Weir has launched its pivotal new report titled ‘Untapped: Mining’s opportunity to unlock value through strategic water management and innovative technology’.
This comprehensive report highlights water’s critical role in mining operations, presenting a visionary roadmap for elevating water stewardship across the industry, especially in the era of low-carbon transition.
As the world accelerates toward a low-carbon future, the demand for metals and minerals essential for clean energy technologies continues to surge.
However, mining projects are increasingly located in water-stressed regions, intensifying pressure on this vital resource.
Weir’s research reveals that as many as 16 per cent of critical mineral mines, notably copper operations, are in highly water-stressed areas, underscoring the urgent need for innovative water management strategies to ensure sustainability and operational resilience.
The report stresses that mining companies must shift from fragmented, localised water fixes to integrated, systems-based approaches that leverage geological and geographical data to inform technology choices.
Proven innovations such as advanced ore sorting, comminution techniques, and tailings dewatering technologies already exist to reduce water consumption and boost operational efficiency.
For example, new thickening technologies that improve water recovery from tailings processes can reduce freshwater consumption by up to 90 per cent and lower energy and chemical costs, contributing to a reduced operational carbon footprint.
Jon Stanton, CEO of Weir, said: “Untapped brings together insights from across the mining sector to highlight both the challenges and opportunities in water management.
“I want to thank the many industry professionals who contributed their expertise to this important resource.
“By working together and embracing new approaches and technologies, we can unlock greater value from water, strengthen trust with our stakeholders, and help secure a more sustainable future for mining.”
Industry standards and frameworks are evolving to support these efforts.
Bodies like the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the Coalition for Energy Efficient Comminution (CEEC) are driving alignment on water metrics and best practices, enhancing transparency and encouraging better decision-making.
Mining’s transition to net zero depends heavily on sustainable water management.
Water-intensive processes like ore flotation, dust suppression, and equipment cooling must become more efficient to reduce both water and carbon footprints.
Innovations such as closed-loop water recycling and dry processing technologies play a central role in enabling mines to continue production while conserving water and lowering emissions.
The report calls for a collaborative approach among industry leaders, technology innovators, communities, financiers, and governments to elevate water stewardship to a strategic corporate priority.
This collaboration will enable mining to scale sustainably, reduce risk exposure, and accelerate the net-zero transition essential to the low-carbon economy.
