“ Recently, various mining companies have joined drives to report and decrease their footprint and impact on the environment. An example of this is the carbon disclosure project( CDP): a global disclosure project that encourages companies, cities, states, and regions to measure and manage their environmental impacts,” says Van Coller. Globally the mining industry has also committed to a new water stewardship. Members of the International Council on Mining and Metals( ICMM), including 23 of the world’ s largest mining companies, undertook a binding position statement on the urgency of more sustainable water practices.
The water stewardship statement would ensure that members apply strong and transparent water governance( including robust public reporting), managing water at operations effectively, and collaborating to achieve responsible and sustainable water use. According to Van Coller, it is a clear indication that the ICMM’ s members— large mineral producers such as Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Glencore, and Newmont— are viewing water use as a top priority.
ICMM was prompted by the plight of more than 1.2 billion people living in areas of water scarcity and the increasing threats to natural habitats, said its chief executive, Tom Butler, in a statement.“ The ICMM recognises that industry can play an important role in tackling this global issue.”
“ With scientists not predicting a pleasant future with regard to rainfall and temperatures, it is clear that all sectors of society need to work towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly use of our water resources. The mining industry, especially in southern Africa, can lead the way with new methodologies and processes applied to the management of both clean and dirty water. This will show the way towards sustainable water management for all industries across the globe,” Van Coller concludes.
Digby Wells’ top seven tips for improved water usage:
1) |
Good storm water and dirty water management. |
2) |
Site-wide water and salt balances. |
3) |
Improvements in liners system applied to waste facilities. |
4) |
Passive and active treatments like artificial wetlands and |
dedicated treatment plants. |
5) |
Better and more efficient dust suppression systems using less |
water. |
6) |
Processing methodologies using little to no water. |
7) |
Re-use and treatment of water. u |
The water stewardship statement would ensure that members apply strong and transparent water governance( including robust public reporting), managing water at operations effectively, and collaborating to achieve responsible and sustainable water use.
Collahuasi Copper Mine
Mines across the Chilean copper belt are implementing various water processing initiatives. Collahuasi Copper Mine uses a multistage on-site water treatment with zero liquid discharge.
32 Water Sewage & Effluent March / April 2017