WATER MANAGEMENT ore processed . “ When benchmarked against all mines , it ranks in the 38th percentile for water withdrawals , indicating it withdraws less water than 62 % of mines . This may seem efficient . However , when compared only to other open-pit copper mines in dry climates , it ranks in the 64th percentile , suggesting there is room for improvement . This is because copper mines generally withdraw less water per tonne of ore than gold mines . Additionally , open-pit copper mines can recycle more water than underground mines , and mines in dry climates typically use less water than those in wetter regions . Factors such as ore grade , tailings type , geology , and processing pathways also influence water usage .”
By considering these nuances , benchmarking reveals that this mine could reduce water withdrawals further . It could also draw inspiration from other operations with similar characteristics that manage to withdraw less water .
“ Benchmarking is just the starting point for improving water efficiency . Once an operation identifies its rankings , it is critical to understand the factors driving its performance . For example , water that is consumed may be lost in different ways , such as through evaporation or entrainment in tailings . Addressing evaporation losses might involve minimising surface exposure , while entrainment losses could be reduced through adjustments in tailings management practices . Similarly , high water withdrawals may not always indicate inefficiency . In some cases , they could reflect process requirements , such as the need to manage ores with high impurity levels . Understanding whether a high metric results from operational inefficiencies or process needs is key to selecting the right interventions .”
Levin argues that the insights gained from benchmarking can form the basis of the improvement process , and tools like marginal abatement cost curves and multiple accounts analyses can be used to prioritise high impact low cost opportunities for improvement .
Like any tool , benchmarking has its limitations . “ The SRK database relies on selfreported data , which can introduce inaccuracies . While about 90 % of companies adhere to ICMM and GRI standards , there is no universal method to verify the data . Additionally , the tool compares operations to industry norms rather than theoretical maximum efficiencies , and regional reporting standards can vary . Despite these challenges , benchmarking provides invaluable insights . By identifying areas of improvement , operations can reduce both their environmental impact and the risks associated with water scarcity .”
He concludes : “ Water scarcity remains a critical risk to the global mining industry , but our pathway to improved water efficiency is attainable . Benchmarking offers a practical starting point for mines to assess their performance and prioritise actions . By leveraging data and learning from peers , mining operations can take meaningful steps toward sustainable water management - ensuring both their operational resilience and their environmental stewardship for decades to come .”
Innovation drives efficiency – Clean TeQ Water
At a site level , achieving these big picture water management goals is underpinned by companies delivering state of the art technologies . One of the companies at the forefront of innovative water treatment solutions is Clean TeQ Water , helping mining companies achieve more efficient , cost-effective , and environmentally responsible operations .
As an example , over the past year Clean TeQ Water says it has been demonstrating its ATA ® Rapid Tailings Dewatering technology for several major players in the mining industry , including BHP and Anglo American . Will McLean , Clean TeQ Water Sales Manager , told IM that results to date have been excellent , with up to 90 % w / w solids achieved using vacuum filtration alone on ATA ® treated solids .
He adds : “ These results show that under the
After successful pilots up to 25 t / h including the installation shown , the first full-scale commercial demonstration of Clean TeQ Water ' s ATA ® technology is about to launch at a site in South Africa
appropriate conditions ATA ® can eliminate the need for pressure filtration in dry stacking . ATA ® offers a simpler , more cost-effective solution and makes dry stacking viable for sites where it was
previously cost-prohibitive . After successful pilots up to 25 t / h , the first full-scale commercial demonstration of ATA ® technology is about to launch at a site in South Africa with Harmony Gold , marking a major step toward sustainable tailings management in the industry .”
Nutrient removal technology is another rapidly growing sector in water treatment , Clean TeQ Water ’ s first PHOSPHIX ® plant is now in the design phase for a major industrial company in Ireland , where it will remove phosphate to meet strict ultra-low concentrations for environmental compliance . The technology it says is well suited to the mining sector , particularly in addressing nutrient discharges from wastewater and tailings storage facilities with the added benefit of recovering a saleable phosphorous product .
Beyond phosphate , Clean TeQ Water says it is also tackling nitrate pollution , a common issue in the mining industry from blasting operations . An
MARCH 2025 | International Mining