News South Africa

Acid mine drainage a concern for Gauteng

According to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), a recent report warns that acid mine drainage (AMD) poses a major challenge for the Gauteng Provincial Government.

Speaking at the release of the State of Environment Report, Gauteng Agriculture, Rural and Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said that "acid mine drainage associated with mining activities is the greatest current concern relating to groundwater resources."

"In addition," said the MEC, many of the province's water resources "are clearly under stress" from an increased demand for water caused by human and commercial water consumption, "coupled with poor management of water quality and degradation of river and wetland ecosystem." However, Mayathula-Khoza noted, the findings of the report suggest that - if mitigated - AMD can also be seen as an opportunity in the form of a valuable water resource. Further, the report indicated that Gauteng needed to invest in renewable energy and appropriate technologies, the GCIS says.

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