Verterra Scientists Lead Authoritative New Report on Mine Rehabilitation
5 December 2025
Verterra Ecological Engineering is delighted to announce that a major new technical report crediting Dr Bernhard Wehr and Dr Glenn Dale as lead authors has been published by the Office of the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner (QMRC).
The report, Creating Alternate Growth Media to Achieve Successful Revegetation on Queensland Mines, provides an evidence-based framework for designing, testing and implementing growth media solutions where conventional topsoil resources are limited or insufficient.
Commissioned by the QMRC to address a key challenge facing many Queensland mine sites, the publication sets a new benchmark for scientifically robust mine rehabilitation in Australia. It outlines practical methods for characterising spoil and subsoil materials, identifying physical and chemical constraints, designing targeted amelioration treatments, and matching engineered growth media to post-mining land use objectives.
A Significant Contribution to Best Practice in Mine Closure
Verterra Founder and Managing Director, Dr Glenn Dale, said the report reflects decades of ecological engineering, soil-science and disturbed land rehabilitation experience.
“Sustainable mine rehabilitation depends on more than simply respreading topsoil. This report demonstrates that, with the right science and engineering, alternate growth media can be designed to support long-term, self-sustaining ecosystems,” Dr Dale said.
Verterra’s Principal Soil Scientist Dr Bernhard Wehr highlighted the importance of integrating rigorous science with practical implementation:
“Our aim was to provide a clear, repeatable process, adaptable to a wide variety of site conditions, so that mining companies and regulators can have confidence in soil performance, vegetation establishment and long-term land stability.”
Verterra Environmental Engineer and Soil Science Specialist, Adam Costin, is also credited as an author on the report.
Strengthening Queensland’s Leadership in Mine Rehabilitation
The release of this report reinforces Queensland’s reputation as a leader in progressive rehabilitation and closure. It also underscores Verterra’s role as a key contributor to industry knowledge and the development of practical, regulator-aligned solutions for mining companies.
Access the Report
The full report is publicly available via the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner’s website:
Download the report
https://www.qmrc.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/412721/creating-alternate-growth-media-successful-revegetation-qld-mines.pdf
How Verterra Can Help
Verterra supports mining companies across the full rehabilitation lifecycle - from assessment and design to on-ground delivery and long-term monitoring. Our ecological engineering approach delivers rehabilitation outcomes that are nature-based, scientifically validated, regulator-aligned and cost-effective.
To learn more about how Verterra can support your mine-site rehabilitation program, contact us at info@verterra.com.au.