aoth-logoaoth-logoaoth-logoaoth-logo
  • Articles
    • Medical
      • Addiction
      • CBD
      • Health
      • Wellness
    • Metals
      • Battery Metals
      • Critical Metals
      • Energy Metals
      • Industrial Metals
      • Precious Metals
    • Energy
      • Nuclear
      • Oil & Gas
      • Renewable
    • Environment
      • Clean Energy
      • Global Warming
        • Decarbonization
        • Electrification
      • Pollution
    • Markets
      • Bitcoin
      • Bonds
      • Commodities
      • cryptocurrency
      • Currency
      • Digital Currency
      • Inflation
      • Interest Rates
    • Technology
      • 3D Printing
      • 5G
      • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
      • Blockchain
      • Imaging
    • Politics
    • Education
  • 文章
  • Company Profiles
  • News
  • Video
  • Articles
  • Under The Spotlight
Home | Disclaimer | 免责声明 | Newsletter Subscribe | RSS Subscribe

Orphaned Poisoned Waters

  • Home
  • Articles
  • Environment
  • Orphaned Poisoned Waters
June 25, 2017

2017.06.25

 

There’s a lot of water on the planet we inhabit – an estimated 326 million trillion gallons or 1,260,000,000,000,000,000,000 liters. Hard to believe are reports water is going to get much dearer in our near term future – yet Peter Voser, chief executive of the world’s second-largest energy company, Royal Dutch Shell, warned us, as far back as June 2011, that global demand for fresh water may outstrip supply by as much as 40 per cent in 20 years if current fresh-water consumption trends continue. And Voser isn’t the only one warning about future fresh water shortages…

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) predicts that by 2025, one-third of all humans will face severe and chronic water shortages.

“According to the United Nations, water use has grown at more than twice the rate of population increase in the last century. By 2025, an estimated 1.8 billion people will live in areas plagued by water scarcity, with two-thirds of the world’s population living in water-stressed regions as a result of use, growth, and climate change.” National Geographic

The World Economic Forum has placed the world water crisis in the top three of global problems, alongside climate change and terrorism.

 

Our fresh water resource

Our planet is 70 percent covered in ocean – 98% of the world’s water is in the oceans. Which makes 98% of the world’s water unfit for drinking, or irrigation.

Just 2% of the world’s water is fresh. The vast majority of our fresh water, 1.64%, is in its frozen state and locked up in the polar ice caps, Greenland’s ice sheet and glaciers. Once it melts its contaminated by seawater, either by melting directly into the oceans or running to the world’s oceans through a stream or river.

Our available freshwater, .36% of the water on the planet, is found underground in aquifers and wells, and on the surface in lakes and rivers.

“In many parts of the world, in particular in the dry, mid-latitudes, far more water is used than is available on an annual, renewable basis. Precipitation, snowmelt, and stream flow are no longer enough to supply the multiple, competing demands for society’s water needs. Because the gap between supply and demand is routinely bridged with non-renewable groundwater, even more so during drought, groundwater supplies in some major aquifers will be depleted in a matter of decades. The myth of limitless water and the free-for-all mentality that has pervaded groundwater use must now come to an end. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory hydrologist James Famiglietti, Nature Climate Change

 

There are currently 7.4 billion of us sharing the world’s fresh water resources. By 2050 the United Nations (UN) expects the world’s population to reach 9.7 billion. Feeding everyone in 2050 could require 50% more water than is needed now.

One of the greatest issues facing us in the 21st century is how we will share this less than half a per cent of usable freshwater to feed our increasing population. If the predicted 40 percent shortfall occurs, and United Nations (UN) population growth estimates are correct, by 2050 we’ll need to feed 2.3 billion more people using far less fresh water than we have available today.

Advances in technology, innovation, and best practices/conservation are already clashing with finite water resources, relentless population growth, changing diets, a lack of investment in water infrastructure and increased urban, agricultural and industrial water usage.

