WRM are industry leaders in mine site water management for the planning, construction, operation and decommissioning phases of mining.
We develop concept designs for surface water management to separate clean and mine-affected runoff, including sizing of dams, drains and pumping systems. We have extensive experience in environmental impact assessment with a track record of successfully completed technical studies for more than 50 projects, including greenfield mines and approval modifications, across most Australian states and the Northern Territory.
Our practical knowledge of engineering design and construction, combined with our understanding of environmental processes and regulator requirements allows us to develop practical, cost-effective infrastructure solutions.
We routinely develop water balance models (often using the GOLDSIM or OPSIM software) to support planning approvals, feasibility assessment and improved understanding and efficiency of operational systems. We also undertake assessments of the long term behaviour of final voids, as well as site and receiving water quality to develop systems to minimise environmental impacts.
Protection from flooding is also a major consideration in mining operations. Our skills and experience in flood modelling and floodplain management enable us to quantify flood risks and advise on cost-effective mitigation options.
Case studies
Jervois Base Metal Project EIS, Surface Water Assessment
KGL Resources is planning to mine copper and other base metals such as lead and zinc
Surface water management is a balance of ensuring adequate water supply and managing contaminated runoff
Wandoan Coal Project
Expert evidence regarding surface water management
Expert witness in the Queensland Land Court
Maules Creek Coal Project
EIS Surface Water Impact Assessment and Water Management Plan
Assessment of site drainage, site water balance, flood impacts and water monitoring program
McArthur River Mine
Site water balance and flood risk assessment to support EIS for mine expansion
Ongoing advice on operations and management of risks
Other projects
Wandoan Coal Project EIS Surface Water Studies
Wandoan, Queensland
Independent expert peer review of the hydrologic and hydraulic modelling, creek diversion and surface water management studies undertaken to determine the flood and surface water impacts of the proposed Wandoan Coal Project.
Xstrata Coal
Narrabri Coal Mine
Narrabri, New South Wales
- Stormwater drainage management
- Disposal of saline groundwater
- Environmental compliance
- Water balance
- Water Management Plan.
Hunter Valley Operations Carrington Pit Extension
Singleton, New South Wales
- Hunter River Flood and Erosion Assessment
- Stream Diversion Design
- Environmental assessment.
Isaac Plains Coal Mine
Moranbah, Queensland
- Isaac River Flood and Erosion Assessment
- Stream Diversion Design
- Environmental assessment
- Environmental Compliance
- Water Management Plan.
Water Balance Coppabella Coal Mine
Coppabella, Queensland
- Water Management Plan
- Environmental Compliance
- Erosion and Sediment Control
- Tailings Dam Break Investigation
- Water Quality Review.
Middlemount Coal Mine
MIddlemount, Queensland
- Roper Creek Flood Study
- Environmental Compliance
- Water Balance.
Integra Coal Mine Western Extension
Singleton, New South Wales
- Assessment of spoil seepage rates
- Assessment of operational water management
- Water balance modelling
- Surface water technical report for Environmental Assessment
- Water management plan
- Erosion and sediment control plan.