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

Over the years, considerable attention has been paid to the development and refinement of cost-effective
treatment technologies for almost all of the important contaminants found in mine wastes. Whilst the specific
configuration of a particular treatment process will depend on the detailed chemistry of the waste stream to be
treated, the generic technologies are now well understood. One example will suffice:
• The Water Research Commission and the firm Pulles Howard and DeLange have produced a series of
detailed manuals describing specific effluent treatment processes that can deal with the important
contaminants found in mine wastewaters. This information provides a firm foundation that enables a mine
operator to customize a particular process to suit his specific circumstances. The manuals also define
clearly the administrative processes that must be followed to obtain effluent discharge permits.
6.2.5 Environmental management systems
In recent years, there has been far greater awareness of the need for effective and efficient management
control systems that will help to maximize the effectiveness of waste control systems, ensure a standard level of
quality control, and make sure that all staff members within a mining operation are fully aware of their
responsibilities. The most widespread systems in use today are those of the International Standards
organization (ISO), in particular the ISO14000+ series of environmental management systems. The added
benefit of these systems is that they represent an internationally accepted system of accreditation and
certification that provides all stakeholders with a guarantee of specific levels of performance and care.
• Unfortunately, not all mining operations have implemented a formal system of environmental management
such as the ISO14000+ system advocated here. Many smaller mines, all alluvial gold mining operations
and most quarrying operations have no formal environmental management system in place.
• A concerted effort should be made by the relevant authorities to enhance the awareness of all mine
operators that an environmental management system such as the ISO 14000+ series will help to minimize
any adverse effects their operations may have and will also help to improve the effectiveness and efficiency
of their operations.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
Arising from the detailed findings presented and the conclusions drawn in this report, the following five
recommendations can be made:
1. That this report be accepted as having fulfilled the requirements set out in the Terms of Reference for
this assignment;
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