Investment in water management as a percentage of GDP has dropped by half in most countries since the late 1990s.

Water is a commodity whose scarcity will have a profound effect on the world within the next decade – the danger to us from the worsening ecological overshoot concerning the world’s fresh water supply makes the reevaluation of our values mandatory. We will have to drastically change the way in which we view our freshwater as a resource.

“Current estimates indicate that we will not have enough water to feed ourselves in 25 years time.” International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Director General Colin Chartres

There is widespread legacy surface and groundwater contamination continuing today that makes valuable water supplies unfit for other uses.

 

Abandoned and orphaned mine sites

 

When a mining company wants to dig up specific minerals, it has to remove rock from the earth to do so. Any rock removed that does not contain economic amounts of the wanted mineral is called waste rock. Mining companies put this waste rock in piles called “dumps.”

The economic rock (ore) is then crushed and ground for processing in the mill. Many different chemicals (reagents) such as ammonia, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, cyanide and mercury can be used to extract the desired mineral(s) from the crushed material. The wastes from this process are called “tailings.” Tailings can kept in “ponds” – large underwater containment areas or dry stacked on land. Tailings are contained underwater so no air gets at them. Both tailings and waste rock can contain sulphide minerals.

There are thousands of abandoned mines and sites around the world that display unbelievably high levels of contamination from toxins used in and extracted during the mining process. Historically conventional mineral extraction involved virtually unregulated processing of the ores. There also wasn’t any regulated disposal of the unwanted rock and tailings.

Acid Rock Drainage (ARD)

Acid Rock Drainage results from the oxidation of sulfide minerals such as pyrite, marcasite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite. These sulfide minerals oxidize in the presence of water and oxygen forming sulphuric acid.

This means you can have drainage from a mine site that is highly acidic and sulfate rich. This drainage dissolves and releases heavy metals (like lead, zinc, copper, arsenic, selenium, mercury, and cadmium) into aquifers and surface water – waters contaminated by ARD have low pH, low alkalinity and high concentrations of heavy metals and sulphates.

This process can and does occur naturally, but mining activities can obviously expose a significant amount of material in what is a very short amount of time. Mining ups the scale and hence the impact of the acid generation far beyond what is normally found in nature because of the sudden large-scale exposure to air and water of previously buried material containing sulphide minerals.

Dry stack tailings, and waste rock piles expose massive amounts of sulphide minerals directly to the environment. Torrential rains can cause acid to literally run out of these piles.

Acid rock drainage can affect the immediate area around the contaminated site for decades. It can travel far downstream and drain into underground aquifers impacting areas and drinking water many ten’s, perhaps hundreds, of kilometers from where it originated. Water pollution from dry stack tailings piles, waste rock dumps and tailings ponds may need to be managed for decades, if not centuries, after a mine closes. In countries with long histories of mining the sheer magnitude of the problem can be considerable.

 
Legacy

Many abandoned and orphaned (those with no traceable owner) mine sites have severe impacts on ecosystem integrity and human health. ARD is seeping out of these sites contaminating fresh water sources and surrounding lands putting local communities at risk. These communities are left to deal with the toxic legacy, or, much more frequently, because of a lack of financial where withal and political clout, to try and live with the contamination and its impacts on their and their family’s health.

There are thousands of sites around the world that contain mining-related arsenic, mercury and other substances. Many of these sites are already ecological disasters and many more are contamination time bombs waiting to go off, not if – when. It’s no wonder the public is increasingly demanding that their government at all levels, and the companies responsible, address the contamination.

Treatment for ARD

Toronto based BacTech Environmental Corp. (CSE: BAC, OTC: BCCEF, WKN: A1H4TY) is a pioneering, environmental technology company that has developed and commercialized a proprietary technology (registered trademark is BACOX) to remediate highly toxic tailing areas resulting from abandoned mining operations.

BACOX is a biological reactor leaching process that uses naturally occurring bacteria to safely oxidize sulphides in waste rock and tailings, thereby eliminating a major source of acid rock drainage. The bacteria used are harmless to both humans and the environment.

