A groundbreaking water clarifying technology designed by leading fine particle specialist RST Solutions has the potential to revolutionise water management programs in the mining and quarrying sectors.
The innovative ‘Flockit Blocks’ solution is an advanced flocculant technology designed to separate silt from water to produce clean water for immediate reuse.
Pre-launch trials held at an Indonesian mine have tested Flockit Blocks’ capabilities, demonstrating its potential to revolutionise water management practices in the mining and quarrying industries.
Flockit Blocks require no complex infrastructure or costly liquid dosing equipment, making them a game-changer for the mining and quarrying sectors and any industrial operation or civil project that recycles water.
The Flockit Block technology is in a gel form that dissolves when water flows over it, coagulating the fine particles and weighing them down for more enhanced filtering.
The blocks can be strategically placed within drainage channels to optimise flocculant dispersion, making them an accessible and scalable solution for large-scale mining operations and smaller projects.
“It’s a cost-effective alternative to traditional liquid dosing systems,” says RST Solutions Operations and Technical Director David Handel.
“Flockit Blocks is a more efficient means of separating sediment from water to improve water recycling practices on a mine [or quarry] site or any industrial operation that uses excess water.
“When the turbid water flows over the Flockit Blocks, the flocculant dissolves and grabs the fine particles, coagulating them and collecting them in a filter or pulling them down to the bottom.
“The flocculant residuals in Flockit continue to work when they reach the bulk of the water, bringing together even finer particles to be removed.”
To test Flockit Blocks, Mr Handel and his team worked with an Indonesian mine, setting up two drains side by side, both with a natural rock filter. One drain had Flockit Blocks, while the other remained an untreated experimental control.
The difference was significant and impressive. Tests showed that Flockit Blocks rapidly aggregated fine particles and reduced water turbidity to quickly produce clean water, in contrast to the control drain, which showed no change from its natural rock filter.
Water dispersed through the Flockit Blocks contained significantly reduced sediment levels, improving clarity greatly through flow. Initial results concluded that the treated sample had less than 50ppm sediment, which meets legal discharge limits, and one block, weighing 5kg per unit, can treat up to 350,000 litres of water, subject to site conditions.
“Flockit Blocks is a more efficient and improved method of water recycling that we designed for mining and other operations to minimise freshwater consumption and reduce the environmental impact of their activities,” Mr Handel said.
“Flockit Blocks are highly adaptable; you can add more or less depending on the water quality. The technology’s self-dosing nature ensures ease of application, requiring minimal maintenance and monitoring while delivering consistently clear water results.
“The tests confirmed Flockit Blocks’ effectiveness in real-world conditions, and we are excited to be closer to releasing it to the market to impact water conservation efforts and operational efficiency positively.”
The successful trials of Flockit Blocks at the Indonesian mine are part of RST Solutions’ broader commitment to developing innovative solutions that support sustainable mining practices.
This breakthrough technology addresses one of the industry’s most pressing challenges—water management—and is set to play a crucial role in helping mining companies meet environmental regulations while improving operational efficiency.
Following the success of the pre-launch trials, RST Solutions is preparing to launch Flockit Blocks in the market. The company plans to introduce the technology to mining operations across Australia, Indonesia, and other regions facing similar water management challenges.
The company is also exploring potential applications in other industries that require effective water clarification solutions, including construction, agriculture, and wastewater treatment.
RST Solutions specialises in supplying alternative methods tailored specifically to a project, the materials being mined or used on the site, mining and construction processes, a site’s application equipment and systems, local weather patterns, and budget parameters.
With three decades of experience developing tailored solutions for the many fine particle challenges presented across numerous industries, processes and material types, RST Solutions has the expertise to solve complex site-specific fine particle issues for companies seeking more project optimisation strategies on various projects.
RST Solutions is an Australian business operating internationally, with presence and projects in Australia, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific. For more information, contact RST Solutions on (+61 7) 5522 0244 or visit www.rstsolutions.com.au.
