The group, based at Central Queensland University, works with Bowen Basin coal miners, in particular BHP Mitsubishi Alliance mines, and was picked ahead of 175 other research projects for the award.
The project addressed improvement in water quality of pit and recycled mine waters in the Bowen Basin including a detailed study of issues related to the toxicity and management of blue-green algae.
It also made substantial progress in the understanding of the mechanisms causing algal blooms in mining pits and recycled waters at mining sites.
The group was lead by CQU Director of Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Programs Dr Larelle Fabbro under supervision of BMA specialists Dr Bernie Kirsch and Rob Alford.
Findings from the project are being used to construct international guidelines for industry in the area of water control.
