Lithgow to Blayney, NSW, Mine water supply

A feasibility study was conducted for a pipeline aimed at supplying water to the Regis’ McPhillamys Gold Mine, from sources operated by Centennial Coal and Energy Australia. The water transfer pipeline is about 90km long, with a capacity of 13 ML/d. An assessment was carried out, at the feasibility level, of the most cost effective pipe technology to be used with a view to reduce the number of pumping stations and reduce the overall construction cost. Three common pipe materials were considered during the investigation, including DICL (Ductile Iron Cement lined), GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and HDPE (High Density Poly-Ethylene). The number of pumping stations varied from 4 to 6. The lower number of pumping stations resulted in greater pressures along the pipeline and therefore higher pipe ratings and costs. On the other hand, additional pumping stations generally reduced pressures, pipe ratings and pipeline construction costs.