Arrival and registration 

Welcome and Introductions 

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The National Water Agreement, Water Resources Law Reform in Western Australia and the Mining Industry

Two documents published in 2024, the Productivity Commission's National Water Reform Inquiry report (June 2024) and draft National Water Agreement (December 2024), are poised to frame discussions about water resources law reform in Western Australia, with potential impacts on the mining industry and its use of and impacts on water resources. 

What are the key messages from these two documents with regard to, for example: 

• recognizing and respecting Indigenous rights and interests in water resources, 

• legal provisions for water security in a changing climate, and

• how the established instruments of water planning, monitoring and reporting; water access rights; and water markets need reform to address the water law reform goals. 

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Reference may be made to some case studies that have attracted regulatory and media attention.

Water trends from the Urban sector - technologies and opportunities 

​The urban water industry is in a face-off against population growth, urbanization, climate change, ageing assets, and escalating customer expectations. 

From traditionally focusing on ‘getting-the-basics-right’ of supply, disposal, and a quarterly bill for the service - the focus of the water utility is shifting to a much broader ‘healthy-water-for life’ with wider social, community and environmental impact.

With the right partners and innovation ecosystem, transformational outcomes become possible such as zero waste, resource recovery, negative emissions, food security, contaminant destruction, cooler cities, and healthier communities.

The solutions that are arising in the industry focus on new and exciting areas such as IoT, digitalization, real-time monitoring and control, the circular economy, diversity of water sources, live condition assessment, and customer and community engagement.

This is challenging an industry that prefers traditional pipes, pumps, valves and meters – and requires new perspectives, new skills, multi-disciplinary partnerships, systems thinking, boldness, innovation, and the willingness to learn. The urban water sector has made much progress but also has much to learn. It needs to look broader to other sectors that use water as an essential enabler – mining, food, agriculture, etc – for inspiration and collaboration, for greater social and environmental outcomes.

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PFAS Forechemical – The Road Ahead.

This presentation will examine critical considerations for sites affected by PFAS contamination, whether in soil, surface water, or groundwater. It will provide an update on the evolving Australian regulatory framework, including anticipated requirements under the forthcoming PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) Version 3 (2025). The session will also offer insights into international developments and outline best practices for compliance, risk management, and remediation.

Morning Tea Break 

Case studies of climate change resilience and adaptation when extreme storms and floods become frequent and ; 

Enhancing water asset resilience in a changing climate 

​Climate change intensifies risks to critical infrastructure located at our mines, along linear infrastructure, and at our ports.

Climate science is predicting a greater frequency and severity of storm events, with flooding exacerbated by other climate related changes to our catchments and the interaction with rising sea levels.

Ignoring these risks or relying on worst-case scenario planning is not a sustainable approach in the face of scientific and commercial uncertainties. This presentation will introduce a practical framework for assessing assets and prioritising solutions based on quantifiable climate risks and uncertainties.

For assets and infrastructure with critical water-related risks, we will provide examples and case studies of mitigation strategies that are resilient, adaptable, and cost-effective - aimed at minimising unnecessary investments while safeguarding infrastructure for long term sustainability.

Remote monitoring and operational automation for sustainable groundwater management in the Pilbara Region

​The responsible management of surplus water in the operational mining environment can be challenging.
Reinjection of excess water back into the local groundwater aquifers is the preferred option for environmental sustainability, however it comes with its own set of environmental risks.

With groundwater injection, a key risk is water table rise which can saturate tree roots and impact priority fauna and the habitat it provides for wildlife.
This presentation will outline how Roy Hill has integrated innovative automation of the injection bore control units to ensure that vegetation impacts do not occur.
We will detail how a thorough understanding of the groundwater aquifers at the injection sites is integral to sustainable environmental management and provide details of the monitoring networks we use to manage our surplus water disposal
 

Panel Discussion,  Q & A, delegate Engagement 

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Lunch with coffees, teas, soft drink, juices

Optimizing Managed Aquifer Recharge for Sustainable Water Security in Mining and Ecoystems restoration 

​​Managed Aquifer Recharge is increasingly being adopted across the mining sector as a method of improved water stewardship.
It presents a means to offset impacts to sensitive ecosystems during mine dewatering activities, and importantly, husbands the available water to support future mine closure strategies.
MAR is not without its challenges which can be compounded in the remote locations where mining typically occurs.
This presentation focuses on the considerations for MAR to support dewatering operations and presents some case studies where MAR has been applied for ecosystem maintenance

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Desalination for utilities, industry and mining - Australia's success story for world application 

​​Water agencies, mining and resource companies, together with industry in all parts of the world, are increasingly becoming involved in desalination initiatives, including development of solutions for converting seawater and brackish water to fresh water.
The accelerating implementation of many major projects has led to a greater understanding of desalination technologies and its consequent use as a water supply option.

