70% of WA mines rely on plain water for dust control. Is it sustainable?

Between dust suppression, drinking water, and dewatering, the volume of water removed from the ground is significant. Over 70 percent of WA mines still rely on plain water for dust control. This traditional approach, though widely used, is both inefficient and unsustainable in a state where water scarcity is more of an issue every year.

“We are reaping the rewards of implementing Bind-X on our mine. It’s reduced dust for the local community, is far less maintenance on our haul roads, and is cleaner for the environment.”
GCO Senegal
The pressure on water resources in WA mining

One of the biggest challenges facing the mining industry in WA’s Goldfields is water scarcity, according to an article by ABC News, where current shortages are described as a “key limitation on growth”.
Similar issues exist in the Pilbara, where people have called for a more sustainable approach to groundwater management.
Regions like Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Pilbara illustrate the urgency of sustainable water use. In Kalgoorlie, the city council recently began reviewing its water contracts with local mines, reflecting rising concerns over equitable water distribution.
In an interview with the Australian Water Association, GHD Technical Director Bob Kinnell says it’s important to start looking at the impact of the industry’s water use on the catchments in the Pilbara, but also to consider how mining operations manage water in the future.
“The region gets the odd cyclone, but otherwise the aquifers do not get any significant recharge. The volume of water removed is much bigger than the volume of water coming in. Some of the consequences of this movement will last for a long time,” he explains.
Dust suppression—an important aspect of mining operations—accounts for a significant portion of water use. In fact, plain water applied to roads, stockpiles, and processing areas is often the largest single use of water in many operations. This approach not only wastes an irreplaceable resource but also fails to address the broader environmental and regulatory challenges.
Traditional dust control methods are unsustainable
Plain water might seem like a simple solution, but it’s far from efficient. In dry conditions, much of the water evaporates almost immediately, needing frequent reapplication. This continuous cycle leads to significant water wasted while offering only temporary relief from dust. It poses serious environmental risks, including groundwater depletion and the disruption of local ecosystems. “It’s not going to be replenished. That water you use will eventually be gone and you need to prioritise what to use it for,” explains Krehenbrink. “Most of the water used in mining for dust suppression comes from sources that are not sustainable. When you’re pumping millions of liters of water a day, it’s a huge environmental cost.” And while the amount of water sprayed on mining operations depends on soil and local conditions, on average, a one kilometre road will consume hundreds of thousands of litres of water a day exclusively for dust control.
Krehenbrink says a slew of economic and environmental implications result, including the expense to keep trucks running and a hefty carbon footprint. Allocating water towards dust control limits the availability of water for vital operations at the mine – to extract and process minerals.
He refers to examples globally where mining industry water consumption during severe droughts has caused major problems.
“In the last few years in Chile, we have seen access to water preventing mines from operating, because there is just not enough water. There are caps on how much water they are allowed to use.”
He hypothesises that persisting with outdated dust suppression methods will see a future where mining in certain regions is rendered impossible.
“The access to water will be regulated or just not available,” says Krehenbrink.
Dust control is an essential task for mines to ensure road visibility and decrease the chance of workers and the community inhaling airborne particles. However, it is a task that can be completed with greater care for the planet and people by relying on new and proven biotechnology methods.
New technology: Biological dust control
New dust control technology like biological dust control offers a far better alternative to traditional methods. Developed at Murdoch University in WA, Bind-X’s new and proven technology uses natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic compounds to bind dust particles, significantly reducing the need for water. Micro-organisms react with dust and dirt and cause sand particles to fuse and create a solid cement-like layer. Mines already applying the product use 90% less water, making it one of the easiest and most impactful steps toward meeting water reduction targets. Additionally, this approach is safer for the environment, as it avoids the use of crude-oil or industrial waste products that can harm ecosystems. Grand Cote Operations in Senegal trialled Bind-X on their haul roads and now use 85% less water and 60,000 less litres of diesel.
Broader ESG benefits
The switch to advanced dust control methods extends beyond water conservation. Krehenbrink emphasises, “When mines adopt modern approaches like biological dust control, the benefits cascade across the operation—from water savings to reduced emissions. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about leading the way in sustainable mining.” For environmental managers, the path forward is clear. Addressing water scarcity is no longer optional, it’s a necessity for environmental approvals, to meet regulatory standards, and keep operations running smoothly. Dust control is an area where immediate and significant improvements can be made.
WA’s mines can reduce their water dependency, protect precious aquifers, and set an example for sustainable mining practices worldwide. As the challenges of water scarcity intensify, the question remains: Is relying on plain water enough? The evidence suggests it’s time for a smarter solution.