Leveraging Mining Investments in Water Infrastructure for Broad Economic Development: Models, Opportunities and Challenges

摘要

Mining is increasing in moderate to high water risk areas and there mining operations are exacerbating the water stress of local communities and the environment, generating social disruptions and community disputes. The modalities of the allocation of water rights, coupled with strong environmental regulations advocating zero mine waste water discharge, will determine the potential for shared use. Shared use of water-related infrastructure means both: Diminishing the water footprint of mining companies (in quantity and/or quality), and increasing the water supplies to the community from alternative sources. By reducing its footprint, a mining company would be better prepared for a scenario of water scarcity, stronger regulation, higher water rights prices and communities’ opposition.