THE ROLE OF HYDROMETALLURGY IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

It is becoming increasingly clear that humanity must address quickly the rapid degradation in the quality of our planet's environment. No human activity will be allowed without regard for its impact on air and water quality, on energy consumption and on greenhouse gas evolution. This is particularly true for industries such as mining and extractive metallurgy, which have high visibility and which have for some time been prime targets for legislation and public concern. Hydrometallurgy, because it is a discipline central to the preservation of water quality and to the safe and economical treatment and disposal of wastes, has a significant role in making sustainable development a workable doctrine. Selected examples of hydrometallurgical technologies that will continue to be important are reviewed, including abatement of acid drainage from tailings, heavy metal and arsenic removal from wastewaters, recycling alternatives and processes for decreased energy requirements. Cyanide destruction technology is a practical example that is discussed in terms of a successful environmental technology development. What is abundantly needed are multidisciplinary scientific teams, working closely with government regulatory agencies and with design engineers and plant operators, to transform laboratory ideas into industrial facilities that are acceptable to a knowledgeable public.