Olive Downs Coking Coal Project - Water Infrastructure

The project required development of a water supply strategy aligned with staged mine development, ensuring security of supply without over-investing early in the mine’s life. The solution needed to support a 4,500ML/annum demand while preserving future capacity and commercial efficiency.

Scope included design management for the new offtake connection to Sunwater’s existing Eungella Water Pipeline Southern Extension, concept options for pipeline upgrades, detailed design of temporary pipelines and preliminary design of permanent pipelines. Works also included 26km of DN250 and DN500 pipelines, a 300m Cherwell Creek under-bore (500NB), pump stations, water storage, treatment plants for potable and sewage systems, and associated fire and raw water infrastructure.

Early water supply was required to support construction staging, adding programme pressure and coordination complexity.

Phronis developed a three-stage water supply upgrade strategy integrating water supply, water transport and pipeline design to align with mine development sequencing. We undertook design management, tender procurement and contract award for 26km of DN250 and DN500 pipelines, and managed new connection works to the Eungella Water Pipeline Southern Extension.

Detailed design and contract documentation were prepared for major pipeline packages, including the 300m Cherwell Creek under-bore. We progressed concept and preliminary designs for temporary and permanent pipelines, including an above-ground temporary pipeline solution to support early construction water needs.

Tender design management also covered potable water treatment, sewage treatment, raw and fire water systems, pump stations and associated infrastructure. Aurizon wayleave permitting was coordinated to support delivery.

The project delivered a structured 4,500ML/annum water supply strategy aligned to staged mine development, enabling secure water access while optimising capital expenditure timing. The Water Supply and Water Transport contracts were negotiated and executed, supporting implementation of Stage 1 works.

Connection works to the Eungella Water Pipeline Southern Extension were planned, designed and constructed, and detailed design and contract documentation were completed for 26km of DN250 pipeline and 26km of DN500 pipeline infrastructure. The 300m Cherwell Creek under-bore was successfully incorporated into the design package.

The integrated three-stage strategy and temporary pipeline solution enabled early water supply for construction activities while preserving long-term supply capacity for the life of the mine.