Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Environmental impact of gold mines and mining'
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1
Rademeyer, Brian. "The influence of environmental impacts on tailings impoundment design." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2007. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-01292008-172436.
2
Morse, Kathryn Taylor. "The nature of gold : an environmental history of the Alaska/Yukon gold rush /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/10468.
3
Carr, Frank. "Government decision-making and environmental degradation : a study relating to mining activities in Papua New Guinea /." Carr, Frank (2007) Government decision-making and environmental degradation: a study relating to mining activities in Papua New Guinea. Masters by Research thesis, Murdoch University, 2007. http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/502/.
Abstract:
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country possessing abundant resources of gold, oil, copper, timber, and fish stocks. It is hampered in its development and management of these resources, however, by serious problems of governance and corruption. These problems are evident throughout the economy and also in the management of the environment. The level of environmental damage caused by the mining industry in PNG is now such that it will require extensive rehabilitation, if the areas affected can, indeed, ever be fully rehabilitated. The mining companies which precipitated this damage were licensed and encouraged by the PNG Government in the initiation and exercise of the mining operations. The resulting environmental impact has affected the lives of thousands of New Guineans to their detriment. The degradation caused remains
unredressed.
Compounding the problem, there is a growing reliance by Papua New Guinea on mineral exploitation for foreign direct investment, government revenues, and foreign exchange. Gold exports accounted for the biggest share of export revenues in 2002 representing 37.5% of the total. In light of this growing dependency on mining activities, there is a correspondingly urgent requirement to address the deficiencies in the administrative, monitoring, and policing aspects of the protection of its environment.
Despite the public evidence of the damage to the environment and the ensuing affect on the people of Papua New Guinea by mining activities; and despite universal condemnation of these activities and the companies responsible; the companies continue to conduct these activities without official hindrance and with little apparent concern for the long-term ramifications of their actions.
This thesis will examine the degradation resulting from the mining activities of companies in Papua New Guinea over the last three decades - particularly those of Placer Dome's Porgera gold mine, BHP's Ok Tedi gold and copper mine (the waste from both of which is dumped into the Ok Tedi and Strickland rivers which are tributaries of the Fly River and form part of the Fly River system) and Lihir Gold Limited's gold mine on Lihir Island. It will examine the extent to which the Government of Papua New Guinea may have wittingly (in the sense of a prescience as to the possible or probable likelihood of deleterious impact) or unwittingly contributed to that degradation as a result of its actions or omissions.
Studies of available literature suggest that there has been little attention paid to the subject of culpability on the part of successive PNG governments in matters of environmental damage. This research will contribute to reducing this gap in the literature by focusing on possible motives of the PNG government and its actors which precipitated those decisions and which resulted in environmental degradation. The discussion will examine the likely motivation of the PNG government in its deliberations and decisions and the extent to which corruption and incompetence may have played a role.
4
Mengwe, Moses Seargent. "Towards social impact assessment of copper-nickel mining in Botswana." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1443.
