The collaboration will develop a new resource to facilitate the implementation of INAP’s Global Acid Rock Drainage (GARD) Guide. Credit: Milos Muller/Shutterstock.

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP) have formed a partnership aimed at helping mining companies prevent and cut down water pollution.

The initiative focuses on acid rock drainage and metal leaching, which can significantly impact water quality.

The collaboration will develop a new resource to facilitate the implementation of INAP’s GARD Guide by non-specialists at both site and corporate levels related to the mining operations.

This guide is designed to assist in informed planning for the management of sulphide mineral waste, which, if not handled correctly, can lead to acidic water that leaches metals into the environment. The publication of the results is due in early 2025.

Acid rock drainage and metal leaching are natural processes that produce sulphuric acid when sulphide minerals in rocks come into contact with air and water.

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INAP technical manager Gilles Tremblay said: “INAP continues to drive globally recognised leading practice in acid rock drainage and metal leaching risk management through industry-led collaboration, knowledge development and sharing. INAP welcomes the collaboration with ICMM to develop a framework that supports the implementation of the GARD Guide by non-specialists.

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“A strong example of INAP’s current focus on acid rock drainage and metal leaching is on preventing and controlling it at the source, through better material characterisation and handling, including early intervention at all stages of the mining and processing life cycle. The resource being developed with ICMM will be a welcome addition to INAP’s source control toolbox.”

In January 2017, ICMM set a precedent with the publication of a Water Stewardship Position Statement, obliging member companies to adopt comprehensive water stewardship practices.

These practices encompass robust and transparent water governance, efficient water management at operational sites, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders to promote responsible and sustainable water usage at a catchment level.

ICMM environment director Emma Gagen said: “As a mining and metals industry, we must consider all potential impacts from operations on the environment and communities close to sites at an early stage of site-level planning and design approaches that mitigate these risks.  

“Acid rock drainage and metal leaching are preventable with proactive planning, and so we hope that ICMM and INAP’s collaboration will provide our industry with a practical resource that helps to ultimately safeguard water quality around mine sites.”