection.
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