Review of Water Pollution Problems and Control Strategies in the South African Mining Industry

Abstract

Water resources in South Africa are limited. It is inevitable that in a climate of expanding industry and economy, total salt loads discharged both from point and non-point sources will increase. The effect of this on these resources will soon assume crisis proportions unless effective treatment for the removal of salt loads from effluents is exercised and rigid constraints imposed on effluents not conforming to prescribed quality standards. The mining industry is a large user of water and a major contributor to salt load entering streams, rivers and encatchments. Special attention is given to the use of water and discharge of effluents by this large and important industry.