Navigating the waters part 10: European CRM Act and Wastewater management

The extraction of raw materials and rare earth metals, such as minerals, often generates wastewater as a byproduct. This wastewater can be contaminated with various pollutants and poses environmental and health risks if not properly managed. The generation of wastewater during raw materials extraction can vary depending on the specific industry and processes involved, but some common sources and considerations include:

1. Mining and Mineral Extraction:

   • Underground and open-pit mining operations can release groundwater and surface water into the mine, leading to the creation of mine water.

   • The crushing, grinding, and processing of ore can generate wastewater containing heavy metals, sediments, and other contaminants.

   • Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a significant issue in some mining operations, where sulfur-bearing minerals react with air and water, forming acidic runoff that can contaminate water bodies.

Managing Wastewater from Raw Materials Extraction:

Proper management of wastewater from raw materials extraction is crucial to minimise its environmental impact.

Common wastewater management practices include:

1. Treatment: Wastewater is often treated to remove contaminants before discharge. Treatment methods may include sedimentation, filtration, chemical precipitation, and biological treatment.

2. Containment: Preventing contaminated water from entering natural water bodies is essential. This can involve the construction of containment ponds, liners, and barriers to isolate wastewater.

3. Recycling and Reuse: Whenever possible, wastewater can be treated and reused in industrial processes, reducing the need for freshwater.

4. Regulatory Compliance: Governments and regulatory agencies impose standards and regulations to ensure that wastewater discharge meets certain quality criteria.

5. Monitoring: Regular monitoring of water quality and the impact of wastewater discharges on the environment is essential to assess compliance with regulations and identify potential issues.

6. Best Practices: Implementing best practices in raw materials extraction can help reduce the generation of wastewater and minimize its impact on the environment.

In March 2023 the European commission proposed a comprehensive set of actions in the Critical Raw Material Act to ensure the EU's access to a secure, diversified, affordable and sustainable supply of critical raw materials. Critical raw materials are indispensable for a wide set of strategic sectors including the net zero industry, the digital industry, aerospace, and defence sectors. 

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said: “This Act will bring us closer to our climate ambitions. It will significantly improve the refining, processing, and recycling of critical raw materials here in Europe.” 

The Regulation sets clear benchmarks for domestic capacities along the strategic raw material supply chain and to diversify EU supply of critical raw materials by 2030: 

• EU extraction capacity covers at least 10% of the EU's annual consumption. 

• EU processing capacity covers at least 40% of the EU's annual consumption. 

• EU recycling capacity covers at least 15% of the EU's annual consumption. 

• No third country should provide more than 65 % of the EU's annual consumption. 

The Act will reduce the administrative burden and simplify permitting procedures for critical raw materials projects in the EU. This will enable access to finance and shorter permitting timeframes for, amongst others, recycling permits. 

But in summary, the extraction of raw materials and rare earth metals often generates wastewater that can be harmful to the environment if not properly managed.

Effective wastewater management practices are crucial to mitigate environmental and health risks associated with the extraction industry.

Clearwell offer solutions to these challenges