Sector
Mining
Mining uses water for ore processing, dust suppression and tailings transport. Its principal water significance is often quality rather than quantity: acid mine drainage can contaminate catchments for centuries after a mine closes.
Key facts
- Part of
- Industry
What drives water use in this sector
- Ore grade — lower grades require more processing water per unit metal
- Processing route
- Tailings management method
- Climate and evaporation rates
Relationships
- Part of: Industry
Related intelligence
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Sources
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — AQUASTAT — Global Information System on Water and Agriculture. Public but restricted · CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
- United States Geological Survey — Estimated Use of Water in the United States. Open · US Government work — public domain
- International Energy Agency — Water–energy nexus analysis. Public but restricted · Publisher terms — public access, reuse not clearly granted