Mining wastewater treatment technologies and resource recovery techniques: A review Funeka Matebese, Alseno K. Mosai, Hlanganani Tutu, Zenixole R. Tshentu Abstract: Mining wastewater can have adverse effects on the ecosystem, so treatment before discharge is essential. This review discusses the effects of mining wastewater on the environment and reports on current treatment technologies such as SAVMIN, SPARRO, Biogenic sulphide, and DESALX. These technologies integrate multiple separation processes for high recovery of salts and water. Modern pilot and laboratory-scale systems for metal recovery and removal are also reported. Some technologies generate toxic sludge, so waste management is considered. Adsorption processes are used in laboratory-scale studies, but reusability, sludge management, and economic analysis are insufficient. Adsorption systems are necessary for wastewater treatment. Integration of systems for precious metal recovery and water reclamation is desirable for circular mining water. 1. Introduction: The mining industry contributes significantly to the global economy. Mining processes require large volumes of water, which is released into the environment after use. Mining wastewater often contains toxic pollutants, exceeding WHO discharge limits. Mining wastewater discharge is a major public concern as it can pollute water resources and negatively affect living organisms. Freshwater supply is a challenge in many parts of the world, so treatment and purification of mining wastewater for reuse are essential. Various methods are used for mining wastewater treatment, including evaporation, biological processes, ion exchange, desalination, clarification, disinfection, zero liquid discharge, and membrane separation. 2. Effects of mining wastewater on the environment: Mining activities produce large quantities of waste containing heavy metals, organic compounds, and high salinity in wastewater, which can pollute local streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Mining wastewater is generally highly acidic and has a high quantity of suspended solids. Unregulated mining activities contribute to environmental pollution and negatively affect living organisms. Human health risks associated with the consumption of fish contaminated with trace elements from surrounding mines are reported. Mining activities result in acid mine drainage, heavy metal contamination, erosion, sedimentation, and processing chemical pollution. Legislation has been established to regulate mining activities and wastewater management to prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment. 3. Treatment of mining wastewater using real technologies: Several wastewater treatment methods and technologies have been tested on a laboratory scale, but their application on a large scale is limited. This section focuses on the application of mine wastewater treatment technologies that have been commissioned at mining sites and have been found to be successful and economical. SAVMIN technology is used to treat mining wastewater, which involves chemical precipitation and has been demonstrated to treat 4 m³ of water per hour. SPARRO technology is a membrane desalination technique that uses seeded precipitation and RO to treat mine wastewater with high calcium and sulfate content. Biogenic sulfide technology focuses on metal recovery and has been applied to several gold mines. DESALX technologyMining wastewater treatment technologies and resource recovery techniques: A review Funeka Matebese, Alseno K. Mosai, Hlanganani Tutu, Zenixole R. Tshentu Abstract: Mining wastewater can have adverse effects on the ecosystem, so treatment before discharge is essential. This review discusses the effects of mining wastewater on the environment and reports on current treatment technologies such as SAVMIN, SPARRO, Biogenic sulphide, and DESALX. These technologies integrate multiple separation processes for high recovery of salts and water. Modern pilot and laboratory-scale systems for metal recovery and removal are also reported. Some technologies generate toxic sludge, so waste management is considered. Adsorption processes are used in laboratory-scale studies, but reusability, sludge management, and economic analysis are insufficient. Adsorption systems are necessary for wastewater treatment. Integration of systems for precious metal recovery and water reclamation is desirable for circular mining water. 1. Introduction: The mining industry contributes significantly to the global economy. Mining processes require large volumes of water, which is released into the environment after use. Mining wastewater often contains toxic pollutants, exceeding WHO discharge limits. Mining wastewater discharge is a major public concern as it can pollute water resources and negatively affect living organisms. Freshwater supply is a challenge in many parts of the world, so treatment and purification of mining wastewater for reuse are essential. Various methods are used for mining wastewater treatment, including evaporation, biological processes, ion exchange, desalination, clarification, disinfection, zero liquid discharge, and membrane separation. 2. Effects of mining wastewater on the environment: Mining activities produce large quantities of waste containing heavy metals, organic compounds, and high salinity in wastewater, which can pollute local streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Mining wastewater is generally highly acidic and has a high quantity of suspended solids. Unregulated mining activities contribute to environmental pollution and negatively affect living organisms. Human health risks associated with the consumption of fish contaminated with trace elements from surrounding mines are reported. Mining activities result in acid mine drainage, heavy metal contamination, erosion, sedimentation, and processing chemical pollution. Legislation has been established to regulate mining activities and wastewater management to prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment. 3. Treatment of mining wastewater using real technologies: Several wastewater treatment methods and technologies have been tested on a laboratory scale, but their application on a large scale is limited. This section focuses on the application of mine wastewater treatment technologies that have been commissioned at mining sites and have been found to be successful and economical. SAVMIN technology is used to treat mining wastewater, which involves chemical precipitation and has been demonstrated to treat 4 m³ of water per hour. SPARRO technology is a membrane desalination technique that uses seeded precipitation and RO to treat mine wastewater with high calcium and sulfate content. Biogenic sulfide technology focuses on metal recovery and has been applied to several gold mines. DESALX technology