Identification of water and energy synergy and trade-off potentials in the Peruvian mining industry

My MASc thesis involves the assessment of water management options proposed for two mine projects in Peru, with the overarching objective of identifying whether water and energy impacts are being considered and accounted for in a coupled manner during the selection of the mine’s water management strategy. In addition, an early attempt to benchmark the water and energy consumption of both mine projects to similar operations will be explored to allow a broad assessment of water and energy efficiency. I have identified two key aspects in my research that would benefit most through the Globalink Research Award. First, in order to evaluate both water and energy impacts in a coupled manner in a mine water system it is necessary to develop a framework – currently inexistent – that jointly assesses and accounts them. I would be interested in whether and how this is being explored by researchers at SMI-UQ. Second, efforts by mining operations to reduce water and energy consumption can be gauged by comparison against benchmarks. “TO BE CONT’D”

Faculty Supervisor:

Nadja Kunz;Bern Klein

Student:

Partner:

The University of Queensland

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: