Creating Value with the Future in Mind - Anglo American South Africa

managing our impact on the environment water
Our performance
At our operations we use a
combination of technology,
behavioural and process change
initiatives aimed at reducing our total
water consumption and minimising
any negative impacts on water quality.
Total water use
Despite acquisitions, expansions and
production increases, and taking into
account divestments, the Group has
maintained a reasonably stable level
of water demand since 2008.
During 2012, our operations
consumed a total of 139.2 million m 3
of water, of which 122.3 million m 3 was
for primary process and production
activities (2011: 115.3 million m 3 ). The
year-on-year increase was primarily
attributable to greater consumption at
our Los Bronces copper mine in Chile
and our Barro Alto nickel plant in Brazil.
These increases were mitigated
by: a reduction in water use at our
Platinum business, where mining
and processing activities were
suspended for several weeks owing
to unprotected industrial action; a
significant increase in water recycling
at Los Bronces; and a number of watersavings
projects implemented around
the Group. Through WETT, we are now
able to report on our water usage
against projected demand, and to
Total water abstracted,
by source in 2012
%
establish water savings resulting from
our focus on water efficiency. In 2012,
60 water-saving projects achieved a
saving of 6.8% against our projected
water usage. This included a
$66 million investment in projects
specifically designed to save water.
Although the direct financial saving
associated with this was relatively low,
given that water pricing does not
currently reflect its wider value, our
business case is a broader one that is
often based on other considerations,
such as pollution control and
community benefit.
In addition to targeting overall water
reductions, our operations aim to
re-use and recycle as much water
as possible. In 2012, 72% of our
operational water requirements
were met by recycling/re-using water
(2011: 67%). There were several high
performers in terms of recycling, with
some operations reaching levels as
high as 90% and 97%.
Our operations are also seeking to
reduce their dependency on highquality
water by switching to the use
of lower-water-quality grades where
this is deemed fit for the intended
use. Currently, potable water accounts
for only 18% of our total water
requirements.
Total water required,
by use in 2012
%
In 2012, 60
water-saving
projects
achieved a
saving of 6.8%
against our
projected water
usage. This
included a
$66 million
investment
in projects
specifically
designed to
save water.
Water sources affected
by withdrawal
Our Iron Ore Brazil, Metallurgical Coal,
Thermal Coal, Nickel and Platinum
business units reported no adverse
impacts on local water sources arising
from their operations withdrawing
water. In South Africa, Kumba’s Sishen
iron ore mine continues to manage
issues of concern among local farmers
regarding mine dewatering activities
that impact on the availability of
groundwater. Although mine
dewatering draws on water resources
from the properties of certain
landowners, the mine supplies
affected landowners with alternative
sources of water as and when required.
Dewatering activities at Kumba’s
Kolomela mine are managed in a
similar manner, and good relations
have been established with
landowners. Opportunities to use
innovative approaches to these issues,
such as aquifer grouting and water
re-injection into aquifers, are being
investigated as possible future
mitigation measures.
Copper’s Mantoverde mine in Chile
is situated in one of the driest regions
of the world and is dependent on the
already-stressed Copiapó aquifer for
its water. We are building a desalination
plant that will meet the plant’s water
needs, thereby alleviating pressure
on the Copiapó aquifer from 2014. To
assist the local community, we have
also negotiated with local water service
providers to provide access to wells
the mine no longer uses.
Water quality
Mining influences both the amount
of water that is available, and its
chemistry. Poor-quality water is not
only harmful to the environment and
human health, but it is also detrimental
to mining operations as it can be
destructive to equipment. The volume
and quality of water that is allowed to
be discharged by our operations are
pre-determined through regulatory
processes. Any unplanned discharges
or breaches of legal agreements are
reported as environmental incidents
and addressed promptly.
We employ a five-tiered scale to report
on the impact of an incident. Level 1
and 2 incidents are minor in nature
and, while remedial action is taken for
every incident, they are not reported
Ground water 34
Surface water 31
Potable water from an
external source 18
Waste water/second-class water 9
Non-potable water from an
external source 8
Water re-used/recycled
in processes 72
Water used for
primary activities 25
Water used for
non-primary activities 3
58 Anglo American plc Sustainable Development Report 2012