ICMM’s Post

Water stewardship and mine closure are 2 sides of the same coin! Mine closure challenges often present themselves via the medium of water. Acid rock drainage and metal leaching is one of those challenges. It's dificult to manage once it's started but able to be minimised or even prevented by integrated closure good practice before and during operations! I am so proud of the work ICMM and INAP:International Network for Acid Prevention have done together on this with a great WSP team behind us to develop a practical tool to support operationalisation of the GARD Guide. No apologies from me that I'll be talking about this every chance I can! Please use the excel tool to embed acid rock drainage management and prevention best practice into day-to-day at every asset!

INAP:International Network for Acid Prevention and ICMM have released a tool for ARD/ML prevention and management that is a bridge between the GARD guide and sites specific actions.

Prevention is cheaper than cure! As mining companies implement the #GISTM, this is great tool to help translate a highly complex technical subject to actionable insights for non-geochemists. Adam Matthews I still highly recommend reading the GARD guide (https://lnkd.in/dB-VuzvA).

Happy to have collaborated in the development of a tool released earlier this week by ICMM and INAP:International Network for Acid Prevention. It supports the sector in interpreting and applying the INAP Global Acid Rock Drainage (GARD) Guide (https://lnkd.in/gSRiU3d4) to proactively and diligently manage mine wastes in order to prevent water quality impact and to minimize water management and treatment requirements. Please check it out and disseminate!

A significant opportunity exists to promote and advance sustainable mining practices. This initiative not only aims to reduce the environmental impact of mining activities but also strives to ensure the long-term viability of natural resources, benefiting both local communities and global ecosystems. By embracing sustainable methods, the mining industry can achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship, paving the way for more responsible and eco-friendly operations.

💧 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 💧   At the 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 (𝗠𝗠𝗛) 2024, the team of 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀, through one of its renowned consultants Pedro PINO VÉLIZ, together with 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 presented the paper "𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱-𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲", addressing one of the major challenges of the mining sector: Responsible water management that is as crucial as the extraction of minerals itself. In this 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵, 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 not only minimize the environmental impact but also ensure the viability of operations in an increasingly resource-conscious future.   Practices such as advanced tailings filtration and dry stacking, in addition to reducing the need for fresh water, improve plant water balance and protect this essential resource for nearby communities. Beyond operational performance, these measures reflect a tangible commitment to long-term sustainability, especially in regions where water scarcity is a constant concern.   Today, mining has an inescapable responsibility: 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀. With well-implemented strategies, the sector’s footprint is not only measured in tons, but in the conservation of resources that sustain life.   🤝 This challenge continues. Let us move towards a mining that respects both the soil and the water that nourishes it.   #watermanagement, #savilcon, #plusnaturalresources, #mining    

Oil sands, or tar sands, are sedimentary formations containing a mixture of sand, clay, water, and bitumen. Here's a deeper dive: 1. Composition: - Bitumen: The key component, a thick, heavy oil that does not flow easily at room temperature. - Sand and Clay: The matrix in which the bitumen is embedded, comprising mostly quartz sand and various clay minerals. - Water: Typically present in the pores of the sand and clay. 2. Formation: - Oil sands are formed when oil, in the form of bitumen, migrates from deeper in the Earth and gets trapped in sand and other sedimentary rocks. - Over millions of years, microbial action, heat, and pressure transform the oil into bitumen. 3. Location: - Major deposits are found in Alberta, Canada, particularly in the Athabasca, Cold Lake, and Peace River regions. - Significant reserves also exist in Venezuela, Utah, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 4. Extraction Methods: - Surface Mining: Used for deposits located near the surface. Large shovels extract the oil sands, which are then transported to processing plants. - In-situ Extraction: Used for deeper deposits. Techniques include Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) and Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS), where steam is injected underground to heat the bitumen, allowing it to flow to the surface. 5. Processing: - Separation: Bitumen is separated from sand and clay using hot water or solvents. - Upgrading: Bitumen is further processed into synthetic crude oil through hydrogenation or other methods, making it suitable for refining into products like gasoline and diesel. 6. Environmental Impact: - Land Disturbance: Surface mining requires clearing large areas of land, impacting ecosystems. - Water Use: Extraction and processing consume significant amounts of water. - Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Production and processing emit more greenhouse gases compared to conventional oil extraction. 7. Economic Importance: - Oil sands are a crucial part of the Canadian economy, contributing to employment and export revenue. - However, the industry's profitability can be affected by fluctuations in oil prices and environmental regulations. 8. Future Challenges: - Technological Innovation: Developing more efficient and environmentally friendly extraction and processing methods. - Environmental Concerns: Addressing issues like greenhouse gas emissions, land reclamation, and water usage. - Market Dynamics: Responding to shifts in global oil demand and energy transition towards renewables.

