Water Recycling for Coal gets Green Light in Illawarra

Today’s opening of the Illawarra Coal Water Filtration Plant shows that the mining industry is serious about saving water.

The $6 million facility - a joint venture between Illawarra Coal and Worth Recycling – was officially opened on Monday, 18 December 2006.

It is evidence the mining industry was taking water recycling seriously.

Every day the desalination plant will turn 2 million litres of saline mine water into fresh water and will increase Illawarra Coal’s recycled water use from 83% to 95%.

As a result the uptake of potable water from Sydney dams will be significantly reduced.

The NSW government participated in the development of a Strategic Water Management Framework for the Minerals Industry in order to promote a strategic approach to water management at mining and processing sites.

This framework will ensure that water is more efficiently managed and valued as a vital business, community and environmental asset.

The mining industry is already a sustainable user of water. Every year 5,922 gigilitres of water is consumed in NSW and the industry’s share is only 63 gigalitres.

The mining industry has long been a vital part of the economy in the Illawarra. By opening this plant the industry is demonstrating that they are committed to preserving our environment and committed to remaining sustainable and profitable long into the future.