Although the technology to treat and purify mine water to acceptable standards already exists, the main challenge for the mining industry and society is affordability, says water and environmental consulting firm GCS regional director and senior hydrogeologist Pieter Labuschagne. Currently, the operational cost and capital requirement for mine water treatment technology are generally very high. In addition, the waste products generated by conventional reverse osmosis require strict handling and deposition which, in turn, require further capital and resources.
