Unreliable energy supply in South Africa continues to impact on the water management systems of mining companies, despite some having backup generators or alternative power sources.

For example, pumpstations may not operate effectively, owing to batteries running out of power, or the use of diesel generators impacts on the operational costs of managing water, says global water technology company Xylem Water Solutions strategy and marketing manager Chetan Mistry.

Pumpstations are vital to mine operations and are generally provided with backup power.

Efficient water management systems need to be designed to factor in persistent power disruptions because, even when a system is designed to accommodate constraints, owing to factors such as low energy and water consumption, the system is still meant to operate on steady power supply.

“All Xylem’s solutions – from pumping to treatment – have been designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. This is evident in our intelligent pumps, such as our Flygt Bibo Alpha pump that has controls in place to operate at the correct levels as per individual conditions. This, in turn, reduces wasted energy,” adds Mistry.

Monitoring and control systems, such as Xylem’s Flygt Pareo, can help manage pumps systems, not only for power-related issues, but to minimise wear and reduce costs, boost reliability, improve visibility, optimise management and self-correct the pumps.

Pareo is an independent control unit that can be connected to existing pumps to add intelligence to any pumping system.

Mistry says Xylem’s water treatment solutions have reduced carbon footprints and optimised energy use for mines by supplying innovative technology and digital systems to help manage the water networks which, in turn, control and improve efficiency.

Water Management Necessary

With water being used throughout the mining life cycle, including for ore processing, Mistry explains that water management systems are necessary for openpit mining operations whereby, if companies are water positive, water needs to be managed to continue mining, while if they are water negative, water needs to be sourced.

Additionally, mine water can affect the environment; therefore, miners’ water management is subject to government legislation.

“Every mine faces unique source water and process water challenges, typically related to intake, quality, restricted access or effluent management. Mines are also under more pressure than ever to reduce their impact on the planet, with regulations continuously changing in this regard. Companies that take a strategic view of water in mining applications have a better chance of turning these systemic challenges into competitive opportunities,” he explains.

Hence, mines need a holistic water-cycle approach to implementing water management, based on the understanding that water cycles should be a closed loop and treated as a system.

Mines are, therefore, encouraged to use technology throughout operations, including for monitoring and controlling water and the associated equipment.

Implementing software systems also improve the network and system, thereby allowing for greater efficiency, preventing water loss, managing water quality, optimising the network and analysing and predicting future requirements.

Mistry adds that mines should, thus, consider the importance of water for direct operations and for the needs of communities surrounding the mine that may be directly or indirectly affected by mine operations. This ensures that mining companies’ sustainability is taken into account on a holistic level.

Mistry cautions that challenges can arise, should mines fail to implement the necessary water management solutions.

Challenges include contamination of natural water sources; environmental disasters, such as slimes dams collapsing; high energy bills; and high operational costs arising because of a lack of water treatment processes.

To mitigate these challenges, Xylem provides an extensive portfolio of customisable mine water management solutions that includes dewatering; monitoring, control and asset management; pumps for dust suppression; transport; treatment; pipeline assessment; environmental monitoring; wastewater and reuse; and fire protection.

“We aim to continue developing additional solutions to improve and streamline efficiency for mines that still use aged pumps and equipment. Our solutions are innovated to be even more reliable and easier to manage and control. This ensures mines experience the full package of solutions which, in turn, provide a full turnkey solution,” concludes Mistry.