EXTENSION OF COMMENT PERIOD: DRAFT MINE WATER MANAGEMENT POLICY POSITION
Title: This is the period extension Gazette Notice for Gazette no. 40965 published on 7 July 2017
Government Gazette Notice: GN 1088 in GG 41168 of 6 October 2017
Commencing Date: Not yet specified
The Department of Water and Sanitation published a proposed policy pertaining to mine water management for external consultation and discussion on 7 July 2017. The commenting period has now been extended until 30 days after publication of the extension notice on 6 October 2017.
Background on the policy
The purpose of this policy is to provide the position of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on mine water management, including Acid Mine Drainage. Furthermore, the policy aims to provide measures on protection of water resources from prospective, operational and historical mine activities that have negative water quality impacts.
The policy sets out the policy principles that strive to strengthen the protection of the water resources from mine water contamination during short and long terms. The policy principles are informed by the current legislative framework on water resource management. It further proposes an integrated departmental approach to mine water management. Where legislative gap(s) exist(s), this policy provides relevant and appropriate legislative remedies in order to strengthen a proactive mine water management approach.
The policy discusses the following aspects:
• Rationalising institutional arrangements;
• Related legislative amendments;
• The optimum use of appropriate, cost-effective technology;
• Mine classification and differentiation;
• Promoting sustainable mining; and
• Mine water treatment and reuse.
So what for my operation?
Once this policy is published as final, all mines must adhere thereto in terms of water management. It is, therefore, important that all stakeholders scrutinize the contents of the draft policy and submit any comments or concerns related thereto to the DWS as soon as possible.
