From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 4 - Water Management
Mining at Kunwarara brings its own unique challenges. The magnesite mainly lies inside a shallow aquifer which makes mining impossible without first controlling the water.
To do this, we dig a deep drain around the outside of the mining pit. Next, we install pumps in these drains to lower the water level far enough to mine a bench of ore. As each bench is mined, the pit deepens, the drains around the mining area also deepen and pumping reduces the water level. This cycle repeats until the bottom bench of ore is mined.
After we pump water from mining areas, it is sent into a network of pipes and waterways. Ultimately, we use this water for material processing or dust suppression.
Only a fraction of the water used in material processing is consumed by the process. Most water is recycled through the plant to clean and wash magnesite, then pumped out to the current tailings pit in a slurry, before finally being pumped back to the plant for reuse.
QMAG has proven over 30 years that we can champion sustainability by using water from the aquifer in a way that does not adversely impact water quality or level.
From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 8 - In Pit Screening
QMAG currently mines 4 million tonnes of ore per year, from six to eight different pits.
We choose pits based on their magnesite content and contaminant concentrations. There are always at least two pits mined simultaneously to provide the Parkhurst plant with enough material at suitable quality to support our full suite of products.
Sustainable Thinkers and Actors
Being a company powered by people who value sustainability in thought and action gives us the expertise and brainpower to deliver solutions that make a sustainable difference.
Falcon Update
The peregrine falcons at QMAG’s Parkhurst processing facility are breeding again after an unfortunate setback in September.
From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 7 - Mining Operations
QMAG currently mines 4 million tonnes of ore per year, from six to eight different pits.
We choose pits based on their magnesite content and contaminant concentrations. There are always at least two pits mined simultaneously to provide the Parkhurst plant with enough material at suitable quality to support our full suite of products.
From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 6 - Mining Pit Development
With exploration, drilling and planning complete, it’s time to start mining. First, surveyors stake out the boundary of the area to be mined. A clearing permit verifies that the area to be mined is within the active lease, has
been cleared by the local Land Council, and has the correct government permit to be mined. Now the pit development can begin.
Visitors to Kunwarara
We were thrilled to welcome Matthew Canavan and Michelle Landry to our mine last week! It was an exciting opportunity to give them an in-depth look at our "Ore to Your Door" process and share the remarkable stories of the local businesses that enrich our community.
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