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The Chamber of Mines says that acid mine drainage is a growing problem in the mining industry that it requires "significant attention".
At the recent Water for Growth and Development Summit, Chamber of Mines spokesperson Nikisi Lesufi said that although the mining industry had made significant steps towards reducing the contamination of the country's water sources by mines, the needed guidance in resolving this problem.
Lesufi added that the chamber would be using the Water for Growth and Development Framework, developed by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (Dwaf), as a guideline on preventive measures.
The mining sector is the second-biggest water consuming sector in the country, after agriculture.
Dwaf put together the Water for Growth and Development Framework in response to growing concern that South Africa will likely face a water crisis of similar magnitude to the 2008 energy crisis by 2013.
Speaking at the conference, Dwaf director general Pam Yako said that, for the Water for Growth and Development Framework to work, there would need to be significant buy-in from the country's major sectors.
Lesufi acknowledged that the mining sector had a considerable role to play in the programme, although, he cautioned that the uptake from the sector might take some time.
"One must remember that the framework needs to be implemented around the industry's normal operations – the mining sector is still an essential component of the country's developmental needs," said Lesufi.
