A new global Water Report outlining how copper mines can embrace sustainable water use to help meet a carbon free future was launched at South Australia’s “Copper To The World” Conference yesterday.
Sponsored by copper miners Sandfire Resources and Anglo American, the International Copper Association Australia and the Global Copper Alliance, the report is part of the Zero Emission Copper Mine of the Future initiative to pursue carbon neutral innovation across the copper industry.
Copper mines are big users of water, but in a world facing increasing climate stress, reducing water use, maximising mine recycling, and minimising wastewater disposal are key challenges to achieving low emission mines.
The Water Report identifies 6 major areas for mines to tackle in both the short and long term— Base line measurement, Dewatering, Desalination, Operational water use, Tailings and End use and Re-use. It further outlines a comprehensive list of solutions, including “off the shelf”, emerging, and “next generation” innovations to get there.
While the copper industry is embracing change, the Water Report makes clear that many industrial processes have remained unchanged for decades, with innovation adoption posing a complex challenge. It provides 9 Pathways to achieve innovation, from company-centric to industry wide options like Thematic Collaboration, Business Models and Innovation Partnerships.
“Zero Emission Copper Mines will require fundamental changes in how energy and water are sourced and used,” John Fennell, ICAA CEO, said.
“The Water Report is intended as a toolkit to advance the understanding of best practice technologies, suggest pathways for adoption and present examples linked to water innovation and emission impact.”
“Every copper producer now needs to create a long term water and decarbonisation strategy. Companies also need to see innovation as part of an industry wide approach….they can’t do it alone,” John Fennell added.
The Water Report is already finding support. Two water related demonstration projects—one by OZ Minerals in South Australia and the other led by the University of Adelaide—are currently underway, while the International Copper Alliance is also promoting the study to its members globally.
The Water Report is the first of five Roadmaps by the Zero Emission Copper Mine of the Future Project, with others on Discovery, Materials Movement, Mineral Processing, and Ventilation planned.