This week, the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue published its latest report on water use by mining companies across the Upper Hunter with the 2022 results highlighting the significantly wetter than average conditions experienced over the last few years.

The latest report from the Water Accounting Framework project which commenced in 2014, shows that industry used just 0.2% (or 6.1GL) of the total water available in the Hunter River System, compared to farmers, businesses and residents which used a combined 1.4%. More than 98% of the water stayed in the river system in 2022, which saw 3,554 gigalitres of water enter the system.

The wetter than average conditions in 2022 meant that companies were able to increase their water storage (by over 37GL), increase their reuse (up to 48% in 2022), and had more opportunities to discharge water into the Hunter River, given the high flow conditions. 

The Water Accounting Framework project has greatly improved transparency of mining’s water use in the region in the context of other major water users. It is important to demonstrate that mining’s use of water is comparatively low and that responsible stewardship of water continues to be a main priority for Upper Hunter companies.

To view the latest results, click here: https://miningdialogue.com.au/project/waterqa/results-waterqa/2022-results-2

To view previous results, click here: https://miningdialogue.com.au/featured/wateruse