Evaluating the costs and benefits of mine sites salt management strategies using a systems model

Unprecedented expansion in coal mining in Australia is occurring in the context of a severe ongoing drought. This has led more companies to adopt improved water management strategies, such as increased recycling of water. A direct consequence of this is an increase in salt concentration, which can impact on coal quality and equipment maintenance. Salt can be managed by removing it (desalination) or diluting it. A tool is required to predict salt concentrations on mine sites and to simulate the impact of potential management strategies. This paper presents a systems approach to the modelling of coupled mine site water and salt balances to assist with understanding the implications of implementing desalination or dilution and with assessing the costs and benefits of each option.