Prior to this century, desalination in Australia was simply too expensive for major applications.

However, the rising costs of developing ever depleting water resources and lack of available sources at remote and arid sites, coupled with a rapidly growing demand for water supplies of varying quality for domestic, mining and industrial purposes, forced Australia to investigate desalination technologies and subsequently apply them successfully.
 

This paper presents an update on all of Australia’s major desalination plants and associated integration systems.

Detailed information will be presented in relation to plants already constructed, including the 140 ML/d Cape Preston Desalination Plant, constructed offshore and assembled in the remote Pilbara Region of Western Australia to supply water to a magnetite mine.
Plants currently planned for the mining industry in Australia will be presented, particularly in Western and South Australia. These are prime examples of desalination projects for mining.
 

All completed plants are exceeding expectations in aspects such as quantity and quality of water supplied, operating cost and specific energy use. Their durability, reliability and availability have been exceptional, and, of critical importance, their integration and transfer systems have been proven. 

A discussion of the “lessons learnt” during the planning, design, construction, commissioning and operational phases of these plants will be included, as these experiences can be universally applied.

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The issues raised are pertinent to desalination plants per se and will provide great insight for developers of desalination plants related to the mining industry.

Adaptive pathways towards sustainable brine management for inland desalination 

​Brackish desalination inland for mining sites and towns addresses water scarcity in arid regions.

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This process uses reverse osmosis or similar technologies to remove salts or other contaminants from brackish groundwater to produce fresh water, which is essential for both industrial operations and local communities.

A significant challenge associated with inland desalination plants is the management of brine—the saline by-product of the desalination process. Disposal is complicated in regions with limited options for safe and environmentally responsible discharge.

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Planning water infrastructure for domestic and industrial purposes in such areas involves extensive uncertainties, influenced by factors such as water demands, varied water quality requirements, technology limitations, environmental conditions, and other considerations.

These uncertainties necessitate robust, flexible, and adaptive planning methodologies to ensure sustainable and efficient resource management.

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This presentation will examine the issues, review previously considered solutions, and propose a framework towards brine management moving forward.

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Environmental and social due diligence perspectives in desalination projects 

​Statutory environmental approvals are commonly on the critical path for the delivery of many large infrastructure projects.
Consultation with impacted and/or interested stakeholders forms a key input to the successful delivery of approvals and is a worthwhile investment of time and effort.  

This presentation will describe the common challenges in gaining environmental and social acceptance of desalination projects, and suggest mechanisms and techniques for resolving and gaining trust in order to facilitate projects achieving timely delivery.​

Panel Discussion, Q & A, Audience engagement 

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Afternoon Tea 

How key minerals and metals sectors must adapt to help meet the Paris Agreement Climate goals 

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The mining sector is at the heart of the global transition to a net zero future, supplying essential minerals and metals for renewable energy, battery storage, and electrification. Decarbonisation of industrial sectors such as steel and aluminium also begins at the mine site. 
Mining is itself a resource-intensive industry with significant carbon emissions. 

To align with the Paris Agreement climate goals, the sector must adopt ambitious and innovative approaches to decarbonisation.
This session will explore key strategies and opportunities for mining companies to reduce their and their customers’ carbon footprints, including; 
•    Decarbonisation strategies: Implementing renewable energy and electrification of mining fleets
•    Disrupting metals supply chains: Opportunities for new renewables-powered mineral value-adding
•    Critical Minerals for Net Zero: The rising demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, and how sustainable extraction practices can support the energy transition
•    Policy and Investment Trends: Regulatory frameworks and financial incentives driving net zero mining
 
By integrating climate action, the mining industry can play a pivotal role in achieving a sustainable and resilient future

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Sustainability & Decarbonisation - The transition to Net Zero, Renewable energy adoption, and reducing the industry's carbon footprint 

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This presentation explores the critical themes of sustainability and decarbonisation within the context of the global transition to Net Zero.
It examines the increasing urgency for industries to adopt renewable energy sources and implement strategies aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions, without further negatively impacting water resources .

As climate change intensifies, businesses and governments are accelerating efforts to align with international climate targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement.

The presentation will highlight key pathways to achieving decarbonisation, including the integration of clean energy technologies, improvements in energy efficiency, water reliance, and innovations in dealing with carbon including capture and storage.
Some of the challenges and opportunities associated with transforming industrial processes, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks to support a low-carbon future will also be considered.
Ultimately, the presentation will underscore the importance of collaborative action and long-term commitment to drive meaningful progress toward sustainability and climate resilience.​

Panel Discussion, Q & A, Audience Engagement

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Sundowner