Mine water: policy perspective for improving water management in the mining environment with respect to developing economies

Abstract

Mine water is a resource and potential nuisance at the same time and its management is a major challenge for the worldwide mining industry. Its quality and quantity relates to the ore and mining type, and might result in environmental pollution if not properly used or managed. The entire water management and conservation needs to be addressed by all stakeholders involved and it has to be a bottom-up, rather than a top-down approach, taking into consideration site-specific conditions. We propose that some key policy areas, if implemented into practice, will provide direct benefits to mine operators and consequently mine water management can be improved at different levels. In the future, the concerns of the community and social welfare must not be ignored for any reason whatsoever. This technical analysis therefore stresses upon results-oriented pragmatic efforts for mine water resources development and management, which gives direction to green mining and sustainable development of mining areas. Best Practice Water Management and Intelligent Mine Water Management can be considered the best solution, maintaining an acceptable standard of living – now and in the future. This paper, meant for the benefits of the mining industry of developing countries in particular, discusses key mine water areas in a policy perspective. To obtain satisfying environmental protection, mine water management should be jointly enforced by the industry, regulators and stakeholders.