SciDev Secures $19.5M Deal for 30L/sec Groundwater Treatment Plant at Rum Jungle
SciDev Limited has secured a $19.5 million contract to design and build a groundwater treatment plant for the Rum Jungle Rehabilitation Project, tackling contamination from historic uranium mining near Darwin.
- Awarded $19.5 million contract by McMahon Services for groundwater treatment
- Design and construction of a 30-litre-per-second multi-stage water treatment plant
- Project targets legacy uranium mine contamination at Rum Jungle near Darwin
- Operations to begin immediately with completion by September 2026
- Potential 15-year operation and maintenance role for SciDev
A Major Step in Environmental Remediation
SciDev Limited (ASX, SDV) has announced a significant contract win, securing approximately $19.5 million to design and construct a groundwater treatment plant as part of the Rum Jungle Rehabilitation Project. Located south of Darwin in Batchelor, this project addresses the environmental legacy of uranium mining at the former Rum Jungle Mine, one of Australia’s most challenging remediation sites.
The contract was awarded by McMahon Services Australia (NT) Pty Ltd on behalf of the Northern Territory Government and the Commonwealth Government, highlighting the collaborative effort to restore this historically contaminated land. The treatment plant will process 30 litres of groundwater per second, employing multi-stage technology to halt acid metalliferous drainage, isolate radiological hazards, and reconstruct stable landforms.
Strategic Importance and Long-Term Commitment
Beyond the immediate construction phase, SciDev is positioned to support the operation and maintenance of the treatment plant for up to 15 years, including an initial two-year extension option. This long-term involvement underscores the company’s confidence in its proprietary water treatment technologies and its commitment to delivering sustainable environmental outcomes.
CEO Sean Halpin emphasized the milestone nature of the contract, noting that SciDev’s solutions will play a critical role in overcoming complex legacy mine challenges. The project not only reinforces SciDev’s commercial strength but also aligns with broader environmental and community goals, including returning the land to its Traditional Owners, the Kungarakan and Warai peoples.
Positioning in a Growing Market
This contract builds on SciDev’s track record in delivering specialised water treatment solutions across Australia’s mining and industrial sectors. The Rum Jungle project serves as a high-profile validation of the company’s capabilities and enhances its visibility in the expanding market for large-scale mine rehabilitation and environmental remediation.
With work commencing immediately and a targeted completion date of 4 September 2026, all eyes will be on SciDev’s execution and the plant’s performance. The project represents a critical step in addressing the environmental impacts of historic mining activities and sets a precedent for future remediation efforts nationwide.
Bottom Line?
SciDev’s Rum Jungle contract cements its role in Australia’s environmental remediation future, but execution and long-term operation will be key to sustaining momentum.
Questions in the middle?
- What proprietary technologies will SciDev deploy to ensure effective groundwater treatment?
- How will SciDev manage potential risks related to project timelines and regulatory compliance?
- Could this contract lead to further opportunities in large-scale mine rehabilitation projects?
