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Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions for Mining and Ecosystems  
Innovate, Conserve, Sustain: Securing Water and Energy for the Future
12th June 2025 

Exploring Desalination, PFAS National Environmental Management Plan, Risk Management and remediation,  Innovative Water Solutions, Policy Reforms, and Climate Change Resilience and adaptation . 

Thank you to all our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making this an outstanding event.

We truly appreciate your contributions and look forward to welcoming you at our future events.

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Event photos and video highlights will be available soon. Please check back with us shortly.

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In a world grappling with escalating climate pressures, dwindling freshwater resources, and urgent demands for decarbonisation, the way we manage water and energy—particularly within the mining and environmental sectors—has reached a pivotal turning point.

Western Australia stood at the forefront of this global challenge, where arid landscapes, booming mineral economies, and delicate ecosystems intersect.

Mines and Environment, in collaboration with the Water Quality and Health Network and the NetZero Australia Collaborative Network, proudly delivered this landmark conference—a premier platform for cross-industry collaboration at the intersection of mining, water, energy, environmental sustainability, and desalination.

The Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions for Mining and Ecosystems Conference provided a timely and transformative space to address these converging issues head-on.

With a strong emphasis on desalination as a critical enabler of water security and environmental resilience, the event created a rare opportunity for collaboration across industries, disciplines, and sectors. It brought together Mining, Water, and Environmental Professionals, Scientists, Researchers, and Sustainability Leaders to shape solutions that were both innovative and implementable.

From managing groundwater in remote mining regions to pioneering adaptive brine strategies, from strengthening flood resilience to advancing regulatory reform—this conference showcased the partnerships and technologies needed to secure Australia’s water and energy future in the face of a changing climate.

Delegates experienced an agenda rich in insight and action, featuring real-world case studies, forward-thinking policy discussions, and breakthrough innovations redefining sustainable resource management.

Key presentations highlighted Australia’s global leadership in desalination—from large-scale coastal plants to adaptive inland systems—and its critical role in supporting both industrial operations and fragile ecosystems. Sessions explored cutting-edge groundwater monitoring in the Pilbara, managed aquifer recharge, and flood mitigation strategies as extreme weather events become the new normal.

The program also examined evolving legal and regulatory frameworks shaping water use in mining, the social and environmental due diligence required in major infrastructure projects, and the imperative for the minerals sector to align with global climate targets.

With a diverse line-up of experts from academia, government, and industry—including hydrologists, engineers, legal scholars, environmental specialists, and climate analysts—this event sparked practical collaboration, bold thinking, and meaningful impact.

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Why a Collaborative Approach?

Collaboration at the Core :Bridging the Water Sector with Mining, Environment, and Net Zero Innovation

Sustainable water and energy management requires a cross-industry response, where knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships lead to real-world impact.

 

This conference unites mining, water, environmental, and energy sectors to align efforts, break down silos, and develop solutions that address resource security, regulatory challenges, and climate adaptation.

By providing a collaborative space, this event creates a shared space for discussions that drive both innovation and accountability in sustainable resource management.

Driving Outcomes for : 

✔ Cross-Sector Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships between mining, water, and environmental industries to drive integrated, sustainable solutions.
✔ Policy & Regulatory Clarity: Facilitate dialogue between government bodies, industry, and community leaders to navigate regulatory reforms and compliance frameworks.
✔ Innovation & Technology Advancement: Showcase the latest desalination, water recycling, and renewable energy technologies that enhance efficiency and sustainability in resource management.
✔ Climate Adaptation Strategies: Address the impacts of climate change on water security and ecosystem resilience, ensuring industries adopt future-proof solutions.
✔ Indigenous-Led Water Governance: Elevate First Nations leadership in water and land management to support sustainable, community-driven solutions.
✔ Environmental & Resource Sustainability: Promote best practices in responsible mining, water conservation, and emissions reduction, ensuring a balanced approach to development and ecosystem protection.

This conference is designed to drive meaningful action - whether through influencing policy reform, accelerating technological adoption, or strengthening industry commitments to sustainability.

 

By focusing on practical, outcome-driven discussions, the event aims to create lasting impact on Western Australia’s water and resource management strategies, ensuring they remain resilient, sustainable, and future-ready.

Speakers

KEY NOTE SPEAKERS 

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Dr David Bergmann

CEO 

Water Research Australia 

Presentation Topic  

Water trends from the urban sector – technologies and opportunities.

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Nicholas Deeks 

Technical Director - Hydrology

GHD 

Presentation Topic  

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

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Gary Crisp 

Chief Engineer

Sequana 

Presentation Topic 

Desalination for utilities, industry and mining – Australia’s success story for world application

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Dr Jimmy Seow 

Director 

Environ WA 

Presentation Topic 

PFAS Forechemical – The Road Ahead.

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Daniel Visser 

Technical Director - Water Treatment & Desalination

GHD 

Presentation Topic 

Adaptive Pathways Towards Sustainable Brine Management for Inland Desalination

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Russell Martin 

Senior Principal Hydrogeologist

WGA

Presentation Topic 

Optimizing Managed Aquifer Recharge for Sustainable Water Security in Mining and Ecosystem Restoration.

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Suzanne Brown 

Technical Director, Environmental Assessment and Approvals

GHD 

Presentation Topic 

Environmental and social due diligence perspectives in desalination projects

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Alex Gardner 

Emeritus Professor of Law,

UWA

Presentation Topic 

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

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Mike Bartlett

Manager Hydrogeology & Hydrology

Roy Hill 

Presentation Topic : 

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

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James Bowen 

Researcher and analyst of international climate and energy policy

Climate Analytics 

Presentation Topic 

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

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Eric Lilford

Assoc. Prof. | WASM:/MECE
Minerals and Energy Economics

Curtin University

Presentation Topic 

Sustainability & Decarbonisation – The transition to Net Zero, renewable energy adoption, and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

Head Office 

© 2022  website by Mines and Environment

Level 3, 1060 Hay Street

West Perth WA 6005

1300 667 709

Mines and Environment acknowledge the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters, and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.

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