ESPOL’s Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) conducted a technical field visit to the Bira Mine facilities and its processing plant, located in Zaruma. The visit provided an opportunity to conduct a technical assessment of operational practices, water resource management, and treatment systems used in the mining operation.
During the visit, the team observed the processes implemented for treating mine water, including the neutralization of acidic water through controlled lime dosing, the precipitation of heavy metals, and the sedimentation of solids using flocculants. These procedures ensure that the effluent meets the necessary conditions for reuse or discharge in accordance with current environmental regulations.
Practices related to tailings management and industrial water recirculation were also reviewed. The use of hydrocyclones allows for the classification and thickening of pulps, while an automated chemical dosing system enables the reuse of 100% of the process water in the grinding and flotation stages, thereby preventing discharges into natural water bodies.
The experience provided firsthand insight into the technologies and practices applied to environmental management, operational control, and industrial safety at an Ecuadorian mining operation. The information gathered will serve as a reference for analyzing a real-world case of technical and environmental management in the mining sector.
These types of activities help bridge the gap between academic education and real-world industry settings and reinforce learning about water management processes, effluent treatment, and tailings management. They also generate valuable insights for applied research in the mining sector.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. For promoting practices for the treatment and reuse of water used in mining processes.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. For sharing knowledge about technologies and processes applied to mining operations.
SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production. For implementing practices aimed at the responsible management of tailings and the reuse of industrial water.
