Mining Company research board

[12yearplan]

No clue really but a layman's positive slant may be the Determination of Applicability is the (early) stage in the process they are at and what he was speaking to. Mine site rehabilitation is the only reason I can think of why they would be there (like you said why use expensive water) and sounds experimental and may not fit a category. It would be so easy if they just said exactly what their role is; but if they are still 'determining' what their 'applicability' is perhaps that is an honest answer.