A key impact of climate change on mining is the new level of uncertainty that it brings to an already risk-laden sector - especially in terms of water management. The risks of climate change do not disappear when a mine closes.
According to Peter Shepherd, a partner and principal hydrologist at SRK Consulting, one of the first questions a mine developer must ask is whether the site has access to enough water to sustain operations. The rule is straightforward: no water, no mine.
"The challenge now is that climate change has cast doubt on what we believe the future holds for rainfall patterns and temperature trends. We might be able to conduct the necessary technical water studies and establish that we have water available at this time, but will the water source be sustainable in the future?" questions Peter.
There is one thing worse than not finding enough water for a new mine development, and that is to find out - after the mine is built - that the water supply has reduced and become insufficient to sustain the mine.
"This uncertainty leads to many other questions that need to be asked. For instance, will the mine's infrastructure, employees and surrounding communities remain safe as the environment changes?' explains Shepherd.
