Statement on the release of the experts' report on the management of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) in the Witwatersrand
24 Feb 2011
The report by the team of experts on the management of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is available from this morning on the Department of Water Affairs' website, http://ww.dwa.gov.za. A complete assessment and reappraisal of the situation with respect to AMD, focusing on the Witwatersrand Gold Fields was conducted and recommendations made to address the current situation.
Examination of international and local literature on all aspects of AMD (e.g. its formation, control, management, treatment and impacts) indicates that the subject has been extensively researched and studied. This has resulted in a sound but generic understanding of the process and its processes involved as well as specific information related to the current situation with respect to AMD in South Africa, focusing on the Witwatersrand Gold Fields. A range of solutions to the problems faced have been identified as well as the need to implement appropriate solutions to address problems at specific sites.
The Western, Central and Eastern Basins have been prioritised for immediate action in order to ensure that measures be implemented before problems become more critical. The following risks have been identified with respect to the flooding of the mines in these areas and the subsequent decant of AMD to the environment:
- Risks due to flooding of the mines:
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- Increased seismic activity
- Contamination of shallow groundwater resources
- Geotechnical impacts in areas where water rises close to urban areas.
- Risks due to the decant of AMD to the environment:
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- Serious negative ecological impacts
- Regional impacts on major river systems
- Localised flooding in low-lying areas.
A generic approach to the management of these risks has been proposed for implementation in all of the priority areas: