Mining activity across Africa is expanding, increasing attention on water stewardship and the management of groundwater and surface water resources. Concerns remain about potential impacts on communities located near mines. The issues highlighted include effects on water availability and water quality.
Ismail Mahomed, partner and principal hydrogeologist at SRK Consulting, said managing water issues is important in regions such as Africa’s copper belt, where mineral resources are concentrated. He linked effective water management to meeting local regulations and global standards. He also said it supports maintaining a positive social license to operate.
Mine dewatering risks in low-rainfall regions
Mine dewatering is described as posing significant risks, particularly in areas with low rainfall, including southern and northern Africa. Contamination of water resources is identified as a major concern. Expectations for mines include mitigating these risks and ensuring a safe environment after closure.
Mahomed emphasized integrating closure planning from the outset. He referenced a zero-tolerance stance toward historical contamination. The approach is presented as part of how mines address dewatering-related concerns over time.
Copper and cobalt supply-chain standards
The push for ethical and sustainable mining practices is described as intensifying alongside copper and cobalt mining. The Democratic Republic of Congo is cited as one of the countries where this expansion is occurring. Markets demanding lower-carbon solutions are also mentioned in relation to sourcing expectations.
Industry benchmarks such as the Copper Mark are identified as becoming more important. Mahomed said responsible sourcing is increasingly integral to supply chains, particularly for minerals used in battery and renewable energy technologies. He added that this is especially relevant for markets like Europe.
Data management and digital tools for water planning
Specialized expertise is described as needed for mines to generate and analyze accurate data for water management. Sathisha Barath, principal hydrogeologist at SRK Consulting, stressed the use of advanced data management tools to optimize water stewardship. She said quality data collection and interpretation are important beyond meeting compliance requirements.
Mahomed pointed to digital tools, including numerical models and dashboards, for improving water management. He said these tools enable real-time data access and more precise dewatering strategies. He added that models should be based on site-specific data and continuously refined.
Closure-aligned targets and SRK Consulting’s WET work
Barath advocated for a strategic approach to water management that goes beyond compliance alone. She said tailored solutions aligned with a mine’s strategic objectives can avoid generic approaches. She also referenced a focus on cost-effective, long-term solutions.
SRK Consulting’s Water and Environmental Technology (WET) team is described as supporting mines across Africa with surface water and groundwater expertise. The team works alongside specialists in mining and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) fields. It conducts due diligence, feasibility studies, and environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) to support sustainable mining practices across the continent.