Sustainable water management in the mining industry: Paving the way for the future

Mining significantly affects water resources in quantity and quality, especially in water-stressed areas, highlighting the need for integrated management approaches like "One Water". Mining companies are turning to alternative water sources, such as treated wastewater and desalinated water. This study examines the relationship between mining and water resources, focusing on desalination and wastewater reuse, particularly in Brazil. By reviewing scientific literature, sustainability reports, and conducting spatial analysis with QGIS, the study identifies gaps in data transparency on water sources, quality, and footprint variables in reports. The choice between desalination and wastewater reuse depends on regional infrastructure, community needs, and resource availability, requiring customized solutions. The study finds that China leads in mine features (30,873), followed by the USA (6054) and Australia (4032), while Brazil, Canada, and Mexico have over 80 % continental mines. In contrast, countries like Chile and Suriname predominantly have coastal mines, indicating diverse regional challenges. In Brazil, considerable discrepancies between reported data and actual wastewater production in Minas Gerais and Para<acute accent> underscore the need for expanded wastewater treatment systems. Furthermore, successful examples of water reuse in Chile, Peru, and Australia demonstrate the potential for reducing environmental impacts and strengthening industry-community relations. Community participation is vital for the success of water reuse initiatives, especially for irrigation or local use.