Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine water treatment plant

Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine recognises water as a scarce resource. As such water conservation and demand management is seen as a key management activity at the mine. Securing long-term availability of water and managing water quality is also strategically important for the sustainability of the mine. In light of this the mine operates its water resources on the principles of optimal water use and conservation as set out in the Mining Best Practice Guidelines. This is achieved by managing a closed water balance aimed at zero discharge and minimal abstraction.

To further these aims the mine successfully commissioned the first phase of its new water treatment facility. The facility is designed to treat dewatering water from the underground operations at a rate of 450 cubic metres of water per day. The first phase of the project involved testing the biological treatment of nitrate which is introduced into the water through the use of ammonium nitrate in the blasting activities. Phase two of the project is currently under commissioning and will target various other elements in the water with the primary objective of delivering water of a potable standard. The treatment facility will assist the mine to manage its water balance better, reduce potential environmental contaminants in the system, and secure a long-term supply of high-quality water for water-sensitive processes and domestic use.

Having proven the viability of biological treatment of nitrates at the mine a number of opportunities for proactive management exist. Targeting potential sources of nitrate water contamination to lower the post-closure liability associated with mine environmental remediation is one of these opportunities that is currently under investigation.

DCM 450 cubic metre per day water treatment plant