AWA recognises Fortescue Metals' water management

The Australian Water Association’s (AWA) national award for Infrastructure Project Innovation has been presented to Fortescue Metals Group for its managed aquifer recharge scheme at Cloudbreak mine, one of the largest mines of its type in the Pilbara region.

The scheme is one of the largest and most complex managed aquifer recharge schemes in Australia, with a capacity for 25 gigalitres of water a year. The scheme not only fulfills the multiple water management needs of the mining activities, but also assists in minimising impacts on the environmentally and culturally valuable Fortescue Marshes.

Awarded the prize at the Ozwater’11 conference and exhibition, Doug Brown, Manager Water at Fortescue said that effective management of groundwater is both integral to the success of the mining operation and critical to social and environmental sustainability.

Tom Mollenkopf, CEO of the Australian Water Association, said: “The AWA Infrastructure Project Innovation Award recognises significant and innovative infrastructure projects and initiatives within the water industry. The Cloudbreak MAR Scheme is an excellent example of an innovative project that addresses both operational and sustainability needs. The innovations and experiences of this project are likely to be picked up by other sectors in years to come.”

The annual AWA national awards celebrate and promote the outstanding work achieved by individuals and organisations in the water sector. For more information about the AWA national awards program go to www.awa.asn.au/awards.