Water security and engineering innovation for the Southdown Project

An open pit magnetite mine and processing facility is proposed as a part of the Southdown project. The project will require a considerable volume of water for processing and transport of the ore. This paper provides an introduction to the project with a focus on the water demands, water security concerns and water supply opportunities. In particular, the climate independent water supply options of seawater desalination and water reuse are discussed. The paper also provides a discussion about engineering innovations for the single investment water supply option and describes how a smooth pathway towards environmental approval has been achieved.