The mining industry is increasingly reliant on digital transformation to drive efficiency, sustainability, and risk management. Surface water hydrology, a critical component of mine water management, is no exception. Traditional hydrological analyses involve complex calculations, data-intensive workflows, and significant challenges related to data availability, particularly for meteorological inputs and climate change assessments.
This paper presents a software program designed to streamline and standardize the methods used to perform surface water hydrology calculations while improving access to high-quality meteorological data. This program integrates automated hydrological computations and models, including runoff estimation, hydrograph generation, SCS_SA model and stormwater management assessments, with enhanced data retrieval capabilities. It facilitates the extension and extrapolation of meteorological datasets, improving baseline climate files for use in climate change impact analyses. Additionally, the software is designed to align with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), ensuring compliance with industry best practices for hydrological and climate risk assessments in mining operations.
By leveraging digital tools to enhance hydrological assessments, this initiative contributes to the mining sector’s broader objectives of operational efficiency, sustainability, and risk mitigation. The program not only reduces computational effort and improves accuracy but also enhances data-driven decision-making for water resource management in mining. This paper will explore the technical methodologies employed, the challenges addressed, and the potential for further integration with real-time monitoring and predictive analytics.
This work aligns with the conference's objectives by showcasing an innovative approach to digital transformation in the mining sector. It highlights the power of data and automation in enabling better water management, climate resilience, and regulatory compliance, ultimately advancing the industry towards sustainability and zero harm.
