Central Queensland experienced higher levels of wet weather in late 2022 and into 2023, which significantly impacted our operations ability to achieve budget. In reviewing the wet weather impacts, it was identified that Curragh was underprepared regarding operational readiness and an outdated 5-year water management strategy. Workshopping with the representatives from Curragh and the Brisbane office, the water management project team was established to address shorter term operational deficiencies with a view to longer term strategic deficiencies. Clear deliverables in wet weather planning (operationally and technically), response management and recovery needed to be defined.
Challenge
The main challenge the teams faced was splitting water management into projects focused on short-, mid- and longer-term objectives and aligning outputs to stakeholders. Complexities in the past highlighted the management of water was not supported by adequate systems, a framework that relies on experience of personnel and ownership of execution of water management sub-processes was not aligned to the corresponding corporate or site level of accountability. To support the implementation of a streamlined approach to water management, a project team made up of key personnel was tasked with managing several specialised projects. Improving the management of water from a technical, operational and infrastructure lens at Curragh mine.
Solution
The water management team developed short-, mid- and longer-term strategies to support the management, response, and recovery from weather events on site. These strategies comprised of a combination of infrastructure, technical, planning, operational and systems projects.
The water management strategy and systems approach was established to support site operations more effectively. A dedicated water management and infrastructure steering committee was established to review and recommend expenditure requirements. A collaborative “one team” approach was adopted with shared accountability between Brisbane HQ and Curragh operations personnel. Projects undertaken and completed as part of the water management program, include wet weather continuity of operations for dozers and draglines, water management systems, wet weather operationalisation, OCE wet weather processes, and lighting TARP delineation.
Outcomes
A 5-year water management plan was developed to support our operations and investment in water infrastructure. To date, the plan has achieved:- A volume uplift of 1.5M bcm.
- Improved wet weather recovery at Curragh North from 1.2hrs per mm of rain to 0.8hrs per mm of rain.
- A 5-year water management plan.
- A long-term water management infrastructure plan, including the current construction of a dam and drain at Curragh North to support in pit water management.
