WATER MANAGEMENT
transportation and durability . This self-contained unit it says excels in outdoor environments and remote locales , making it an ideal choice for diverse mining applications . Weeefiner also provides a Skid solution for indoor applications . “ Overall , modular design of 4D Scavenger ® allows for customisation , seamlessly integrating with existing infrastructure to provide flexibility and convenience .”
The company adds : “ Autonomous operation 24 / 7 reduces the need for constant human oversight allowing mining companies to allocate resources more judiciously . With remote control capabilities , companies enjoy uninterrupted monitoring and adjustment , ensuring maximum efficiency throughout the metal recovery process .”
Selective metal recovery increases efficiency and directly impacts operational costs . Weeefiner says its technology selectively targets dissolved raw materials , isolating and extracting valuable metals from the water . This precision not only streamlines operations but significantly cuts costs associated with metal recovery , positioning it as both a high-impact environmental and economic solution .
“ From improving raw material yields to lessening environmental impacts - a combination providing a compelling reason to believe in Weeefiner ’ s transformative technology . Beyond metal extraction , the system facilitates the recycling of purified process water . This capability reduces water consumption and waste output , aligning closely with the mining sector ’ s goals to manage resources more sustainably and comply with environmental regulations .”
Weeefiner adds that its technology is gaining recognition and application within respected industry leaders , such as Rio Tinto and Eramet . “ Through collaborative efforts , we are employing our 4D Scavenger ® technology to enhance the selectivity and efficiency of metal recovery . This collaboration not only exemplifies the trust placed in our solutions but also highlights our shared commitment to sustainable practices and resource management .”
“ Our mission is clear : to drive transformative change in water treatment and material recovery by providing innovative , selective solutions that combine environmental stewardship with economic value , particularly in sectors like mining where every drop and ounce matter ,” said CEO Mikko Hänninen .
Checking the health of your water data management
Mining companies invest heavily , both financially and in resourcing , to ensure production activities run efficiently and effectively . But can the same be said for managing environmental obligations such as water quality monitoring ?
EnviroSys , acQuire ’ s environmental data management solution , empowers companies to assess and report compliance across various types of environmental data in real-time
Stuart van de Water , Environmental Leader at acQuire , told IM : “ While on the surface managing water obligations may seem simple , companies often don ’ t recognise that a single obligation can involve collecting and managing records for millions of data points annually .”
He adds : “ Water obligations are one of many environmental obligations mining companies are required to perform , with environmental stewardship teams undertaking and managing these critical activities often resource-stretched and time poor .”
Water data management requires environmental professionals to collect data on water quality , quantities , usages and balance , for a range of programs , at different frequencies or for specific events such as during extraction or dewatering . This is collected using different sampling methods and devices outputting data in a number of different formats , coming from different providers , and often external to the company .
“ Water data management isn ' t easy but it ' s important to get right ,” van de Water advises . The implications of not managing water data in a timely , accurate and verifiable way can have material environment , health and safety effects . Not managing your water data effectively can have lasting impacts on the health and safety of workers on-site and in local communities , the surrounding biodiversity , and puts operations at risk of non-compliance and reputational damage , simply through poor data management and governance .
“ With the volume and breadth of obligations , conditions , activities and data to manage , it ' s critical to ensure water-related data is being managed in a solution that can help you ensure data is validated , complete and auditable ,” says van de Water . “ Companies need to have their finger on their state of compliance in real time not just for water data , but any type of environmental data .”
With a fit-for-purpose environmental data management solution , companies can
seamlessly load environmental data from anywhere , at any time . EnviroSys , acQuire ’ s environmental data management solution , empowers companies to assess and report compliance across various types of environmental data in real-time . This enables them to answer ‘ are we compliant right now ?’ with confidence .
Gradiant water solution for the complete mining lifecycle
Boston , USA-headquartered Gradiant offers an extensive range of solutions for the complete mining life cycle . This covers everything from freshwater supply and wastewater reuse , often in remote locations , to advanced treatment and extraction in preparation for processing ore . Plus innovative brine mining processes concentrate lean liquors and transform waste into new mineral resources .
It states : “ Mining operations are highly complex and increasingly water-intensive with many projects located in arid regions with limited access to water , subject to ever more stringent discharge requirements . We have developed a deep understanding of this complex industrial sector and the challenges it faces . We have proven know-how to yield the high-value endproduct the industry demands , efficiently process lower ore grades , and customise solutions for complex process streams . And we ensure environmental discharge compliance plus design and operate facilities in remote locations .”
Looking at specific technologies , Gradiant has developed RO Infinity , an advanced platform of membrane-based solutions for complex water and wastewater challenges , that combines its patented Counterflow Reverse Osmosis ( CFRO ) technology with innovative reverse osmosis ( RO ) membrane processes . RO Infinity solutions enable mining customers around the world to achieve desalination , brine concentration , brine mining , and sustainability goals .
Its patented Carrier Gas Extraction ( CGE ) thermal evaporators “ go above and beyond traditional evaporative techniques incorporating patented technologies such as novel bubble columns , packed bed , and thermodynamic balancing .” The use of carrier gas mimics nature ’ s rain cycle to humidify and dehumidify at the lowest total water cost . “ The patented design minimises fouling and scaling to maximise system reliability and availability . The CGE technology is suitable for highly fouling and scaling wastewaters with high TDS that are challenging or costly to treat with reverse osmosis systems .”
High saline and contaminated wastewaters and brine are converted into pure freshwater at brine concentrations to the saturation limits of salt ( TDS up to 260,000 mg / L NaCl ). This
78 International Mining | MARCH 2025