Australian coal mine became a lake holding about 30 billion litres of water
A former open-cut coal mine in Western Australia has been transformed into a recreational lake named Lake Kepwari. The project is part of a regional effort to rehabilitate industrial sites for tourism and community use.
Why it matters
It highlights successful land reclamation strategies that repurpose abandoned industrial infrastructure for environmental and economic benefit.
What was once a deep hole left behind by coal mining is now a destination for swimming, boating, camping and water sports. Lake Kepwari, near Collie in Western Australia, began as the Western 5B mine void at a former open-cut coal operation. After the mine closed in 1997, the site was progressively transformed into an artificial lake. Over time, water filled the void, creating a large recreational water body that eventually became part of efforts to diversify Collie’s tourism opportunities. By late 2020, Lake Kepwari had opened to visitors with new infrastructure designed to turn the former mine site into a water-based recreation hub, according to the Western Australian Government.From coal mine to artificial lakeLake Kepwari is located about 13 kilometres southeast of the Collie townsite and covers about 103 hectares.
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