WATER MANAGEMENT
ammonium nitrate remediation plant is currently being commissioned in Australia to treat water in a large storage dam , a rapidly growing sector in water treatment . A large-scale nitrate polishing system is already operational at a coal mine in China , ensuring compliance with stringent < 1 mg / L total nitrogen water quality regulations .
Another game-changing innovation is Clean TeQ ’ s CLEAN-IX ® technology , designed to improve the extraction , concentration and purity of metals streams while minimising water and reagent consumption . The first full-scale CLEAN-IX ® plant has just entered the commissioning stage for Heathgate Resources in South Australia , where the U-Column Elution System will bring a range of benefits to the expansion project . Typical benefits of CLEAN-IX ® include a 50 % increase in product concentration and 20 % reduction in water usage , a crucial advantage for mines operating in water-scarce regions . Additionally , the technology can reject impurities such as iron within the U-column , simplifying downstream processing and reducing costs .
Finally , recent piloting of Clean TeQ Water ’ s sulphate removal technology at a metals refinery in Europe has demonstrated that the technology effectively removes both sulphate and selenium , achieving selenium levels below 2 ppb which is critical for meeting tightening discharge limits . The main waste stream produced by the system is gypsum , which can be sold to local industries for use in a range of applications .
Weeefiner finds new efficiencies
The uncertain outlook of the raw materials market and rapid changes encourage the mining industry to invest in efficiency while meeting stringent environmental requirements . Finland ’ s Weeefiner told IM that it has addressed these challenges head-on with its selective recovery and water treatment system , tailored specifically for the dynamic needs of the mining sector .
Modular 4D Scavenger ® technology is the cornerstone of Weeefiner ' s solution for mining industry . Technology can be delivered housed in a shipping container designed for both ease of 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
EnviroSys , acQuire ’ s environmental data management solution , empowers companies to assess and report compliance across various types of environmental data in real-time
run efficiently and effectively . But can the same be said for managing environmental obligations such as water quality monitoring ?
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 ,
International Mining | MARCH 2025