Resolving Water Risks in Mining Regions
Abstract:
Water is an essential input for mining and minerals processing, but the industry’s use of water can pose detrimental impacts on natural ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. In the past decade, water has emerged as a priority issue among mining companies globally. Two thirds of the world’s largest mines are now located in countries experiencing high water scarcity, while water-related concerns have become a frequent trigger of conflict between companies and communities. In this seminar, I will provide a high-level overview of my evolving research program which focuses on characterizing and resolving water-related risks from the perspective of companies, communities and governments within mining regions. My research strategy is inherently interdisciplinary, bridging the fields of mining engineering, hydrology, social science and operations research. Current study regions include Canada, Chile, Peru, Brazil and Mongolia.
Dr. Nadja Kunz
Assistant Professor, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and Norman B Keevil Mining Engineering
Bio:
Nadja Kunz is an Assistant Professor and NSERC Canada Research Chair in Mine Water Management and Stewardship, jointly appointed across the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and the Norman B Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering. Nadja received her PhD from The University of Queensland (UQ) in 2013. Prior to joining UBC in 2017, Nadja spent 2 years as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Eawag Aquatic Research Institute in Switzerland and consulted as a Water Specialist for the International Finance Corporation. Nadja has Bachelor degrees in Chemical Engineering and Business Management, both from UQ.
This event will be held in AERL Theatre (120), 2202 Main Mall.