Mitigating water risks in the mining sector – Water risks to whom?

Speaker:  Dr Nadja Kunz, Canada Research Chair in Mine Water Management and Stewardship, The University of British Columbia

Abstract:  This presentation challenges the dominant paradigm of water risk management in the mining sector, arguing for a broadened approach that recognises the different ways in which the mining sector’s use and management of water can impact diverse actors. It concludes by summarising the strategic planning activities that have been leading to address this gap as part of the Water Stewardship theme for the Bradshaw Research Initiative for Minerals and Mining at UBC.

Bio:  Dr Nadja Kunz is an Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Mine Water Management and Stewardship at UBC, jointly appointed across the School of Public Policy & Global Affairs and the NBK Institute of Mining Engineering. The overarching goal of Nadja’s research program is to revolutionise the use and management of water in mines to reduce risks and maximise opportunities from the perspective of diverse actors including business, investors, government and Indigenous rights-holders.

Prior to joining UBC, Nadja spent 2 years as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Eawag Aquatic Research Institute in Switzerland and consulted as a Water Specialist for the International Finance Corporation. Nadja has a PhD from the Sustainable Minerals Institute (2013), and Bachelor degrees in Chemical Engineering (First Class Honours) and Business Management (2007) from UQ.