WRM engineers have extensive experience in impact assessment studies to support planning approvals.
This experience has given us an excellent understanding of legislative requirements and the key issues of concern to regulators. We regularly work on projects affected by competing interests and hence ensure that our work is completed to the highest professional standard to withstand criticism from project opponents.
We provide advice on all phases of mine development, including planning, construction, operations and decommissioning. Our experience includes open-cut and underground coal and metalliferous mines, as well as large and small-scale quarrying operations. We routinely develop mine water balance models and advise on the design of infrastructure (such as levees, dams and creek diversions) and operational procedures to manage flood risk, maximise water use efficiency and achieve environmental compliance.
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

Mackenzie River Flood Study
A comprehensive flood study and impact assessment of the Mackenzie River
The results of the modelling studies were used in detailed design of the proposed levee

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

Peabody Energy Australia
Development of an Erosion and Sediment Control Strategy
Developed guidelines for Peabody’s coal operations in NSW and Qld
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.