sewage-types

Mineral wastewater

June 17, 2025
admin

Mineral wastewater is one of the most problematic types of industrial wastewater, resulting from mining and mineral processing activities. This type of wastewater contains toxic and dangerous compounds that may cause serious damage to the environment and human health. In this article, we will discuss in detail the properties of mineral wastewater, its sources, the chemical compounds contained in it, and modern methods of treating it.

Sources of production of mineral wastewater

Mineral wastewater is mainly produced from three main sources:

  1. Water leaking from mines  :

    • Water leaks in underground mines

    • Water collected in open mines

    • Water used in extraction processes

  2. Wastewater from mineral  : treatment

    • Water used in crushing and grinding

    • Wastewater from flotation processes

    • Mineral washing water

  3. Wastewater associated with mineral waste  :

    • Water leakage from waste dams

    • Runoff from waste accumulation areas

    • Leakage from metal waste dumps

Chemical composition of mineral wastewater

Mineral wastewater often contains the following compounds:

Heavy metals

  • Lead (Pb)

  • Mercury (Hg)

  • Cadmium (Cd)

  • Arsenic (AS)

  • Copper (Cu)

  • Zinc (Zn)

Acids

  • Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)

  • Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Cyanide

  • Sodium cyanide (NaCN)

  • Potassium cyanide (KCN)

Suspended solids

  • Fine particles of metals

  • Heavy sediment

Other Vehicles

  • Sulfate

  • Nitrates

  • Radioactive compounds (in some mines)

Environmental impacts of mineral wastewater

Untreated mineral wastewater can have the following adverse effects:

  1. Pollution of water  : resources

    • Low surface and groundwater quality

    • Creating acidic conditions in water (AMD – Acid Mine Drainage)

    • Hydrotoxicity

  2. soil pollution  :

    • low soil fertility;

    • Accumulation of heavy metals in the food chain

    • Change soil pH

  3. Impact on human  : health

    • Kidney and liver diseases caused by heavy metals

    • Neurological disorders

    • Increased risk of cancer

Mineral wastewater treatment methods

1. Physical methods

  • Sedimentation  : for the separation of suspended solids.

  • Filtration  : the use of sand filters or membranes.

  • Evaporation  : condensation of wastewater.

2. Chemical methods

  • Neutralization  : Use lime or soda to adjust the pH.

  • Coagulation and agglomeration  : to remove heavy metals

  • Chemical  deposition: The use of chemicals to precipitate minerals.

3. Biological methods

  • Wetlands Processed  : Using Plants to Absorb Minerals

  • Treatment with thiobacillus  bacteria: for oxidation of sulfur compounds

4. Advanced methods

  • Reverse  osmosis: to remove metal ions

  • Ion  exchange: using special resins

  • Electrocoagulation  : The use of electric current to remove contaminants.

New technologies in  mineral wastewater management

  1. Metal   :Recovery Systems

    • Re-extraction of precious metals from wastewater

    • Use of electrolysis methods

  2. Co-purification  :

  3. Prevention of wastewater  : production

    • Dry extraction methods

    • Water recycling systems in progress

    • Sound management of mining waste

Challenges of Mineral Wastewater Treatment

  • High purification cost

  • Complexity of chemical compounds

  • The need for mine-specific processing systems

  • Problems related to the disposal of  sludge  produced after treatment

  • The need for continuous monitoring of wastewater quality

Sustainable solutions for mineral wastewater management

  1. Implementation of environmental  : standards

    • Continuous monitoring of effluent quality

    • Obliging mines to implement processing systems

  2. Research & Development  :

    • Invest in advanced purification technologies

    • Development of low-cost purification methods

  3. Building education and culture  :

    • Mining Personnel Training

    • Raising public awareness

  4. Circular  : Economy

    • Recovery of valuable materials from wastewater

    • Reuse of pure water

Conclusion

Mineral wastewater, as one of the most complex types of industrial wastewater, requires scientific and technological management. Due to the toxic and hazardous compounds contained in them, the development of effective and economical treatment methods is of particular importance. Modern methods of mineral wastewater management should be based on the principles of sustainable development, material recovery and environmental impact reduction.

Using advanced  refining technologies and the application of rigorous monitoring programs, the mining sector can continue its economic activities while fulfilling its social and environmental responsibilities. The future of the industry depends on a balance between economic exploitation and environmental protection.