As climatic conditions change, mines are seeing impacts on the stability and effectiveness of their infrastructure and equipment, as well as on their environmental protection and site closure practices.
Ashleigh Maritz, senior environmental scientist at SRK Consulting (SA). Image credit: SRK
According to Ashleigh Maritz, senior environmental scientist at SRK Consulting (SA), higher temperatures and water scarcity, for example, would complicate the operation and environmental rehabilitation of mine sites, and could cause direct competition and conflict with local communities. Mines may even find their transportation routes affected. Water and electricity supply may become unreliable and more expensive.
“Efficient water management is already a concern receiving constant attention at most mines; with further impacts from climate change, there will be a significant investment in water treatment options,” says Maritz.
Read more about climate change and mining in the February 2020 issue of African Mining.