As Africa grapples increasingly with too much or too little water – as well as water that is too dirty to use – the mining sector is needing to responsibly fulfil its own needs while remaining a good steward of this precious resource.
This means taking a broader view of water management and collaborating more than ever with other stakeholders, explained SRK partner and principal hydrologist Peter Shepherd.
“The mining sector has taken a leading role in the global drive toward sustainability, and water management is a key aspect of this,” said Shepherd. “With SRK’s 50 years of experience in mining, water, infrastructure and other fields, we have been able to assist mining clients with innovative water solutions that align with the latest environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.”
He explained that the challenge of too much water is generally addressed through identifying areas that could be flooded and designing infrastructure outside the flood inundation areas. Robust stormwater controls also need to be constructed around mines and mine infrastructure to divert clean water away from mine infrastructure and collect, contain and reuse dirty water runoff from areas where mine infrastructure is placed.
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