11 8 viability. In addition, the main components of these interventions, suggested by the literature, are confirmed and analyzed, based on the same body of evidence. These four components are: (i) Data-driven and forward-looking water resources management grounded in the assessment and monitoring of surface and groundwater resources through updated technological tools, combined with climate-scenario modelling to inform decision-making. (ii) Water-use efficiency and alternative water sources for mining processes, focusing on efficiency improvements and recirculation within operations, as well as the use of domestic wastewater reuse and desalination as alternative supply sources. (iii) Basin-level water supply augmentation and flow regulation through conventional or nature-based infrastructure. (iv) Governance and social participation, examining basin-level institutional arrangements, clarity of roles and responsibilities, data transparency, and structured participation mechanisms to reduce conflict and sustain long-term mining operations. 4. KEY RESULTS, OUTCOMES, OR INSIGHTS Adaptive basin scale water management, risk reduction, sustainability and economic viability The systematic review indicates that the relationship between mining and water management has evolved from a predominantly compliance-oriented approach toward a more strategic risk-management framework. Historically, water was largely treated as an environmental liability associated with treatment, discharge, and regulatory reporting. However, increasing water scarcity, climate variability, regulatory pressure, and social conflict have repositioned water as a determinant of operational and economic viability and long-term closure performance. Recent literature highlights the need for integrated, basin-oriented and system-based approaches that incorporate monitoring, reuse, alternative supply sources (de Lima & Amaral, 2025), and long-term planning across the mine life cycle (Kennedy, 2025). In this context, modern mining operations increasingly integrate water management into core business planning, risk assessment, and closure strategy rather than treating it solely as an environmental mitigation (Hamilton, 2019; Sonter et al., 2020). The most prominent transition is from site-scale mitigation to basin-scale management. Hydrological processes, cumulative impacts and multi-sector competition cannot be managed within the concession boundary. Effective approaches involve shared monitoring, data
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