Founded in 1872, Sibelco began operation in the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2000. One of the world’s largest industrial mineral companies Sibelco has a network of over 45 mines, plants, sales offices and warehouses based in Australia. They supply products to Glass, Mining, Agriculture, Construction and Industrial Manufacturing industries.

IBC Water has had a long standing partnership with Sibelco’s Silica Sand manufacturing plant on North Stradbroke Island. The plant is a floating Concentrator Vessel which is 60m long by 40m wide designed specifically for sand mining.

The Concentrator processes 3,000 tons of sand a day to extract the zircon which goes towards manufacturing paints, toothpaste, sunscreen, ceramic tiles, touch phones and digital tablets.

Originally IBC Water installed an activated carbon and sand filter system to treat bore water as it was pumped from the pond to the Concentrator for general consumption and washing purposes.

However, over time various factors such as pond water chloroforms, general wear and tear and age saw a deterioration in the end water product. This lead to Sibelco having to purchase and transport water onto the island at sizeable costs.

In late 2012, Sibelco again approached IBC Water to discuss how to best upgrade their water system. Bob Bell, the plants Operations Superintendent, brief was to design and install a system to meet OH & S regulations and the needs of the Concentrator’s crews without environmental impacts to North Stradbroke Island.

Quartz Sand Mine

Sibelco Concentrator Vessel

Now under the ownership of Continental Water, the team designed, built and now service a comprehensive combined water system which serves various functions such as drinking and requirements to manufacturing processes. The system encompasses Kinetico NonElectric Filters which includes a pH neutraliser, a water softener and multimedia filters to manage the 15,000 litres a day usage requirements. Incoming water pressure drives the Kinetico system meaning the system is only in operation when water is needed; saving on power.

The entire system is housed in a 12 sqm plant and is serviced on a regular basis from our Brisbane plant. The service involves salt top up as well as a general maintenance and a water quality check. Water quality is maintained in the 3,000 litre holding tank through an electric UV system. Again this system is serviced and maintained by our Brisbane Service Technicians.

The system now means the staff shifts can confidently drink and bathe in the water overcoming the need to transport water to the pontoon and is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The system now means the staff shifts can confidently drink and bathe in the water overcoming the need to transport water to the pontoon and is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Bob Bell highlighted that

“The system has exceeded his expectations. The team put forward an innovative solution which saves energy, is reliable and is saving Sibelco money as we no longer have to buy water. We also now have the added peace of mind knowing the system is maintained to exacting OH & S water requirements for the general health and well being of the employees working on the Concentrator.”

A CWS Service Technician visits the plant

Water Treatment Plant