Mining sites near water resources can cause pollution on multiple levels. Water transports mining‑derived contaminants from tailings, waste rock, and processing plants to rivers, lakes, and aquifers, causing impacts on human health and the natural environment. When approaching the issues surrounding mining development in river basin management or land use planning, it is essential to integrate Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). SEA and IWRM add value for mining sector development, especially in identifying risks of mining activities for water resources in a wider river basin or landscape. They are important for a strategic impact assessment on river basin or landscape level, responsible and equitable water resources management, for collaborative governance, for identifying alternatives for development, and for improving wider stakeholder engagement.
The main advantages of combining SEA and IWRM in a mining context are summarised in the infographic below.
The NCEA reinforced its commitment to support the Mozambican authorities in strengthening environmental governance.
