When it comes to underground mining, consistency is everything…
That’s especially true for concrete.
For this project, a leading mining services company required a reliable water storage solution to support a mobile batch concrete plant used for shotcrete and structural works. Operating in remote WA conditions, where the mercury gauges the temperature lows as sweltering and the highs as blistering, the challenge wasn’t just storing water, it was controlling its temperature.
In peak summer, supply lines running above ground can push water temperatures beyond 45°C. With a target operating range of 10–20°C when paired with a chiller, maintaining consistent water temperature became critical to the success of the batching process.
For those familiar with concrete, temperature plays a major role during curing. As cement and water react, heat is generated known as the heat of hydration. If that reaction happens too quickly due to high temperatures, it can compromise the strength and durability of the final product. Slowing that reaction down is key, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by using chilled mixing water.
To support this, we manufactured and delivered two 25,000L storage tanks, purpose-built for chilled water applications in harsh mining environments. Each tank was constructed from LMDPE and fitted out to suit the operational requirements of the batch plant, including high-flow inlet control, camlock outlet connections, mechanical level indication and site-ready lifting points.
However, the real value in this system lies in the insulation.
Each tank was coated with a 50mm layer of polyurethane foam insulation, finished with an elastomer protective hard coat. This isn’t just a surface treatment, it forms a fully sealed, impermeable barrier around the tank. By eliminating exposure to external temperature extremes and reducing heat transfer through both air and ground contact, the insulation plays a critical role in maintaining stable internal water temperatures.
The result is a system that works with the chiller, not against it. By minimising thermal gain, the tanks help reduce the load on cooling equipment while maintaining the consistent water temperatures required for high-quality concrete production.
In applications like this, it’s not just about storing water, it’s about controlling the environment inside the tank. Because when it comes to concrete in hot conditions, getting the temperature right is the difference between a job done and a job done properly.
