Heritage Cases

Evander Gold Mines Limited (EGM) undertakes underground gold mining operations near the town of Evander in the Mpumalanga Province. EGM currently conduct dewatering activities at the #7 and #8 shaft complexes to abstract groundwater that accumulates underground in order to allow for the continuation of mining operations. The abstracted water is used as part of the EGM operations and a portion is discharged into the authorised Leeuwpan disposal facility. EGM proposes to develop a facility for the treatment of water emanating from the #7 and #8 shaft complexes. The EGM WTP will be approximately 2 500 m2 in extent. The WTP will be situated adjacent to the Elikhulu plant at EGM and will have a maximum treatment capacity of 11 000 m3/day. The treated water will be used for potable purposes and will replace the need to obtain water from the municipality supply line. This will substantially reduce pressure on the municipal water network and also provide a reliable water source for the mine. EGM also proposes to install a 4.5km pipeline to convey water from the WTP to the #8 shaft complex. The pipeline will have a diameter of approximately 125 mm and will have a maximum flow of 25 liters per second. The pipeline will be installed within the existing pipeline servitude and existing supports will be used to establish the pipeline. The pipeline will cross two streams and two wetlands, however these crossing is also included in the EGM Water Use Licence (WUL) (Ref. 08/C12D/GJAIC/6116) and is authorised in terms of Section 21 (c)&(i) of the NWA. As existing supports and culverts will be used to install the pipeline, no additional vegetation clearance is anticipated. The existing footprint will be utilised and no additional area will be required.