Access to water is integral to the healthy functioning of natural ecosystems and the cultural and spiritual practices of many communities.
We are focused on sustainably managing water resources within our operations and contributing to the shared water challenges in the catchments where we operate.
Water stewardships
Aim for water use that is socially and culturally equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial.
Mitigate adverse impacts
Apply the mitigation hierarchy to, where possible, avoid and minimise adverse impacts on the natural environment associated with our water withdrawals and discharges.
Work with communities
Support local communities and work with them on community water issues they may face, now and in the future.
Consider the value of water
Continuously improve the integration of water considerations into our planning and operational processes to holistically consider and value water in all stages of the mining lifecycle.
Transparent disclosures
Publicly report our water performance and progress on our water-related initiatives to inform and build trust.
We report water-related data in accordance with the Minerals Council of Australia’s Water Accounting Framework and the ICMM Water Reporting Good Practice Guide.
Our operational water sources include groundwater, surface water, seawater and water sourced from third parties. We aim to recover and reuse or recycle water to reduce overall withdrawals. Water that is not consumed in processes, retained in product or entrained in waste is either safely discharged into the environment or supplied to third parties pursuant to regulatory requirements.
You can find out more about these metrics in our Sustainability Databook 2025 or read more about our water work in our Annual Report 2025.
1 Percentage of water used for operational activities which is reused/recycled water.
2 Water drawn from the environment (surface water, groundwater or seawater) or purchased from third parties, for use in a task or activity.
3 Water that is released from the operational water system through discharge back to the water environment or piping to third parties, and/or through other outputs, including water consumed (removed by evaporation, entrainment in product, waste or other losses) in an operational task or activity.
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Water is scarce in many of the regions where we operate and in excess in others, meaning each area comes with its own challenges and opportunities. Our Approach to Water aims to work towards sustainably managing water resources within our operations and contributing to addressing the shared water challenges in the catchments where we operate.
Water-related risks can affect both our operations and communities. At the same time, there are opportunities to improve water efficiency and strengthen community relationships through water-related partnerships.
To support effective water management planning, we conduct water risk and opportunity screening assessments at our operations and projects every three years.
Material water-related risks are captured within our risk management system. Controls are developed with consideration of the mitigation hierarchy adapted to water (avoid, minimise, reuse, recycle, discharge, offset), the broader catchment context, community needs, and interactions with natural ecosystems.
Operations maintain water balances to track water withdrawals, discharges, efficiencies, and consumption which informs planning, management, and stewardship activities.
Water-related risks associated with our activities inform water resource forecasts, and infrastructure requirements associated with water transfers, treatment, storage and dewatering.
Our operations collect and report against a range of water metrics. We set context-specific water objectives for operations where material water-related risks are identified.
We implement water-related projects and initiatives to manage risks and improve efficiency across our operations. At operations in locations with high precipitation or abundant groundwater, we implement dewatering programs to manage excess water and maintain safe, efficient site access.
We seek to engage and collaborate with relevant experts, research institutions, Indigenous, Traditional and Tribal Peoples, our communities and other stakeholders with respect to water management.
We actively engage in forums and seek to participate in industry bodies and collaborate with local communities to improve water stewardship outcomes at the catchment level.
