• ENVIRONMENT
An important outcome of climate change is likely to be scarcity of precious resources like water – which could set mines in direct competition with local communities .
All images : SRK consulting
ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS IN MINING
By SRK Consulting
Climate change is exacerbating many of the risks that mines already face in their daily operations and needs to be factored into planning decisions right from the pre-feasibility stage of projects .
According to Philippa Burmeister , principal scientist at SRK
Consulting , water management , for example , is becoming more complex as rainfall patterns in many areas start to change in frequency and intensity .
“ This affects mines ’ management of their surface water and groundwater resources , as well as biodiversity and wetland management ,” says Burmeister . “ It has implications for infrastructure design , as it raises the risk of flooding , water insecurity and environmental damage .”
Water balance As an example , she highlights the importance of water balance as a key aspect of tailings dam design . Here , historical rainfall data is a crucial part of the information necessary to ensure dams ’ safe operation in the long term .
“ As rainfall variability and intensity change , the historical data becomes less reliable in guiding design parameters ,” she says .
24 • African
Mining • February 2021
“ Operations generally are more likely to be disrupted due to severe weather events like floods or droughts . For instance , heavier storm events may increase water volumes seeping into mine workings , requiring more pumping capacity .”
According to Ashleigh Maritz , senior environmental scientist at SRK Consulting , climate change is also likely to affect the livelihood resilience of mining communities .
Social license “ As temperatures and rainfall patterns change , traditional forms of livelihood could be threatened , making communities more reliant on the mines for income and corporate social investment ,” says Maritz . “ The way that a mine engages with their stakeholders and supports communities is therefore critical , as it is vital to maintaining its social licence to operate .”
She points out that an important outcome of climate change is likely to be scarcity of precious resources like water – which could
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