An article by moneyweb.co.za details the future release of a mine water atlas for South Africa which provides a reference on the vulnerability of water resources to mining activity in South Africa and assists in assessing water quality concerns in adjacent watercourses. As outlined by the article, the maps will illustrate water resources in the various provinces which will be overlaid with maps of mining and mineral-refining activities, in order to understand the locations at which surface water, groundwater and mining intersect.
When left unchecked, the dirty water generated from mining activities finds its way into surface water features such as rivers and wetlands, negatively impacting both downstream users and the aquatic environment as illustrated by Figure 1 below. Effective storm water management plans can dramatically reduce the impact of mining on surface water features, while also meeting necessary regulations/standards. With appropriately sized and positioned diversions and containment facilities, the dirty water runoff from a mine can be managed and reused or treated and released. A significant portion of the work we undertake at Hydrologic Consulting, consequently involves the surface water assessment of mining operations and includes the development of storm water management plans for proposed and operational mines, as well as the rehabilitation of derelict mines.
A mine water atlas for South Africa would be a welcome resource in providing a snap shot of proposed or existing mining activities with regards to local water resources. Its primary benefit (insofar as our assessments are concerned) may, however, lie in the ability to assess cumulative impacts of mining in a catchment, through the understanding of the presence of upstream mines (both operational and derelict) and the sensitivity of the receiving water environment. This in turn would enable an improved understanding of an individuals mine’s potential impact versus the cumulative impact and so assist in understanding the water quality concerns in adjacent watercourses.
Water quality can often be a casualty in mining, oil & gas production and even regular infrastructure development such as roads and housing. At Hydrologic Consulting, we undertake water quality monitoring to define baseline conditions and to undertake ongoing change detection. Alternatively, we advise clients on a suitable water quality monitoring programme that they can manage themselves.