Abstract:
This research study is more of an initiative towards Social Impact Assessment of copper-nickel mining in Botswana. The specific objectives of the study were centred on the assessment of the social impacts of copper-nickel mining in Botswana from the initial mining stage of exploration, surveying and mine site development to mine closure. The study was carried out under the broad hypotheses that mining influences population movement that impact on areas of mining; mining activities have both economic benefits and deleterious social impacts on the local communities found in the areas where mining is taking place; and mine closure has far reaching socio-economic, investment and developmental implications over and above the obvious interests of project owners. To achieve the broad aim as summarised above, the research study used a multi-disciplinary methodology and approach that required several kinds of expertise and sources of information. Hence it used both primary and secondary sources centred on interactive informative interviews, site visits and observations, questionnaires, census data records, mining companies’ publications, published textbooks and journal articles. The research study comprised of three different mines operated by three different mining companies in three varied socio-cultural and ethnic regions of Botswana. First was a detailed Social Impact Assessment of the initial phase of exploration, surveying and mine site development represented by Mowana mine project operated by African Copper in the rural areas of Dugwi and Mosetse. This case study yielded results showing that the social impacts of mining in the area are diverse and extensive. The findings suggest that the impacts relate not only to the possible economic benefits of foreign exchange, employment, the optimal use of available mineral resources and the possible development of Dugwi and Mosetse villages, but extends to the deleterious social impacts. The results also indicated that the social impacts have just begun in the two communities. Hence they point towards a possible disruption within the socio-cultural system of the local people if serious mitigation measures are not put in place; thus suggesting that the early stages of exploration and mine site development results in the most conflict between the mine and the local people. Second was a comprehensive Social Impact Assessment of Tati-Nickel Phoenix mining project in the peri-urban areas of Matshelagabedi and Matsiloje areas representing the mining stage of mine production and expansion. The results from this case study suggest that during vi mine production and expansion, many people were relocated. However, the overriding impression gained from the case study was Tati-Nickel Mining Company’s elaborate corporate policies that suggested good corporate governance and best practices that promote sustainable development. A notable milestone on good corporate governance and best practice that the other two case studies (mining company) could benchmark on is Tati-Nickel’s corporate social responsibility programme that has been designed to ensure that the communities within a fifty kilometre mine radius benefit from the mine. The results from the case study also distinguished the mining stage of production and expansion from the other two because it is associated with the deep entrenchment of the social impacts into the communities near to mining areas. Third was a detailed Social Impact Assessment on Bamangwato Concession Limited mine in the industrial town of Selebi-Phikwe. The case study represented the stage of mine closure. Through the findings of this case study, it became apparent that the economic dependence of Selebi-Phikwe on mining has seen the town developing into a mining town, increasing its vulnerability at mine closure. The results from the case study further suggest that mine closure will degrade the socio-economic sector of the town with ever far reaching socio-economic implications as many people lose their gainful employment, hence suggesting that a possible complete mine closure will be the most traumatic phase leading to major social conflict within the area. Thus the results suggest that at mine closure, the deleterious social impacts will overspill to other areas in Botswana with disastrous effects for the economy of the country. The results yielded through this study established in clear and passionate language that copper-nickel mining in Botswana influences population movements that lead to positive and negative impacts on the communities found in mining areas. Another major finding of the study is that copper-nickel mining activities have both economic benefits and deleterious social impacts on the local communities, hence the recommendation that the copper-nickel mining companies should embrace the concept of sustainable mining for sustainable development to avoid most of the negative impacts of their operations on the local communities.
5
Willis, Bruce L. "The environmental effects of the Yukon Gold Rush, 1896-1906, alterations to land, destruction of wildlife, and disease." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp04/mq28687.pdf.
6
Xingwana, Lumkwana. "The impact of organisational culture on gold mining activities in the Free state." Thesis, Welkom Research Collection: CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, FREE STATE, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/11462/216.
Abstract:
Thesis (M. Comm.) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2007From the Stone Age, each nation or group of people has had a distrust of those different from themselves. This is evidenced in various ways, for example, social welfare given to local residents only, scornful names given to foreigners and other ethnic groups and rituals designed to keep themselves separate from others. These incidents of diversity resulted into an unplanned and emergent set of norms, values and beliefs that exert enormous influence on the way in which an organisation operates, how organisational structure is developed, the integration and adaptation of internal and external relationships, as well as the orientation of the underlying values of the organisation. The main aim of changing culture is to improve organisational performance. To achieve this aim, it requires an understanding of the underlying assumptions and values that determine what is important in an organisation as well as assessment of the impact of culture on operational efficiency. The impact of organisational culture is identified through the negative and positive outcomes of mining activities, and is illustrated by employee satisfaction, job commitment, organisational loyalty, turnover, absenteeism and productivity. The aim of this research study was to identify the characteristics of organisational culture and evaluate the impact of organisational culture on gold mining activities in the Free State. The methodology used in this study comprises of empirical as well as a literature study. Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather information for the empirical study. The empirical study revealed that firstly, organisational culture is created partially by leaders, and that one of the most critical functions of leadership is the creation and the management of culture. Lastly, organisational culture emerges when employees think, believe and act according to the pressures and priorities of their environment. Unfortunately, employees do not set aside their cultural values and lifestyle preferences when they come to work. It is the responsibility of the management to create an environment that is conducive to a healthy working environment. This study established that the necessity to control the workforce productivity need not be accompanied by ruthless or aggressive exploitation of cultural management, but by reliance on employees’ capability to exercise judgement to cope effectively with environmental uncertainty. Rules, norms and strategies developed cannot “fit” every circumstance but encourage conformity rather than creativity, and compliance rather than commitment.
