Mining drives economies, but it also shapes landscapes and communities especially when it comes to water management. Across Africa, the industry is embracing a new responsibility, recognizing that its impact stretches beyond company gates.
With stricter global standards like the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), mines are being urged to rethink tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and how they manage water resources, not just for compliance but for long-term sustainability.
“The GISTM approach to responsible tailings management includes an appreciation that a mine’s water footprint and its tailings storage facilities have impacts well beyond the mine’s license area,” says Lindsay Shand, principal environmental geologist at SRK Consulting SA.
This new collaborative mindset calls for open engagement with stakeholders, ensuring sustainable water usage and safer communities.
A Holistic Approach to Water Stewardship
For years, mines have focused only on their own water management plans, seeing water as a resource within their control. But mining’s impact goes far beyond corporate fences. When water sources are compromised, communities, farmers, and ecosystems suffer.
“A mine’s water balance doesn’t just affect operations it defines access for entire regions,” explains Franciska Lake, partner at SRK Consulting SA. “Water is life, and its responsible use must be a shared priority.”
A water stewardship approach means thinking beyond company profits. It’s about ensuring clean, safe water for surrounding communities, preventing contamination, and addressing risks before they escalate.
Technology and Transparency: The Future of Sustainable Mining
With tailings and water systems so deeply connected, real-time monitoring can make the difference between prevention and disaster. The GISTM integrates modern technology to help mines track water quality and potential contamination risks.
“Catching anomalies early means protecting both people and ecosystems,” notes Kavandren Moodley, principal environmental scientist at SRK Consulting SA. The use of real-time water quality tracking is changing the game, making risk mitigation smarter and faster.
A United Front: Why African Mines Must Work Together
In places like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where many mines share the same water sources, contamination is not just an individual company’s problem it’s an industry-wide challenge. According to Wouter Jordaan, director at SRK Congo, cooperation is key to making mining more sustainable.
“When water sources become polluted, it’s the communities in the downstream catchments who suffer most,” Jordaan warns. “Mining companies must engage collectively to ensure safe, sustainable water management.”
With entire communities relying on mining, the consequences of poor water governance are severe—impacting food security, livelihoods, and access to drinking water. Strengthening industry cooperation and proactive water stewardship can transform mining into a force for good.
Building a Legacy of Responsible Mining
Mining and sustainability can go hand in hand. With stronger regulations, smarter technology, and genuine collaboration, the future of mining across Africa looks brighter than ever.
“The GISTM isn’t just a compliance requirement it’s an opportunity to rethink mining’s footprint,” emphasizes Jordaan. “By prioritizing community well-being, clean water, and responsible tailings management, mines can ensure long-term success while making a positive impact.”
By embracing ethical water stewardship, working together, and using advanced monitoring tools, African mines can set a new standard for sustainable progress one that benefits both industry and the people who depend on it.
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