A new sanitation prototype designed specifically for South African mining environments has been developed in-house by Sanitech. The solution treats waste at the point of use, aimed at reducing operational pressures, improving hygiene, and supporting worker dignity underground.

“The biggest operational challenge underground is not the cleaning of facilities, but the physical removal of waste,” notes Sanitech MD Robert Erasmus. “Waste often has to be carried by hand or transported using cages or operational equipment that is already under pressure. Our focus with this innovation was to reduce the volume of waste that needs to be removed from site.”

Unlike conventional holding-tank systems, the new unit integrates a compact wastewater treatment process within a single cubicle. This allows waste to be treated where it is generated, significantly reducing the need for manual handling and transport.

“The concept is essentially a mini wastewater treatment plant built into the toilet unit,” Erasmus explains. “Instead of simply storing waste for removal, we are processing it at source to limit what needs to be extracted.”

The prototype has been designed to fit underground dimensional constraints and support typical usage levels in mining operations.

“The system is designed around approximately 30 users per day, with treated water reused for flushing,” says Sanitech divisional manager: water and waste treatment solutions Paul de Klerk. “The treatment process ensures the water meets general discharge standards, while a portion is safely recycled within the system.”

The unit uses membrane bioreactor technology, combining biological treatment, ultrafiltration and UV disinfection to produce effluent. It operates as a standalone system requiring power, air and a clean water supply and includes remote monitoring capabilities.

“The plant is controlled via a programmable logic controller and can be monitored remotely,” De Klerk adds. “If there is a blockage, pump failure or performance issue, operators receive alerts, improving reliability and maintenance response.”

Water reuse is an additional benefit of the design. “We expect to reuse up to 70% to 75% of the water within the unit,” says De Klerk. “This reduces fresh water demand and limits the volume of waste that needs to be removed.”

The unit is being launched as a prototype, with Sanitech inviting mining companies to participate in field testing and collaborative development.