Planning

Mine Water Monitoring Borehole

MINING REMEDIATION AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

03 Mar 2026 at 14:40

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Mining Remediation Authority is overseeing a tender process titled "Mine Water Monitoring Borehole," focused on developing a monitoring borehole at Pelton Colliery, County Durham. The procurement falls under the category of test drilling and boring work within the 'works' main procurement category. This initiative aims to address a data gap in mine water monitoring infrastructure in the Central Durham South block. The process is currently in the planning stage, with significant dates outlined: the tender publication and advertisement scheduled for June 2026, followed by evaluation in July 2026, and award decisions expected in early August 2026. The contract period is set for 4th September to 27th November 2026, with operations expected by October/early November. Interested parties are encouraged to attend a site visit on 31st March 2026 to explore engagement opportunities.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for businesses in the test drilling and boring industry, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises capable of delivering specialised solutions for borehole construction and monitoring. The procurement method highlights opportunities for contractors to select their methodologies to meet project requirements, fostering innovation and cost efficiency. Businesses with experience in geological assessment, borehole construction, and environmental monitoring will be well-suited to compete. The Mining Remediation Authority emphasises the importance of risk mitigation and optimisation in project delivery, seeking feedback on the proposed pilot hole methodology, which allows for adjustments in drilling strategies. Companies that engage can benefit from ongoing collaboration and streamlined project execution, contributing to proactive environmental management strategies in the region.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Mine Water Monitoring Borehole

Notice Description

Background The Mining Remediation Authority has identified a gap in mine water level data within the Central Durham South block, particularly in the area linking to the Central Durham North block. Detailed studies carried out in 2020 and 2022 confirmed hydraulic connectivity between the Central Durham South, Central Durham North, and Lumley mine water blocks. Rising mine water levels present a potential environmental risk and require proactive management through effective pumping strategies and continuous monitoring. Currently, the north/northeast section of Central Durham South-especially around Chester-Le-Street-lacks adequate monitoring infrastructure. This data gap restricts our ability to make informed decisions on pumping operations and long-term water management strategies. To address this, the Mining Remediation Authority proposes constructing a single monitoring borehole at Pelton Colliery. This borehole will intersect flooded underground workings and deliver real-time data to support effective management.

Planning Information

Location / access Pelton Fell is a residential area in County Durham, located near Chester-le-Street. The proposed drilling site (image 1) is situated within Pelton Colliery Park, which is an open public space on a gentle slope. There is currently no dropped kerb at the location. Access to the proposed site would need to be taken via Pelton Fell Road, images 2 & 3. Key Requirements The Contractor will be responsible for specific construction details to achieve the borehole requirements, as specified below Summary of key requirements Operational time: By October / early November 2026 Methodology: To be selected by the contractor to meet the target requirements. Borehole depth: 65-75m Final internal diameter: 100 mm Borehole deviation: 3 degrees Design life: Minimum of 20 years Headwork: To be completed under a square split lockable manhole cover at surface, minimum of 1000mm x 1000mm with D400 rating. Minimum of 200 mm between base of cover and top of casing Chamber must be between 0.5 and 1.0 m total depth. Indicative Geology The planed borehole is situated on the Pennine Middle Coal measures (PMCM). The Coal Measures strata are overlain by made ground and superficial deposits, likely comprised of colliery spoil and weathered bedrock. The borehole is to be drilled to intersect coal mine workings in the Low Main (K) Seam. (the 'target') of the former Pelton Fell Colliery. Permits / Land Agreements The proposed borehole will be drilled within a managed, open space park owned and maintained by Durham County Council. To proceed, the Mining Remediation Authority must agree on Heads of Terms and secure a licence from the council. This licence will be formally executed and available prior to site mobilisation. The project qualifies as permitted development; therefore, formal planning permission is not required. As the works involve only below-ground infrastructure, no additional rights or permits are required from the local council. Programme The current Programme is estimated to run to the following timescales, with an ambition to complete the Borehole by FY 26 /27. 1. Tender Publish / Advert June 2026 2. Evaluation July 2026 3. Award Early August 2026 4. Mobilisation on site Early September 2026 5. Drilling & Construction Mid-September 2026 6. Completion October / Early November 2026 Engagement Opportunities The Mining Remediation Authority is committed to continuous improvement in project delivery and risk management. Based on previous experience, one effective method has been to drill a pilot hole using a wireline coring system to maintain borehole verticality. This approach provides an opportunity to confirm geological conditions before committing to full-scale drilling. The pilot hole method mitigates this risk by offering flexibility to adjust and re-drill to an alternative target with minimal additional cost. We welcome your feedback on this proposed methodology or any alternative strategies that could further reduce risk and optimize cost efficiency for borehole construction. Site Visit Date and time of the Visit: Tuesday 31st March 2026 at 11.00am Site address: Pelton Fell, Chester-le-Street, DH2 2BN (nearest post code) Please confirm your interest in attending the site visit to email: satty.malhi@miningremediation.gov.uk Mining Remediation Authority contacts: • Satty Malhi Project Manager 07827 473955 • Sean Burke Senior Hydrogeologist 07826 908730

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06611a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019033-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45120000 - Test drilling and boring work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Mar 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
29 May 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 Sep 2026 - 27 Nov 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINING REMEDIATION AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Postcode
NG18 4RG
Post Town
Nottingham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF1 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF15 North Nottinghamshire
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England)
Local Authority
Mansfield
Electoral Ward
Berry Hill
Westminster Constituency
Mansfield

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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