OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF MINING ON THE ... - IIED pubs

D7-13 Premier Diamond – kimberlite Operating Large Medium
D7-14 Kameeldrift Clay minerals Operating Small Very low
D7-15 Boekenhoutkloof Clay minerals Operating Medium Low
D7-17 Fortsig Chrysotile asbestos Operating Small Very low
D7-19 Donkerhoek Glass sand Operating Small Very low
D7-20 Mooiplaas Limestone / Dolomite Operating Medium Low
D7-21 Puntlyk Glass sand Operating Small Very low
D7-22 Samancor Lyttleton Limestone / Dolomite Operating Medium Low
D7-23 Noel Lancaster Glass sand Operating Small Very low
D7-25 Grootfontein Clay minerals Operating Medium Low
D7-31 Hippo Olifantsfontein Limestone / Dolomite Operating Medium Low
D7-37 Bourke Fluorspar Closed Small Very low
D7-38 Rust de Winter Fluorspar Closed Small Very low
4.14.3 Alluvial mining
None known or anticipated.
4.14.4 Monitoring systems
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) operate a comprehensive monitoring system of flow
measurements and water quality measurements in the sub-catchment. In addition, DWAF also regulate the
quantity and quality of all effluent discharges through a system of effluent discharge permits or licences. Each
licensed effluent discharger is required to carry out a routine monitoring programme of the flow and quality of
their effluent and supply this to DWAF. The Department then conducts a randomised series of audit samples to
check the veracity of the effluent returns submitted by each discharger.
4.14.5 Water quality data
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry have provided data for the main stem of the Crocodile River at
three points along its length (Table 4.15). These data reveal that the water quality in the Crocodile River is very
poor in the upper reaches due to contamination from effluents and seepage. There is a minor improvement in
orthophosphate (PO4-P) concentrations in Hartbeespoort Dam, but further deterioration occurs downstream,
probably as a result of irrigation return flows and discharges containing fertilizers. Concentrations of total
dissolved salts and pH values increase downstream, indicating progressive salinization. No details of specific
agricultural return flows or effluent discharges could be obtained in time for this report. This information is also
regarded as very sensitive and normally has to be dealt with confidentially.
Table 4.15: Water quality data for three sampling stations along the Crocodile River (Annual averages, in
mg/litre, provided by Department of Water Affairs and Forestry).
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