This week, the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue published its latest report on water use by mining companies across the Upper Hunter. The 2023 results showed drier-than-average conditions.

Since 2014, the Water Accounting Framework project has been reporting water inflows and outflows from mines in the Upper Hunter region.

In 2023, 252 gigalitres of water entered the Upper Hunter River system, equivalent to about 100,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. About 69% of the water stayed in the river system in 2023. The mining industry used about 2.7% (or 6.7 gigalitres) of the water that entered the river system. Comparatively, farmers, residents, and businesses used a combined 29% (72 gigalitres) of water from the river system.

The slightly drier-than-average conditions in 2023 meant that companies had fewer opportunities to discharge excess water into the Hunter River System and were conserving their stored water.

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 water use is comparatively low and that responsible water stewardship continues to be a priority for Upper Hunter companies.

To view the latest results, click here: https://miningdialogue.com.au/project/water/2023-results

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