Mine water management involves a wide range of considerations, varying from site to site and evolving throughout the lifecycle of a mining asset. They include water inflows, surface water from precipitation or runoff, process waters, underground water, and water outflows or storage.
Water reuse is an essential element of site water management – but in real-terms, reuse demands effective treatment or it leads to operational problems. Traditional approaches can lead to scaling in pipes and equipment, unstable process water chemistry, excessive sludge generation, or negative compliance impacts. Failure to adequately treat prior to increasing water reuse leads back to more water-related risk and cost.
Renix is redefining water reuse by offering operators an adoptable, flexible water reuse solution that delivers reliability, efficiency, and strategic value where other treatment approaches fall short.
Nexa Resources recently presented a technical paper describing Renix’s approach at the Technology, Innovation and Sustainability Forum (TIS Forum) during PERUMIN 37. The paper, now officially published, highlights the RenixUIX™ Steady-State Ion Exchange Platform to treat mining effluent water for reuse in site operations.
The proof-of-concept and in-house pilot provided strong, consistent results:
- Sulfate reduction from over 2,800 mg/L to below 100 mg/L.
-
Heavy metal concentrations below required limits.
-
Water hardness decreased by more than 75%, enabling safe recirculation without scaling.
-
95% water recovery, suitable for reuse as process water.
-
Potential for co-product creation instead of waste generation.
Moreover, the paper describes the system’s steady state advantage and support of distributed water reuse. This makes it a practical and scalable solution for site-level implementation.
Want to dive deeper into the data and methodology? Read the full technical paper here to explore the findings in detail.
We welcome your thoughts and would be happy to explore how this approach could support your water management goals.
? Interested in learning more? Book a call here to discover how RenixUIX™ can help.