Impacts of mining on water resources in South Africa: A review

Acid mine drainage is recognized as one of the more serious environmental problems in the mining industry. Acid mine drainage is a major problem on coal and gold mines throughout the world and in South Africa, the main focus of this study, is no exception. Various studies that have been undertaken in South Africa have shown that the water decanting from the mine companies is highly acidic and as such cannot be released into the natural watercourse (streams and rivers). Some form of water treatment and prevention to nullify or neutralise the acid levels of the mine water is necessary. The water quality of the Blesbokspruit, klip and wonderfontein in the test area was below standard due to the presence of acid mine drainage. The aim of this review is to raise awareness of the environmental risk associated with acid mine drainage in our environment.