7
Ditsele, Ofentse. "Application of life cycle assessment to estimate environmental impacts of surface coal mining." Diss., Rolla, Mo. : Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2010. http://scholarsmine.mst.edu/thesis/pdf/Ditsele_09007dcc807d4fd7.pdf.
Abstract:
Thesis (M.S.)--Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2010.Vita. The entire thesis text is included in file. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed July 15, 2010) Includes bibliographical references (p. 136-152).
8
Webber, R. C. W. "Determining the physical and economic impact of environmental design criteria for ultra-deep mines." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-07242006-105847/.
9
Maneya, George Jameson. "An integrated study of coal geology and potential environmental impact assessment at Mchenga Coal Mine in Livingstonia Coalfield in Malawi." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/480.
Abstract:
This study was carried out on the main coal-producing and the extensively block-faulted area of Mchenga Coal Mine, southeast of the 90 km2 intracratonic Livingstonia Coalfield in the north of Malawi. It was initiated against the background of indistinct information on coal geology, shortage of energy and potential environmental threats due to mine activities. The study aimed at integrating investigations of characterization of the lithostratigraphy, coal seam correlation, coal quality determination, examination of the mineralogy and geochemistry of coal and hosts rocks, assessment of water quality and providing information for mining and potential environmental and water quality impact assessment in the study area. The methodologies used in this study include literature review, field visits, mapping, sites selection and characterization, borehole logging, geochemical analyses, data processing and interpretation. The geochemical analyses include proximity analysis of coal quality, microscopy and X-ray Diffraction for mineralogy and petrology, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) for rock geochemistry and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for determination water geochemistry. The results have shown that a) The Coal Measures comprises of four to six coal seams in different localities, and the occurrence is flat and gently dipping southeast and are correlated. Thicknesses of the coal seams vary from 0.10m to 3.0m with some notable lateral and horizontal variations. Thick and workable seams occupy the lower portion of the Coal Measures and are exposed along the North Rumphi River bank; b) Coal quality belongs to sub-bituminous ‘A’ to ‘C’ on ASTM classification (1991), being characterised by low moisture content (0.8 to 1.3 wt percent) and sulphur content (0.49 to 0.85 wt percent), high ash content (9.0 to 17 wt percent) and volatile matter (24 to 32.9 wt percent), fixed carbon (53.6 to 62.6 wt percent), calorific value (7,015 to 7,670 kcal/kg); c) Mineral matters constitute approximately 9.55 to 38.34 wt percent of the coal samples, predominantly clays (interstratified illite/smectite and kaolinite) with varying proportions of quartz, mica and feldspars, as well as minor calcite and pyrite and their geochemistry, being characterised by enrichment of SiO2 from 5.37 to 20.56 wt percent, Al2O3 (2.63 to 11.21 wt percent) and K2O (0.32 to 3.65 wt percent) with trace concentrations of CaO (0.04 to 0.41 wt. percent), MgO (0.08 to 0.65 wt percent) and P2O5 (0.018 to 0.037 wt percent) and Na2O concentration notably below 0.01 wt percent; d) Calcite and pyrite constitute minor concentration in both sandstones and shales; e) Water quality in the area is characterised as two groups of acidic (pH 3.3-6.4) and near-neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.9-7.3) and low pH, high TDS, SO42- and EC are noted at the coal crusher plant which points out to high leaching of trace elements such as Pb and Fe. Na++K+ are dominant in upper sections of North Rumphi and Mhlepa Rivers. Ca2+ cations are dominant at crusher plant, underground mine and lower section of Mhlepa; f) Based on the geochemistry analysis, Na and trace elements such as Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Zn, Rb, Sr and Zr from coal and host rocks have the ability to contribute significantly to deterioration in the ground and surface water quality in the study area. It can be concluded that the coals of the Livingstonia Coalfield belong to Gondwana group deposited in sub-basin with multiple seams embedded in sandstone and shale host rocks.
10
Haffert, Laura, and n/a. "Metalloid mobility at historic mine and industrial processing sites in the South Island of New Zealand." University of Otago. Department of Geology, 2009. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20090921.144328.
Abstract:
Rocks of the South Island of New Zealand are locally enriched in metalloids, namely arsenic (As), antimony (Sb) and boron (B). Elevated levels of As and Sb can be found in sulphide minerals mostly in association with mesothermal gold deposits, whereas B enrichment occurs in marine influenced coal deposits. The mobility of these metalloids is important because they can be toxic at relatively low levels (e.g. for humans >0.01 mg/L of As). Their mobilisation occurs naturally from background weathering of the bedrock. However, mining and processing of coal and gold deposits, New Zealand's most economically important commodities, can significantly increase metalloid mobility. In particular, historic mines and associated industrial sites are known to generate elevated metalloid levels because of the lack of site remediation upon closure. This work defines and quantifies geological, mining, post-mining and regional processes with respect to metalloid, especially As, mobility.
At the studied historic gold mines, the Blackwater and Bullendale mines, Sb levels in mineralised rocks were generally negligible (<14 ppm) compared to As (up to 10,000 ppm). Thus, Sb concentrations in solids and in water were too low to yield any meaningful information on Sb mobility. In contrast, dissolved As concentrations downstream from mine sites were found to be very high (up to 59 mg/L) (background = 10⁻� mg/L). In addition, very high As concentrations were found in residues (up to 40 wt%) and site substrate (up to 30 wt%) at the Blackwater processing sites (background < 0.05 wt%). Here, roasting of the gold ore converted the orginal As mineral, arsenopyrite, into the mineral arsenolite (As[III] trioxide polymorph) and volatilised the sulphur. The resultant sulphur-defficient chemical system is driven by arsenolite dissolution and differs significantly from mine sites where arsenopyrite is the main As source.
Arsenolite is significantly more soluble than arsenopyrite. In the surficial environment, arsenolite dissolution is limited by kinetics only, which are slow enough to preserve exposed arsenolite over decades in a temperate, wet climate. This process results in surface waters with up to ca. 50 mg/L dissolved As. In reducing conditions, dissolved As concentrations are also controlled by the solubility of arsenolite producing As concentrations up to 330 mg/L.
Field based cathodic stripping voltammetry showed that the As[III]/As[V] redox couple, in particular the oxidation of As[III], has a major control on system pH and Eh. Site acidification is mainly caused by the oxidation of As[III], resulting in a close link between As[V] concentrations and pH. Similarly, a strong correlation between calculated (Nernstian) and measured (electrode) Eh was found in the surface environment, suggesting that the overall Eh of the system is, indeed, defined by the As[III]/As[V] redox couple.
Once the metalloid is mobilised from its original source, its mobility is controlled by at least one of the following attenuation processes: (a) precipitation of secondary metalloid minerals, (b) co-precipitation with - or adsorption to - iron oxyhydroxide (HFO), or (c) dilution with background waters. The precipitation of secondary minerals is most favoured in the case of As due to the relatively low solubility of iron arsenates, especially at low pH (~0.1 mg/L). Observations suggest that scorodite can be the precursor phase to more stable iron arsenates, such as kankite, zykaite, bukovskyite or pharmacosiderite and their stability is mainly controlled by pH, sulphur concentrations and moisture prevalence. Empirical evidence indicates that the sulphur-containing minerals zykaite and bukovskyite have a similar pH dependence to scorodite with solubilities slightly lower than scorodite and kankite. If dissolved As concentrations decline, iron arsenates potentially become unstable. Their dissolution maintains a pH between 2.5 and 3.5. This acidification process is pivotal with respect to As mobility, especially in the absence of other acidification processes, because iron arsenates are several orders of magnitude more soluble in circum-neutral pH regimes (~100 mg/L). From this, it becomes apparent that external pH modifications, for example as part of a remediation scheme, can significantly increase iron arsenate solubility and resultant As mobility. In contrast to As, the precipitation of secondary Sb and B minerals is limited by their high solubilities, which are several orders of magnitude higher than for iron arsenates. Thus, secondary Sb and B minerals are restricted to evaporative waters, from which they can easily re-mobilised during rain events.
Metalloid adsorption to HFO is mainly controlled or limited by the extent of HFO formation, which in turn is governed by the availability of Fe and prevailing Eh-pH conditions. Thus, mineralisation styles and associated geochemical gradients, in particular pyrite abundance, can control the amount of HFO and consequent metalloid attenuation, and these can vary even within the same goldfleld. Furthermore, it was found that there is a mineralogical gradation between ferrihydrite with varying amounts of adsorbed As, amorphous iron arsenates and crystalline iron arsenates, suggesting that the maturity of mine waste is an important factor in As mineralogy.
Once dissolved metalloids enter the hydrosphere, dilution is the main control on metalloid attenuation, which is especially pronounced at the inflow of tributaries. Dilution is, therefore, closely related to the size and frequency of these tributaries, which in turn are controlled by the regional topography and climate. Dilution is a considerably less effective attenuation mechanism and anomalous metalloid concentrations from mining related sites can persist for over 10 km downstream.
The complex and often inter-dependent controls on metalloid mobility mean that management decisions should carefully consider the specific site geochemistry to minimize economic, health and environmental risks that can not be afforded.
On a regional scale, background metalloid flux determines the downstream impact of an anomalous metalloid source upstream. For example, the Bullendale mine is located in a mountainous region, where rapidly eroding slopes expose fresh rock and limit the extent of soil cover and chemical weathering. Consequently, the background As flux is relatively low and As point sources, such as the Bullendale mine, present a significant contribution to the downstream As flux. In contrast, the bedrock at the Blackwater mine has undergone deep chemical weathering, resulting in an increased background mobilisation of As. Thus, the Prohibition mill site discharge, for example, contributes only about 10% to the downstream As flux. This information is relevant to site management decisions because the amount of natural background metalloid mobilisation determines whether site remediation will influence downstream metalloid chemistry on a regional scale.
11
Saup, Casey Morrisroe. "Biogeochemical Cycling in Pristine and Mining-Impacted Upland Fluvial Sediments." The Ohio State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1593664378874682.
12
Makuluma, Hlombe Azukile. "A case study from a gold mining company : a call for leadership towards more sustainable futures." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/18013.
Abstract:
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Gold mining in South Africa is an industry that is more than a century old. The impact of gold mines on communities and the environment are enormous. This thesis is a case study based in one of the major gold producers in South Africa that has been in operation for more than 50 years and has more than 30 years of life still left. Exploring the impact mining has had on communities and the environment, this thesis is a call for leadership action towards sustainable futures. This call is made through a suggested sustainable development leadership framework. Georgius Agricola gave a warning regarding the devastating environmental impacts of mining as early as 1556, however mining still has the same negative impacts to the environment and people. The argument in this thesis is that, it is only through genuine leadership that the impacts of mining can be mitigated. However leadership is looked at not from the position of the leader or the leadership style but from the belief system of the leader when it comes to environmental management and community development. The motivation for the study was based in observing how leadership at our Gold mine rallied behind prevention of mine closure when the mine was faced with electricity crisis in 2008. The electricity crisis demonstrated that it is through genuine and committed leadership that all challenges can be overcome including sustainable development crisis. The call for leadership at our mine is to demonstrate the same leadership commitment in addressing environmental and community development challenges. The literature review begins by highlighting sustainable development global challenges and initiatives to address them. This is followed by impacts of gold mining on society and the environment around the various regions of the world. Leadership belief systems are then discussed, highlighting, how belief systems influence the way a leader responds to environmental issues. In developing the sustainable development leadership framework