The National Council of Provinces will be conducting a site visit to the Gold Fields mine (Driefontein Mine) in Carletonville, to address the Environmental Risks and Hazards’ Pertaining to Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) and Radioactivity issues that are affecting the Community around it. According to the study conducted by the Federation for a Sustainable environment; the potential volume for the mine alone amounts to an estimated 350ML per day (1ML =1000m3).
This represents 10% of the potable water supplied daily by Rand Water to municipal authorities for urban distribution in Gauteng province and surrounding areas, at a cost of R3000/ML. Therefore, the post-closure decant of AMD is an enormous threat and this could become worst if remedial activities are delayed or not implemented.
Furthermore, during the visit, a presentation by the Head of Driefontein Mine for the Mine will be expected to provide details on their plan to manage AMD that that is badly affecting the houses and the residents around the mines.
In addition, this has been erupted by the inhalation of particles through the airstreams, which are health risks and heavy metal contamination. All these findings including AMD; have been a challenge.
The long-term exposure to these challenges (polluted drinking water) may lead to increased rates of cancer, decreased cognitive function and appearance of skin lesions. Also, heavy metals in drinking water cold compromise the neural development of the foetus which can result in mental retardation. This will unfold with a tour to the plants/ settling ponds.
The details of the site visit are as follows:
Date: 15 September 2011
Venue: Country Club, KDC West (Driefontein Gold Mines) in Carletonville (approx. 60 -90 Minutes drive from Johannesburg (70Kms)
Time: 09:30 for 10:00
Delegation:
Chair of Chairs in the Gauteng Legislature, Hon. Mayor of the Westrand Mr Mpho Nawa, MEC- Finance Mandla Nkomfe; Deputy Speaker of Gauteng Legislature, Leader of Government Business and MEC Health for Health and Social Development Ms Ntombi Mekgwe, MEC Local Government and Housing Mr Humfrey Mmemezi and Chairpersons of Committees within the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
Members of the media are invited to be part of this intense site visit.
For interviews and more details on this programme please contact the Hon. Chair of Chairs: Mr Uhuru Moiloa on 083 395 7880.
For directions to the venue: Mr Philip Jacobs: 082 372 4764
For more enquiries please contact:
Ms Khazi Sithole
Cell: 082 577 9393
E-mail: KSithole@gpl.gov.za
