Integrative treatment and valorization schemes for mining influenced water: beyond resource recovery
Tamlyn Sasha Naidu1,2,3
1University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark;
2University of Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, South Africa;
3Centre in Water Research and Development.
Abstract
The valorization of mining influenced water (MIW) presents a paradigm shift in environmental management, transitioning from cost-intensive remediation to sustainable value creation. This research introduces a novel, comprehensive assessment framework that evaluates MIW characteristics and potential revenue streams, situating remediation technologies within the economic landscape of the region where MIW is located. The approach advances the concept of waste to worth, tailored specifically to MIW, through a systematic analysis of volume, constituent type and concentration, and site-specific industrial symbiosis (analysing products and reagents needed and available in the proximity of the MIW source). This investigation and framework development begun with an examination and modelling of MIW properties, pinpointing stable constituents and characteristics amenable to leveraging and/or recovery. The core innovation lies in the development of an algorithmic technology train that dynamically correlates MIW profiles with an array of treatment options, guiding the selection of the most suitable valorization pathways. This model links MIW composition with regional industrial demands, determining the practicality and profitability of applying certain technologies over others. For example, the presence of sulfates and certain metals in MIW could be turned into an opportunity for the production of industrial chemicals or construction materials, contingent on the local market needs. Findings reveal that this integrative framework is instrumental in identifying multiple, previously untapped avenues for MIW valorization. It delineates a clear methodology for determining the most viable valorization strategies, exploring its potential as a resource across diverse applications: from serving as a feedstock for bioethanol production and magnesium extraction systems to acting as a precursor in both thorium enrichment processes and rare earth element recovery through ion exchange. This optimizes the use of local resources and fosters a circular economy, contributing to cost reduction and environmental sustainability. The implications of this research are manifold. It paves the way for mining industries to offset remediation expenses by converting MIW into commercially valuable products, aligning with the principles of a circular economy. The strategic incorporation of local industrial capacities ensures that each valorization step is not only environmentally sound but also economically viable. Furthermore, by providing a decision-support system that maps out the most favorable outcomes based on MIW composition and regional economic dynamics, the model establishes a potential blueprint for best practices in the global MIW management sector. Ultimately, the approach transcends traditional treatment paradigms, advocating for a resource-centric view of MIW that can spur innovation, regional development, and environmental stewardship.
Keywords: Mine Water Valorization, Sustainable Remediation Technologies, Industrial Symbiosis, Circular Economy, Resource Recovery Systems
