Brine concentrator

During 2011, ERA completed a feasibility study into a proposed Brine Concentrator facility.

In February 2012, ERA announced approval of $220 million to construct a Brine Concentrator facility to treat process water, which will allow for the discharge of up to 1.83 gigalitres
(1.83 billion litres) per year.

Brine concentrators use thermal energy to evaporate water, which is subsequently condensed and discharged as clean distilled water.

This proven technology is scientifically and environmentally sound and will provide ERA with effective treatment means to reduce the process water inventory and to manage the impacts
of future heavy rainfall events.

The Brine Concentrator will be provided by HPD LLC, a subsidiary of Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies.

The Brine Concentrator facility is planned to be commissioned in the second half of 2013.

ERA completed a pilot facility trial of the Brine Concentrator technology using Ranger process water at Rio Tinto's research facilities in Melbourne.

Results indicated that the Brine Concentrator can successfully treat Ranger process water to design specifications.

For the latest news and announcements about this project visit our Media centre.