About this Sector
The Mining, Mine Waste, and Groundwater sector encompasses the management of water resources, mine waste, tailings, and associated environmental impacts within Australia’s mining and extractive industries. It includes groundwater extraction, dewatering, mine site water management, tailings storage facilities, and remediation strategies, all of which are critical to balancing resource extraction with environmental protection. Effective management in this sector ensures compliance with regulations, protection of surrounding ecosystems, and sustainable use of water resources while supporting the economic viability of the mining industry.
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Challenges facing the Sector
Mining and extractive operations face multiple water-related and environmental challenges:
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Groundwater Management – Maintaining sustainable groundwater levels, monitoring aquifer health, and mitigating impacts on local water users and ecosystems.
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Mine Waste and Tailings – Safe storage, treatment, and management of tailings, waste rock, and contaminated water to prevent environmental contamination.
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Water Quality and Contamination – Preventing the release of metals, chemicals, or sediments that can compromise surface water and groundwater systems.
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Regulatory Compliance – Navigating complex state and federal legislation for water allocation, environmental protection, and mine closure planning.
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Climate Variability and Resilience – Adapting mine water management to droughts, floods, and changing rainfall patterns while maintaining operational safety.
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Integration with Sustainability Goals – Aligning water and waste management with circular economy initiatives, net-zero strategies, and long-term environmental stewardship.
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How WQHN contributes solutions
The Water Quality and Health Network (WQHN) supports mining and groundwater professionals by providing a national platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and professional development.
Our sector-focused events and workshops help stakeholders:
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Stay Informed – Updates on regulations, water governance, and emerging best practices in groundwater and mine waste management.
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Manage Risk – Guidance on tailings management, mine water treatment, contamination mitigation, and ecological rehabilitation.
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Enhance Operational Performance – Strategies for sustainable groundwater use, water recycling, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
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Foster Collaboration – Bringing together mining engineers, hydrogeologists, regulators, and environmental scientists to solve complex, cross-disciplinary challenges.
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Discover Innovation – Showcasing new technologies, tools, and strategies for mine water management, tailings storage, and sustainable water solutions.
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Who should attend these events?
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These events are designed for professionals and organisations involved in mining, groundwater, and environmental management, including:
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Mining Companies & Operators – overseeing water, waste, and environmental compliance across mine sites.
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Hydrogeologists & Groundwater Specialists – monitoring aquifers, dewatering, and groundwater resource sustainability.
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Environmental Scientists & Consultants – managing mine water quality, rehabilitation, and contamination risks.
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Tailings & Waste Management Professionals – responsible for the design, operation, and monitoring of tailings storage facilities and waste rock dumps.
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Engineers – civil, environmental, and process engineers developing solutions for mine water treatment, dewatering systems, and infrastructure resilience.
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Regulators & Government Agencies – overseeing compliance with water allocations, environmental protection, and mine closure requirements.
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Sustainability & ESG Managers – aligning mining operations with net-zero goals, circular economy initiatives, and community expectations.
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Research & Academia – advancing knowledge in hydrogeology, remediation, and mine waste management.
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Technology & Solution Providers – showcasing innovations in water treatment, monitoring, remediation, and tailings management.
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Community & Indigenous Stakeholders – engaging in sustainable water use and environmental protection in mining regions.
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By convening professionals across mining, environmental science, hydrogeology, and engineering, WQHN events empower participants to translate knowledge into practice, strengthen compliance, and achieve sustainable water and environmental outcomes across Australia’s mining sector.