innovative mine water technology A pathway to deploy

Developing a successful mine water management and treatment strategy is a critical aspect of every mining project. The plan needs to be protective of the environment, address the project needs, and pass regulatory approvals. It is the regulatory approvals that have often been the cause of confusion and frustration, as it can be difficult to come to a unified understanding of which technologies are currently considered best practices. Despite an ever-growing arsenal of water treatment technologies available to deploy, few can gain regulatory approval. Most mining jurisdictions use best achievable technology (BAT) processes, which are very useful in identifying which types of technology could treat the water. However, there is a feasibility aspect of the BAT process, which requires the technology to be “proven.” The lack of a clear definition of “proven” has typically been a matter of contention for permitting processes.

The new implementation of technology readiness levels (TRLs) for major mine projects in British Columbia is bringing clarity to the deployment of water treatment technologies and source control mitigation strategies.

In a regulatory context, TRLs are tied into step 3 of the BAT assessments, which are required for joint application information requirements (JAIR). There is a direct financial correlation between the cost of water treatment during mine operation, the cost of reclamation after closure, and the water treatment technology selections.

The TRL framework can be leveraged throughout the mine lifespan. Using the technology readiness assessment (TRA) guidance gives developers a clearer understanding of their site-specific conditions and enables them to mitigate risk scenarios. Through the provision of a common reference point, they also help expedite communication planning and stakeholder liaison to instill confidence throughout the project’s permitting process and into the lifetime of the mine.

An overarching challenge will be determining whether the application of the TRA guidance will be consistent across all types of water treatment, or if there will need to be different approaches taken for passive versus active treatment.

What is a TRL? And how are they determined?

First developed by NASA in the 1970s, the TRL scale was designed to measure and assess the maturity level of any given technology.

The process of advancing through TRLs is commonly referred to as “technology maturation,” a typical example of which fol-