Mining and metal activities are some of the most water-intensive industrial sectors in the world. A global specialist in this area, Veolia Water Technologies helps customers reduce their water needs while enabling productivity gains by establishing a circular economy. We also treat all effluents to ensure full compliance with strict environmental regulations.
Veolia Water Technologies: partner to the major metallurgical companies
Metals and mining are among the largest industries in the world, with a total addressable market value estimated at over 500 billion euros a year. Although the sector is experiencing only moderate growth, there are many environmental and technological needs to be met. Only an approach that is both qualitative and technological is compatible with sustainable development considerations. This particularly applies to the field of water treatment.
Veolia Water Technologies is the world leader in this activity, with global expertise recognised by the largest industrial groups – particularly those in the metals sector.
In most cases, the industrial sites of the main mining groups are in areas of water stress. Water is too precious a resource to be wasted, which is why Veolia's water technologies are an asset customers are valuing more and more.
The metallurgical industry also generates waste and pollutant emissions. Our expertise in the field of wastewater treatment is a major advantage for our customers. We thus:
- ensure the clearance of discharges into the natural environment;
- limit the impact on the environment;
- respect ecological standards.
Veolia Water Technologies' measurement tools and their environmental impact
Using our own tools and in-depth criteria, we can measure the impact of our customers' industrial activities. Veolia Water Technologies evaluates pollution generated by metal mining activities and resource requirements according to the location of the various production sites. This fine-tuned and precise analysis enables us to accurately determine both the real cost of water for our customers and environmental impact.
Our services to the metallurgical industries
The metals market is particularly cyclical and volatile. To ensure sector competitiveness, companies must constantly optimise the management of resources.
Veolia Water Technologies is well placed to understand the importance of the quantity and quality of water resources available and can effectively control the environmental impact of industrial activities.
Veolia Water Technologies' expertise in the metallurgical sector runs throughout all stages of the water cycle and associated treatment. Our expertise is recognised and highly sought after by the world's leading metallurgical groups, such as Rio Tinto and Arcelor Mittal.
Veolia and Arcelor Mittal
Veolia Water Technologies is helping the steel giant reduce its environmental footprint at the São Francisco do Sul site in Brazil. Our water consumption rationalisation solutions have helped the company comply with strict environmental regulations – enabling Arcelor to respect local biodiversity while gaining competitiveness.
Producing process water
The mining and metallurgical industry requires large amounts of water. Many metals come from hydrometallurgical treatment. Veolia Water Technologies provides customers with quality process water.
Our innovative solutions also pretreat the water to ensure it complies with many types of facilities, as quality water optimizes equipment life and reduces maintenance costs.
Competitive advantages and the circular economy
Companies in the metallurgical industry, well versed in environmental regulation compliance, expect to gain competitiveness and profitability gains through their water treatment processes. The recovery and reuse of water is now a major competitiveness issue for industry professionals.
For the management of more than 800 devices in France and worldwide, Veolia Water Technologies provides Hydrex™ solutions to customers. Our technology treats the secondary supply of cooling water and optimizes:
- the performance of contact cooling water installations;
- the performance of non-contact cooling water installations.
Wastewater treatment
We provide our customers in the metallurgical industry with a wide range of water treatment services. Our solutions include:
- Detailed preliminary engineering;
- Custom equipment;
- Standard equipment for water treatment;
- Management of projects and their phases, including design and construction.
Veolia Water Technologies can anticipate the key water issues in customers’ projects. Our global experience helps us provide perfectly adapted water treatment solutions.
We ensure and guarantee:
- The elimination of a wide range of pollutants from metallurgical activities, including heavy metals and suspended solids (SS);
- The maintenance of all equipment;
- After-care services for all our installations.
We thus give our customers peace of mind to focus on their business.
Veolia Water Technologies helps metallurgical industry leaders reduce their environmental impact. Our water technologies are an essential asset for wastewater treatment and reuse. Our innovative solutions help customers comply with regulations while ensuring a competitive advantage.