The development of a groundwater closure and rehabilitation plan in a typical gold mine environment

[摘要] English: The generation of waste material associated with Gold Mining is a known fact. Research onthese waste materials has currently expanded worldwide in an attempt to scientificallycharacterise and understand their interaction with the natural environment. These materialscontain certain amounts of sulphide minerals and other harmful substances, associated with theexploited ore bodies and the beneficiation processes. It is even more important to understandcertain impacts and to develop a logical approach to assess the impacts on receiving waterbodies, towards mine.The increase in awareness of environmental issues and a desire for a cleaner environment bythe public has caused gold mining companies to place greater emphasis on the continuousrehabilitation of deleterious effects caused by mining operations. Ongoing rehabilitation is also arequirement of the Government Departments involved in mining in South Africa. The biggestconcern for the relevant Government Departments is the possible uncontrolled pollution of waterresources in the vicinity of these mines, after they have closed.Investigations have shown that receiving water bodies, which mainly include rivers, streams, andthe more complicated geohydrological system, are part of the primary end-receivers of harmfulcontaminants from identified waste bodies. The need for a cost effective method to assess sitehydrology and geohydrology, to understand the associated legal responsibility of contaminatedstreams and aquifers, is recognised.In the compilation of this thesis, the unique nature of the South African situation has beenconsidered - this refers to a legally acceptable approach towards current legislation and policies.Throughout this document, the emphasis falls on what can reasonably be achieved, withoutcompromising on information that would lead to early detection of water pollution.This study leads to the construction of a logical approach towards mine closure specifically in thefield of groundwater assessments. The final product of this approach should ultimately give moreclarity on:�?The principles followed to identify objectives for mine closure and groundwater assessment,�?The adopted philosophy of mine closure as a geohydrological concept. Key words like;'rules of the game', 'key uncertainties', 'options' and' decisions' were highlighted.�?Key steps to follow when assessing site geohydrology and to determine related impactsand risks,�?Overview of methods that could be used for the mitigation of polluted aquifers and a briefsite-specific application.The key deliverable is therefore focussed on methods to scientifically assess 'sources','receivers' and 'options'. Ultimately this process has led to the development of a logicalapproach towards mine closure for groundwater assessment and remediation in a typical goldmine environment.

[发布机构] University of the Free State