Minister assures Springs residents Acid Mine Drainage sludge will go in mine

Speaking during the launch of the plant on Friday, Mokonyane says that the main function of the plant is to respond to the pollution of fresh water and ensure that the rising water levels in the abandoned Grootvlei Mine do not contaminate groundwater.

“It is the largest treatment plant in the world and is part of the Witwatersrand’s Western and Central Basins where there is a critical challenge of AMD.

“We are currently busy with a pilot study which involves the deposition of sludge in the shaft at 700m below surface,” she says.

Read: Community’s concerns about sludge disposal facility addressed

Mokonyane adds that the new plant is one of the three plants which were built as long-term solutions to provide and secure water for the future in the province.

“This is a planned intervention to turn the acid mine drainage problem into a long-term sustainable solution.

“We are now able to produce fully treated water that will increase water supply to the Vaal River system,” she says.

“The plant has been completed and was declared operational on September 16.

“It is one of the largest plants in the country, producing 110 mega litres per day,” Mokonyane says.

The long- and short-term costs of the construction of the plant are estimated at around R10-billion to R12-b.

Read: Water purification plant is being tested

“This is an investment aimed at guaranteeing our water future in support of the country’s economic and social needs.”

Mokonyane says that the country has, for the past three years, been going through a drought.

“It was threatening the national water security.

“Through the three new AMD plants we will be able to secure the water future of South Africa for the next 30 years,” she says.

She urged residents to continue using water wisely and responsibly.

“We are encouraging both domestic and industrial users to use water wisely,” she concludes.