Abstract
Mining operations and metallurgical plants use, move, treat, and recycle significant amounts of water for numerous processes such as dewatering, grinding, flotation, refining, leaching, tailings transportation, water cover in disposal ponds, and more. Given this reliance on water, there are two safe bets. Firstly, mining operations have water issues: too much, too little, contaminated, in the wrong place, or at the wrong temperature. Moving, collecting, storing, using, recycling, and managing this water is a significant challenge. Secondly, mining operations are surrounded by environmentally sensitive areas whereby any water must be released with guaranteed quality assurance. Treating water adequately and economically for release to the environment is a key challenge. In both cases, significant energy is needed to address these operating challenges. In fact, the electricity consumption for water management often represents one of the biggest expenses at a site.
At a global level, ICMM and corporate goals are increasing pressure on mining companies to continue to improve water and environmental performance. Fortunately, mines are identifying innovative solutions to achieve processing needs and in meeting environmental goals, including addressing corporate sustainability targets such as carbon reduction. By using breakthrough thinking and focusing on the intersection of water and energy, the improvement opportunities iclude solutions that yield a strong ROI, reduced environmental impact, and achievement of commitments relative to energy, GHG emissions/carbon, and fresh-water use. For example, mining companies are implementing clean, green energy generation, storage, and energy management systems for the site water systems. Technologies like continuous ion exchange and biological processes can be used for treatment, recycling, and value-from-waste products, while limiting volumes of water intake and release. These transformative solutions also gain social license with the local communities and Indigenous groups.
This paper delves into how to (1) identify each site’s highest energy and water impact opportunities, (2) understand tools available such as pumped storage hydro, micro-hydro, tailings alternatives, and water recycling, and (3) work through (leverage) challenges as one embarks on breakthrough thinking.