'n Waterbestuurstelsel vir Hartebeestfonteinmyn 2-skag en -aanleg, gebaseer op ISO 14001

Abstract

'The sustainability of water resources in South Africa is of great importance for the development and sustainability of a community with social and economical equity. In the mining sector, with the potential negative impacts on the groundwater and surface water sources caused by various activities, sustainable development is very important. Continuous pressure on the development of groundwater resources for water supply schemes, rising water tariffs and increase in the waste discharge charge system urges the mine to evaluate and optimize its current process and wastewater management. IS0 14001 is internationally known as a system suitable to identify environmental impacts and possible mitigation options. In this study, a possibility for the development of a water management system based on IS0 14001, is evaluated. The development of such a system will commence with the implementation of an environmental policy, which stipulates the impacts of each aspect on the water quality and quantity that should be quantified. Environmental Management Systems are developed and implemented for such impacts and monitored accordingly. Other aspects regarding document control and training of personnel is also addressed. The term "continuous improvement" should be the goal of the system. The necessary legal requirements like the National Water Act (36 of 1998) serves as a base for such a system. In this study a water management system, based on IS0 14001 will be developed for Hartebeestfontein mine 2-shaft and gold plant as case study to evaluate the feasibility of such an approach. The results of the research show that it is possible to develop a system and recommendations are given for the effective implementation of the water management system on the mine."