Sustainable Use of Energy and Water Resources in the Mining sector: A Comparative Case Study of Open-pit and Alluvial Mining Technology

Participant Stakeholders:  United Nations University - Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability; Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Mineros S.A

Exceptional Women in Sustainability: Dr. Isabel B. Franco (Founder eWisely); Natalia Cano, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
​
Impact: Environmental impacts associated with the use of water and energy resources are among the most significant problems for the mining industry, requiring the implementation of new solutions in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation. Currently, the challenge is converting mineral wealth into development opportunities, whilst responding to the needs of future generations. This is specifically regarding the investment of non-renewable resources in the implementation of strategies to promote the efficient use of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources. This chapter aims to evaluate the cradle-to-gate consumption of renewable (water) and non-renewable energy sources in both open pit and alluvial mining systems. Additionally, Life Cycle Analysis has been performed to both estimate and analyze their impact on water resources. This is extended by the presentation of opposing reductive strategies including the optimization of process efficiency and use of circular economies. This research is significant within the Colombian context as water usage is often a determining factor in the attainment of key environmental and social licenses. Furthermore, the results of this investigation clearly show how water usage, and the magnitude of its related impacts differ between opposing forms of extraction. 

Click on the image to access full text