JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has set aside an estimated R10-billion to mitigate acid mine drainage in the Witwatersrand goldfields.
In a statement issued following a meeting between Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane and mining experts on Friday, the DWS said this funding would be used for the implementation of “emergency works”, or immediate and short-term solutions, as well as for long-term projects.
An AMD treatment facility was operational in the Western basin, treating around 30-million litres a day, with additional refurbishment to increase pumping output expected to be completed by June next year.
The Central basin also had an operational AMD treatment plant, while the construction of a similar plant in the Eastern basin had started, with the plant expected to be operational by December next year.
“Going forward, the department is engaging other government departments and State structures on additional projects and initiatives for AMD management in the Witwatersrand.
“These include, but are not limited to, ingress control, which is aimed at reducing AMD formation, research to support future planning and optimise decision-making, as well as applying cost-recovery mechanisms to ensure that the mining sector contributes to AMD mitigation,” the DWS said.
Further, an AMD/Mine Water Unit would be established to ensure integrated and composite approaches for AMD and mine water management, the department said.
The function of this unit would be aligned with the objectives of the DWS’ Annual Performance Plan.
“This will ensure that work around AMD mitigation is not disconnected from the ideals of the department, while also speaking to ensuring the availability of requisite resources for this work,” the DWS said.