Mine Heat "Living Lab" - Gateshead Multiple monitoring borehole construction

The Coal Authority invites you to tender for up to five mine water monitoring boreholes in the East Gateshead area (Baltic Quarter), NE England. The boreholes will be drilled by the Coal Authority (by the appointed contractor) on land within the ownership of Gateshead Council. This is to support the development of a "living lab" that will help provide further understanding on the nature of and potential for interactions (thermal and hydrogeological) between two operational mine water heat projects located within the Walker mining block in the Tyne and Wear region.

The boreholes that make up the Living Lab will target the High Main and Hutton workings and we are seeking an indicative cost to drill to each horizon. Each borehole will be installed with a number of monitoring sensors in order to collect data on water levels and temperatures, as well as providing access for water samples to be taken.

Based on current information, the mine water level (piezometric head) is expected to be approximately 20-25 mbgl. A study of mining information confirmed mine workings present under the site that are thought appropriate for mine water monitoring. This Scope is for the drilling of five monitoring boreholes required to intercept these mine workings on the High Main and Hutton Seams at ca. 50 and 150 mbgl respectively.

This tender is being operated through the Coal Authority procurement portal - InBye - see the attached guidance for how to access the tender documents

A supervised site visit is being undertaken on 10 August 2022 at 1100hrs - please contact peterkobryn@coal.gov.uk if you wish to register to attend