We have to be more innovative, deliberate and excited about solving our water issues, Monhla Hlahla, Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority’s (TCTA) chairperson said at the launch of Eastern Basin’s acid mine drainage treatment plant last week.

Although recently launched, the treatment plant was completed and operational last June after the mine was closed down in 2011 due to reported mismanagement, exploitation and negligence. This was said to have led to the demise of mining company Aurora Empowerment Systems which operated the Grootvlei mine.

The new plant is the department’s attempt to avoid the contamination of groundwater at the mining site, and provide a long-term solution to securing Gauteng’s water future.

It is also one of the largest of its kind in the world, treating approximately 110ML of water per day.

The plant is one of three main basins in the Witwatersrand Goldfields area. The other two basins include the Western Basin in the Krugersdorp area and the Central Basin in the Germiston area.

The plant is operated by water treatment company Tecroveer Thanda Manzi, which is supported by TCTA.

Hlahla has called on engineering mines and stakeholders to assist in finding long-term solutions to resolve acid mine drainage.

Hlahla said that it has nothing to with affordability of acid mine drainage plants, but “whether you are in or not”.

“We have to create a centre of excellence that solves the bulk issues of water in this country,” he said.

TCTA was mandated by government in 2011 to provide a short-term solution to the acid mine drainage challenge in Gauteng, and now, the short-term solution will be integrated into the long-term solution, the department of water and sanitation said.

High density sludge plant

A high density sludge plant has also been constructed at the Eastern Basin. It was operational in September 2016, however an operator for the plant is still required.

To enable the plant to operate, the department’s minister Nomvula Mokonyane said TCTA has extended trial operations at the plant for a further six months to allow for an operator to be appointed.

The department and TCTA are currently busy with a pilot study involving the deposition of sludge in the shaft at 700m below the surface. “The second phase of the pilot study is being finalised and will commence shortly,” the department said.

Mokonyane said that the second phase of the study will involve drilling boreholes in the mine to allow for the disposal of sludge into the mine void. “The drilling in this regard will commence shortly,” Mokonyane said.