132 1202 5 economy recovery, sustainability integration, digital transformation resource extraction from waste, IoT monitoring commitments, circular economy policies, Industry 4.0 Source: Compiled from literature analysis; ICMM (2012, 2017, 2020) 2.2 Most Relevant Advances in Water Management 2.2.1 Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) One of the most significant advances has been the adoption of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) systems in mining operations. A comprehensive global review identified 27 mines currently using or considering MAR implementation. A substantial increase from minimal adoption in 2004 [3] and a significant shift from traditional water disposal practices to strategic water storage and management approaches. Figure 1 shows the global distribution of MAR sites and MAR implementation by method. Figure 1 – Global Distribution of MAR Implementation in Mining Operations MAR systems provide multiple benefits as documented by ICMM case studies [10]. Some of the most important are related to water storage during surplus periods and groundwater level maintenance preventing drawdown. The Water Miner project documented annual freshwater reduction of 175-1,479 ML/yr (8-31%) across multiple mining operations after implementing Water Efficiency Management Plans [2]. These results align with ICMM best practices that indicate well-designed water efficiency programs can achieve 15-40% reductions in freshwater consumption [10]. 2.2.2 Digital Water Management and Industry 4.0 Integration The integration of digital technologies has contributed to water management in mining, with global adoption increasing from less than 5% of operations in 2010 to over 60% by 2024 [17]. Key developments include Real-time monitoring systems with IoT sensors providing continuous water quality and quantity data with measurement frequencies of 1-15 minutes [17]. Predictive analytics using AI algorithms forecasting water balance and treatment requirements with 85-95% accuracy [16]. Digital twins with virtual models enabling scenario testing and
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