findings from observations, conversations, interviews and focus group discussion that were conducted throughout the mine are presented. The aim of the research was to determine the understanding of employees on the impact of our company on communities, environment and themselves and also the employees’ opinions of leadership. The findings were that the majority of employees believe that leadership is not genuine in addressing community, employee safety and health, and environmental issues at our company and through interviews with leadership, the findings are that, environment and community issues are done for compliance and reputation purposes with no genuine belief that they should be done. To address this understanding a call to leadership is made through a suggested sustainable development leadership framework that takes into consideration the findings from the case study. The thesis ends by proposing that this suggested framework should be tested further within our company.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Goud mynbou in Suid-Afrika is 'n bedryf wat meer as 'n eeu oud is. Die impak van goudmyne op gemeenskappe en die omgewing is enorm. Hierdie proefskrif is 'n gevallestudie wat gebaseer is op een van die groot goudprodusente in Suid-Afrika wat al vir meer as 50 jaar reeds in werking is en wat 'n veredere lewensverwagting van meer as 30 jaar het. Hierdie tesis is 'n ondersoek na die impak wat mynbou op die omliggende gemeenskappe en omgewing het asook 'n beroep om leieskap optrede vir volhoubare ontwikkeling. Hierdie beroep vir volhoubare ontwikkeling word gemaak deur middel van 'n volhoubare ontwikkeling leierskap raamwerk. Georgius Agricola het alreeds in 1556 gewaarsku teen die impak wat mynbou op die omgewing en mense sou hê. Vandag het mynbou het egter nog steeds dieselfde negatiewe impak op die omgewing en die mense. Die argument in hierdie tesis is dat dit slegs deur ware leierskap is dat die impak van mynbou versag kan word. Leierskap word egter nie bekyk uit die posisie van die leier of die leierskap-styl nie, maar eerder uit die gewetens oortuiging oogpunt van die leier wanneer dit kom by omgewingsbestuur en ontwikkeling van die gemeenskap. Die motivering vir hierdie studie is gebaseer op die waarneming van hoe leierskap by ons goudmyn mynsluiting voorkom het gedurende die 2008 elektrisiteitskrisis. Die elektrisiteitskrisis het getoon dat uitdagings sowel as volhoubare ontwikkelings krisisse wel deur ware en toegewyde leierskap oorkom kan word. Die versoek is nou vir ons myn om dieselfde leierskap toewyding toe te pas waar omgewing en gemeenskap ontwikkelings uitdagings aangepak word. Die literatuur oorsig begin deur die globale uitdagings op volhoubare ontwikkeling onder die vergrootglas te plaas en wys hoe om die uitdagings te addresseer. Dan volg die impak wat die goudmynbedryf het op die omgewing en samelewing van verskeie streke in die wêreld. Leierskap geloof oortuiging word dan bespreek met die klem op hoe geloofsoortuiging 'n invloed het op die manier wat 'n leier reageer op omgewings kwessies. Die ontwikkeling van die volhoubare ontwikkelings raamwerk is gebasser op obserwasies, gesprekke, onderhoude en fokusgroepsbesprekings van regoor die myn. Die doel van die navorsing was om die begrip van die werknemers te bepaal aangaande die impak wat ons maatskappy het op die gemeenskap, omgewing en hulself en ook om die werknemers se opinies van leierskap te bepaal. Die bevindinge was dat die meerderheid van die werknemers van mening is dat leierskap by ons maatskappy nie opreg is wanneer dit kom by aanspreek van gemeenskap kwessies, werknemer veiligheid en gesondheid, en omgewingskwessies nie. Deur middel van onderhoude met die leiers van ons maatskappy is ook bevind dat die omgewing en die gemeenskaps kwessies slegs aandag geniet aangesien dit vir die nakoming van vereistes en reputasiedoeleindes verys word en nie as gevolg van 'n werklike oortuiging dat dit gedoen moet word nie. Om hierdie begrip aan te spreek word 'n beroep gemaak tot leierskap deur middel van hierdie voorgestelde volhoubare ontwikkeling leierskap raamwerk wat die bevindings van die gevallestudie in ag neem. Die tesis eindig deur voor te stel dat hierdie voorgestelde raamwerk verder getoets moet word in ons maatskappy.
13
Zhinin, Kristy Lynn. "LOCAL PARTICIPATION IN MANAGING WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS FROM ARTISANAL GOLD MINING: THE RIO GALA WATERSHED, ECUADOR." Oxford, Ohio : Miami University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=miami1209066059.
14
Wang, Wei J. "Monitoring the impact of surface coal mining on vegetation in southwestern Indiana using remote sensing and GIS." Virtual Press, 2008. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1399198.
