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By Richard A. Bideaux

With both unit costs per meter and average depth of drilling constantly increasing, there is a strong incentive to maximize the information acquired from drill holes, and then to make this information accessible to the geological staff. The larger the drilling project, the more advantageous computerization of data is over manual methods. The conversion to computer-readable form and the verification of large amounts of drill-hole data can be a substantial data processing task, but once accomplished, the benefits in increased accuracy and speed of interpretation will compensate for the time and effort spent in the work. For an exploration project progressing towards a preliminary feasibility study, about half of both the time and costs for all computer work of the entire feasibility study are devoted to drill-hole data base organization, and maintenance. Once drill-hole results are quantified and verified to be correct, they are immediately accessible and are not subject to further transcription or reinterpretation of errors. To obtain maximum benefits from computer utilization in this area, the drill-hole data base should be set up along with availability of the first data. For some companies, this may initially comprise a large number of purely speculative drill holes on a spacing of perhaps 1 or 2 km. Although few of these drill holes may encounter economic material, thought should be given, at this time, to the variables which will be logged when such material is found. In this way, it should be possible to set up a consistent format into which all future drill-hole information will readily be accommodated. This format may even be carried over into the data base requirements for an operating property.

Jan 1, 1979

By S. S. M. Chan

The Bureau of Mines has investigated the structural aspects of shafts and support systems using the finite-element technique. In situ field measurements in deep, vein-type metal mines show that rock stresses are often higher in the horizontal direction than the vertical, and unequal in the horizontal plane. These data and laboratory and field-determined physical properties were used as input to analytical studies. Various design and construction parameters were investigated to deter-mine the effect on shaft stability. Rectangular shafts were studied in detail to determine the effects of applied stress ratio, shaft orientation and dimension, influence of interbedded quartzite and argillite, and rock fracturing. Various support systems were analyzed, including concrete lining, timber, and steel sets. Circular configurations were investigated to evaluate yield zones and liner thickness. Elliptical shafts and time effects were briefly evaluated to illustrate shape and time effects and demonstrate the methodology. It is shown that the magnitude, direction, and ratio of applied stress and rock mass anisotropy are keys to determining shaft stability. A realistic conceptual framework was developed with which to examine the rock and support interaction in deep mine shafts. Structural analysis techniques overcome some of the historical difficulties with shaft de-sign by defining the field data requirements and structural sensitivity of various design and construction parameters.

Jan 1, 1985

By G. R. Lane

A large opencast gold mining company in Africa had just completed a feasibility study for an expansion of the operations. A traditional net present value project valuation methodology had been used that showed a very positive net present value (NPV). The project team had conducted a qualitative risk assessment that identified and logged all potential project risks and had subjectively incorporated 'risk' via the discount rate and other assumption contingencies around gold price expectations, operating parameters, etc. Management requested that an independent quantitative risk modelling approach be adopted to obtain a better understanding of the impact of risk on the overall project valuation and confidence level in the final valuation. A detailed project valuation model was configured in the Cyest Carbon Modelling Technology platform, and the stochastic modelling module used to perform the Monte Carlo simulations. Analysis of historical operational performance data relating to actual achievements versus planned and budget determined the historical variability of the underlying parameters as well as variance to budget. This was done at a detailed level for mining rates and costs, processing rate, costs and recovery, and other operational efficiency measures. External market assumptions relating to gold price, exchange rate, and inflation were modelled and the dependency between them modelled using a copula. This case study will demonstrate the approach taken to building and populating the quantitative risk model and the overall results of the Monte Carlo simulation. The final valuation demonstrated that the project had a 44 percent probability of an NPV less than zero i.e. a 44 percent chance of project finance loss.

