Mining operations with an excess of water are required to discharge that excess within water quantity and quality environmental limits. The discharge limits will be imposed based upon local environmental constraints, which may be informed by the relevant ANZECC Guidelines.
Determining the most appropriate treatment path for mine water discharge is a delicate balancing act. Treatment residuals need to be manageable, or otherwise the legacy created by a treatment residue may be of greater concern than the original deemed ‘contaminant’ load in the discharge water. Similarly, the proposed treatment train may be so energy-intensive that the net impact of the treatment is negative to the environment.
Basacon can assist clients to model overall site water management, treatment options and residual impacts, as well as assessing on-site reuse options to minimise treatment legacies.