In the run-up to the International Mineral Processing and Geometallurgy Conference, Procemin-Geomet, organized by Gecamin, researchers from SMI-ICE-Chile and the Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) at The University of Queensland delivered the technical course «Mineral Processing and Water Quality: Emerging Challenges and Solutions,» which was attended online by more than 80 participants.
The course featured Dr. Nathalie Jamett and researcher José Ojeda, from SMI-ICE-Chile; along with Mayra Jefferson, a flotation chemistry specialist from SMI’s JKMRC institute; and Professor Kirsten Corin, from The University of Capetown.
For the global mining industry, and especially for Chile, one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, water plays a critical role. In the context of increasing water stress and where water sources present variable chemical compositions and physicochemical properties, technical and strategic decisions throughout the mining value chain are crucial from the early stages.
This technical course reviewed examples of how water quality can directly affect the efficiency of key processes such as flotation, generating variations in mineral recovery and reagent consumption. Operational considerations related to the use of seawater or recycled water were also addressed, critical points where water resources impact the design, operation, and sustainability of a mine were identified, and emerging solutions to mitigate these effects were explored.
“We have examples from Singapore and Las Vegas, in the US, that demonstrate that societies can thrive even in extreme conditions of water scarcity, using techniques such as removing water-intensive vegetation, employing desalination and treatment, and also reusing wastewater,” explained Nathalie Jamett.
“Copper mining has increased its water consumption, while ore grades are declining, requiring greater water efficiency. However, medium-scale mining faces technical and financial constraints in adapting to these demands,” comments Nathalie Jamett. “What can be done in this scenario? We must invest in water circularity as a new standard, promote technological innovation and its transfer to the medium-scale sector, and foster integrated territorial water management, aligned with social, environmental, and productive criteria.”
Through an analysis of a dozen cases, Dr. Jamett demonstrated emerging solutions through the use of alternative sources, water recovery, monitoring and control, and solutions through processing. “Water scarcity and stress are already affecting mining operations, driving the sector to adopt alternative water sources such as seawater, treated wastewater, and recycled process water,” explained José Ojeda. “We’re also already seeing emerging solutions being applied that are enabling smarter, more efficient, and resilient water management, such as digital twins, sensor-based monitoring, and AI-powered platforms.”
The SMI-ICE-Chile team highlighted the importance of training a new generation of professionals to lead with science, purpose, and innovation, as well as adopting circular water systems as a symbol of environmental leadership in the mining sector.