Jan 1, 2013

By M. Mirnezami, D. Lascelles, J. A. Finch, E. El-Ammouri

"In a previous publication, the depressant action of Mg above pH 10 on Cu-activated sphalerite was described (Lascelles et al., 2001). In the present communication, a second role, aggregation is introduced.Aggregation (i.e., the tendency of particles to cluster) is measured using settling rate and turbidity converted to an aggregation index (AI) where 0 corresponds to dispersed and 1 to aggregated. Surveys of Cu and Zn flotation stages at four concentrators showed the A1 increased significantly above pH 9. The metal ions identified in the process waters, principally Ca and Mg, were tested to determine which might be responsible. The presence of Mg was found to be the most important, 50 ppm Mg having a greater impact than 500 ppm Ca fkom pH 9 to 1 1. In one plant, poor repeatability in A1 was suspected to be related to varying Mg levels; doping with Mg significantly increased AI.In both aggregation and depression, therefore, the common feature is the impact of Mg at pH > 9. Over this pH range Mg forms a range of hydroxy species, including Mg(OH)2 precipitates. Suggested aggregation and depression mechanisms associated with these precipitates are introduced. Possible problems and opportunities arising from the findings are discussed.INTRODUCTIONProcess waters in flotation circuits contain a variety of metal ions that may introduce unwanted activation or depression. Two common metal ions are calcium and magnesium. Typical concentrations are in the range 50 ppm Mg and 500 ppm Ca (Marticorena et al., 1994, Basilio et al., 1996, Negeri et al., 1997, Nesset et al., 1998)."

Jan 1, 2002

By A. E. Moss

"IntroductionTHE WORLD-WIDE search for iron ore has been vastly accelerated during the past fifteen years .and Canada is playing a most prominent role in this prospecting boom. During this period, the search for .and development of iron ore deposits in Canada bas proven eminently successful and there is every indication that exploration will continue to be active for many years.This paper has been prepared primarily for the information of those who have bad little or no experience in iron ore exploration. For convenience, it is divided into three parts: ( 1) a brief discussion of the marketing of iron ores, with special reference to Canadian production; (2) a summary of the main features to be considered when prospecting for or evaluating a potential iron ore deposit; and (3) an outline of the methods and procedures used in the search for the direct-shipping iron ores in the Quebec•-Labrador iron ore field.The Iron Ore MarketDue to the tremendous tonnages of high-grade direct-shipping iron ore indicated in the iron ore fields of the Quebec-Labrador and Steep •Rock areas, it might be assumed that there would have been a sharp decline in iron ore prospecting in this country. On the contrary, the development of these two major fields, which must be classed among the world's greatest, has been responsible for much of the current activity. The search for high and medium grade magnetite deposits is being• conducted in many parts of the country and a number of these have reached the development stage. Production is being expanded from the known fields, such as Wabana in Newfoundland and Michipicoten in Ontario."

Jan 1, 1955

By R. A. Cattell

Continuing progress in a petroleum and natural gas research program of world-wide significance makes it difficult to pinpoint accomplishments within definite time limits, and it is helpful to look back as well as forward in attempting to introduce and summarize the petroleum work of the Bureau of Mines in the fiscal year 1953. The 1952 report2 / indicated progress in a long-range program applicable in large part to both defense and peacetime requirements. The present report indicates a continuation of that program, modified partly by new demands and interests of government and industry, and is highlighted by a number of significant contributions to the knowledge of petroleum and natural gas and their production and utilization. The intent of the program was clearly epitomized in a statement made near the end of the fiscal year at a general conference of Bureau of Mines personnel where the record was critically reviewed:

Jan 1, 1955

By David J. Kerr, Robert Mason

"From1927 to1989, the Hornemineproduced53.7 Mt of ore grading 6.1 g/t Au and 2.2% Cu from two large volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits composed primarily of pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite. The ore bodies were hosted by a package of chlorite-sericitealtered epiclastic rhyolite tuffs which were deposited in a narrow palaeo-graben located on the flank of a major felsic volcanic centre. M ineralizingfluids percolated upward through the permeable footwall rocks and were further focussed along syn-volcanic, graben-bounding faults. Sulphides were deposited by a process of sub-seafloor replacement of the rhyolite tuffs.Gold-copper-(zinc) mineralization, including ore zones mined between 1985 and 1989 as the REMNOR ore zones, is present throughout the 900 m of felsic volcanic stratigraphy at the Horne. All the deposits were formed by syn-volcanic hydrothermal processes active during felsic volcanism. There is no evidence to indicate that any economic gold mineralization was introduced by a post-volcanic hydrothermal episode.RESUMEDe 1927 a1989, /amineHorneaproduit53.7 Mt de minerai avec une teneur de 6.1 g/t Au et 2.2% Cu provenant de deux grands amas de sulfures massifs volcanogeniques comprenant esentiellement de la pyrrhotite, de la pyrite et de /a chalcopyrite. Ces gites font partie d'une séquence de tufs rhyolitiques epiclastiques chloritises et sericitises qui ont ere déposes dans un paleo-graben étroit situe sur le flanc d' unimportant centre vo/caniquefelsique.Lesfluides mineralises ont circule de bas en haut a travers /es roches perméables sous-jacentes; ils ont été également canalises par les failles syn-volcaniques en bordure du graben. Les sulfures se sont déposes par remplacement des tufs rhyolitiques immédiatement et sous /e plancher océanique.Les zones minéralisées en or et cuivre (±zinc) - y compris celles qui ont ere exploitees au cours de l’opération Remnor (1985-1989) - se retrouvent, sans discontinuité, à travers les roches volcaniques felsiques dont l' epaisseur atteint 900 m. Ces gites se sont formes par le biais d' un processus hydrothermal qui ag issait pendant le volcanisme felsique. II n'y a aucune évidence de minéralisation aurifère d'importance économique qui soit postérieure a l' activité hydrothermale syn-volcanique."

