Environmental Geology Field Techniques

Location: Hobart and West Coast, Tasmania

Start date: 25th Aug 2026

End date: 28th Aug 2026

Journey through Tasmania’s iconic and dramatic West Coast landscapes to investigate the management of legacy of mine wastes, one of Australia’s most significant environmental challenges. This course combines practical geoscience techniques with hands-on fieldwork at the historic Mt Lyell mine and its downstream river systems, offering a unique opportunity to understand how geology, water, and human activity intersect in shaping our environment.

Course description

Environmental geology studies the interface of rocks and other environmental ‘compartments’ such as natural waters and the atmosphere. Environmental management plans are a key part of modern mining operations, with numerous examples of legacy contamination providing case studies of how not to manage mine wastes.

We begin the course on Tuesday with one day of introductory lectures (environmental geochemistry, geophysics, and hydrogeology) at the University of Tasmania in Hobart, before driving to Tasmania’s West Coast on Wednesday morning. The field trip activities include undertaking detailed field surveys of the downstream effects of acid drainage and mine tailings discharged from the Mt Lyell site on the Queen and King River system and Macquarie Harbour. We will also visit the Mt Lyell mine site and discuss its legacy of environmental problems. We will return to Hobart on Friday afternoon early evening.

Skills to be taught include field analysis of acid drainage chemistry and mine tailings, piezometer measurement and analysis in porous aquifers, and a range of geophysical techniques, including resistivity and electromagnetics. The course will emphasise integration of these diverse techniques to solve environmental problems and to support mine waste management and remediation activities.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, it is intended that students will be able to

• Explain the principles, processes and products of rock-water interactions in the near-surface environment.
• Discuss and compare sustainable mining and resource development principles to formulate strategies that improve environmental, social, and governance outcomes.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret environmental data using a variety of geological and geochemical techniques.
• Assess, evaluate, and communicate risk about environmental and human health to diverse stakeholders

Generic skills

• Work and collaborate in small teams
• Undertake rigorous and independent thinking
• Exercise critical judgement

• Adopt a problem-solving approach to new and unfamiliar tasks
• Collect and synthesise field observations and information to answer complex questions
• Develop high-level written report and/or oral presentation skills

Assessment

• Short practical and field assignments (20% of total mark)
• Mt Lyell mine site geology and environmental assessment report (30% of total mark)
• Queen and King Rivers water and King River Delta report (50% of total mark)

More details on the requirements for these assessment tasks will be provided at the beginning of the field trip.

Student numbers

Due to logistical constraints, we are limited in the number of students that can enrol in this unit. We will create a waiting list to fill places that may become available if you initially miss out.

Field trip costs

The following fees include 2 nights’ accommodation in Strahan plus ground transportation. It does not include airfares, meals or accommodation in Hobart.

• Students (VIEPS) $400
• Industry $800.00 (includes private accommodation in Strahan)

Payment details will be provided in early August to registered and enrolled participants. Payment is required to secure your place on the field trip.

Important information

Weather conditions are variable and can be vicious on the West Coast of Tasmania. Be prepared for cold, wet weather – bring appropriate wet weather gear, warm hat, gloves, thermals, scarf, change of clothes, etc. Snow is also a possibility. Gumboots are advisable. Failing that, sturdy field boots are a necessity as are warm changes of clothing.

Please note that steel-toe boots are a compulsory for the Mt Lyell mine site visit.

Field trip accommodation will be in cabins at Strahan. Most cabins contain a room with a double bed, another room with two bunks, and a self-contained kitchen, bathroom and shower (and heater and television). Bedding, linen and towels are provided so there is no need to bring any bedding for the West Coast part of the field trip.

Students are responsible for their own meals, so bring money to purchase all meals, or bring your own food. We will provide opportunities to buy food. Strahan has a couple of pubs which do good counter meals, a bakery, and a supermarket.

You will need writing implements (you will have assignments to complete). Waterproof paper is a good idea. Hand lens, large water bottle and good backpack to carry all the things you need. Also please try to minimise luggage as we will have quite a few people to fit into the vehicles.

It is recommended that you arrive in Hobart on Monday to start the course on Tuesday morning.

Our return to Hobart may be delayed significantly by bad weather (western Tasmanian roads can be affected by snow and ice), so do not plan to fly home from Hobart on Friday evening.

Accommodation in Hobart will need to be organised by students. The university is located in Sandy Bay, on the southwestern side of town. It's about a 20-30 minute walk from downtown Hobart to UTAS, so any of the backpackers in town are suitable accommodation venues.

Course contact: Dr Matt Cracknell

Further course and assessment information

Registration