Why FRP Tanks Are the Smart Choice for the Mining Industry

Australia’s mining industry operates in some of the toughest environments on earth. From remote desert locations to high-rainfall tropical regions, these sites require infrastructure that can handle chemical exposure, physical stress, and environmental extremes. When it comes to industrial tanks for storage and processing, the choice of material is critical.

That’s why FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic) tanks are increasingly the go-to solution for mining companies focused on safety, performance, and long-term value. Several factors are driving the adoption of FRP tanks in the mining industry, including environmental conditions, economic benefits, and sustainability concerns. At CSG Composites, we’ve spent over four decades offering successful outcomes for clients across mining, chemical plants, agriculture, and other industries who’ve made the switch to smarter tank solutions.

Understanding the Realities of Mining Operations

Mining operations are unlike any other. They’re often in remote areas with limited access to support infrastructure, and face a combination of:

• Harsh weather
• Abrasive slurries
• High-risk chemicals
• High-volume water supply and wastewater requirements
• Strict environmental compliance obligations

This means every piece of infrastructure needs to be durable, reliable, and safe. Many older operations still rely on steel or concrete storage tanks, which can deteriorate over time due to exposure to acids, salts, fuels, and general wear and tear. The result? Higher maintenance costs, operational disruptions, and serious environmental and safety risks. FRP tanks, on the other hand, have many benefits.

The Benefits of FRP Tanks in the Mining Sector

Corrosion Resistance in Harsh Environments

One of the most well-known advantages of FRP composites is their superior corrosion resistance. Where steel can rust and concrete can degrade or crack, FRP tanks stand up to aggressive chemicals, saltwater, and reactive materials with ease. This makes them ideal for storing:

• Process chemicals
• Fuel and oils
• Contaminated wastewater
• Slurry runoff

In these conditions, long-term performance and reliability are more than benefits; they’re essential.

Lighter Weight, Stronger Impact

Despite being incredibly strong, FRP is much lighter than traditional materials. This means:

• Easier transportation to mining sites
• Faster installation with fewer resources
• Reduced load on tank pads and supporting structures

For construction teams, this simplifies logistics and reduces costs, especially in difficult-to-reach locations.

Designed for Extreme Conditions

FRP is highly resistant to UV exposure, temperature variation, and mechanical impact. Whether you’re operating in a desert mine or a coastal processing facility, FRP in construction ensures your tanks won’t buckle under pressure.

Lower Maintenance, Longer Service Life

Because FRP doesn’t corrode, rust, or spall, it requires significantly less maintenance than other materials. This offers a huge advantage over time:

• Less downtime for inspections
• Fewer costly repairs or replacements
• Consistent performance across decades

At CSG Composites, we’ve seen many clients recoup their investment in FRP through these lower maintenance costs alone.

Built for Your Mining Operation

Not all tanks are created equal, and not all mining sites have the same needs. That’s why all our tanks are custom-designed and manufactured here in Australia to meet project-specific demands.

Some of the key applications in the mining sector include:

Water & Wastewater Storage

Managing water on-site, whether for water supply, dust suppression, or treatment, is critical. Our FRP tanks support sustainable water management by reducing leaks and contamination, and maintaining water quality across remote and demanding locations.

Chemical & Fuel Storage

Our chemical process tanks and bunded tanks are designed to safely store hazardous liquids under extreme operating conditions. Chemical compatibility and structural integrity are central to every design we deliver.

Underground Containment

Our underground tanks are ideal for spill control, wastewater containment, and hidden storage where above-ground space is limited or environmental regulations demand extra caution.

Mobile & Transport Tanks

Transporting liquid chemicals across rough terrain? Our transportation tanks are engineered for strength, security, and compliance, ensuring materials arrive safely and without risk of spills.

Silos & Bulk Storage

We also supply FRP silos for dry or granular materials, such as mining by-products, minerals, or cement additives. Their smooth internal surfaces prevent material build-up, while their lightweight design simplifies installation.

Supporting Environmental Goals & Sustainability

Mining companies are under growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact. From rehabilitation efforts to responsible wastewater disposal, every aspect of a site’s operation is under scrutiny.

FRP engineering helps support these goals in multiple ways:

• Leak-proof designs prevent contamination of soil and water
• Long-lasting structures reduce waste and material use
• Lightweight builds lower transport emissions
• Non-toxic materials protect both the environment and workers

Whether your company is pursuing formal sustainability targets or simply wants to reduce environmental risk, switching to composite material tanks is a proactive, future-proof choice.

Real-World Performance: Supporting a Mine Wastewater Project in Regional SA

When FRP is selected for mining operations, it’s not just for durability, it’s often essential for environmental compliance and logistical success. A standout example is CSG Composites’ recent work with Arris, a project that involved delivering a high-performance wastewater tank for a large industrial agribusiness and mine facility in regional South Australia.

The Challenge: Remote Location and High Treatment Volumes

The project site was complex: located in a remote area, close to an active mine site, and designed to process significant volumes of industrial wastewater. The infrastructure needed to handle biological treatment processes safely, without risking contamination or requiring frequent repairs.

For a region where extreme conditions, environmental regulation, and long-term sustainability were all at play, a smarter approach to tank construction was essential.

Our Solution: 96,000-Litre FRP Tank Engineered for Performance

As tank manufacturers, we supplied a 96,000-litre FRP storage tank, custom-built to support wastewater treatment operations. This wasn’t just a generic tank dropped into place. It was:

• Engineered specifically for harsh wastewater conditions, including biological solids and chemical treatments
• Lightweight and easy to transport, solving access challenges associated with the project’s remote location
• Designed with leak protection and structural integrity in mind, reducing long-term risk to surrounding land and mining-related infrastructure

This was a clear demonstration of how FRP engineering supports both industrial functionality and environmental responsibility, two of the mining sector’s biggest priorities.

The Result: A Smarter Investment for Long-Term Mining Infrastructure

By choosing FRP over traditional materials, the project gained a future-proof solution that didn’t compromise on strength, safety, or sustainability. This real-world success illustrates what we offer every day at CSG: tank solutions that rise to the demands of mining and industrial clients across Australia.

If your operation is dealing with wastewater treatment, chemical containment, or bulk liquid storage near or on a mine site, our work with Arris is a clear example of how FRP composites outperform the alternatives.

Your Investment in Long-Term Reliability

Every piece of mining infrastructure is an investment in productivity, compliance, and protecting your people and planet. FRP tanks deliver on all three.

By choosing CSG Composites, you’re choosing a partner that understands the challenges of your industry, and delivers tank solutions that meet them head-on.

Need advice on FRP tank solutions for your mining site?

Contact CSG Composites today and discover how we can help you protect your site, your resources, and your future.