Water recycling for coal gets green light in Illawarra

The opening of the Illawarra Coal Water Filtration Plant this week illustrates the mining industry’s serious attitude to saving water.

The $6 million facility is a joint venture between Illawarra Coal and Worth Recycling.

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

Every year 5,922 gigalitres of water is consumed in NSW and the industry’s share is only 63 gigalitres.

Projects that reduce reliance on potable water should be recognised and encouraged.

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.