NEIMME Lecture: Subsurface Voids – Implications for Shallow Coal Mine Geothermal

Full description

Join us for a fascinating talk exploring the potential of former coal mines in Durham and Northumberland as future geothermal energy reservoirs.

While historical “pillar and stall” mining methods left open spaces that are seemingly ideal for water flow, time and pressure often lead to roof collapses and the buildup of backfilled waste (goaf). This research, incorporating extensive fieldwork along the Northumberland coast, investigates how these structural changes act as long-term barriers to flow. By establishing one of the first datasets of its kind, this project aims to de-risk subsurface mine workings and determine the true geothermal viability of older, highly compacted mines.

About the Speaker:
Stuart Jones is a sedimentologist at Durham University, specialising in subsurface reservoir characterisation for the energy transition—including geothermal, carbon capture, and hydrogen storage. With a rich background in both academia and the hydrocarbon industry, Stuart currently leads major multi-disciplinary research programmes, including the Geothermal Energy from Mines and Solar (GEMS) project. He is also a passionate champion of Earth Science education and the NetZero transition.

17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee
18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts
18:50-19:00 – Q & A

NEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering, Science and Technology in the North.
For more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership
For information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org