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Below is a quote from a coal company
research document;
"Access to a reliable source of
water is an essential requirement for coal mines. Even those
mines that do not wash their product through a preparation plant
need significant quantities for dust management, drilling, human
consumption and numerous other uses. Current corporate reports
provide statistics showing that approximately 200L of fresh water
can be consumed for every tonne of coal produced, although that
can vary both upwards and downwards according to operating practice
and circumstances. The transformation of this fresh water to
dirty water which must then be managed through the mines systems
and storages generates additional challenges. In Central Queensland
the combination of extended drought conditions, continued new
coal developments, a beleaguered agricultural sector and a new
regulatory regime for managing water has placed the issue at
the top of the public agenda. Water availability is now a limiting
factor on development in the region." |
