Water consumption: Technical innovation driving environmental performance
Managing water consumption is a key priority for the EMME project from environmental, economic and regulatory perspectives.
From the earliest stages of design, EMME's teams have continuously optimised the industrial process to reduce water needs, minimise external water withdrawals and improve the overall efficiency of the facility.
A Process designed to reduce water consumption
The EMME project is based on a hydrometallurgical process which, by its very nature, uses water throughout the different stages of production.
As the project has evolved, the process has been significantly refined to reduce water requirements. A key part of this optimisation has been the integration of multiple water recycling and reuse systems directly within the plant.
Today, the process incorporates more than 20 internal water recycling and reuse loops, significantly reducing overall water consumption.
In addition, the facility has been designed to make use of rainwater whenever possible, further reducing reliance on external water resources.
Smart water management
The efficiency of the system also relies on advanced digital technologies.
Using a network of connected sensors and data analytics tools, the facility will be able to:
monitor water consumption in real time;
immediately detect any deviation between projected and actual water use;
rapidly implement corrective actions when needed; and
continuously measure the site's environmental performance.
This intelligent approach will enable the efficient and sustainable management of water resources throughout the life of the facility.
A commitment aligned with the project's vision
For EMME, reducing water consumption goes well beyond regulatory compliance.
It is an integral part of the project's broader commitment to continuous improvement, industrial excellence and environmental responsibility—principles that have guided its development from the outset.
This approach has been recognised on several occasions, notably by the independent guarantors appointed by the French National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) and by the Public Inquiry Commission, both of which acknowledged the quality of the project documentation and EMME's environmental commitments, even « beyond legal requirements ».
