Missouri cobalt mine - case study
Turn-key water management solution for a Missouri cobalt mine.
XPEL supported a cobalt operation in Missouri, USA, as the site worked to manage increasing water loads. The operation faced significant hydrological challenges due to continuous water inflow from underground workings, overwhelming the site’s existing water infrastructure and significantly delaying plans to reactivate the mine. The site required a large-scale mechanical evaporation solution quickly to keep water volumes under control and maintain safe, compliant conditions. XPEL deployed a turn-key land-based evaporation system equipped with an Environmental Management System (EMS).
Without a swift and sustainable solution, the site’s Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) was at risk of collapsing, regulatory non-compliance, and rising operational costs. Hindering the site's plans for reopening its legacy underground operations. With few cost-effective treatment options available, the site had to reduce water volume to regain control and move forward with reopening. The XPEL land-based 400/200 evaporation system was the ideal solution, processing 180 GPM (40 m³/hour) of wastewater with an estimated evaporation efficiency of 45%. This provided a reliable method for reducing water levels across the site, stabilizing water balance as inflows shifted with operations and weather.
Advanced water evaporation system for a Missouri cobalt mining operation by XPEL.
Managing water across an active mine site introduced ongoing complexity. Rising volumes in tailings storage facilities and legacy underground workings increased operational risk and required precise control. XPEL’s advanced mechanical evaporators provided a mining-ready solution that supported safe, compliant, and efficient site management.
The fully integrated XPEL system included a 400/200 evaporator unit, skid-mounted control hardware, and an Environmental Management System (EMS) providing automated weather-based operation and remote monitoring. Processing 180 GPM (40 m³/hour) at 45% efficiency, the system offered consistent performance under the variable conditions typical of mining regions.
Engineered reliability delivered by XPEL.
Built-in environmental awareness: The EMS tracked wind, rainfall, and operating limits so the system ran safely and stayed compliant. Operators had clear visibility and could respond quickly when conditions changed.
Stronger control as the mine grew: The system kept water levels in check across tailings storage and legacy workings. It supported stable operations as production expanded or older areas were prepared for reopening.
Cleaner, safer water management: High-efficiency evaporation lowered stored water volumes and reduced strain on ponds and dams. This created a more predictable water environment that supported long-term site performance.
Get a site-specific evaporation efficiency analysis.
XPEL provides custom evaporation efficiency modeling for critical mineral operations based on real operating data, climate patterns, and storage conditions. This assessment forecasts achievable water reduction, compliance readiness, and operational gains using XPEL’s mechanical evaporation systems.
Take the next step: Contact XPEL today to request a complimentary site-specific evaporation analysis and begin shaping a more stable and efficient water management strategy.
Related products.
Land-Based Evaporator
Fully customisable and bespoke in design, our land based water evaporators are available in a range of sizes enabling operators to reduce the risks associated with excess water and ensure environmental compliance with a wide range of water processing capabilities.
