A gold mine project north of Blayney could have a major link to the Lithgow area if a proposal to get the water needed for the mine goes ahead.
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Regis Resources Ltd’s first option for its goldmine was for Bathurst Council to supply treated effluent for its water needs but that met with resistance after concerns of reduced flows into the Macquarie River.
Regis’ other option was to access waste water from mining in the Lithgow area via a pipeline to be built to the Kings Plain site.
Rod Smith, General Manager NSW of Regis Resources said that option was at a concept stage as discussions with concerned parties progressed to higher levels.
After the time and effort spent on the preferred Bathurst effluent option Regis thought would be the solution, Mr Smith said it now was focused on the pipeline.
“We would love to solve our water problem sooner rather than later.”
“What we need to ascertain is whether the capital cost of the project is sustainable, viable and will provide us with the surety of supply that we need to keep the mine running,” he said.
Centennial Coal was contacted about Regis’ proposal but would only provide a general comment about the potential benefits of mine water.
"Mine water, with foresight, proper planning and infrastructure, could become a key economic driver for the future of this region by meeting the needs of a future agribusiness and industrial sector".
Mr Smith did not discuss specific details of the source of the mine waste water but thought the concept could develop into a big win for the environment and would leave fantastic infrastructure for the future.
Environmental groups welcomed the recent announcement regarding the Springvale mine water treatment project where waste water is to be used to cool Mount Piper power station.
Keith Muir from the Colong Foundation for Wilderness agrees with finding industrial uses for mine waste water and said EnergyAustralia now has freed up water allocations under its water access licence with the Springvale change.
“The gold mine can access the freed up water allocation or preferably reuse other mine water that is available from the Clarence Mine.”
EnergyAustralia was contacted for comment but said it had nothing to add beyond the statement from Centennial Coal.
