Water

During 2004, our operations consumed almost 33,000 Megalitres of water, of which just over 24,000 Megalitres was high quality water.

Although total water consumption decreased by approximately 4 per cent compared with water usage in 2003, the proportion of potable-quality water used increased slightly, from around 71 per cent to over 73 per cent in 2004.

Total water usage is predicted to increase in coming years as a result of QFO's Phosphate Hill mine-dewatering program that commenced in September 2004. Dewatering is required because we need to mine phosphate ore to approximately nine metres below the water table. After considering alternative options, conducting impact assessments and consulting with community and government agencies, approval was received in 2004 to increase the annual rate of extraction from bores, and separate approval was received to pump excess water into nearby Kolar Creek in accordance with the amended environmental approval’s monitoring requirements. Water will be discharged into Kolar Creek at a rate of over 6,000 Megalitres per annum for approximately four years. Follow this link to QFO Mine dewatering case study.

Most water used at Olympic Dam is sourced from two bore fields that draw from the Great Artesian Basin. WMC is supporting the Great Artesian Basin bore rehabilitation and bore drain closure programs, jointly funded by Commonwealth and State Governments, which are controlling artesian flowing bores and replacing free-flowing bore drains on pastoral properties with reticulated poly-pipe networks. Under the program, bore drain users are required to provide 20 per cent of the material cost plus 20 per cent of the installation costs. It is estimated that once installation of the pipe systems are complete, the piping program will save over 22,000 Megalitres of water per annum. These savings exceed Olympic Dam's total water consumption.

• Read about Our Approach to Water.