In the heart of Western Australia, one of the world’s largest mining regions, a blue-chip mining company faced the challenge of maintaining environmental compliance while keeping operational costs low. The mine site covered thousands of square kilometres and had multiple natural water sources at risk of contamination; monitoring water quality had become an increasingly complex and resource-heavy task. The site was also in proximity of a drinking water catchment, so water quality assurance was even more critical.
The Challenge: Efficiently Monitoring Water Quality at Scale
Mining operations, particularly in Australia, are under strict environmental scrutiny. The mining company needed to ensure that the natural streams and water catchments around their site remained free from contamination. Water turbidity was a key factor that could be affected by mining activity, increasing the risk of contaminated water entering nearby water systems.
Initially, the company relied on a manual process to monitor water quality. Teams of engineers were dispatched regularly to collect samples from multiple locations, which were then sent to laboratories for analysis. This method was not only time-consuming but also costly, requiring a significant investment in both resources, equipment and managing safety.
The company realised they needed a more efficient, automated solution that would provide real-time insights and help them respond faster to potential risks.
The Solution: Deploying SciDev’s AquaIQ™ Water Quality Monitoring System
To address this challenge, the mining company partnered with SciDev and installed 140 AquaIQ™ units around the site to manage the water quality. These units were strategically placed to monitor water turbidity, along with other key parameters such as total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, and pH levels.
Each AquaIQ™ unit is equipped with a precision turbidity sensor and a multi-parameter probe. The system continuously measures water quality, transmitting real-time data to the company’s secure cloud platform every six minutes. From there, the data is available for analysis through an intuitive dashboard, providing the company with instant alerts if any anomalies are detected.
The fully customisable system allowed the mining company to set parameters specific to their reporting requirements, ensuring that they remained compliant with both Australian environmental regulations and their internal sustainability goals.
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The Results: Real-Time Monitoring and Significant Cost Savings
The deployment of SciDev’s AquaIQ™ system revolutionised the company’s water monitoring approach. The switch from manual sampling to automated, real-time monitoring brought a range of benefits, including:
- Cost Savings in Operations
By automating the water quality monitoring process, the company was able to significantly reduce its reliance on manual labour. Previously, engineers were required to conduct regular onsite visits to collect samples, but with the AquaIQ™ units in place, data was collected automatically and transmitted to the cloud. This eliminated the need for frequent trips and lowered the company’s operational costs.
- Real-Time Data and Proactive Risk Management
Instead of waiting days or weeks for lab results, the company could now access water quality data in real time. This instant access to information allowed site managers to respond proactively to any changes in turbidity or other water quality parameters. When a spike in turbidity occurred due to heavy rainfall, the AquaIQ™ units triggered an immediate alert, enabling the team to implement mitigation measures before the water quality could be compromised. This early intervention helped avoid potential fines and environmental damage.
- Improved Compliance and Reporting
With data being collected every six minutes, the company could ensure that they were always in compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. The system’s automated reporting features also made it easier to submit accurate and up-to-date information to environmental regulators. Instead of spending days compiling reports manually, the company’s environmental team could now generate comprehensive reports at the click of a button, saving time and reducing the risk of human error.
Remote Monitoring
Data from the probes is logged via a device and transmitted through a wireless modem to a cloud-based platform, enabling remote monitoring from anywhere in the world. Powered by solar energy, the AquaIQ™ system can be deployed in off-grid locations without the need for external power sources, making it perfect for monitoring remote water catchments and streamways.
- Enhanced Sustainability Initiatives
The AquaIQ™ deployment also aligned with the company’s broader sustainability goals. By ensuring that nearby water sources were continuously monitored and protected, the company demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship. The ability to track and mitigate any potential water contamination helped safeguard local ecosystems and reduced the company’s environmental footprint.
Setting A New Standard for Water Quality Monitoring in Mining
This case study demonstrates the power of SciDev’s AquaIQ™ System in transforming how large-scale mining operations manage their environmental responsibilities. The deployment of 140 units around the site not only provided the company with real-time insights but also resulted in significant operational cost savings, improved compliance, and enhanced sustainability efforts.
By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the company turned a labour-intensive process into an efficient, automated system that helped them mitigate risks and maintain regulatory compliance effortlessly. As the mining industry continues to evolve, solutions like SciDev’s AquaIQ™ will be critical in helping companies strike the right balance between operational efficiency and environmental protection.
