To mitigate risk, the water resources team at Minas Rio developed an operational water balance, hydrological model and simulations to predict water abstraction stoppage periods in the Peixe River during the dry season. The current contingency plan has been implemented comprising the acquisition and installation of additional pumping capacity at the tailings dam to increase the use of process water recirculated and stored in the tailings dam reservoir, as per its design. In addition, as risk mitigation against water security for the entire site the operation collaborated with the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) on the first application of the ICMM’s new water stewardship framework based on adopting a catchment-based approach that requires inclusive engagement and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders on shared water challenges. The process brought together members of the local communities, municipalities, water basin committees and civil society organisations to better understand and manage shared water risks in the San Antonio water catchment. This enabled Anglo to better understand stakeholder concerns and aspirations related to the use of water in Minas-Rio; identify major water issues and risks in the catchment and across mine life cycle; and build a response strategy to address water risks. The cost estimates were derived from incurred operational costs and invoices.

Project Results

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