WATER MANAGEMENT reliable , adaptable and high-quality industrial water services to support partners ’ businesses .”
In coping with the ever-growing challenges of water management and demand , Veolia adds that the mining industry relies increasingly on cutting-edge and innovative technologies , improved management systems for water efficiency , and more sustainable water management . Advanced modern facilities to reclaim and reuse water are rapidly being developed and widely implemented for better resource management and water conservation .
“ The economic and environmental benefits of using reclaimed water are tangible , as both raw water consumption and the discharge of contaminated wastewater can be significantly reduced . This can also increase overall water availability – a major step towards greater water self-sufficiency , ensuring a stable and continuous water supply for expanding operations . Numerous references from satisfied clients are testimony to Veolia ' s innovative strategies in water management and environmental sustainability .”
AECI Water is focused on taking the mining industry off the potable water grid
with water , they can apply new water management principles and technologies more readily and reap the benefits more quickly .”
These can include recycling and re-using water ; engineering closed loop systems ; finding alternative sources of sustainable water supply ; improving discharged water quality ; maximising the use of abundant and legacy water sources ; plus applying appropriate water qualities for specific applications that are fit-for-purpose – not using potable for everything .
AECI Water says it is the leading provider of process and water treatment chemicals , equipment and services to the mining and minerals processing industry in Africa . “ The business develops integrated solutions for asset integrity , continuous improvement , process efficiency , product quality , reduced risk and regulatory compliance with a strong focus on minimising water usage and waste while achieving Zero Harm .”
The business can also help mines give back to the community by repurposing groundwater for
AECI focuses on saving African mining water
Inspired by UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 , which is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all , AECI Water says it is focused on taking the mining industry off the potable grid . This directly linked to this year ’ s Mining Indaba theme of ‘ Stability , Security and Supply .’
“ 2.2 billion litres of water are being saved by two mines and we ’ re just getting started ,” says Dean Mulqueeny , the AECI Executive responsible for AECI Water . “ There are approximately 200 mines in South Africa . If every mine saved one billion litres of water , 200 billion litres of water will be saved . This is enough to fill 88,000 Olympic-size swimming pools or supply 2.5 million South Africans with 237 litres of water a day for a year .”
At a platinum mine in North West , AECI Water is treating and reusing fissure water through desalination processes . At a deep-level gold mine in the North West , they are treating and reusing process water through proprietary chemical technology . This treated process water is being used in high temperature cooling systems while safeguarding the asset integrity . A range of similar work is happening in Africa and will be publicised in due course .
According to the CSIR , mining consumes between 2 % and 5 % of South Africa ’ s available water . “ There ’ s always water on mines ,” explains Mulqueeny . “ Mines are either removing water or using water to reduce dust , move slurry or tailings , or control fires . Pumps and wells are commonplace . Since mines know how to work
MARCH 2023 | International Mining 59