Sustainable Alternatives of Water Supply for the Mining Industry: Wastewater Re Use v/s Seawater Supply

This paper point out the discussion and evaluation of the non-conventional water resources; the discussion of the results of a multicriteria analysis which allows understanding and evaluating the differences; advantages and disadvantages from the technical-economical, social and environmental point of view of the non conventional water supply options: re use of municipal waste water as compared to seawater supply and its two sub options: raw seawater and desalinated seawater. The results show that there are advantages and disadvantages to each approach, but that use of non-conventional water resources is a viable option for mining companies.