Subsequent to the meeting of the Inter- Ministerial Committee (IMC) on 21October 2010 where the initial report of the Team of Experts (ToE) was tabled, the IMC met again today 15 December 2010. An updated report by the ToE was tabled and well received by the Ministers. Present were Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa, Minister of National Planning Commission Trevor Manuel, Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor and Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Godfree Oliphant.
It should be remembered that the scope of the ToE’s work include assessing the work done to date, assessing available solutions and technology and propose integrated short, medium and long-term solutions. It also includes assessing costs viability as well as exploring possible partnerships with the private sector.
Government acknowledges and accepts that Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a challenge which needs to be addressed urgently. This should be done in a coordinated manner between a range of stakeholders that include the mining industry and government should always play a leading role.
The IMC accepts the report and its recommendations however they identified areas of improvement. These recommendations are benchmarked on some countries that have experienced AMD challenges like Canada and The United States of America.
In a nutshell they advocate for the three priority basins (North, Central and Western) to have implementation plans that include pumping and neutralisation of AMD, enforcing compliance, regular inspection and prevention of ingress as a short term measure to maintain water levels at least below the relevant environmental critical level. The IMC feels that the current proposals are founded on scientific research and engineering instead of simplistic and quick solutions. Some areas they felt needed revisiting include the liability of polluters and costing of implementation.
The report will be presented to Cabinet early in January next year. Cabinet will then determine the way forward. In the meantime the work of the ToE continues.
Enquiries:
Makhosini Nyathi
Cell: 082 884 1846
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
Zingaphi Jakuja
Cell: 082 766 3940
Source: Department of Water Affairs
