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Water is a fundamental requirement of the minerals industry and as such the industry invests heavily in research projects to improve water management. While water is critical for mining operations, the industry uses just over 1% of the total water consumed in NSW. The industry also has one of the highest recycling rates in the State.
Both collaboratively and at individual mine sites, the mining industry is concerned with developing new technologies to improve the ways in which water is used. The Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry, based at the University of Queensland, is the home of several such collaborative projects between industry and researchers.
For further information about mining and water, please visit the Environment section of this website and the Reducing our Footprint section.
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The Hunter River Salinity Scheme is an innovative water sharing project in the Hunter Valley which demonstrates how the mining industry and power generators are working together for improved strategic management of water resources. Water is recycled and shared through pipeline infrastructure between various mine sites and power stations. This is possible as some mines produce surplus water which is not required on-site and can be used by other industries or mines which have a water deficit. This water is typically used in processes where higher quality water is not required, such as for dust suppression. It reduces the need to draw on vital fresh water resources and also reduces the need to manage saline discharges into the Hunter River.
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In the Western Coalfield of NSW, water sharing between power generators and Centennial Coal’s Springvale Colliery is another great example of industry working strategically with community stakeholders for better environmental outcomes. Springvale Colliery produces excess water which is transferred by pipeline to power generators, reducing the quantities of water being used from the Cox's River.
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A number of mining operations around the State, both in the Hunter region and the Central West, use treated effluent from sewage treatment plants as an alternative to potable or fresh water resources. At Cadia Valley mine, sewerage water input from Orange and Blayney townships fulfils approximately 50% of the mine’s water requirements. BHP Billiton’s Mt Arthur mine also uses effluent from Muswellbrook in its operations. The use of this treated effluent reduces the burden on the supply of potable water resources as well as the economic burden on local councils. It also results in a viable water resource being used in situations where lower quality water can safely be used on mine sites.
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