Water

Water is used in almost all phases of mining and minerals processing: we cannot mine or process ores without it. Water is also a scarce resource in many of the remote regions where our operations are located, and we share it with other users.

While our mining and processing operations consume some potable (drinking quality) and mildly saline water, around one-third of the water we use is hyper saline and poor in quality. Such low quality water generally has no alternative beneficial uses.

All water used in our mining operations comes from groundwater aquifers located either within, or close to, our operating leases. As our mines often intersect underground aquifers, water seeps into the mines and must be continually removed. Where possible, we maximise the use of this mine-water to service the processing and operating requirements of the mine.

The Kwinana Nickel Refinery uses a combination of ground water from its Baldivis facility and purchased town water.

At our Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter, Kambalda Nickel Concentrator and Mt Isa acid plant, all water used in the facilities is purchased from local water supplies.

Sites set annual targets for water use based on their production forecasts and approved operating plans. Targets are set for both total water use and the use of higher quality water.

• Read about our 2004 performance for Water use.