Market:
Mining, Water Infrastructure
Location:
The Victor Khanye Local Municipality and Nkangala District Municipality located in the Mpumalanga Province
Project Objective:
The objective of the project was to develop a conceptual Water and Salt Balance for a Colliery under full-production conditions to assess potential water surpluses and deficits, as well as salt accumulation within the mining operation. The study aimed to establish a framework to support effective water management.
Project Execution Strategy:
The project was undertaken through a structured assessment of water flows and salt accumulation within the mining operation.
1. Water Flow Assessment: Identification and quantification of water and salt inflows and outflows associated with the mining operation.
2. Water Circuit Mapping: Development of a schematic flow diagram illustrating the site’s water circuits and associated flows.
3. Water and Salt Balance Development: Development of a conceptual Water and Salt Balance under full-production conditions, guided by the DWAF Best Practice Guideline G2: Water and Salt Balances.
4. Assessment of Water and Salt Conditions: Evaluation of potential water surpluses and deficits, as well as salt accumulation within the system.
5. Recommendations: Development of recommendations to support water and salt management and compliance with applicable legislation and guidelines.
Project Key Achievements:
The project delivered a conceptual Water and Salt Balance for, providing an overview of water flows and salt accumulation within the mining operation under full-production conditions. Potential water surpluses and deficits were assessed, and a schematic flow diagram was developed to illustrate the site’s water circuits. The assessment provided an understanding of water and salt movement within the operation and a basis for water management decisions, including recommendations to support effective water and salt management and regulatory compliance.