Jan 1, 1990

By W R. Adamson

"Optimisation of drill and blast design and engineering can deliver a significant positive impact on the profitability of any mining operation; however, true engineering of the blasting process is less common than might be thought. The paper that follows explores this gap and suggests a process control-based approach to the challenge.The concept of applying modifications to drill and blast designs in order to achieve efficiency improvements in downstream mining processes is far from new. However, the author suggests that the practical application has become less than rigorous in a number of different sectors of the mining industry in a wide range of countries.There is a common tendency for the design process to become simplified to the point where the objective is merely the communication of instructions to field implementers (drillers, explosive suppliers, blasters, etc). In effect ‘design’ often degrades to ‘cut and paste’ with consequences that vary from mild to critical, with respect to the profitability of the business.Engineering of the drill and blast process involves the design function, not on a one-off basis but rather as a component of a more complete cyclical process that includes a statement of objectives, a design based on a suggested hypothesis, field measurement of results, comparison with the target ‘set point’ and the application of control measures followed by new measurement, including interpretation of the results in financial terms.When applied in this fashion, engineering provides practitioners with the means to optimise the drill and blast impact on the full spectrum business result of the mining activity.These concepts are discussed with reference to a surface gold mining operation applying run-of-mine heap leach extraction. Engineering optimisation by adapting process control and measurement techniques is demonstrated to be a key component of the solution set applied to generate enhanced operations productivity and stakeholder value. It is shown that a combination of rigorous measurement, model calibration and hands-on quality assurance/quality control facilitates the creation of a road map to profitability, stressing the need to consider economic trade-offs between operational expense (investment) and measurement of enhanced value (return on investment).The process, however, does not cease at this point. Implementation of true design practices, incorporating innovation and discipline in implementation or execution can drive the process to deliver demonstrable, technically validated outcomes. Furthermore, these technical results can be related to financially quantifiable impacts. However, this accomplishment does not guarantee that these gains or savings will reach the bottom line of those mining, quarrying and construction companies that begin the process with such high hopes.CITATION:Adamson, W R, 2015. Application of engineering discipline and a full-process optimisation focus – productivity to profitability without profuse pruning, in Proceedings 11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, pp 3–12 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."

Aug 24, 2015

By A. C. Fieldner

THE total annual energy production from coal, petroleum, natural gas and water power has been increasing at a fairly constant rate during the thirty years ending in 1930. But since 1913 the demand for the competitors of coal has increased at a rate faster than that for coal. During the last twenty years, the curve of coal production has had a generally horizontal trend; in fact, the 1930 production of coal was six per cent less than that of 1913. Economists attribute this loss of demand to greater efficiency in coal utilization and to displacement of coal by oil and natural gas. These two factors are about equally responsible, and it is evident that research has been intimately concerned with both. About sixty per cent of the bituminous coal mined in the United States in 1929 was used for generating steam, either in stationary or locomotive boilers. A decade ago seventy per cent or more was used for this purpose. This change is due largely to tremendous advances in fuel economy.

Jan 1, 1933

By Arun .. J. Basu

The paper introduces Intelligent Air Management (IAM) as the core activity of M&I Group of Companies (M&I) for providing a total solution to any air management problems for mining and mineral processing operations implementing a comprehensive systems approach through a world-wide network of strategic alliance partners and in-house engineering team and manufacturing facilities in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Recommendations for energy-efficient ventilation in a vibration and noise free environment are made with the patented and innovative solutions supported by extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies. The solution scope extends from an intelligent and integrated exhaust silencer to a complete ventilation sys-tem solution including inlet and outlet control design and ducting for diffusers and silencers.

