Celebrating World Water Day 2026, Euromines highlights how our members are advancing sustainable water management. From recycling systems and treatment technologies to operational improvements and awareness programmes, these initiatives protect water resources and support long-term environmental and community sustainability.
Water is essential for mining operations and the communities around them. Strengthening sustainable water management helps minimise environmental impacts, protect local water resources, and ensure the long-term viability of mining activities.
Explore how our members are driving sustainable water management below.
Boliden AB - Sustainable Water Management
At its Aitik mine in Sweden, Boliden AB showcases sustainable water management practices that both maximise recycling and protect the environment. About 90% of process water is reused, while advanced clarification ponds and automated monitoring systems ensure water quality and reduce emissions. By relying on internal water cycles rather than drawing from rivers, Boliden minimises its environmental footprint and continuously invests in innovations that safeguard local ecosystems and support responsible mining. Learn more.
Primigea & Atalaya Mining - Efficient Water Management and Zero Liquid Discharge
Our member PRIMIGEA, together with Atalaya Mining, also a member of Aminer, demonstrates how a circular approach to water management can support efficient, climate-resilient mining operations. By prioritising water reuse and minimising freshwater demand, their operations have achieved an 81% water recirculation rate in 2024 and reduced external freshwater withdrawals by 45% since 2021.
Through a closed-loop system, water is continuously reused and fully utilised, even during periods of drought, ensuring operational stability while reducing environmental impact. As part of a broader circular economy strategy focused on prevention, reuse, and innovation, this approach highlights how modern mining can be both resource-efficient and aligned with long-term water conservation.
Cobre Las Cruces - Drainage and Reinjection System
At its operation in Seville, Spain, Cobre Las Cruces, a member of Aminer, has implemented a pioneering approach to safeguard local aquifers through its advanced Drainage and Reinjection System (DRS). Designed to maintain a strict separation between mining activities and the surrounding hydrogeological environment, the system safely extracts groundwater before it can come into contact with the ore body, ensuring the protection of this vital resource.
The extracted water is treated using reverse osmosis, one of the most advanced purification technologies available, before being carefully reinjected back into the aquifer at a controlled distance from operations. Supported by continuous monitoring, this process preserves both groundwater quality and the natural hydrological balance. Complementing this system, a recently expanded Permanent Water Treatment Plant further enhances treatment capacity and operational resilience, demonstrating how innovative engineering can enable responsible mining while protecting essential water resource
LKAB - Wetlands Restoration
LKAB’s MyreN project is restoring over 1,000 hectares of wetlands in northern Sweden in partnership with regional authorities, helping to reestablish natural water flows across the landscape. By closing historic drainage channels and allowing water levels to return to their natural state, the initiative enables wetlands to recover their essential ecological functions.
These restored ecosystems act as natural water reservoirs, regulating flows, reducing the impacts of droughts and heavy rainfall, and improving water quality by filtering nutrients and metals before they reach surrounding rivers and lakes. The project also strengthens climate resilience by buffering extreme weather events and lowering wildfire risks, while creating healthier habitats that support rich biodiversity. Beyond its environmental impact, MyreN demonstrates how collaboration between industry and public stakeholders can deliver large-scale, nature-positive solutions that enhance both ecosystem health and community resilience. Learn more.
Sustainable Water Solutions for Mining
These initiatives show how the European mining sector advances sustainable water management through innovation, operational improvements, and collaboration. By sharing these examples, Euromines promotes wider adoption of sustainable practices that protect water resources and support community wellbeing, balancing industrial activity with environmental stewardship.