Mining Magazine > Panorama > ERA selects Veolia brine technology

Energy Resources Australia (ERA) has selected brine concentrator technology from Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies to treat and reduce process water inventory from its Ranger uranium mine in Australia’s Northern Territory. This project is a critical part of ERA’s overall water management strategy and environmental protection initiatives.

ERA is one of the largest uranium producers in the world, providing around 8% of global primary uranium production.

The brine concentrator will be provided by HPD, a subsidiary of Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, and will treat approximately 1,830 megalitres of water annually (1.3 million gallons per day). ERA considers this technology a proven, long-term solution to minimise the environmental impact of operations and significantly reduce process water inventory at Ranger. The brine concentrator uses thermal energy to evaporate water, which produces clean distillate that will meet strict water quality requirements for release into ERA’s constructed wetlands system.

HPD was selected for this project because of its extensive experience in volume reduction applications, the ability to meet future needs of the mine and testing capabilities. This includes shipment of a pilot-scale brine concentrator unit to Australia for demonstration of the process. Commissioning of the brine concentrator plant is expected to be completed in mid-2013.