The Chair of Water in Mining 2016 affirms that it is essential for mining to have properly managed water resources which will allow long-term sustainability of the mining sector.
Why has water become an important issue for mining in Chile?
As the mining industry is one of the most important economic activities in our country, it is essential to have properly managed water resources that will lead to the sustainability of the sector in the long run. Throughout the whole mining process, water plays a very important role, for example, in the mineral recovery and concentration processes and in mineral and tailings transportation. In Chile, mining is mainly concentrated in the north of the country which, due to it´s climatic and hydrological characteristics, is an area with water shortage and where water is becoming increasingly necessary.
What are the main issues with regards to water and mining in Chile?
The excessive and unsustainable use of water in mining is one of the paradigms that, as an industry, we have not been able to change. To be specific, on average, three quarters of the water used in mining processes is recirculated or reused water. For example, in the Tarapacá and O’Higgins regions, the mining sector uses 7% of the water that is used by the agriculture sector in those same regions. The mining sector is setting specific examples with regards to efficient water use and to ensuring sustainable water sources. To date, in Chile, there are 9 desalination plants in operation which have been built by mining firms and 7 are being planned. Recent proof is Minera Candelaria´s desalination plant in the Atacama region which can entirely supply their operations with desalinated and treated water.
Have mining projects been affected by water shortage? ¿Is sea water desalination the main solution for water supply?
Undoubtedly, water shortage hampers the development of mining projects because water is essential for mining processes. Desalination and any other process that allows water supply from sustainable sources over time is a good solution. Nevertheless, sustainability not only depends on renewable sources, but it also has to be an economically viable alternative. In general, in Chile, mines are located far from the coast and located at high altitude. This means that in addition to the energy costs associated with sea water desalination, there are also costs related to transporting the water to points of use. In this regard, our country is characterized by high energy costs which reduces the region´s competitiveness.
Minera Candelaria has become a leader in terms of efficient water use in the Chilean mining industry. What are the main factors that have enabled the improvement in water management and its more efficient use?
The sustainable strategy for water resource management designed by Minera Candelaria, is based on the concept of “Zero Discharge” which reuses on average more than 85% of water used in mining processes. Subsequently, a project was implemented for using treated water, and the third big step was the implementation of the desalination plant.
The company´s water management system has enabled us to substantially reduce the pressure on the aquifer of the Copiapó River in the Atacama Region.
With the implementation of the desalination plant, the water requirements of Candelaria and Ojos del Salado are being supplied exclusively with treated water and desalinated seawater, except for temporary requirements in cases of emergency or for the plant maintenance. This way, we have stopped pumping from the Copiapó aquifer, a quantity of water equivalent to the desalinated and treated water.
As Chair of Water in Mining 2016, what are your expectations for this version?
I hope that the event will lead to concrete actions that will encourage the creation of new ideas and initiatives which will demonstrate that the industry is working towards responsibility and excellence in mining and this will enable us to build a sustainable future. Besides that, the event will provide awareness on the relevance of water as it is a public commodity and strategic element for development
How can congresses like Water in Mining 2016 contribute to the discussion on important issues for the mining industry and, in particular, how can they contribute to promoting a more sustainable management in mining?
They contribute by enabling participants to share experiences and update their knowledge in an international environment of high technical quality allowing us to approach issues from a global perspective and focus on sustainable management.