In the bioleaching process, toxic elements such as arsenic and mercury are stabilized. The tailings created by bioleaching are benign, and zero environmental damage occurs as a result of the process. Bioleaching treats the disease – not just the symptom.

Telamayu

Interestingly BacTech’s BACOX bioleaching process not only stabilizes the contained toxic substances but captures both precious and base metals for commercial sale. With the chance of recovering commercially viable metals from the tailings, BacTech has a strong value proposition for investors.

In association with the Bolivian government mining agency, COMIBOL, the company has established a tin, silver and copper tailings project in that country called Telamayu.

On May 24, 2016, BacTech and COMIBOL signed an Association Contract for the Telamayu project. In exchange for providing the capital for the project, the construction and the operations for the plant, BacTech will receive 100% of the cash flow from the project for 18 months, or until such time as the debt against the project is retired, or whichever comes first. After completing the repayment of the debt, the project splits into a 55/45 ownership of the cash flow in COMIBOL’s favor. BacTech is currently raising the monies to advance Telamayu towards production.

Telamayu is a mill site that has been processing material from local mines for 100 years. There is a power substation and an operating railroad servicing the area. In addition, the area already has a mining trained workforce.

On May 16, 2017 – BacTech announced the latest assays from their joint venture  Telamayu, Bolivia tailings project showing very impressive tin, silver and copper and results:

  • Assays up to 2.09% tin.
  • Assays of up to 18 oz/t silver.
  • Copper assays were as high as 3.19%. The Telamayu mill was set up for tin, silver and zinc recovery, meaning the copper was passed through.

 

 

Almost 50% of the value for recovered metals is in the tin:

  • Tin is plus US$20,000 metric ton today
  • China the largest exporter of tin ~50%, Bolivia is #4
  • Lately, supply issues have led to shrinking warehouse inventory
  • Tin is being used more as a conductive in electrical applications – very large market
  • Tin (Sn) application in Li-ion batteries will also stimulate demand growth as this industry is actively developing
  • Bolivia is host to many historic tin/silver tailings
  • BacTech is actively looking to add to their inventory of projects
  • Drilling to confirm tin grade at Telamayu
  • Indonesian export regulations influence the global supply; potential supply shortage may appear in the coming years

Peter Kettle, chief analyst at research group ITRI Ltd. said, in late 2016, that tin prices may rise to about $30,000 a metric ton in 2018-2019. Kettle also said the market will have a deficit of 10,000 tons to 15,000 tons in 2017.

 Conclusion

I’m not against mining. In fact, I’m very much in favor of resource extraction. Mining, fishing and logging all provide quality high paying jobs and these industries are some of only a handful that create new money, bringing prosperity and security to communities.

We inhabit this earth and call it our home. Clean water, breathable air and a land free of contamination has to be the legacy we leave our children. Miners understand this and methods have changed. What once were acceptable practices are now recognized as unacceptable.

When a metal’s, indeed any commodities, supply side is constrained, in combination with strong demand, that commodity is in a situation that almost guarantees upward pressure on its price. Add in geo-political concerns about the commodities major producers and a share price rise, in this author’s opinion, is already baked in.

For us, as retail investors, the trick is to find a low cost potential future producer of that commodity with those kinds of dynamics. Buying that company before it’s been fully ‘de-risked’ means you have a chance to make very large gains for two very good reasons:

  • Because junior resource extraction companies have historically offered the greatest leverage to rising commodity prices
  • Because share prices undergo upwards revision as the company moves closer to production.

Protecting the quality of our fresh water resources is a huge challenge.

 

BacTech is accepting the challenge by helping to clean up dangerous legacy mining sites. And for that reason (and for potential cash flow adjusting the company’s market value), CSE:BAC should be on all our combating pollution radar screens.

