Mining rehabilitation is a critical part of responsible mineral sands operations in Australia. Following sand mining activities — particularly zircon and other mineral sands — the landscape must be carefully restored to support long-term environmental stability and the return of native vegetation.
For this project, our clients’ mining operation in South Australia followed best-practice rehabilitation by retaining the original topsoil, which was stockpiled during excavation and later re-spread over the mined area.
Native seeds were then introduced to encourage natural regeneration and restore the land to its pre-mining condition.
Once topsoil is returned, it is highly vulnerable to wind and water erosion — especially in open, exposed mining environments. Without stabilisation, seeds can easily blow away or wash off before germination, compromising rehabilitation outcomes and increasing rework costs.
Traditionally, this challenge is addressed using plastic sheeting or coir/jute matting to hold soil and seeds in place.
However, these methods are:
Our clients’ site required a solution that would stabilise soil and seed efficiently, while aligning with environmental sustainability objectives.
Dust-A-Side Australia’s HydroTac® was selected as an alternative to plastic and jute matting for soil and seed stabilisation at the rehabilitation site.
Applied as a spray-on binder, HydroTac® is a biodegradable, lignosulphonate based dust control product. It works as a hygroscopic crusting agent, forming a protective crust over the topsoil, holding seeds firmly in place while still allowing water infiltration and seed germination.
Instead of laying matting, the process involved:
This simplified approach significantly reduced installation time and labour requirements.
Key Benefits of Using HydroTac for Rehabilitation
As a lignosulphonate-based product, HydroTac® contains no corrosive chlorides, making it safe for soil, vegetation, equipment, and surrounding ecosystems.
When applied, it binds surface particles together, significantly reducing erosion and protecting seeds during the critical early growth stages.
By replacing traditional matting with a spray-on biodegradable solution, the project achieved faster rehabilitation outcomes at a lower cost, while meeting environmental and operational objectives.
The product successfully stabilised the topsoil while supporting efficient, environmentally responsible land restoration.
Overall, HydroTac® provided a practical and sustainable solution for achieving faster, more reliable rehabilitation outcomes for our client.
Ready to simplify your mine rehabilitation and achieve faster, sustainable results?
Contact Dust-A-Side Australia today to learn how HydroTac® can protect your soil, seeds, and the environment.
Click here to request a consultation. Or give us a call on 1800 662 387.