Historically, Ulan released surplus mine water into the Goulburn River under its EPA licence, consistent with its licence to operate. Now, however, with the commissioning of the Bobadeen Irrigation Scheme earlier this year, surplus mine water is used to irrigate 242 hectares of land specially planted with perennial pastures maintained at an optimum level by beef cattle.

The scheme was officially opened this week by the Hon. Kerry Hickey MP, Minister for Mineral Resources. The Bobadeen Irrigation Scheme is an industry-first environmental solution for the management of surplus mine water.

“The Bobadeen Irrigation Scheme is an excellent example of the principles of sustainable development being put into practice and has been heralded by community, government and industry alike as an outstanding solution to a complex water management problem,” said Peter Coates, chief executive Xstrata Coal.

”In 1999, a Pollution Reduction Programme was attached to Ulan’s EPA licence requiring a nil discharge of mine water. This posed a major challenge to a water-surplus site. I congratulate the team at Ulan on their diligence and commitment in achieving environmental excellence with the design of this groundbreaking concept. I also wish to extend my appreciation to the local community and government agencies for working together with us to arrive at this solution.”

Coates said that Bobadeen represents a $7 million investment and exemplified Xstrata Coal’s commitment to best practice environmental management. He added that the project has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2003 Hunter Coal Industry Environmental Management Awards.