AMD problem in SA not widely understood

The biggest challenge in the effective treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) in South Africa is finding solutions that integrate the technical, financial, environmental and community aspects and that are accepted by all stakeholders, says global...

Innovation the answer to SA’s mining-related water concerns

Environment-friendly methods should be implemented to improve mine water quality because, if the water quality is good, mine water can be used as an alternative water resource, reports North-West University (NWU) hydrogeologist Professor Ingrid...

Kromdraai water treatment plant follows success of eMalahleni

A modular mine water treatment plant developed by Aveng Water, a subsidiary of infrastructure group Aveng, is being installed at coal-mining major Anglo American Thermal Coal’s Kromdraai opencast mine, following the company's success at the...

New mine water treatment technologies under development

Optimised membrane processes and ion-exchange are two mine water treatment methods currently under development that could replace traditional methods in future, says engineering consultancy TWP Projects Principal Water Engineer Darryl Howard.

Mining industry becoming more aware of its environmental impact

Worldwide, the mining industry is increasing its focus on rehabilitation as it becomes more aware of the environmental impact of mining operations, says engineering and consulting firm Knight Piésold director Duncan Grant-Stuart.

Professor calls for coal mining moratorium in river catchments until viable AMD mitigation measures are in place

Until an extensive regional impact study has identified viable acid mine drainage (AMD) mitigation measures, a moratorium on new coal-mining operations in the Vaal, Usutu and Komati river catchment areas should be imposed to avoid the irreparable...

Greater intervention needed to tackle acid mine drainage

The environmental risks and hazards associated with acid mine drainage (AMD) and radioactivity within South Africa’s Witwatersrand goldfields are issues that need to be tackled more seriously, despite current initiatives by government, reports...

SA may turn to private sector for help with mine-water pollution

The South African government is considering turning to the private sector to help it close the prevailing funding gap to implement projects to deal with the serious acid mine drainage (AMD) problem being experienced across the Witwatersrand...

Minister says short-term AMD plan sufficient, but more needs to be done

There is sufficient dilution capacity to ameliorate the untreated acid mine drainage (AMD) and neutralised AMD decanting from basins in the Witwatersrand between now and the end of 2014, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said on...

‘Feed-in tariff’ would encourage private-sector treatment of AMD – Wits economist

A feed-in tariff (FIT) framework, similar to that used to encourage the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources, could be used to encourage private sector companies to treat acid mine drainage (AMD) in the Witwatersrand basins.

Geoscience coal report ready for 2012 release – Shabangu

The study being conducted by South Africa’s Council for Geosciences (CGS) into the country’s coal resources and reserves was being finalised for release in the first half of this year, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu said on...

Water Affairs confirms movement on long-term AMD study

South Africa’s Department of Water Affairs (DWA) has confirmed that a feasibility study has been initiated to assess longer-term solutions for South Africa’s acid mine drainage (AMD) problem. The investigation began in December and should be...