In 1997, a Western Australian coal mine closed; its 103-hectare void filled with 30bn litres and became Lake Kepwari

Lake Kepwari (Image Credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions/ Western Australia) 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. The Western Australian Government’s Upper Collie Water Management Plan issue-scoping report identifies it as an artificial lake created from the Western 5B mine void. The former Wesfarmers Premier Coal mine site closed in 1997.The transformation was part of a bro...