Environmental disaster flowing from the West Rand
Untreated acid mine water is currently flowing uncontrollably out of an old mine ventilation shaft on the West Rand, near Randfontein. The water is polluted with toxic heavy metals, including uranium. At another exit point the toxic water is only 1cm away from overflowing (as of measurements taken by Rand Uranium on 14 January 2010). This acid mine water will further pollute the streams and rivers of both the Vaal and Limpopo river systems, threatening the health of all people reliant on these rivers and their tributaries.
The impact of acid mine drainage is far reaching and long-term. For example, research shows that acid mine drainage could not only affect our quality of water, but also poison food crops, destroy heritage sites, lead to a decline in agricultural production and related job losses. It could also lead to civil unrest related to conflict over resource use.
Why was this disaster allowed to happen?
This latest acid mine drainage crisis could have been avoided if the mining companies responsible – especially DRD Gold – and the government had worked together more effectively. It seems that Rand Uranium has acted responsibly and continued to pump and treat water from the Western Basin. However, once the other companies stopped pumping, Rand Uranium did not have the capacity to pump and treat enough water to stop the level of underground toxic water rising. The recent heavy rains added to the volume of water draining into the old mining area.
