In News:

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) released the Global Mining and Metals Water Dataset, which found that nearly two-thirds of global mining and metals processing facilities face high physical water risk, posing challenges for mining operations and the global clean energy transition.

Key Findings

• The report is the first global assessment of physical water risks across the mining sector, covering 12,000 mining and metals facilities in 148 countries/regions.
• Around 38% of mining facilities operate in areas facing high or extremely high water stress, while 27% are exposed to high drought risk.
• About 14% of facilities face significant flood risk, particularly steel plants, alumina refineries, and aluminium smelters.
• The report identifies compound water-risk hotspots in Chile, Peru, the western United States, southern Africa, northern China, central India, and western Australia, where multiple water-related risks occur simultaneously.
• Critical minerals required for the clean energy transition, such as copper, platinum group elements, and manganese, are increasingly located in water-stressed regions, creating potential supply-chain risks.

How Mining Affects Water Resources

• Mining requires large quantities of water for mineral processing, dust suppression, slurry transport, and equipment cooling.
• Excessive groundwater extraction can lower local water tables, while mine waste and tailings may contaminate rivers and groundwater with heavy metals and chemicals.
• Mining activities can also alter natural drainage patterns, increasing the risks of soil erosion and flash floods.

About ICMM

• The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is a global industry organisation that promotes safe, responsible, and sustainable mining practices.
• It works with mining companies, commodity associations, and international organisations to improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in the mining sector.