Current Perspectives, Challenges and Opportunities for Ash Utilisation and Pond Reclamation in Australia

Coal ash mitigation and utilisation has been a major challenge in many countries with a greater dependence on coal power. The unutilised ash gets dumped in open ponds and dykes, wasting large amount of land and adversely impacting the local population, flora and fauna. This study presents the current scenario of ash dumping in Australian ash ponds and their impact on population and biodiversity. The locations and areas of ash ponds were mapped for all ash ponds in Australia using satellite image analysis. Statewide data for pond sizes were compared with their population, province area, and power plant capacities. Potential risks to local population and biodiversity arising from ash ponds were also indexed and mapped. Possible beneficial applications of fly ash are further discussed to reduce the adverse impact of ash dumping.