Challenges for the Mining Industry

Water is a critical component of mining operations, including in minerals processing, dust suppression, slurry transport, and worker requirements.

Access to water is becoming increasingly constrained by other demands for its use, including for agricultural, potable use, and industrial use. The community is concerned that mining use may affect availability, security of access, and water quality.

The mining sector is increasingly expected to demonstrate a leadership approach to water stewardship, including the development of closed circuit approaches to water use, and management of the quality of water discharged into the external environment.

Miners need tailings management solutions that are cost-effective, enable maximum water re-use, deal with environmental hazards, and enable extraction of remaining value in the tailings.