Sustainable water management practices have become a key focus of the mining industry, as climate change and water scarcity have become increasingly significant issues facing the globe. In response, many organizations, such as the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), have included a water stewardship component in their Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standards. The TSM is a globally recognized standard and a mandatory requirement for companies in a growing number of mining associations worldwide. The TSM Water Stewardship Protocol can be challenging for companies to navigate due to its broad scope of topics. However, SRK can provide support due to our expertise in sustainable mining practices and worldwide sustainable mining standards.
SRK recently completed a comprehensive external audit of a Canadian mine following the TSM Water Stewardship Protocol. The audit evaluated the mine’s performance across four key indicators: Water Governance, Operational Water Management, Watershed-Scale Planning, and Water Reporting and Performance. A multi-faceted approach was used to assess the mine’s water management practices. SRK started with an extensive review of documents, which were analyzed to determine the mine’s alignment with the TSM Water Stewardship Framework. Interviews with key personnel provided additional insights into the mine’s operational practices and governance structures.
During the audit, SRK found that the Water Stewardship Protocol does not specify explicit criteria for assessing the effectiveness of water management during mine operations. However, since the effectiveness evaluation is defined in the TSM Tailings Management Protocol, SRK used this definition to guide its review of water management effectiveness. The team also drew on insights from a concurrent audit of the TSM Tailings Management Protocol to ensure consistency in related areas of water and tailings management. Part of the Water Stewardship Protocol requires that the facility's water stewardship practices align with the TSM Water Stewardship Framework. To objectively assess the mine’s compliance, SRK employed the ICMM’s Water Stewardship Maturity Framework.
While the mine’s performance exceeded expectations, SRK provided practical recommendations for further improvements. These suggestions aim to strengthen the mine’s already robust water management framework and support ongoing excellence. Through a thorough and systematic approach, SRK delivered a comprehensive evaluation that not only recognizes the mine’s achievements but also offers a roadmap for continuous improvement. This audit highlights SRK’s expertise in sustainable mining practices and demonstrates the importance of independent assessments in fostering industry-leading performance.
