Planning

Framework for the Drilling and Testing of Boreholes in former Mining Areas

  • Mining Remediation Authority

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-009455

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-04ed57

Published 14 March 2025, 1:54pm



Scope

Description

The Mining Remediation Authority currently has the capacity to treat 220 billion litres of mine water every year. Treating mine water has directly protected and improved over 350km of rivers, protects several important regional aquifers, enhances biodiversity and provides local amenity land. Our mine water treatment prevents nearly 4000 tonnes of iron solids iron solids and other pollutants entering watercourses or aquifers. Last year 97% of the iron solid waste was recycled or reused. In partnership with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Environment Agency (EA), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Mining Remediation Authority delivers a program of mine water treatment and monitoring across England, Scotland and Wales, ensuring that the mine water is effectively treated before entering natural watercourses.

Boreholes are used to improve our understanding of mine water. Our boreholes provide critical water level and quality monitoring data used to assess potential risks to aquifers and surface water

bodies. These assessments form the basis of our mine water management strategies with abstraction from boreholes often being key to mine water level control.

The Mining Remediation Authority requires a framework agreement for the provision of services relating to the construction and testing of boreholes in former mining areas. The services are anticipated to include borehole drilling, construction, testing, maintenance, cleaning, rehabilitation, technical support and associated works/services.

Commercial tool

Establishes a framework

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2030
  • 4 years

Main procurement category

Works

CPV classifications

  • 45120000 - Test drilling and boring work

Contract locations

  • UKC - North East (England)
  • UKD - North West (England)
  • UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
  • UKF - East Midlands (England)
  • UKG - West Midlands (England)
  • UKH - East of England
  • UKI - London
  • UKJ - South East (England)
  • UKK - South West (England)
  • UKL - Wales
  • UKM - Scotland

Engagement

Engagement deadline

13 March 2025

The engagement was carried out before this notice was published.

Engagement process description

A prior information notice was published on the 10th of February under reference: 2025/S 000-004459

This Prior information notice included a link to an online Expression of interest portal where organisations could register for updates.

An online engagement session was held on the 12th of March. This engagement was conducted via presentation.

The scope of the engagement included all the proposed Lots as well as approximate values and potential KPI. Contracting arrangements were explored as well as the route to market via a Competitive Flexible Procedure.


Participation

Particular suitability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)


Submission

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

16 July 2025


Contracting authority

Mining Remediation Authority

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRPD-5825-QDVY

200 Lichfield Lane

Nottinghamshire

NG18 4RG

United Kingdom

Region: UKF15 - North Nottinghamshire

Organisation type: Public authority - central government