Weir, a global leader in mining technology, today announces the launch of its latest report, Untapped: Mining’s opportunity to unlock value through strategic water management and innovative technology. The report highlights the critical role of water in mining and sets out a strategic vision for elevating water stewardship across the industry.
As the world accelerates towards a low-carbon future, demand for metals and minerals is surging. Yet, mining operations are increasingly located in water-stressed regions, intensifying the need for innovative water management. Weir’s new research, based on insights from industry experts, champions the untapped potential for the mining sector to improve water use, future-proof operations, and build trust with stakeholders.
Key findings from the report include:
- Water is under pressure: 16% of the world’s critical mineral mines are in highly water-stressed areas, with copper particularly exposed.
- Integrated, end-to-end management is essential: Every mine is unique, but there is an opportunity to move from localised fixes to holistic solutions by combining geological and geographical data to evaluate best-available technology and drive strategic, systems-based change.
- Innovative technologies exist today: From advanced ore sorting and comminution to tailings dewatering, proven solutions can reduce water use and improve efficiency.
- Holistic frameworks are emerging: Industry bodies such as ICMM and CEEC are driving alignment on metrics and best practices, enabling better decision-making and transparency.
Jon Stanton, CEO of Weir, said that Untapped brings together insights from across the mining sector to highlight both the challenges and opportunities in water management.
"I want to thank the many industry professionals who contributed their expertise to this important resource. By working together and embracing new approaches and technologies, we can unlock greater value from water, strengthen trust with our stakeholders, and help secure a more sustainable future for mining," Stanton said.
The report invites discussion to shift from process-specific problem-solving to strategic water stewardship, urging collaboration between industry leaders, technology innovators, communities, financiers, and governments. By elevating water to a central corporate priority, mining can scale up sustainably, reduce risks, and drive the net zero transition.
Founded in 1871, The Weir Group PLC is one of the world’s leading engineering businesses, with a purpose to make its mining and infrastructure customers’ operations more sustainable and efficient. Weir’s highly engineered technology and digital solutions enable critical resources to be produced using less energy, water, and waste while reducing customers’ total cost of ownership. The Group is ideally positioned to benefit from structural trends that support long-term demand for its technology, including the need for essential metals to support economic development and the carbon transition.
The Group has approximately 12,000 employees operating in over 50 countries, with a presence in every major mining region worldwide. Find out more at www.global.weir.