Apr 1, 2005

By Danny A. Riley, James R. Sanger, Hani S. Matloub, Michael Agresti, David Rowe, Lin-Ling Zhang, Yuhui Yan, Paula Galaviz, Judith Marchant-Hanson, Ji-Geng Yan

Until now there has been controversy about which tests should be performed to diagnose early Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Initial screening questions, especially about tingling and numbness, routinely given to patients prior to examinations proved to be a very important tool in the diagnostic process1, 4. However, standardized tests that are simple, quick, valid and reliable are needed to support a diagnosis of HAVS. Purpose: To find the most valid and reliable tests to diagnose HAVS. Material and Methods Five major tests were performed on Group I and Group II. Group I: Control group of 12 volunteers including students, nurses, secretaries and physicians with no history of using vibrating tools (age 20 to 50y, mean age 38.5y; 5male, 5 female.) Group II: 12 workers (age 17 to 65y, mean age 39y; 9 male, 3 female) were sent by a local trade union with a history of using vibrating power tools on their jobs for varying amounts of time (mean 12.2y, from 0.5 to 35y.) Pre-enrollment survey showed that each had more than 4 complaints commonly associated with use of vibrating tools (including numbness, tingling, weakness, pain, finger color or nail changes, temperature change, and difficulty moving.) 1. Sensory nerve conductive tests: Amplitude and nerve conductive velocity (NCV) were evaluated. 2. Cold Stress-Temperature recovery time tests were done on the index finger of the dominant hand following these steps: Confirm water bath is within 4-5º C. Place the finger temperature probe on pad of the index finger of the dominant hand. Record temperature every 15 seconds. Place subject’s hand in the cold- water bath for exactly five minutes. Record temperature every 15 seconds for ten minutes. 3. Blood test: Venous blood was taken by a 21-gauge needle with the yellow collection tube adapter. S-ICAM, Sera Thrombomodulin, Norepinephrine levels were evaluated by Henderson Research Centre, Canada. 4. Finger Sensory Evaluation: Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and 2-point discrimination tests were performed on bilateral fingers. 5. Digital blood pressure test: blood pressure was measured in bilateral index fingers. Results 1. Median nerve sensory conductive amplitude from palm to wrist : GI: mean 96 ± 31µm; GII: mean 43± 30µm; for dominant hands. GI vs GII: P<0.001

Jan 6, 2006

In exploiting the ultra-deep, narrow reef ore bodies of the Witwatersrand, the ventilation and cooling systems within the stopes play a critical role because of high concentrations of active workers. This paper examines the heat, ventilation and cooling effects of a number of different stoping layouts for narrow reef mining in ultra-deep operations in very hot rock. The stope ventilation and cooling needs are driven primarily by the difference between the air temperature and that of the rock front being excavated. These needs depend on the face utilization, geometry, face advance (rate and direction), layout, backfill, use of water and machinery1,2,3. Detailed studies of different stoping configurations have been undertaken for mining operations extending to depths of 5000m below surface, where virgin rock temperatures approach 70°C. Extensive work has been completed with regard to evaluating ventilation and cooling requirements to maintain air reject temperatures of 28°C wet-bulb and better. This knowledge is being used to determine overall cooling requirements, reduce operational costs and maximize the efficiency of cooling systems. These issues are important when considering both the local and regional air conditioning systems and the most effective application of in-stope chilled water.

Jan 1, 2001

Metana Minerals commenced life in 1970 and graduated to a mining company in 1981 with the opening of a small alluvial tin-tantalite mine at Wodgina (W.A.) The present board of directors assumed control of the company in 1978 and established the exploration and development philosophies that have guided the company&apos;s expansion to its present status as an emerging diversified miner. An ability and willingness to raise equity capital when required has been a feature of the company. Company activities include exploration for gold, diamonds, heavy mineral sands, polymetallic (base and precious metals) deposits, strategic minerals, rare earths, oil and gas in a geographical distribution covering the entire Australian mainland Metana owns and/or operates four gold mines (Reedy, Mt Magnet, Youanmi and Howley) and at the time of writing is developing a fifth gold mine - its first underground mine - at Rothsay. In contrast to many similar or larger sized companies, Metana undertakes most activities itself rather than through the use of consultants or contractors. In-house services include: analytical and metallurgical laboratories, plant engineering design and construction, drilling and mining (earthmoving) Metana Minerals has established an enviable reputation for technical excellence and this expertise has placed the company in a sound position to continue its growth pattern into the future. This growth will be achieved through a combination of low cost and successful exploration and acquisition of suitable mines either directly or through corporate activity.

