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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Mine Water Monitoring Borehole

Mining Remediation Authority · Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 4 Oct 2026, 14:31.

Opportunity overview

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.

Classification

  • CPV45120000 — Test drilling and boring work

Lots

  • Lot 1Value not stated

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
ocds-h6vhtk-06611a
Main Procurement Category
works
Above Threshold
No
Status
planning

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Has Renewal
Yes
Status
planning

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Starts
4 Sept 2026, 00:00
Ends
27 Nov 2026, 23:59
Max Extent Date
29 Jan 2027, 23:59

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
45120000
Description
Test drilling and boring work

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKC
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Planning and budget

Milestones

Entry 1
Id
engagement
Type
engagement
Description
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
Due
29 May 2026, 23:59
Status
scheduled

Documents

Entry 1
Id
019033-2026
Document Type
marketEngagementNotice
Notice Type
UK2
Description
Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
Published
3 Mar 2026, 14:40
Format
text/html

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
Mining Remediation Authority
Id
GB-PPON-PRPD-5825-QDVY

Identifier

Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PRPD-5825-QDVY

Address

Street Address
200 Lichfield Lane
Locality
Nottinghamshire
Postal Code
NG18 4RG
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKF15

Contact

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Id
publicAuthorityCentralGovernment
Description
Public authority - central government

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Nottinghamshire · UKF15 · NG18 4RG · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKC · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

1 published notice version reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

1 VERSION
  1. 019033-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·