ABG’s sites are located in contrasting climatic systems. Buzwagi has low precipitation (700mm per annum) while North Mara experiences high rainfall (1,300mm per annum).
We use water mainly for ore processing, dust suppression and rock blasting. In 2011, we used 0.4 million cubic metres of groundwater and 3.3 million cubic metres of surface water, with an additional 0.6 million cubic metres purchased from commercial sources.
Conserving precious water
We control our water resources carefully at all of our operations and believe that water should be managed as a community resource, respecting the rights of other water users.
In a unique approach at Buzwagi, rainwater is collected by a 73 ha plastic-lined area. It is then stored in a covered 1,500,000 m3 water storage pond for use as ‘make-up’ process water.
Much of the water we use is recycled through our process facilities. For example, at Bulyanhulu up to 95% of the water used at the mine is recycled thanks to surificial paste technology.