Abstract:
Surface coal mining leads to inevitable changes and notable impact on the physical environment of the earth and engenders immense damage to the landscape and the ecological environment. The dramatic high-speed rock digging and disturbance unavoidably causes ecosystem degradation and destruction. Detecting how surface coal mining affects the environment on the process of land use/cover change is one of the primary concerns to preserve nature and minimize the environmental impacts. Therefore, monitoring and understanding the environmental impact processes in mining areas is critical for sustainable management of the Earth's environment. In this thesis, remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) are applied to assess the spatial environmental impact caused by surface coal mining in southwestern Indiana. The goal of this research is to develop a methodology to classify the coal mining field using satellite imagery and to quantify and assess land use /cover changes using remote sensing and GIS. The specific methods include classification of Landsat Thermal Mapper (TM) data and comparison of the spatial patterns of the classification results in the study region. The results are presented with a 3-D model to better understand and visualize the coal mining effects on the landscape. Results obtained in this study indicate the change area of land use/cover and the potential area for planting crops in southwestern Indiana. Based on the observation of the data results, vegetation in the study area was found to have changed significantly over the study period. In particular, the developed areas have been increasing quickly and the areas of agriculture and forests have been decreasing appreciably.Department of Geography
15
De, Wet Theunis Jacobus. "The Effect of a tax on coal in South Africa a CGE analysis /." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2003. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06302004-143319.
16
Bell, Maria Aletta. "Monitoring rehabilitation success using remotely sensed vegetation indices at Navachab Gold Mine, Namibia." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/97888.
Abstract:
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Remote sensing and vegetation indices were evaluated for its usefulness to monitor the success of the rehabilitation programme of the decommissioned tailings storage facility (TSF1) of the Navachab Gold Mine, Karibib, Namibia. The study aimed to objectively illustrate the rehabilitation progression from tailings (baseline) to soil (capping) and vegetation (planted as well as natural). Baseline data sets of 2004 and 2005 were compared with imagery of 2009, 2010 and 2011. All the images were subjected to panchromatic sharpening using the subtractive resolution merge (SRM) method before georegistration. As no recent accurate topographical maps were available of the study area, the May 2010 image was used as a reference image. All other images were georegistered to this image. A number of vegetation indices (VIs) were evaluated. The results showed that the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the transformed vegetation index (TVI) provided the most promising results. Although the difference vegetation index (DVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) distinguished the vegetation, rock, and soil classes, it was not as successful as the other VIs in classifying the rain water pond. TVI and NDVI were further evaluated for their efficacy in detecting changes. This was done by generating a series of change images and by qualitatively comparing them to false colour images of the same period. Both the NDVI and TVI delivered good results, but it was found that the TVI is more successful when water is present in the images. The research concludes that change analyses based on the TVI is an effective method for monitoring mine rehabilitation programmes.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Afstandswaarneming en plantegroei-indekse is ge-evalueer vir die gebruikswaarde daarvan om sukses van die rehabilitasieprogram vir die geslote slykdam of tailings storage facility (TSF1) van die Navachab Goudmyn, Karibib, Namibië vas te stel. Die studie se doelwit was om die progressie in die rehabilitasie van slyk (basislyn) na grond (dekmateriaal) en plantegroei (aangeplant en natuurlik) te illustreer. Basislyndatastelle 2004 en 2005 is vergelyk met 2009, 2010, en 2011 beelde. Al die beelde is panchromaties verskerp deur die subtractive resolution merge (RSM) metode voor georegistrasie uit te voer. Aangesien geen onlangse, akkurate topografiese kaarte van die studiegebied beskikbaar was nie, is die beeld vir Mei 2010 as ‘n verwysingsbeeld gebruik. Al die ander beelde is op die laasgenoemde beeld gegeoregistreer. Die resultate het gewys dat die normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) en die transformed vegetation index (TVI) die mees belowende resultate lewer. Al het die difference vegetation index (DVI) en enhanced vegetation index (EVI) goed onderskei tussen plantegroeiklasse en grond- en gesteentesklasse was dit nie so suksesvol met die klassifikasie van die reënwaterpoel nie. TVI en NDVI is verder geëvalueer vir effektiwiteit om verandering waar te neem. Dit is gedoen deur ‘n reeks van veranderingsbeelde te skep en dit dan kwalitatief met die valskleur-beelde vir dieselfde tydperk te vergelyk. Beide die NDVI en TVI het goeie resultate gelewer, maar die TVI was meer suksesvol om beelde met water te klassifiseer. Die navorsing lei tot die gevolgtrekking dat veranderingsanalises met die TVI ‘n effektiewe metode vir die monitoring van rehabilitasie programme is.
