Despite the fact that water is integral to the lives of human beings, it continues to be an undervalued resource. In fact, it is estimated that by 2030, the earth’s projected 8 billion people will require 25% more fresh water.
Locally, South Africa is predicted to have a gap of 17% in water supply and demand, this amounts to an estimated water shortage of 2.7 billion cubic meters in 2030 or enough water to fill just over one million Olympic-sized swimming pools.
For the mining sector, the risks associated with insufficient or low quality water supply is even more apparent, and includes uncertain availability in water-stressed regions, higher costs, and regulatory caps on usage. Other potential risks involve increased pre-treatment and wastewater treatment costs, and increased responsibility to implement community water infrastructure and watershed restoration projects.
As such, it is essential that local mining companies pay particular attention to water issues, and institute measures which will result in more effective water management. At Anglo American, dealing with water scarcity has become central to the way the company operates.
Anglo American already has robust water policies and strategies in place, owing to its complete commitment to making a real difference in terms of environmental sustainability.
The Integrated Water Management Service (IWMS), which was recently launched by Technical Solutions, one of Anglo American’s in-house technical resources housed within the company’s multidisciplinary Mining and Technology function.
IWMS presents a step-by-step approach to water management within a mining company. A critical aspect of this service is the provision of hands-on assistance to mine managers and all other designated on-site people to implement best practice. It can also be customised to the unique water and processing needs of the operation – a fit for purpose solution.
The intention is to sift through the extensive data and issues identified in both external and internal reviews and audits, select priority issues, and implement best practice solutions.
Technical Solutions works closely in-house and partner with various company functions, drawing on the combined expertise of the company’s in-house technical, scientific and engineering skills, and furthering Anglo American’s vision is to be leaders in mine water management.
More information on Anglo American’s IWMS can be found here.
By Richard Garner, water manager for Anglo American