Water | Freshet surge: The critical risks mining can’t ignore

The growing challenge of climate change in mining 

The mining industry is no stranger to extreme environmental conditions. However, rising global temperatures are intensifying the challenges posed by seasonal changes. 

Freshets, which occur during spring thaws, lead to rapid snow and ice melts that significantly increase groundwater levels. These events, when combined with heavy rainfall or excessive snowfall, create severe risks for mine sites. Infrastructure, roads, Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF), and waste dumps are particularly vulnerable, with failures potentially leading to environmental disasters and operational shutdowns.

Understanding the risks: freshet snowmelts and their impact 

Mines located in northern climates, such as Canada and the United States, must be prepared for the unique challenges posed by heavy snowfall and freshet conditions. As snow and ice accumulated within the tailings footprint begin to melt, the resulting water must either be contained within the TSF or discharged appropriately. During these high-intensity periods, water inflows can surpass a mine’s discharge capacity, leading to rising water levels in TSFs. 

When tailings and water storage facilities reach their maximum allowable water levels, the risk of dam failure becomes a serious threat. Without proper water management strategies in place, mines may be forced to halt production, leading to costly operational disruptions and potential environmental consequences. If water levels exceed capacity, toxic acid water can be released into the surrounding environment, causing long-term ecological damage. 

Real-world examples of freshet impacts 

Several mining operations have experienced devastating impacts due to freshets: 

• Sibanye-Stillwater’s Uranium and Gold Mines in Montana faced a catastrophic flood event in 2022, triggered by rapid snow and ice melts. The situation was worsened by excessive rainfall, leading to widespread damage and months of lost revenue. 

• Minto Gold Mine in Yukon, Canada, suffered a severe freshet event in Q2 of 2022, with snowfall levels 150%-400% higher than normal. Operations were suspended for over four weeks, costing millions. The mine recorded a $9.5 million CAD loss over three months due to the unexpected water inflow. 

These cases highlight the urgent need for mining operations to establish effective water management strategies to mitigate freshet-related risks. 

Proactive water management: How mines can prepare 

Mining operations across Canada and the U.S. must prioritise emergency response planning for freshet seasons. Key strategies include: 

1. Implementing a Comprehensive Water Management Plan – Mines must have a proactive approach to managing excess water during freshet periods. This includes monitoring environmental conditions and having emergency response procedures in place. 

1. Regularly Assessing TSF and Water Storage Capacities – Ensuring that tailings dams and water storage facilities can handle seasonal water inflows is crucial to avoiding failures. 

1. Deploying Advanced Water Evaporation Systems – One of the most effective ways to manage excess water is through mechanical water evaporation systems that safely and efficiently remove surplus water. 

Minetek’s water evaporation solutions 

Minetek has been a global leader in water management solutions, completing over 700 successful projects across 29 countries. Our innovative land-based and floating wastewater evaporation systems provide mining operations with a sustainable solution to excess water management. 

Minetek’s Water Evaporators are uniquely engineered to handle: 

• Acidic and caustic water (pH 1 to pH 14+) 

• High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 

• Large solids up to 4.0mm in diameter 

Our evaporation systems can remove, on average, 50% of the water volume processed, reducing dam water levels while ensuring compliance with global environmental standards. For mines with limited space, Minetek also offers Floating Evaporators, designed for optimal efficiency on water bodies. 

Comparing water management solutions 

Mining operations require effective and scalable water management solutions. Traditional methods such as water treatment, trucking, new dam construction, and water pumping all come with high costs, long lead times, and significant infrastructure demands. 

Minetek’s mechanical evaporation systems offer: 

• Lower capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX) compared to traditional treatment methods 

• Rapid deployment within 6-8 weeks 

• Minimal maintenance requirements 

• Scalability to suit operational needs 

Final thoughts 

Mining operators across North America must prioritise emergency response and risk mitigation strategies for freshet snowmelts. As climate change continues to drive unpredictable weather patterns, proactive planning is more critical than ever. 

Minetek’s advanced water evaporation systems provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for mines to effectively manage excess water, ensuring uninterrupted production and regulatory compliance. 

If your mine is looking for an innovative way to mitigate the impact of freshet events, contact Minetek today to learn more about our water management solutions.