Farming the Pilbara, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 20-October-2011
Groundwater pumped from mine sites could soon generate a vast new agricultural zone in the Pilbara. A joint State Government and industry pilot project has been trialling converting surplus mine water into valuable agriculture and food production.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the research project in the Gascoyne had been trialling using surplus water from mine dewatering to irrigate pasture for livestock.
The trial has resulted in a model that Rio Tinto plans to roll out on a commercial scale on its Hamersley pastoral station.
Using surplus water from the company’s Marandoo mine, the project would involve installation of irrigation pivots across 1,650 hectares to produce an estimated 25,000 tonnes of quality hay each year.
Mr Redman said if the model was adopted more broadly by the mining industry, it could significantly boost irrigated agricultural production in the north of the State.
It is estimated up to 200 billion litres of surplus mine water will be available each year in the Pilbara. By comparison, the horticulture district in Carnarvon uses about 10 to 12 billion litres a year.
“The production prospects if such a large amount of water can be harnessed are enormous,” the Minister said.
The State Government is very supportive of innovation which helps create new secondary industries, regional development and indigenous employment opportunities.
“As iron ore mining in the Pilbara continues into the future, agriculture provides a unique environmental solution to the predicted large volumes of water to be discharged,” Mr Redman said.
The Hamersley Agriculture Project is awaiting final approval from the Minister for Environment.
