Mining and reclamation sites face some of the most demanding water treatment challenges in any industry. From fine clay particles that resist settling to heavy metals and hydrocarbon residues, the complexity of contaminated water at these sites requires a treatment method that’s both powerful and environmentally responsible.

TigerFloc has been used successfully on large-scale mining operations and site reclamation projects across Canada and the United States, helping operators meet environmental discharge limits quickly while reducing holding costs and minimizing ecological impact.

The Water Treatment Challenge in Mining

Mining operations — whether active or in the reclamation phase — create runoff that can contain:

• High turbidity levels (often 500+ NTU) from clay, silt, and fine rock particles
• Heavy metals such as iron and manganese
• Hydrocarbons from machinery and onsite fuel storage
• Chemical residues from processing and maintenance activities

In many cases, this water is stored in tailings ponds, dugouts, or settling basins, awaiting treatment before discharge or reuse. The longer water sits untreated, the greater the operational delays and the higher the costs for storage and compliance.

How TigerFloc Works in Mining Environments

TigerFloc combines natural clay minerals that bind contaminants with silica-based coagulants that rapidly clump fine particles together, creating a fast-settling floc. The result:

• Turbidity reduction from 500+ NTU to <10 NTU in minutes
• Particulate reduction from ~200 PPM to 10–15 PPM
• Effective removal of hydrocarbons alongside solids in one process
• Eco-friendly composition safe for use in environmentally sensitive areas

These capabilities make it well-suited to the large water volumes and complex contaminant profiles found in mining operations.

Applications in Mining & Reclamation

1. Active Mine Sites

• Treat runoff from excavation areas and processing facilities
• Maintain compliance with strict water discharge permits
• Reduce the need for costly mechanical filtration or chemical-heavy treatments

2. Reclamation Projects

• Clarify standing water in abandoned pits and tailings ponds
• Prepare sites for environmental sign-off and land repurposing
• Reduce turbidity before revegetation or wildlife reintroduction

3. Seasonal & Weather-Driven Needs

• Manage runoff during heavy rain or spring melt events
• Keep water discharge within limits during high-flow conditions

Treatment Process Overview

Step 1 – Assessment: Test water samples to determine NTU, PPM, and contaminant types.
Step 2 – Dosage Calculation: Determine grams of TigerFloc needed per litre for optimal results.
Step 3 – Application: Apply via in-line dosing, portable feeders, or manual mixing.
Step 4 – Mixing: Distribute evenly using pumps or existing water flow.
Step 5 – Verification: Measure NTU/PPM before discharge to ensure compliance.

This streamlined process enables rapid deployment — essential for mining sites facing seasonal deadlines or regulatory inspections.

Operational Advantages

Benefit	Impact
Faster Treatment Times	Hours instead of days/weeks with conventional settling
Lower Infrastructure Costs	Smaller ponds or holding areas required
Dual Contaminant Removal	Solids + hydrocarbons treated in one step
Regulatory Compliance	Easier to meet multi-jurisdictional discharge standards

Real-World Example (Anonymized)

On a northern mining reclamation project, TigerFloc was deployed to treat water from a 3-hectare tailings pond with high clay turbidity and hydrocarbon sheen. Within a single operational day, turbidity was reduced from over 500 NTU to under 8 NTU, allowing water to be safely released downstream and freeing up holding capacity for upcoming seasonal runoff.

Why Choose TigerFloc for Mining Sites?

• Scalable: Works on small ponds or multi-million litre treatment needs
• Portable: Can be applied without permanent infrastructure
• Eco-Safe: Suitable for use in eco-sensitive zones, minimizing environmental impact
• Proven: Successfully used on mining and reclamation projects across North America

Get Started with a Mining Water Treatment Plan

Mining and reclamation projects can’t afford delays when it comes to water treatment. The costs of storage, compliance fines, and environmental damage can escalate quickly. TigerFloc offers a rapid, proven, and environmentally responsible way to meet your water quality targets.

Contact our team today to discuss your site conditions, water volumes, and regulatory requirements. We can recommend the right configuration and dosage — and arrange a call with our biologist for project-specific advice.