Windimurra Vanadium Mine - Palaeochannel Water Supply
A vanadium mine was established by Vanadium Australia at Windimurra, about 75 km north-east of Mt Magnet. Rockwater was commissioned to develop the water supply for the mine, which required up to 7,000 kL/d for operations and mineral processing. In the semi-arid climate, characterised by low, variable rainfall and high evaporation, a local palaeochannel aquifer was identified as having the best potential to supply the long-term water requirements for the mine. Geophysical surveys, utilising transient electromagnetic (TEM) and SIROTEM MKIII techniques, were conducted on lines across the palaeodrainage area to locate the buried palaeochannel. The electromagnetic data were used to define the depth to bedrock, which provides an approximate cross section of the palaeochannel, and identifies the approximate location of a "buried conductor", in this case a channel of sand/silt containing water. The results of the geophysical surveys were used to plan the exploration drilling programme.

Marble Bar - Woodie Woodie Road - Main Roads WA
Main Roads WA required water supplies for the construction of 130 km section of road from Marble Bar to Woodie Woodie via Ripon Hills. Following an initial hydrogeological investigation by Rockwater, potential borefield sites were selected for exploration drilling. At each of the sites geophysical surveys were carried out along three or more transects using very low frequency-electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and ground proton magnetic techniques. These techniques are particularly suited to identifying likely fault structures in hard-rock environments, where groundwater is most likely to be found. Drilling sites were selected using the results from the geophysical surveys.

Lawlers Goldmine -Contamination plume definition
Groundwater monitoring conducted by Rockwater at Lawlers Goldmine identified the flow of saline water from the tailings storage facility to the local groundwater system. As environmental licensing conditions for the mine require any contamination of the local aquifer to be confined within the boundary of the mining lease, it was recommended that a geophysical survey be conducted to determine the lateral extent of the leakage and to delineate any preferential flow paths that might exist in the aquifer. Frequency domain electromagnetic (FEM) techniques were used to define areas of higher conductivity associated with areas infiltrated by the more saline water from the tailings storage facility. The results from the geophysical survey were used to recommend locations for recovery bores to intercept the saline seepage, and the further spread of contamination was subsequently prevented.