QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/50246
THE CHALLENGES OF WITHIN THE MINING INDUSTRY Vicky Kenrick explores the global challenges of water management for sustainable mining. U ltimately, the sustainability of the mining industry continues to hang in the balance, Mudd (2009). Our planet is facing a real crisis in water resources. Climate change and population increases are changing the balance of supply and demand. According to predictions, by 2030 the world's population will be over 8.1 billion. Since 1950, the need for water has trebled and it will double again by 2050. It is water management that is emerging as the pre-eminent sustainability issue within the global energy and mining resource industries. With water being the most important resource in all mining and quarrying developments and operations, it can be used and abused. With hard rock mines in particular using water in all steps of the mining process, from cooling equipment, separating waste from valuable minerals to controlling dust – working with such large volumes of water presents a variety of risks. Water management for sustainable mining In recent years there has been a renewed public debate surrounding the mining industry and its sustainability, due to strong public sentiment on environmental and social issues surrounding the mining industry globally, most specifically, in Australia: "Ultimately a shared vision will map out a future where the minerals industry is delivering a positive net benefit to a sustainable Australia." Aleta Lederwasch, lecturer at The University of Technology, Sydney. 58 QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin Summer 2011/12 Whilst in Africa, there are also ambitions for a sustainable mining industry, with the growth rate projected to average 6.4 per cent between now and 2014, partnerships and sustainable development in the mining sector is vital. Tackling water pollution "Once a mine is in operation water protection must remain the highest goal of the company, even if it means reduced mineral productivity. Adopting this common-sense ethic is the only way we can ensure that the golden dreams of mining do not turn into the nightmare of poisoned streams." Carlos De Rosa & James Lyon, 1997. Water-pollution problems which can often be caused by mining include acid mine drainage, metal contamination and increased sediment levels in streams. Changes in laws, technologies and attitudes have begun to address some of the most immediate threats posed by mineral development, but there are still many areas of mining practices and regulations that need to be addressed. A number of preventable accidents that have occurred recently include massive sediment loading into fish-bearing streams, the building of roads with acid generating waste rock, non-compliance with waste handling plans, and repeated violations of water quality standards. To avoid these accidents, mining corporations need to ensure the best pollution prevention strategies are employed in cases where the risks can be managed. WATER MANAGEMENT