Amid a global water scarcity problem, midtier gold miner Gold One’s Modder East mine is targeting reduced freshwater extraction at its operations through an integrated water stewardship programme that prioritises recycling, reuse and regulatory compliance, reports senior operations VP and GM Jon Hericourt.

Gold One’s water management at Modder East mine is embedded in environmental management systems and is aligned with water licensing conditions and approved water-use regulations, he says.

“Water stewardship is about long-term operational sustainability, minimising environmental liability and demonstrating responsible custodianship of shared water resources,” says Hericourt.

Gold One’s operations prioritise efficiency and conservation by monitoring water consumption across mining, processing and support activities, with freshwater use being controlled through metering, routine system inspections and operational controls aimed at reducing losses and optimising use where water is essential for safety and production, he says.

“Water management practices are embedded within the environmental management systems aligned with regulatory requirements and approved water use authorisations. This framework ensures that wastewater and process water are managed responsibly and in a manner that minimises potential off-site impacts,” says Hericourt.

As a result of the strong emphasis placed on water recycling and reuse, process water is recovered and reused in the mining and metallurgical circuits wherever practical, reducing dependence on external freshwater sources, adds Hericourt.

Mine-impacted water is contained within designated systems and managed in a controlled manner to ensure it remains suitable for reuse and does not pose a risk to the surrounding environment, thereby supporting both regulatory compliance and efficient use of available water resources.

“The mine has made progress in reducing wastewater volumes through increased recycling and reuse of process water. By recovering and reusing water within mining and metallurgical circuits, Gold One has lowered reliance on freshwater abstraction and reduced the amount of wastewater requiring external handling and potential discharge,” he says.

Another proactive measure undertaken by Gold One is the segregation of clean and impacted water systems, whereby clean stormwater is diverted away from mining and processing areas to prevent contamination.

In terms of rainwater, Gold One also evaluates related management and harvesting opportunities, particularly through the segregation of clean and polluted water systems, with clean rain runoff being diverted away from exposed mining areas to reduce treatment requirements. Mine-impacted water is contained and managed appropriately, he assures.

Cutting Reliance

In addition to enhanced water management approaches, Gold One has implemented a reverse osmosis (RO) plant to generate potable water for use at the mine.

RO technology enables the operation to treat available water sources to the required potable standard, reducing reliance on externally supplied freshwater for domestic and office use.

“The introduction of the RO plant has contributed to improved water efficiency by enabling on-site treatment and reuse of water for human consumption, rather than relying solely on potable water sourced from external supply systems,” says Hericourt.

Meanwhile, water quality monitoring forms a critical component of Gold One’s water stewardship approach, with surface water, groundwater and process water all monitored regularly to ensure compliance with regulatory limits and internal standards.

In this vein, he says proactive measures are also taken to identify trends early and address potential risks before they escalate.

“Protecting surrounding water resources and neighbouring communities remains a key consideration in all water management decisions,” notes Hericourt.

“Gold One’s water stewardship will continue to be embedded in the mine’s environmental management systems with a strong emphasis on prevention of impacts, efficient use of available water and protection of surrounding water and communities. Improving reuse remains central to limiting dependence on external sources while maintaining operational stability,” he concludes.