Hach’s water quality monitoring solutions for metals and mining can help operators identify site specific needs. #AustralianMining #dewatering #safety #sustainability #monitoring #water #community #health #environment #conservation #efficiency

🌍 Coal Gangue + Basalt Fiber: Transforming Waste into Sustainable Innovation 🏗️🔬 As coal mining delves deeper, ensuring the stability of roadway surrounding rock becomes critical. Simultaneously, the 700 million tons of coal produced annually generate millions of tons of coal gangue, an industrial waste causing environmental and land-use challenges. But what if this waste could fuel innovation in green mining and infrastructure? 💡 The Solution: Coal Gangue-Basalt Fiber Cement-Based Composites By replacing river sand and cement with coal gangue and reinforcing it with basalt fiber, we unlock benefits like: 🔹 Enhanced mechanical strength and toughness. 🔹 Improved support efficiency in coal mines. 🔹 Reduced maintenance costs for roadway support. 🔹 Promotion of green mining practices and environmental sustainability. 🔎 Why Basalt Fiber? Known for its corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and high tensile strength, basalt fiber significantly boosts the durability and performance of coal gangue-based composites. Recent studies show: 🔹 Basalt fiber enhances crack resistance and compressive strength. 🔹 When combined with polypropylene or plant fibers, it creates a synergy that improves early-stage mechanical properties. 🔹 Adding activated coal gangue further amplifies the benefits. 🌿 A Step Towards Green Mining This innovative approach addresses two major challenges: managing coal gangue waste and reducing the environmental impact of mining operations. By leveraging industrial byproducts and advanced materials, we create a sustainable cycle that benefits both the environment and engineering efficiency. 💬 What are your thoughts on integrating waste materials into construction for a greener future? Let’s discuss! #Sustainability #GreenMining #ConstructionInnovation #BasaltFiber #CoalGangue #CircularEconomy #InfrastructureDevelopment #EnvironmentalProtection #EngineeringSolutions #SmartMaterials References: https://lnkd.in/eHR7W2ZP

🌊 Key Benefits of Water Treatment in the Mining Industry 🌊 Water treatment plays a vital role in the mining industry, offering numerous benefits for both operations and the environment. Here are some key advantages: 1️⃣ Improved Water Quality: Treating water ensures the removal of harmful contaminants, providing safer water for mining processes and surrounding communities. 2️⃣ Regulatory Compliance: Proper water treatment helps mining companies meet environmental regulations, avoiding costly fines and legal repercussions. 3️⃣ Resource Conservation: By treating and recycling water, the mining industry can reduce its reliance on freshwater sources, preserving essential water resources for the future. 4️⃣ Environmental Protection: Effective water treatment minimizes the ecological impact of mining activities, protecting local ecosystems and biodiversity. 5️⃣ Operational Efficiency: Clean water enhances equipment performance, reduces maintenance costs, and increases overall productivity, leading to more efficient and cost-effective mining operations. Connect with us today  Web: www.acedynamics.in Email: sales@acedynamics.in Call us: +91-8333032165 💧 Investing in water treatment is investing in sustainable mining! 🌱 #WaterTreatment #MiningIndustry #Sustainability #EnvironmentalProtection #AceDynamics