The use of seawater in mining

• Published in: Mineral processing and extractive metallurgy review Vol. 39; no. 1; pp. 18 - 33
• Main Authors: Cisternas, Luis A., Gálvez, Edelmira D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Taylor & Francis 02-01-2018; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Caliche; Copper; desalination; Deserts; Flotation; Leaching; Mine wastes; Minerals; Mining; Reviews; Seawater; Sulfide; Sulfides; Water distribution systems; Water resources
• ISSN: 0882-7508; 1547-7401
• DOI: 10.1080/08827508.2017.1389729

This article reviews the use of seawater in mining with an emphasis on its use in Chile. The importance of the use of seawater in mining is highlighted in the introduction, then the main characteristics of seawater are reviewed, especially its potential effects on its use in mining. Subsequently, the consumption of seawater in Chile, especially in the regions located in the Atacama Desert, is analyzed based on statistics developed by Cochilco (Chilean Copper Commission). Later, the alternatives for the use of seawater and the distribution system are considered. The effect of seawater on the sulfide minerals flotation, the sulfide copper minerals leaching, and Caliche leaching is analyzed. We can conclude that the use of seawater has been increasing in Chile, which is already a reality, but there are challenges and opportunities that arise from the need to use seawater as a water resource.