Jan 1, 1989

Designing rigging systems for complex castings has been more of an art than a science. Foundrymen have used thumb rules based on past experience to develop working designs. Of late, attempts are being made to formalize the procedure through the use of rule based expert systems, process modeling and other tools. Designing risers is one of the challenges of the rigging system design. Once the riser location have been determined, an optimization technique coupled with a casting simulation code can be used to determine the optimum riser dimensions. The main drawback of using a finite element or a finite difference based process simulation code along with the optimization routine is that the computation time involved is too large. Such an approach, thus, is unrealistic for practical situations where different options have to be explored and conclusions drawn in a short period of time. This difficulty has been avoided in the present work. The optimization scheme has been coupled with a modulus based solution routine to optimize the riser dimensions. The modulus calculations provide a good and quick estimate of the freezing time at different points in the casting. A functional, obtained from these freezing time values, is minimized by altering the dimensions of the riser until an optimum shape is obtained. Some examples have been included to illustrate the utility of this technique.

Jan 1, 1994

By Sherwin F. Kelly

MANY baffling problems of crustal geology-of warping and folding, elevation, subsidence, and great dislocations of the earth&apos;s surface-may now be on the verge of yielding to the science of geophysics. Electric, magnetic, gravitational, geothermal, and seismic methods are being turned to the gathering of geological evidence buried by deep layers of rock, or lying beneath the waters of the oceans. In this hope, B. L. Miller expresses the opinion that these geophysical studies will sup- ply useful data bearing-on some of the more theoretical problems of North American geology. Among these for example, is the explanation of how Appalachia disappeared. This ancient land mass is supposed to have foundered beneath the Atlantic Ocean after the close of the Paleozoic era and the question arises, was it warped or faulted downward? The geophysical data, though meagre, indicate that the surface of the dense, basal rocks, the probable remnant of ancient Appalachia now underlying the Continental Shelf, slopes downwards to a depth of some two miles below sea level at a distance of 140 mi. from shore: thus suggesting that the subsidence was the result of warping downward rather than abrupt faulting.

Jan 1, 1938

By F. Samimi Namin

One of the main tasks in exploitation of mines is to select a method suitable for the deposits, specific features including geometric, geo-mechanical and geological features. The purpose of selecting a mining method at this stage is to choose one or more method(s) having the most coordination with the deposit?s conditions and external factors, including the allocated budget and local technology for detailed feasibility studies. Several methods have been developed in the past to evaluate suitable mining methods for an ore deposit, based on its physical characteristics. These approaches can be classified into three groups: (1) profile and checklist methods, (2) numerical ranking (scoring) methods, and (3) decision-making models. Most of these methods have shortcomings. Considering the fact that most of the specifications of mineral deposits, such as dip and depth, are linguistic variables, absoluteness of the explaining parameters by previous methods can be mentioned as the most important disadvantage of these methods. This paper discusses the Fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (Fuzzy TOPSIS) to determine the mining method. The fuzzy decision making (FDM) software tool is employed to develop a Fuzzy TOPSIS based model. Application of this model with various values (crisp, linguistic and fuzzy) of the deposit eliminated the existing disadvantages of other methods. Two empirical illustrations demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the evaluation procedure. These show that the proposed model performs better than its alternatives. Keywords: mining method selection, fuzzy TOPSIS, decision making, mining engineering, linguistic variables.

Jan 1, 2008

By W. D. Bryson

This paper is one of a series being prepared by the United States Bureau of Mines on tunnel-driving methods. The practices described are those used at No. 11 mine of the Colony Coal Co., Denver, Colo. No. 11 Mine is situated at Dines, some 14 miles north of Rook Springs, in Sweetwater County, Wyo. It is served by a spur off the Winton branch of the Union Pacific Railroad. The Colony Coal Co.&apos;s mines were opened in 1918, and since that time have been among the largest producers of coal for the railroad and domestic markets in the Rock Springs coal district.

