25 Jul 2009 Media Coverage, Our News

A reverse osmosis desalination plant provided by Osmoflo at Xstrata's coal mine in NSW is proving to be a key element in the company meeting its water management and environmental objectives.

Located on the Great Dividing Range near Mudgee, the mine generates large quantities of water during the coal mining process. The Osmoflo system which was commissioned in January 2009 is enables this water to be returned to the environment. While some is used for on-site irrigation, most of the water is returned to the local creek systems. The area has been subject prolonged drought and the reuse water is making possible the rejuvenation of waterways that have not flowed for years, rejuvenating local flora, fauna and fish stocks.

EPA regulations control  discharges of water to the environment and Osmoflo's proprietary PlantConnect^® remote control and monitoring system is used to ensure that performance meets regulatory requirements.

Osmoflo has also commissioned a similar facility at the Pony Hills (near Roma in Qld) coal seam gas operation run by Santos. A 4.5ML/d reverse osmosis plant allows saline water removed during gas production to be treated and reused.

Osmoflo won both these tenders against strong international competition. Key factors leading up to successful bids were in both cases, speed to market, proved design construction and remote operation capability.