The West Musgrave mine construction camp presented a unique opportunity to optimise water management in a remote location. To support efficient operations and enhance living conditions, Global Water collaborated with OZ Minerals, Territory Trade Services, and Ausco Modular to implement a comprehensive water solution incorporating prefabricated poly pump stations, pre-cast concrete pump stations, and an e-Boost potable water booster system.
Project overview
The West Musgrave project is a large-scale open-pit copper and nickel sulphide mine with an anticipated lifespan of 26 years. Construction began in November 2022, with operations expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026. The remote location, 1,300 km northeast of Perth and 1,400 km northwest of Adelaide, presented unique challenges.
The Challenges
There were two common problems the construction camp faced:
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no wastewater transfer system in place and
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no pressurised potable water system.
The camp faced significant challenges in designing a Wastewater transfer system via gravity – as excavation in the area is expensive and slow due to presence of rock. The absence of a pressurised potable water treatment system meant that inhabitants of the camp lacked reliable access to clean and safe drinking water. The combined results of these two main problems severely decreased the camp's ability to function and sustain a safe, clean, and liveable environment.
Addressing these issues was crucial for improving living conditions and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mine camp and its operation.
the results
Global Water partnered with OZ Minerals, Territory Trade Services, and Ausco Modular to design and implement a comprehensive water management solution for the West Musgrave Mine site camp. Through close collaboration, we developed a system that addressed both wastewater and potable water needs:
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Wastewater Transfer System: We designed a customised solution utilising a combination of prefabricated poly pump stations and pre-cast concrete pump stations. This approach addressed the challenges of the remote location and limited on-site construction capabilities.
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Potable Water System: An e-Boost potable water booster system was incorporated to ensure consistent and reliable access to clean drinking water throughout the camp.
Project Delivery:
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Timely Design: The project progressed efficiently, taking seven months from our initial involvement to dispatching the poly and concrete tanks.
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Adaptable Approach: Throughout this period, we continuously adjusted the pump system designs to meet the evolving project requirements.
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Fast Production: Once the design was finalised, a short production lead time ensured prompt delivery of the products to the site for installation.
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Client Focus: Global Water remained committed to providing ongoing support to our clients throughout the project, ensuring every step ran smoothly and met their needs.
The West Musgrave mine construction camp exemplifies Global Water's collaborative approach. By working closely with industry partners, a customised wastewater and potable water solution was designed and implemented within a tight time frame. Commitments to a timely project delivery, adaptable design, and efficient production ensured a cost-effective outcome that met all project requirements for the West Musgrave Community.
Looking to achieve similar results?
Contact Global Water today to discuss how our expertise in design-build projects can benefit your next remote camp development. We offer a range of mine site water management solutions, including DrainAce Pump Stations and eBoost potable water systems, to ensure reliable and efficient water management for your project.
Tags: Wastewater, Stormwater, Stormwater treatment
