Mining remains vital to the global economy, but its heavy water use and environmental risks demand urgent action. By 2025, effective water management will be essential, not optional, for sustainability, compliance, and community trust. Mining companies must embrace innovative strategies to safeguard ecosystems, conserve resources, and ensure long-term access to one of our planet’s most critical resources: water [1].
A key component of responsible resource extraction is water management in mining operations, which recognises the industry’s high-water consumption for a variety of operations, including tailings disposal, slurry transportation, ore beneficiation, dust suppression, and mineral extraction. These operations require a lot of water by nature, and poor management can have serious negative effects on the environment and society [1].
The best practices for sustainable water management in mining include five key strategies:
Water recycling and reuse: modern mines maximize water recycling through closed-loop systems using advanced treatment methods such as membrane filtration, biological treatments, and sedimentation. This reduces freshwater withdrawal by up to 70%, lowers costs, and meets stringent environmental standards.
Rainwater harvesting and storage: collecting and storing rainwater in engineered reservoirs or tanks supplies water during dry periods and reduces dependence on local freshwater sources. Proper filtration and sedimentation ensure water quality and regulatory compliance.
Tailings and wastewater management: employ dry stacking of tailings, lined storage ponds, and advanced wastewater treatments (oxidation, filtration, bioremediation) to minimize contamination risks and environmental harm. Remote monitoring of tailings facilities improves safety and compliance.
Monitoring and data-driven decisions: real-time sensors, IoT, satellite imagery, and AI models enable proactive water management by detecting leaks, forecasting needs, and optimizing water use efficiency. Digital tools enhance regulatory adherence and operational safety.
Community engagement and regulatory compliance: transparent communication with local communities and strict adherence to environmental regulations are essential for sustainable water management in mining.
Additional sustainable practices include adoption of renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and dry processing techniques to lower water usage.
Together, these strategies help mines reduce freshwater use by 40% [1] or more, mitigate environmental impact, and ensure responsible resource extraction amid climate change and stricter regulations.
Reference
[1] “Water Management In Mining Operations: 5 Key Strategies.” Accessed: Aug. 26, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://farmonaut.com/mining/water-management-in-mining-operations-5-key-strategies
