Water in Mining Australia to bring industry leaders to Perth in September

The inaugural Australian conference will unite mining companies, regulators, researchers, community representatives and technology providers to explore more responsible and resilient approaches to water management.

Water management will take centre stage in Perth this September when Water in Mining Australia brings professionals from across the mining sector and its supply chain together for two days of discussion, knowledge sharing and collaboration.

The conference will be held on 8–9 September 2026 in the Golden Ballroom at the Pan Pacific Perth. Described by its organisers as Australia’s only forum dedicated specifically to mining water, the event will examine the technical, environmental and social challenges shaping the sector’s relationship with water.

Key takeaways

Dates: Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 September 2026.
Location: Golden Ballroom, Pan Pacific Perth, Western Australia.
Focus: Water management and strategy, groundwater, aquifer recharge, tailings, mine closure, remediation and community engagement.
Attendees: Mining professionals, regulators, policymakers, researchers, community leaders and solution providers.
Program: Two days of presentations, breakout streams, an exhibition and dedicated networking opportunities.
Registration: Standard tickets have sold out. Prospective delegates should visit the official website for the latest availability.
ESdat: Catherine Hansen and Afira Zulkifli will attend and share updates about ESdat’s environmental data management software.

Water management moves up the mining agenda

The event arrives as mining organisations face increasing pressure to manage water responsibly while responding to climate uncertainty, regulatory obligations and the expectations of communities and investors.

Water is closely connected to operational continuity, environmental performance, project approvals and a mining company’s social licence to operate. Poorly managed water risks can contribute to delays, additional costs, environmental impacts and declining community confidence.

Water in Mining Australia is designed to address these challenges within a forum dedicated entirely to the mining sector. Its focused format is intended to support detailed technical discussions and practical exchanges between the people responsible for water strategy, regulation, research and implementation.

What will the conference cover?

The conference program will explore water management and strategy, groundwater and aquifer recharge, tailings, mine closure and remediation, and community engagement.

Delegates will have access to the complete content agenda and will be able to move between breakout streams according to their interests. Presentations are also expected to be distributed to attendees by email after the conference.

By bringing operational, scientific, regulatory and community perspectives together, the event aims to encourage stronger water stewardship and help participants better understand the pressures affecting mining operations in Australia.

Speakers from across mining and water management

Announced speakers represent mining companies, government agencies, universities, research organisations and the broader water sector.

Participating organisations include BHP, Newmont, South32, Hancock Iron Ore, Mineral Resources, Alcoa, CSIRO, the Australian National University and Western Australia’s Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

The range of speakers reflects the cross-sector cooperation required to address complex water challenges. It also gives delegates an opportunity to hear how operators, regulators, scientists and other stakeholders are approaching issues specific to Australian mining.

Networking and exhibition opportunities

Networking will be a central part of the two-day event. Attendees will be able to meet participants from across the Australian mining community and visit the Water in Mining Australia Exhibition Zone, where conference catering will also be provided.

Tuesday 8 September: Exhibition open from 8.15am to 6pm, including networking drinks from 5pm to 6pm.
Wednesday 9 September: Exhibition open from 8.45am to 4pm.

Registration opens at 8.15am on the first day and 8.45am on the second day. The dress code is business attire or smart casual.

ESdat to attend Water in Mining Australia

ESdat is excited to support Water in Mining Australia and will be attending the conference in Perth.

Delegates are invited to meet Catherine Hansen and Afira Zulkifli during the event. They will have plenty of new ESdat software updates to share and will be available to discuss how environmental data management technology can support teams working with complex environmental and water information.

If you are attending, make sure to stop by and say hello.

Event details

Event	Water in Mining Australia
Dates	Tuesday 8–Wednesday 9 September 2026
Venue	Golden Ballroom, Pan Pacific Perth
Address	207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, Western Australia
Registration opens	8.15am on Day 1 and 8.45am on Day 2
Dress code	Business attire or smart casual
Official website	Water in Mining Australia
Visitor information	Conference event information

Glossary

Aquifer recharge

The process through which water enters or replenishes an underground aquifer. Recharge may occur naturally or through a managed system.

Environmental data management

The structured collection, validation, storage, analysis and reporting of environmental information, such as groundwater levels and water-quality results.

Mine closure

The planned process of decommissioning a mine and managing its environmental, social and economic impacts during and after operations end.

Remediation

Actions taken to contain, remove, treat or otherwise manage contamination or environmental damage.

Social licence to operate

The ongoing acceptance or approval of an organisation’s activities by local communities and other stakeholders. It is based on trust rather than a formal regulatory permit.

Tailings

The material left after valuable minerals have been separated from mined ore. Tailings commonly contain finely ground rock and process water and require careful long-term management.

Water stewardship

The responsible and collaborative management of water resources in ways that consider operational needs, catchment conditions, ecosystems, communities and other water users.

Frequently asked questions

When is Water in Mining Australia 2026?

Water in Mining Australia will take place on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 September 2026.

Where will the conference be held?

The conference will be held in the Golden Ballroom at the Pan Pacific Perth in Western Australia.

Who is Water in Mining Australia for?

The event is intended for mining professionals, water specialists, environmental practitioners, regulators, policymakers, researchers, Indigenous and community leaders, consultants, technology providers and other organisations in the mining supply chain.

What subjects will be discussed?

Topics will include water management and strategy, groundwater, aquifer recharge, tailings, mine closure, remediation, regulation and community engagement.

Are tickets still available?

The organisers state that standard tickets have sold out. Anyone interested in attending should check the official conference website for current availability and registration options.

Will ESdat attend the conference?

Yes. ESdat will attend Water in Mining Australia, represented by Catherine Hansen and Afira Zulkifli. They will be available to discuss new ESdat software updates and environmental data management.

Where can attendees find travel and venue information?

Venue access, accommodation, registration, catering and other practical details are available on the conference’s official event information page.