Jan 1, 1932

By L. Diko-Makia, N. Rembuluwani

Artisanal and small-scale mining is crucial for the mineral sector in South Africa, but it also presents both opportunities and challenges. This paper presents an overview of the South African artisanal and small-scale mining sector, the socio-economic significance of artisanal and smallscale mining, the regulatory environment, and the environmental impacts, which are currently the status quo of this sector in South Africa. The paper identified ways in which artisanal and small-scale mining can support local development, create employment opportunities, and reduce poverty. The case of informatisation, ecological damage, and social insecurity has shown social conflicts, potential land degradation, and criminal behaviour. Finally, the paper discusses the future of artisanal and small-scale mining in South Africa, which will largely depend on improved legislation, enhanced personnel capacity, and more sustainable practices to ensure that the positive outcomes of the industry outweigh the negative ones. These propositions include recommendations to all stakeholders, including the government, industry, and civil society, such as stricter environmental regulations, improved working conditions for miners, and the promotion of responsible mining practices.

Dec 15, 2025

By Claudio Flores Martinez

The prospect of accomplishing economically and scientifically profitable deep-sea mineral mining within this decade or the next one is of particular interest to the emerging discipline of astrobiology which is concerned with the origin, distribution and future of life in the Universe. Several planetary bodies within our own Solar System such as Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s Enceladus now appear to be potentially habitable, or life-friendly, in terms of the three prerequisites for life as we know it: a sustained body of liquid water, biogenic elements (C, H, N, O, P, S) and energy sources to fuel metabolic reactions. Europa, for instance, possesses a global subsurface ocean, believed to be up to 100 km in depth, hidden beneath a kilometer-wide ice-sheet. A silicate mantle is directly interacting with a cold, aphotic ocean in which tidal forces might drive geological seafloor activity that results in the creation of hydrothermal systems. These locales are commonly hypothesized to be the cradles for an alternate origin of life on Europa. Especially alkaline hydrothermal springs, as found at Lost City, have been at the center of modeling the prebiological evolutionary dynamics preceding cellular life. Serpentinization-like reactions are also possibly fueling metabolic networks in putative microbial communities found in the oceans of the icy moos. Major space agencies around the globe are planning future space missions aimed at exploring and eventually characterizing potential life forms in these habitats. The technology needed for this exploration effort resembles the requirements for a successful deep-sea mineral mining industry: highly efficient AUVs (also equipped with biologically-oriented instrumentation), swarm robotics, landers, seafloor rovers and general high-pressure, cold temperature extreme environment engineering. Interestingly, science questions of deep-sea mineral mining and astrobiology converge too: the hypothesis of life originating at hydrothermal systems, the biogeographical distribution of species among these environments, adaptations of extremophilic organisms across the three domains of life and adequate autonomous robotic systems to assess the complexity of deep-sea biological communities. This presentation attempts to present a two-fold view of advanced planetary exploration that relates to a sustainable vision of deep-sea mineral mining: charting our oceans and developing technologies least harmful to endemic biology can propel the design and prototyping of future robotic planetary probes bound for aquatic missions on alien moons. Space industry, government and public interest towards a broadened planetary perspective on deep-sea mineral mining is promoted by addressing an astrobiological rationale of this endeavor.

Sep 1, 2014

By C J. Moran

The Gladstone region, as one of the most industrially intense regions in Australia, uses significant quantities of fresh water. Awoonga Dam, situated on the Boyne River, is the only major source of water in the region. The current typical annual usage is 53 GL (Porteous, 2006) and approximately 80 per cent of the water is used by heavy industry (Gladstone Area Water Board, 2004). Until relatively recently, there has been ready and easy access to raw water for industrial use. The recent drought, which resulted in severe water restrictions in 2002 and 2003, emphasised the importance of water for a dominant industrial region like Gladstone. Although now in the process of changing, the typical contractual arrangements in the past have provided little financial incentive for efficient water use. From research undertaken on potential water reuse opportunities, several key questions have emerged related to water management in an industrial region such as Gladstone. This paper highlights these key questions, presents findings from recent regional strategies and assesses the potential for water reuse. Even though there is no clear-cut financial incentive for reusing water, there could be stronger regional and risk mitigation drivers for doing so. Initiatives to incorporate adaptive capacity through collaborative industrial synergies would allow for robustness and resilience in water security, leading to long-term sustainable water management across the Gladstone region.

Jan 1, 2006