Resolution Copper owners’ partner to develop state-of-the-art water conservation technology

Resolution Copper owners BHP and Rio Tinto partner to develop state-of-the-art water conservation technology that could significantly reduce water use and increase recycling for the copper mining industry.

The work involves testing and development of innovative large-volume filter units, which would recover and recycle up to 80% of water back into the copper production process for reuse.

Rio Tinto will bring its experience in implementing smaller-scale filters at its Canadian alumina refinery.

Both BHP and Rio Tinto will work collaboratively with leading technology and equipment providers, technical experts, research groups and the academic sector: https://www.riotinto.com/en/news/releases/2023/bhp-and-rio-tinto-invite-collaboration-on-new-tailings-technologies.

The testing and development of large-scale filter units will take many years, but the investment will be worth it. Reducing overall water consumption in copper production, means we can reallocate more of our water for nature and people.