All industries are responsible for reducing carbon emissions and pollution. In the mining industry, this responsibility can be difficult to meet without the right equipment, systems and processes in place. Naturally, companies need to consider profitability in their decision-making, but environmental responsibility doesn’t need to take a back seat.

There are numerous ways for mining companies to reduce their environmental impact. In this article, we’ll discuss some specific systems you can use to enhance productivity and boost your bottom line while also meeting your sustainability targets.

Sludge Dewatering Systems

Sludge dewatering systems are useful for separating solids from liquids, which essentially reduces the amount of waste you need to dispose of. In simple terms, contaminated water (known as sludge) flows through industrial filtration media, catching the solids and allowing water to pass through.

Using vacuum technology, the solid material is dried and pushed into a disposal bin. With the absence of water, the waste weighs far less, reducing waste disposal costs and also saving you money on transport expenses.

For the environment, the benefits are clear. You can recycle the remaining water, cutting down water usage. Plus, there is also less waste going to landfill.

High-speed Vertical Basket Centrifuges

Whether it’s groundwater or drilling mud, high-speed vertical basket centrifuges are vital for the mining industry. A centrifuge is a vessel that spins at a rapid rate, separating water from solids. Centrifuges can assist in removing fine solids, leaving behind clean water that can be reused. This reduces water usage and waste, helping both the environment and your profits.

In addition, you can also cut down your wastewater disposal costs. If you don’t have the right equipment to treat your wastewater, you’ll end up paying a premium rate for it to be processed at an offshore site. Plus, there are transport costs associated with removing the waste. Processing on-site removes these costs.

Coolant Filtration

All types of mining equipment require some form of lubrication and cooling. Coolant is the most commonly used substance, but in dusty environments like a mining site, it can quickly become contaminated. Dust, dirt and any other contaminants contribute to more wear and tear on machinery and increased coolant costs.

You can use a number of methods to filter coolant, such as centrifuges, surface oil skimmers, magnetic filtration and more. These systems allow you to remove contaminants, leaving behind clean coolant that can be reused. This reduces your operating expenses and also ensures easy disposal of waste.

Oil Skimmers

Another way to remove contaminants from coolant or oil is by using surface oil skimmers. During mining operations, oil can become mixed with water, effectively rendering both substances unusable. Surface oil skimmers separate oil from water, giving you double savings. First, the oil or lubricant can be reused if practical, or disposed of safely (and much more cost-effectively). Secondly, the remaining water is no longer contaminated with oil, so you can recycle it for other purposes.

Oil skimmers reduce your operating costs by allowing for the recycling of materials, and for the environment, it means only contaminant-free water is disposed of in the environment.

Spill Kits

Spill kits typically contain high-quality absorbent materials to be used in the event of an accident or spill. They should contain appropriate materials to clean up oil, water and any other fluids. While spill kits aren’t necessarily used daily, they contribute to your environmental responsibility and improve your profits.

If a spill occurs and is left unattended, it can result in accidents, injuries and worse. These types of incidents can be extremely costly financially, in addition to the human cost. Workers compensation premiums rise and there are many other flow-on effects.

Spill kits prevent costly and nasty accidents, but they also ensure all contaminants are cleaned and disposed of correctly, rather than making their way into the environment.

Centrifugal Blowers and Exhausters

Mining environments are incredibly dusty and prone to airborne contaminants. People often work in enclosed spaces too, surrounded by potentially harmful particles in the air. These contaminants can affect workers, equipment and the environment. Centrifugal blowers and exhausters help to remove particles from an enclosed space, providing clean air in the process.

Without systems like these, workers can become sick, which reduces productivity, creates a shortfall in staff, and compromises site safety. Plus, contaminants that aren’t managed appropriately can affect the surrounding environment. Clean air, especially in the mining industry, is vital.

Harnessing Automation

Overall, these systems provide effective methods for reducing operating costs, improving safety, and limiting the environmental impact of mining operations. But it’s important to consider labour costs when purchasing wastewater and industrial filtration equipment.

Automated systems are always preferred, because they can run continuously with very little need for manual intervention. So, before you buy, always consult with Interfil’s experts for advice. We’ll make sure you get automated systems that keep labour costs down.

Need Help Balancing Profitability and Environmental Responsibility?

Interfil is your leading provider of modern solutions for all types of industries. From sludge de-watering systems to centrifugal blowers, we’ve got a wide range of products to suit your needs. To maximise your profits while ensuring you meet all sustainability targets and regulations. Our experienced team provides tailored systems to suit your specific needs, both now and in the future. Contact us today to find out how we can help.

Read Also:
How Companies Are Reducing Their Carbon Footprint Through Sludge Dewatering
The 4 Types of Industrial Filtration and Their Benefits