The annual Mining Indaba in Cape Town attracts mining CEOs , thought leaders , and investors from across the globe , setting the scene for the industry ’ s most pressing issues . This year , water availability has been a topic of unprecedented interest .
Recent droughts in South Africa have led to a major depletion of surface water resources , with rainfall being at one of its lowest since the first rainfall records in 1904 .
National dam levels reached the 50 % mark , with major water supply resources such as the Gariep and Vaal dams dipping well below this mark . Fortunately , recent countrywide rain spells have relieved water pressures — but only in the short term .
“ Water scarcity is an unparalleled challenge to the mining industry ,” says André van Coller , manager of environmental geochemistry at Digby Wells .
Undeniably , the mining sector does have a negative impact on water resources and the sustainability of water supply . However , even though several other industries exceed mining companies ’ water volumes per year , mines continue to carry the stigma of being grand-scale users and polluters .
Mervyn Piesse , manager of the Global Food and Water Crises Research Programme at Future Directions International , says the mining sector consumes considerably less water than other industries , such as agriculture , which is the largest consumer of water in many countries . According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation ( FAO ), agriculture accounts for 69 % of the world ’ s water consumption , while industry ( which includes mining ) accounts for only 19 %.
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He raises the interesting point that as competition between economic sectors for access to water increases , finding ways to reduce water will become increasingly important for the mining sector .
The sector ’ s proactivity in dealing with water issues is , therefore , commendable and highly relevant in the context of dryer climates , decreased water availability , and increased competition .
Mining sector steps up
According to Van Coller , the mining sector in South Africa uses approximately 2.5 % of the national water supply and uses this water to contribute 8.8 % of the country ’ s GDP directly .
“ The mining industry relies on water for all processes , and water security has become an even greater challenge in the last year . However , with the increased water shortage , mining industries across southern Africa have stepped up and intensified efforts for networking contributor tech news industry environment infrastructure municipalities
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