WATER MANAGEMENT
Flow rates
Regardless of the source of the intake water , Veolia ' s mine water treatment technologies ensure there is a consistent supply of water to the facility
From the latest on water treatment to greater use of process water , more efficient tailings processes and more rigorous water reporting , Paul Moore reviews the latest in mine water management
In the context of generally rising commodity prices over the long term , development of brownfield and greenfield mining projects is ramping up all over the world . Yet directions taken by the mining industry also obey other fundamentals . Significant environmental challenges , notably concerning water issues , have to be faced by mining companies .
Veolia Water Technologies told IM : “ Costs and risks are increasing , as competition intensifies for use of the finite amount of water available , making it essential to use and treat water more efficiently . There are many risks inherent in mining , and companies aiming for stability are striving to assess , anticipate and minimise risks associated with water management .”
It adds : “ The regulatory framework is changing , with new regulations being introduced in response to the scarcity of freshwater resources and the toxicity of wastewater . There is a pressing need to find ways to meet the mining industry ’ s demands for water , which are rising as increasing reliance on processing low grade ores means more water is required per tonne of refined product .”
As a pioneer of water resource management and a trusted partner for many mining companies around the globe , Veolia Water Technologies says it has extensive experience in helping mining companies to secure sufficient water of adequate quality , as well as managing water quality impacts so that mining operations obtain regulatory and stakeholder approval .
Veolia offers efficient treatment of mine effluents for discharge to the environment as well as treatment of tailings so that water becomes fit for reuse in mining operations or even off-site .
“ With its wealth of experience of the mining industry , Veolia supports mining companies in implementing strategies to reduce their environmental impacts and avoid potential conflicts with competing users , or restrictions limiting production . Backed by extensive expertise in easing potential problems arising from water variability , Veolia is committed to working with mining companies facing significant operational risks .”
Worldwide , mining companies are tending to apply stricter standards regarding water resources . Veolia says this is partly as licensing criteria are becoming increasingly stringent , with waste discharge licenses including requirements that sometimes depend upon the way beneficial use of the water will be planned . “ They are also performing more life cycle analyses , planning water management throughout the life of a mine .”
Countries are every day more sophisticated in their enforcement of environmental regulations . Australia , for example , introduced a National Water Initiative aiming to : “ achieve a nationally compatible market , regulatory and planning based system of managing surface water and groundwater resources for rural and urban use that optimises economic , social and environmental outcomes .”
Good water management helps make a mining company attractive to investors and is a boon in obtaining access to water resources . Employees prefer mining companies that pay attention to issues such as water quality control , making it easier to recruit and retain staff . Similarly , a company practicing strong water management is viewed positively by the local community –
enjoying the so-called social license to operate . “ Risks related to inadequate water management in mining are not limited to operational risks ; they also have strategic implications for mining companies , such as loss of investment attractiveness and damage to a company ’ s social license to operate . Modern , advanced facilities to reclaim and reuse water are rapidly being developed and widely implemented for better resource management and water conservation . Success stories around the globe are testimony to Veolia ' s innovative strategies in water management and environmental sustainability .”
The major challenges of sustainable development in the minerals industry over the next decade will focus on access to land and security of renewable resources , particularly water .
Veolia points out that mining is a waterintensive industry , and lower grades of ore result in increasing volumes of water being needed to process minerals . Securing a suitable water supply and optimising overall water management are among key success factors for a sustainable and profitable mining project . Technologies enabling beneficial reuse of process water are being increasingly adopted . Veolia has the expertise and proven track record to optimise mine water balance management .
“ Operational practices in the mining industry must swiftly evolve in response to increasingly stringent regulations that require mining companies to carefully address specific issues such as tailings management , AMD , prevention and treatment of water contamination , and contaminants removal / neutralisation before effluent discharge . Different mining wastewater streams have different chemistries ; some are complex and need specific treatments .”
In this highly demanding context , Veolia says it has developed extensive knowledge of its customers ’ concerns . “ Veolia is committed to offering advanced solutions through secure , costeffective and lasting water treatment solutions to meet its clients ’ expectations and adapt to the ways their production evolves . As a pioneer of water resource management and a trusted partner for mining companies around the globe , Veolia leverages its technology integration expertise , its operational know-how and its experience of the mining industry , spearheading industrial water cycle management to contribute to business growth for the mining industry . Longterm partnerships and numerous design-andbuild projects with mining leaders showcase the commitment and capability of Veolia in optimising water processes , as well as providing
58 International Mining | MARCH 2023