Helping Mining Companies Meet Challenges of Water Scarcity and Stricter Regulations
In the context of generally rising commodity prices over the long term, development of existing and new mining projects is spurred all over the world.
Yet directions taken by the mining industry also obey other fundamentals. Significant environmental challenges, notably concerning water issues, have to be faced by mining companies. Costs and risks are increasing, as competition intensifies for use of the finite amount of water available, making it essential to use and treat water more efficiently. There are many risks inherent in mining, and companies aiming for stability are striving to assess, anticipate and minimize risks associated with water management.
The regulatory framework is changing, with new regulations being introduced in response to the scarcity of freshwater resources and the toxicity of wastewater. There is a pressing need to find ways to meet the mining industry’s demands for water, which are rising as increasing reliance on processing low grade ores means more water is required per ton of refined product.
As a pioneer of water resource management and a trusted partner for many mining companies around the globe, Veolia Water Technologies has extensive experience in helping mining companies to secure sufficient water of adequate quality, as well as managing water quality impacts so that mining operations obtain regulatory and stakeholder approval. Veolia offers efficient treatment of mine effluents such as acid mine drainage (AMD) or tailings so that water becomes fit for reuse in mining operations or even off-site.
With its wealth of experience of the mining industry, Veolia supports mining companies in implementing strategies to reduce their environmental impacts and avoid potential conflicts with competing users, or restrictions limiting production. Backed by extensive expertise in easing potential problems arising from water variability, Veolia is committed to working with mining companies facing significant operational risks.
Worldwide, mining companies are tending to apply stricter standards regarding water resources. This is partly as licensing criteria are becoming increasingly stringent, with waste discharge licenses including requirements that sometimes depend upon the way beneficial use of the water will be planned. They are also performing more life cycle analyses, planning water management throughout the life of a mine.
Countries are every day more sophisticated in their enforcement of environmental regulations. Australia, for example, has introduced a National Water Initiative aiming to: “achieve a nationally compatible market, regulatory and planning based system of managing surface water and groundwater resources for rural and urban use that optimizes economic, social and environmental outcomes.”
Good water management helps make a mining company attractive to investors, and is a boon in obtaining access to water resources. Employees prefer mining companies that pay attention to issues such as water quality control, making it easier to recruit and retain staff. Similarly, a company practicing strong water management is viewed positively by the local community – enjoying the so-called social license to operate. Risks related to inadequate water management in mining are not limited to operational risks; they also have strategic implications for mining companies, such as loss of investment attractiveness and damage to a company’s social license to operate.
Modern, advanced facilities to reclaim and reuse water are rapidly being developed and widely implemented for better resource management and water conservation. Success stories around the globe are testimony to Veolia's innovative strategies in water management and environmental sustainability.
The major challenges of sustainable development in the minerals industry over the next decade will focus on access to land and security of renewable resources, particularly water.
Veolia Assures Reliability and Optimization of Water Supply and Treatment
Mining is a water-intensive industry, and lower grades of ore result in increasing volumes of water being needed to process minerals. Securing a suitable water supply and optimizing overall water management are among key success factors for a sustainable and profitable mining project. There is increasing adoption of techniques such as desalination to supply water in arid areas such as Australia. Technologies enabling beneficial reuse of process water are also being increasingly adopted. Veolia has the expertise and proven track record to optimize mine water balance management.
Operational practices in the mining industry must swiftly evolve in response to increasingly stringent regulations that require mining companies to carefully address specific issues such as tailings management, AMD, prevention and treatment of water contamination, and contaminants removal / neutralization before effluent discharge. Different mining wastewater streams have different chemistries; some are complex and need specific treatments.
In this highly demanding context, Veolia has developed extensive knowledge of its customers’ concerns. Veolia is committed to offering advanced solutions through secure, cost-effective and lasting water treatment solutions to meet its clients’ expectations and adapt to the ways their production evolves. As a pioneer of water resource management and a trusted partner for mining companies around the globe, Veolia leverages its technology integration expertise, its operational know-how and its experience of the mining industry, spearheading industrial water cycle management to contribute to business growth for the mining industry. Long-term partnerships and numerous design-and-build projects with mining leaders showcase the commitment and capability of Veolia in optimizing water processes, as well as providing reliable, adaptable and high-quality industrial water services to support partners’ businesses.
Increasingly, successful mining operations will depend on promoting a higher level of stewardship regarding resources including water, while implementing smarter ways to increase profitability.
In coping with the ever-growing challenges of water management and demand, the mining industry relies increasingly on cutting-edge and innovative technologies, improved management systems for water efficiency, and more sustainable water management. Advanced modern facilities to reclaim and reuse water are rapidly being developed and widely implemented for better resource management and water conservation.
The economic and environmental benefits of using reclaimed water are tangible, as both raw water consumption and the discharge of contaminated wastewater can be significantly reduced. This can also increase overall water availability – a major step towards greater water self-sufficiency, ensuring a stable and continuous water supply for expanding operations. Numerous references from satisfied clients are testimony to Veolia's innovative strategies in water management and environmental sustainability.
Learn more about Veolia's mine water treatment capabililties