Applying water risk assessment methods in mining: Current challenges and opportunities

An increasing number of methods have been developed for guiding water risk assessments in different commodity sectors. With water being a key sustainability challenge in mining operations, these methods may help investors and downstream industries to respond to rising demands for responsible sourcing and investment practices. However, their fundamental predictive accuracy in the mining sector needs to be resolved. This study tests the ability of three assessment methods to adequately reflect water-related risks of a mining operation based on a case study approach for six copper mines. Findings indicate that the methods show potential to support water stewardship strategies. However, a number of constraints arise from variable degrees of evaluation subjectivity, subject generalizations as well as constraints in input data quality. Recommendations based on these findings include suggestions on the development of a mining specific assessment approach and the refinement of assessment language. © 2019 The Authors.