Remote mine sites that house workers require an effective wastewater treatment system. However, in isolated locations, these sites may not be connected to municipal sewerage mains. Situations like these require systems that are portable, self-contained and easy to use.
A Central Queensland mine recently found itself in need of a new wastewater system, after outgrowing its existing sewerage system and being forced to discharge raw effluent on the lease site. Government regulations around ensuring any land used for mining purposes be rehabilitated to prevent environmental harm and to allow further land-use post-mining meant this effluent discharge became a serious issue.
A cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution
The mine approached Kelair Pumps Australia for a solution, with the company suggesting the Kelair-Blivet – a standalone packaged sewage treatment plant that effectively turns effluent into usable irrigation water and can be installed quickly with minimum civil works.
As a modular unit, the Blivet design is completely adaptable to suit a variety of applications and is suitable for use in areas not connected to municipal sewerage mains. Additionally, with individual models suitable for populations from 30 to 400 people, adding discrete modular units allows phased development in step with the projected growth of the mine site.
Kelair Pumps General Manager, Myro Bratkovic, said, “Another important factor to the mining sector is the responsibility to create a contaminant-free landscape, leaving the land in prime condition once mining operations have ceased.
“The Blivet provides a clean solution to wastewater and ensures waterways and the ground remain uncontaminated, and rehabilitation of the mine at the end of life is minimal.
“Meeting these standards has many benefits to mining companies including in terms of ESG, obtaining licenses for further exploration or new mine sites.”
Project commences
Once the proposal was accepted, Kelair Pumps Mackay branch were engaged to build, transport and install the Blivet at the mine, with each piece of the system – tanks, pumps, pipework and valves – supplied by Kelair.
“As a fully portable, fully packaged, and completely contained unit, all able to fit comfortably within standard container size dimensions, transportation to the mine site was seamless,” Mr Bratkovic said.
“Once the civil work had been completed, the components were easily installed by contractors on-site at the mine.”
A simple and efficient outcome
The Blivet has proven to be a popular option in extreme remote locations and for this isolated mine site, its simple installation, operation, and minimal power usage provided clear advantages over the old system.
Furthermore, specialist operators are not required, as all maintenance and running tasks were able to be performed by general maintenance staff already on-site.
Seeking a solution to outgrowing the previous wastewater system instead of continuing unsafe environmental practices – such as discharging effluent – is an example of a mining company taking its stewardship of the land seriously and working with farmers to benefit both leaseholders and the environment, ensuring the land is left in prime condition.
For more information, please contact Kelair Pumps on 1300 789 466 or visit kelairpumps.com.au
This sponsored editorial is brought to you by Kelair Pumps.
