Water security has become one of the defining engineering challenges facing the mining industry globally. In regions experiencing prolonged drought and increasing pressure on continental water resources, reliable alternative water supply systems are no longer optional, they are essential to long-term operational sustainability.
This challenge took centre stage in Morocco with the successful commissioning of the Jorf Lasfar to Khouribga (J2K) desalinated water pipeline system. The project, now recognised as Morocco’s longest desalinated water transfer pipeline, supplies desalinated water from the Atlantic coast to the Khouribga mining region, home to some of the world’s largest phosphate mining operations.
Paterson & Cooke is proud to have played a leading engineering role in the successful delivery of this landmark project.
Applying Long-Distance Pipeline Expertise to Water Infrastructure
The J2K project required the design of a high-pressure, high-throughput pipeline system capable of transporting desalinated water over approximately 194 km between Jorf Lasfar and Khouribga.
The fully automated system includes:
- Approximately 194 km of DN 1300 pipeline
- Several valve stations
- 26 km of onward feeder pipelines
- A system throughput of 9900 m³/h
One of the project’s most notable engineering achievements was the ability to operate the system using a single high-pressure pump station, a unique approach for a pipeline of this scale and operating pressure.
By leveraging decades of experience in long-distance, high-pressure slurry pipeline systems, including previous work on the Khouribga to Jorf slurry pipeline in Morocco, our team engineered a solution that concentrated critical pumping infrastructure into one secure location within the client’s facility.
This approach provided several advantages, including:
- Simplified infrastructure requirements
- Centralised operational control
- Reduced system complexity
- Improved operational reliability
- Enhanced maintainability and security
The project demonstrates how expertise developed in slurry pipeline engineering can be successfully adapted to solve complex water transport challenges.
Delivering Comprehensive Engineering Services
We provided a comprehensive range of engineering services throughout both the Basic Engineering and Detailed Design phases of the project.
During the Basic Engineering phase, we were responsible for the overall system, process, piping, mechanical, electrical and complete pump station design of the system.
During Detailed Design phase, we continued to lead the process, piping, mechanical and control system design, provided support during construction and led the process and control side of the commissioning.
This integrated involvement throughout the project lifecycle ensured technical continuity and supported the successful implementation of the system.
Supporting Sustainable Mining Operations
The J2K pipeline forms part of a broader initiative to reduce dependence on continental water resources by supplying desalinated water to mining operations and surrounding communities.
As water scarcity continues to impact mining regions globally, infrastructure projects like this highlight the increasing importance of sustainable water management solutions. Long-distance pipeline systems are playing a critical role in helping mining operations secure reliable water supply while reducing pressure on traditional continental water sources.
The successful commissioning of the system in July 2025 represents another example of Paterson & Cooke’s ability to deliver complex, high-pressure pipeline infrastructure in challenging operating environments.
Engineering Solutions for Critical Infrastructure
We have extensive experience designing and supporting long-distance pipeline systems for mining, water, and tailings applications worldwide. Projects such as the J2K desalinated water pipeline demonstrate the value of combining specialist hydraulic expertise, pump station design capability, and practical operational knowledge to deliver reliable infrastructure solutions at scale.
Learn more about our expertise in long-distance pipeline engineering and mine water systems.
BSc Eng. (Mech), MBL
He serves on the UK and South African Boards of Directors, is the Managing Director for Paterson & Cooke Africa and manages the engineering of major slurry pipeline projects.