Vancouver-based BQE Water has marked a significant milestone in mine water treatment with the successful implementation of a full-scale Selen-IX plant at Coeur Wharf mine in South Dakota, USA. The plant, which commenced routine operations after passing its performance test, was completed in a record 20 months from the start of design engineering to the discharge of compliant water. This achievement underscores BQE Water’s expertise in water treatment and management for the metals mining, smelting, and refining industries, and its commitment to sustainable water management practices.
The Selen-IX plant at Coeur Wharf is designed to treat between 567 to 1,514 litres (150 to 400 gallons) of influent water per minute, reducing selenium concentrations to less than 5 parts per billion. The plant’s rigorous testing involved operating at various flow rates and artificially elevated selenium concentrations to ensure its robustness and reliability. BQE Water will continue to provide ongoing support to ensure the plant’s performance and regulatory compliance.
The choice of Selen-IX technology over biological selenium reduction systems was driven by several factors. Selen-IX’s superior performance in cold temperatures, ability to handle flow fluctuations, and reduced residue management costs made it the optimal choice for Coeur Wharf. Moreover, the system meets in-stream limits directly at the end of the pipe without relying on dilution, a critical factor for environmental compliance.
David Kratochvil, president and CEO of BQE Water, expressed pride in his team’s achievement. “I am very proud of our technical team for delivering yet another Selen-IX plant safely and in record time,” he stated. “The project showcases BQE Water’s agility and the capability of the patented Selen-IX technology which enabled the mine site to start discharging clean water into the environment in 20 months from the start of engineering. This would not have been possible without close collaboration and major support received from Coeur’s team, and we are grateful for all their efforts.”
Jasmine McCauley, environmental manager of Coeur Mining, echoed Kratochvil’s sentiments. “The selenium removal project is an important part of Coeur’s commitment to environmental protection,” she said. “We truly appreciate BQE Water’s expertise and capabilities to meet our environmental commitments quickly, and we look forward to continuing to work with BQE as our technical partner.”
This development is poised to shape the mining sector’s approach to water management. The successful implementation of the Selen-IX plant at Coeur Wharf demonstrates the viability of advanced water treatment technologies in meeting stringent environmental regulations. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between mining companies and technology providers in driving sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the project’s record implementation time sets a new benchmark for future water treatment projects. It underscores the need for agility and efficiency in project execution, particularly in an industry where environmental compliance is increasingly becoming a critical factor for operational success.
As the mining industry continues to grapple with water management challenges, the success of the Selen-IX plant at Coeur Wharf offers a promising solution. It serves as a testament to the potential of innovative technologies in addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable mining practices. The project also underscores the importance of ongoing support and collaboration in ensuring the long-term success of such initiatives.
In the broader context, this development could spur further innovation in mine water treatment technologies. It may also encourage other mining companies to adopt similar technologies to meet their environmental commitments. As such, the successful implementation of the Selen-IX plant at Coeur Wharf is not just a milestone for BQE Water and Coeur Mining, but a significant step forward for the mining industry as a whole.