Richard (Rick) Mills

  

Richard’s articles have been published on over 400 websites, including:

WallStreetJournal, USAToday, NationalPost, Lewrockwell, MontrealGazette, VancouverSun, CBSnews, HuffingtonPost, Beforeitsnews, Londonthenews, Wealthwire, CalgaryHerald, Forbes, Dallasnews, SGTreport, Vantagewire, Indiatimes, Ninemsn, Ibtimes, Businessweek, HongKongHerald, Moneytalks, SeekingAlpha, BusinessInsider, Investing.com, MSN.com and the Association of Mining Analysts.

Sign up for Ahead Of The Herd’s free highly acclaimed newsletter.

***

Legal Notice / Disclaimer

This document is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment.

Richard Mills has based this document on information obtained from sources he believes to be reliable but which has not been independently verified.

Richard Mills makes no guarantee, representation or warranty and accepts no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness. Expressions of opinion are those of Richard Mills only and are subject to change without notice. Richard Mills assumes no warranty, liability or guarantee for the current relevance, correctness or completeness of any information provided within this Report and will not be held liable for the consequence of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained herein or any omission.

Furthermore, I, Richard Mills, assume no liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage or, in particular, for lost profit, which you may incur as a result of the use and existence of the information provided within this Report.

Richard owns shares of BacTech Environmental Corp. (CSE: BAC, OTC: BCCEF, WKN: A1H4TY).

Legal Notice / Disclaimer

Ahead of the Herd newsletter, aheadoftheherd.com, hereafter known as AOTH.
Please read the entire Disclaimer carefully before you use this website or read the newsletter. If you do not agree to all the AOTH/Richard Mills Disclaimer, do not access/read this website/newsletter/article, or any of its pages. By reading/using this AOTH/Richard Mills website/newsletter/article, and whether you actually read this Disclaimer, you are deemed to have accepted it.
Share

Share Your Insights and Join the Conversation!

When participating in the comments section, please be considerate and respectful to others. Share your insights and opinions thoughtfully, avoiding personal attacks or offensive language. Strive to provide accurate and reliable information by double-checking facts before posting. Constructive discussions help everyone learn and make better decisions. Thank you for contributing positively to our community!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related posts

June 14, 2025

6 vegetables that are helpful in reducing uric acid levels in the body


Read more
June 11, 2025

Doctors hail ‘potential cure’ for a common cancer


Read more
June 8, 2025

The ‘Japanese Walking’ Fitness Trend Has Science-Backed Benefits


Read more
June 8, 2025

Common Diabetes Drug Linked to ‘Exceptional Longevity’ in Women


Read more
June 8, 2025

The Cause of Alzheimer’s Might Be Coming From Within Your Mouth


Read more
June 7, 2025

‘AI scientist’ discovers that common non-cancer drugs, when combined, can kill cancer cells


Read more
June 6, 2025

Regular Exercise Reduces Death From Colon Cancer by 37%, Study Finds


Read more
June 1, 2025

Taking this common supplement daily could prevent ‘years of ageing’, study finds


Read more
May 29, 2025

Surprise Link Between Menthol And Alzheimer’s Found in Mice


Read more
May 25, 2025

The 5 Best High-Fiber Foods for Diabetes, According to a Dietitian


Read more
May 24, 2025

6 types of back pain and how to know if they are linked with the liver, kidneys, or lungs


Read more
May 22, 2025

AI Discovers Suspected Trigger of Alzheimer’s, And Maybe a Treatment


Read more
May 20, 2025

What happens to your liver when you drink lime juice?


Read more
May 19, 2025

What to eat to keep your liver healthy and boost detoxification?


Read more
May 17, 2025

‘I studied world’s longest-living people — these are four foods you should never have in your house’


Read more
May 15, 2025

High uric acid level linked to sudden heart attacks: 7 ways to bring it down


Read more
May 13, 2025

Record-breaking cattle prices a lifeline for farmers facing inflation, trade tensions


Read more
May 13, 2025

Antarctica Gained 200 Billion Tons of Ice During Recent Two-Year Period, Surprising Scientists


Read more
May 8, 2025

Which countries have the best, and worst, living standards?


