Water reuse in mining operations refers to the direct application of treated or untreated wastewater from one process or activity to another without returning it to the natural water cycle first. Unlike water recycling, which involves returning water to the same process loop, water reuse involves utilizing water across different operational departments or purposes within or adjacent to the mine site. In bauxite, gold, iron ore, and diamond mining, water reuse strategies can significantly reduce freshwater consumption and wastewater disposal requirements. For example, treated effluent from tailings storage facilities may be reused for dust suppression on haul roads, compaction of waste rock embankments, or firefighting reserves. Process water from ore washing plants may be reused for equipment cleaning or in slurry transport systems. In some jurisdictions, water reuse extends beyond the mine boundary, with treated mine water being supplied to agricultural operations, municipalities, or industrial users nearby. The quality criteria for reused water depend on the intended application, and comprehensive water quality monitoring programs are essential to ensure fitness for purpose. Effective water reuse programs are increasingly mandated by mining regulations and form key components of mine closure plans, helping to ensure that mine dewatering activities do not adversely affect surrounding water resources and ecosystems.
