A research-based book titled Acid Mine Drainage in South Africa, which focuses on acid mine drainage (AMD) within the Western, Central and Eastern basins of the broader Witwatersrand basin, was launched at the University of South Africa’s (Unisa’s) Muckleneuck campus, in Pretoria, earlier this month.

AMD is the result of underground water entering underground mining workings and being exposed to oxygen and metal sulphides, and subsequently transforming into an acidic liquid that contains high levels of sulphides.

AMD is prevalent in South African mines and tailings operations, most notably at old, often derelict mining works where dewatering operations have long ceased. This situation has resulted in several mine shafts decanting, and consequently AMD reaches the ground level of a mine shaft and begins flowing out, resulting in the contamination of above-ground water sources such as rivers and dams.

Authored by Unisa lecturer Suvania Naidoo, the book is based on her master’s dissertation on the subject, including interviews with AMD and environment expert Federation for a Sustainable Environment CEO Mariette Liefferink, water resource scientist Dr Anthony Turton, representatives of government departments, environmental organisations and the private sector, including the tourism and agriculture industries.

The book discusses the existing policy documents on AMD and provides recommendations in response to the many socioeconomic impacts of AMD which have not been fully addressed to date. It also provides an overview of AMD globally.

Naidoo notes that she felt compelled to write the book, based on South Africa’s water systems being under threat from various sources, including severe harm caused by climate change, different forms of pollution and poorly managed sanitation systems.

These threats, in addition to the threat posed by AMD, mean South Africa is becoming increasingly water stressed; therefore, water will become much scarcer in future as the issues are exacerbated.