Read more
May 7, 2025

5 Vitamin and Supplement Combinations You Should Avoid, According to Dietitians


Read more
May 4, 2025

Scientist discover ancient brain-cleaning system that may break down in Alzheimer’s disease


Read more
May 3, 2025

12 High Protein Vegetables You Might Be Overlooking


Read more
May 1, 2025

Breaking Beijing’s Grip The U S Quest for Graphite Independence


Read more
April 27, 2025

Beetroot Powder Promises Big Health Gains. Does The Science Back It Up?


Read more
April 26, 2025

Study Reveals The Optimal Number of Daily Steps to Offset Sitting Down


Read more
April 24, 2025

Neuroscientist: The Fastest Way To Get Alzheimer’s & Dementia – That Most People Do!


Read more
April 18, 2025

10 Health Benefits Of Pistachios


Read more
RSS Subscribe
Subscribe to our RSS feed to receive our most recent articles directly to your favourite RSS Reader application.

Do you have an opinion on this article? We'd love to hear from you.

Post a comment

Article Archives

Article Categories

  • Education (300)
  • Energy (261)
    • Nuclear (61)
    • Oil & Gas (52)
    • Re-newable (61)
  • Entertainment (56)
  • Environment (616)
    • Clean Energy (80)
    • Global Warming (371)
      • Decarbonization (77)
      • Electrification (203)
    • Pollution (77)
  • Markets (648)
    • Bitcoin (7)
    • Bonds (28)
    • Commodities (165)
    • cryptocurrency (19)
    • Currency (131)
    • Digital Currency (8)
    • Inflation (102)
    • Interest Rates (70)
  • Media (16)
  • Medical (272)
    • Addiction (8)
    • CBD (5)
    • Health (251)
    • Wellness (189)
  • Metals (1,626)
    • Battery Metals (429)
    • Critical Metals (158)
    • Energy Metals (51)
    • Industrial Metals (227)
    • Precious Metals (822)
  • Politics (753)
  • Technology (86)
    • 3D Printing (3)
    • 5G (26)
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) (30)
    • Blockchain (6)
    • Imaging (3)
  • Uncategorized (400)
  • Under the Spotlight (16)

AOTH Portfolio

  • Articles
  • 文章
  • Company Profiles
  • Company News Releases
  • Video
  • Under The Spotlight
  • Disclaimer

Recent Articles

  • Video – The Ring of Fire: an abundance of metals, few juniors June 14, 2025
  • The Ring of Fire: an abundance of metals, few juniors – Richard Mills June 14, 2025
  • Video – Graphite One TSX.V:GPH achieves covered project status on Fast 41 Dashboard June 14, 2025
  • Under the Spotlight – Greg Ferron, CEO PTX Metals June 14, 2025
  • Bombing the Bear and Budgetary Wolf Bait – Bob Moriarty & Richard Mills June 14, 2025
  • Majority of Canadians dislike US in face of trade policy and sovereignty threats June 14, 2025
  • ‘It’s a ticking time bomb’: Acid levels in Earth’s oceans have already breached ‘danger zone’, study suggests June 14, 2025
  • Canada could gain as global investors rethink U.S. emphasis: BNP economist June 14, 2025

Ahead of the Herd

Enjoy hundreds of top-notch, thoroughly-researched articles on commodities and the junior resource companies that search for deposits of them.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to our free newsletter so we can start telling you things everyone else doesn't already know!

Recent Articles

  • Video – The Ring of Fire: an abundance of metals, few juniors
  • The Ring of Fire: an abundance of metals, few juniors – Richard Mills
  • Video – Graphite One TSX.V:GPH achieves covered project status on Fast 41 Dashboard

Explore

  • Articles
  • 文章
  • Company Profiles
  • Company News Releases
  • Video
  • Under The Spotlight
  • Disclaimer
© 2020 Ahead of the Herd. All Rights Reserved