Question NW3902 to the Minister of Water and Sanitation
20 November 2015 - NW3902
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether her department has concluded any contract with any companies in South Africa or abroad to turn acid mine water into potable water or, at least, into water that is suitable for use by industries and agriculture so that such water can be discharged into streams, and as compensation for that set a tariff to be earned by such contracting companies for each kilolitre of processed water; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) names of the companies and (b) details of the agreement; (2) whether she will make a statement on the prospects of making acid mine water into a viable economic venture rather than the liability it is perceived to be at present?
Reply:
(1) No, my Department has not entered into a contract with any company for the specific purpose of directing acid mine drainage water (AMD) into potable, industrial or agricultural use. As an interim measure for AMD mitigation in the Witwatersrand gold fields, my Department’s entity, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), has appointed service providers to treat (neutralise) AMD for discharge into river systems. This intervention is necessary for water resource protection and averting other AMD- associated risks on the environment. For the service currently provided, no tariff is set and service providers are strictly reimbursed for the operation and maintenance cost incurred during AMD treatment.
(1)(a) The names of the companies appointed by the TCTA are Sibanye Gold and Proxa.
(1)(b) Sibanye Gold and Proxa, tasked with operation and maintenance of the Western Basin AMD Plant in Randfontein, Gauteng; and the Central Basin AMD Plant in Germiston, Gauteng, respectively, perform neutralisation of AMD for discharge into river systems, thus ensuring water resource and environmental protection.
(2) I am presently considering a host of information centered on inter alia, technical, legal, financial and institutional matters necessary for a long-term project that is capable of directing AMD into beneficial (economic) uses. I will pronounce my Department’s position thereto once the internal appraisal processes are concluded and all risks fully quantified and understood.
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