Attaining regulatory approval for the sustainable use of mine-water for irrigation

Abstract

The beneficial reuse of treated mine-impacted water is not currently a priority in South Africa. Although the discharge of effluent to water resources should be the option of last resort, it is often the first choice of many in the mining industry due to its simplicity and low cost. Unfortunately, the discharge option in many instances requires the use of high-quality water to dilute the treated effluent to within allowable discharge limits, thereby unnecessarily wasting high-quality or potable water. The WRC has completed several research projects investigating the productive use of mine-impacted waters for agriculture from both the coal and gold fields, with a number of opportunities identified including using gypsiferous mine-impacted waters for irrigation to enable dry season production as well as stabilising dryland crop production. Currently, mine land post-closure is rehabilitated, but usually not to the advantage of the local communities.

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