This World Water Day, we’re proud to celebrate a significant milestone in NCIG’s sustainability journey. Since launching our recycled water initiative in February 2023, we’ve used over 500 megalitres (ML) of recycled water onsite. That’s the equivalent volume of 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
This water is primarily used for dust suppression and plant cleaning, directly offsetting the need for drinking water from the Hunter region’s supply. Previously, NCIG was one of the Lower Hunter’s largest industrial consumers of drinking water.
Commissioned in February 2023 in partnership with CoNEXA Infrastructure Partners, the recycled water project was designed to reduce our dependence on drinking water by up to 50% annually.
In the current financial year (FY26) to date, 32% of water used in site operations was recycled, meaning our reliance on potable water is down to just 5%.
The recycled water initiative reflects our commitment to reducing reliance on the region’s potable water and supporting community needs, particularly during times of drought and water scarcity. It also aligns with our broader goal of operating sustainably and minimising our environmental footprint.
NCIG purchases recycled water from CoNEXA, whose Steel River production facility takes treated wastewater from Hunter Water and further treats it to a grade safe for industrial re-use. The water is then delivered to NCIG via an underground pipeline network.
Every litre of recycled water used represents a litre of potable water saved, helping maintain our operations without interruption while contributing to the region’s water security.
Key benefits of the recycled water initiative include:
- Significantly reduced annual reliance on potable water
- Our operations remain resilient during periods of drought or water scarcity
- Dust suppression and plant cleaning standards are maintained
- The region’s potable water supply is preserved
Our recycled water initiative also supports Hunter Water’s Lower Hunter Water Security Plan, a whole-of-government strategy ensuring a resilient and sustainable water future for the region over the next 40 years.
By using recycled water, NCIG is not only securing operations but also playing a vital role in safeguarding water resources for the local community.
