WA nickel mine - case study
Tailings dam water management for Western Australia nickel mine.
XPEL collaborated with a Western Australian nickel mine to control rising water levels for their tailings dam, addressing unique operational and environmental challenges.
The project featured a robust 6-unit water evaporator system, paired with a Motor Control Centre (MCC) and a state-of-the-art Automation Control System linked to an on-site weather station. The system provided a combined throughput of 3,600 GPM (810 m³/hour), enabling rapid and consistent water reduction across the tailings storage area. This evaporation solution prevented overflow and maintained the tailings dam's stability and safety, efficiently reducing water levels, lowering environmental risk, improving storage stability, and strengthening long-term operational resilience.
Advanced water evaporation system for nickel mining by XPEL.
The WA nickel mine managed significant volumes of process water and tailings runoff that required precise control to maintain storage integrity and meet regulatory expectations. Rising water levels increased environmental exposure, challenged dam safety, and added strain to operational planning. XPEL’s mechanical evaporation system offered a practical way to reduce stored volumes, maintain stable dam conditions, and support ongoing production.
Six XPEL evaporators processed 3,600 GPM (810 m³/hour) of wastewater, with real-time monitoring and environmental controls in place. This high-volume performance helped the operation stabilize water levels within the tailings dam and safeguard its critical infrastructure.
Engineered reliability delivered by XPEL.
High-volume tailings dewatering: Six evaporators delivered strong throughput across the tailings storage area. This performance supported predictable and efficient water reduction.
Automated monitoring and control: Integrated automation and weather-based monitoring provided real-time oversight and performance management. These tools helped maintain safe water levels as site conditions changed.
Environmental and operational stability: Consistent evaporation lowered structural and environmental risk. This stability strengthened safe, continuous nickel mining operations.
Get a site-specific evaporation efficiency analysis.
XPEL provides evaporation efficiency modeling tailored to tailings storage conditions, inflow variability, and climate patterns. The analysis defines expected evaporation performance, forecasts operational and compliance gains, and provides a clear view of potential cost efficiencies under site-specific conditions.
Take the next step: Contact XPEL today to request a complimentary site-specific evaporation analysis and strengthen water management across tailings facilities.
Related products.
Land-Based Evaporator
Fully customisable and bespoke in design, our land based water evaporators are available in a range of sizes enabling operators to reduce the risks associated with excess water and ensure environmental compliance with a wide range of water processing capabilities.
