Mining water treatment is very important since our planet is facing a crisis in water resources. Population increases and climate change are changing the balance of demand and supply. Predictions have indicated that by 2030, the population of the world will be above 8.1 billion.
The need for water has trebled since 1950 and it is supposed to further double by 2050. Water management is emerging as the pre-eminent sustainability issue within the mining resource and global energy industries. Water is the most important resource in the mining and quarrying operations and developments so it can be used and abused. Hard rock mines use water in all mining steps from separating waste, cooling equipment, and more. This means working with such large volumes of water comes with a variety of risks.
Management of water for sustainability
Recently, there has been a renewable public debate that surrounds the mining industry. Due to strong public sentiments on social and environmental issues surrounding the mining industry, ultimately a shared vision maps out a future where the mining industry is delivering a positive net benefit.
Tackling water pollution
When a mine is in operation in Australia, water protection should remain the highest goal of the Aussie mining company. Adopting this ethic is the only way we can ensure that the dreams of mining don’t turn into the nightmare of poisoned rivers.
Problems with water pollution which can be caused by mining include metal contamination, acid drainage and increased sediment levels in streams. This is why the mining water treatment process should be improved in all ways to tackle this challenge. Changes in technologies, laws and attitudes have started addressing some of the most immediate threats posed by the development of minerals, but there are still a lot of areas of mining regulations and practices that should be addressed.
A substantial number of preventable accidents that have occurred include massive sediment loading into streams that bear fish, the building of roads with waste rock that generates acid, repeated violations of water quality standards and non-compliance with waste handling plans.
These accidents can be avoided by mine corporations by ensuring the best strategies for preventing pollution are employed in cases where the risks can be effectively managed. Other questions that are supposed to be raised is whether there is a need to recognize that in some places, mining shouldn’t be allowed to proceed because the risks to water and other resources are too great.
With conscientious companies, good planning and new technologies – a lot of potential impacts can be avoided. It has also been argued that most water pollution caused by mining arises from negligence.
Managing the risks involved requires dedicated mining specialists who are willing to promote environmental sustainability. The mining industry in Australia needs a large amount of water that should be treated.
Prevention of water pollution in mining
While mining water treatment is necessary for all mines, preventing water pollution is also important. Some of the most common methods used include borehole extraction that contains the pollution plume, pre-treatment of all water, the containment of seepage and so on.
