The recent revelation that dealing with acid mine drainage problem in Gauteng would cost upwards of R1.5bn has again highlighted the vital importance of water management in mining. Ensuring sustainability in mining operations by addressing environmental and community concerns by implementing an integrated and comprehensive water systems management plan is the only way to avoid saddling future generations with another acid mine drainage crisis. In short, putting in place proper controls and water management processes today is a non-negotiable component of sustainable and responsible mining operations.
These all important issues will be the focus of IQPC’s Water Management in Mining Africa conference, organised with the support of the International Mine Water Association. Professor Christian Wolkersdorfer, General Secretary of International Mine Water Association, will address the conference about the lamentable lack of innovation of water treatment techniques and technologies. Professor Wolkersdorfer, who currently holds the Chair in Mine Water Remediation & Management at Cape Breton University, will also share his extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with the problems old and abandoned mines pose.
Mining giant Rio Tinto that was recently awarded the best practice in water stewardship prize at the 2011 Global Water Awards presented at the Global Water Summit in Berlin will be adding to the agenda as Dr. Sam Luoma, the company’s Chief Environmental Advisor will share Rio Tinto’s hard-won water management knowledge and experience. Dr. Luoma will highlight Rio Tinto’s successes and how they were achieved, the company’s remaining water management challenges, and the importance of engaging with local communities and governments on water stewardship policies and approaches.
