OBJECTIVES

The general objective of these seminars is to promote the technology of paste and thickened tailings as a viable and mature technological alternative solution to conventional mine waste disposal. However, each site is unique and will have different requirements to satisfy. In arid regions a key driver is sustainable water usage. This is true in many major mining countries, such as Botswana, South Africa, Peru, Chile and Australia.

The objective of hosting this seminar in Botswana is to emphasize the importance of responsible water usage in arid regions. Botswana has invested in numerous water related projects over the years and water scarcity is a reality being dealt with on many fronts. The national water strategy guides the individual projects in the country and also predicts future water availability to ensure sustainable development of the country and the region. In a country that has unique natural resources such as the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi pans, the Kalahari Desert and a small tropical area around the Zambezi River as well as the persistent drought situation, this seminar will be of key national importance. As an example, this Seminar will be hosted in a lush tropical area, surrounded by the arid Kalahari Desert. For this event, the following are envisaged:

• Over and above the paste and high density tailings papers normally presented, papers on water scarcity and global warming challenges in the world and how these  are being managed will be of significant  importance.
• International speakers and delegates will become aware of the challenges and successes in Botswana, and will be able to take these lessons back to their countries.
• Meaningful discussions and input from different perspectives will enrich the ability to solve specific problems regardless of location or source.
• Current issues and topics in paste related fields can be commented on in the “Lets Talk” section of this website.
• From the “Lets Talk” section emerging issues in the field could be identified and addressed at future paste seminars.
• The importance of harmony between resource development and nature will be emphasised at this seminar.

Legislators are increasingly taking note of the environmental impact of resource development.  We will therefore attempt to test the waters on different emerging issues on environmental management, legislations and other related issues through polls on the website and finalise with discussions at the end of the seminar.

Click here to download the Presentation by Spencer at Paste07 in Perth, Australia