17
Newcombe, Vernon Claude. "Mercury use in the goldmining industry : a retrospective examination of elemental mercury use in the gold mining industry of the West Coast of New Zealand in the period 1984-1988 : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Science) at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand." Massey University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/832.
18
Wong, Stephen W. "Reproductive toxicity and bioavailability of arsenic in contaminated artificial and natural soils using the earthworm." Thesis, McGill University, 2003. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=79205.
Abstract:
High concentrations of arsenic are found near gold-mine tailings. The most common form of arsenic found in soil is arsenate, which is a known toxicant. We used the standardised earthworm reproduction test for the species Eisenia andrei (E. andrei) to study the toxicity and bioavailability of arsenic-contaminated soil. Arsenic is toxic to earthworms as indicated by the decrease in survival and reproduction. Arsenic-spiked artificial soil was more toxic than arsenic-spiked field soil based on total arsenic concentration in soil. Moreover, soil from near mine tailings showed a reduced toxic effect despite its high soil arsenic concentration as compared to spiked field soil. Measurements of arsenic tissue concentrations in the earthworm indicated that uptake of arsenic into earthworm tissue was higher in spiked artificial soil as compared to spiked field soil and that the maximal body burden was 396 mug As/g dry tissue weight. However, when considering tissue arsenic concentration, spiked field soil is more toxic than spiked artificial soil. Therefore the tissue rather than soil content may better reflect the magnitude of arsenic toxicity to E. andrei.
19
La, Rosa Airaldi Luis Antonio. "Notes on the Approval and Modification of Environmental Management Instruments of the Mining Sector: Background, New Criteria and Challenges from Normative News." Derecho & Sociedad, 2015. http://repositorio.pucp.edu.pe/index/handle/123456789/118432.
Abstract:
The author addresses a broad overview of the significant role played by all those new developments and trends in science, technology and innovation (STI), which are applied to the environmental management of mining projects. It also examines the new provisions introduced by the D.S. No. 054-2013-PCM and D.S. No. 060-2013-PCM, as well as their complementary regulations (specifically, those of environmental relevance for the mining sector), in the context of policies aimed at stimulating the economy and promoting private investment that are being implemented by the Government. In addition, the article focuses on different practical situations and evaluates the relevant environmental implications that mining companies usually face when redesigning or modifying the components of their projects. Finally, analyzes the criteria of the Ministry of Energy and Mines concerning the rules on environmental management instruments for the mining industry, and the new regime applicable for amending these instruments, as well as the aspects, scope and measures that are being adopted and discussed with regards to the obligation of updating the approved environmental impact studies.El autor muestra un panorama amplio del significativo papel que desempeñan los nuevos desarrollos en ciencia, tecnología e innovación (CTI) aplicados a la gestión ambiental de los proyectos mineros. Asimismo, analiza las nuevas disposiciones introducidas por los D.S. No. 054-2013-PCM y 060-2013-PCM, así como sus normas complementarias (específicamente, aquellas de relevancia ambiental para el sector minero), en el marco de las políticas de reactivación económica y promoción de la inversión privada que viene implementando el Gobierno. Además, plantea distintas situaciones prácticas y evalúa las respectivas implicancias ambientales que, muchas veces, las empresas mineras afrontan al momento de rediseñar o modificar los componentes de sus proyectos. Por último, analiza los criterios del Ministerio de Energía y Minas respecto de la normativa en materia de los instrumentos de gestión ambiental en el sector minero (IGA) y del nuevo régimen aplicable a la modificación de los IGA, así como los aspectos, alcances y medidas que se vienen adoptando y discutiendo con relación a la obligación de actualizar los estudios ambientales aprobados.
20
Collister, Grant. "The environmental impact of the Robinson Deep mine residue deposit, Johannesburg." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/462.
Abstract:
The environmental impact of the Robinson Deep mine residue deposit in Johannesburg was assessed by evaluating the water chemistry and surface precipitates, thereby identifying the processes responsible for forming the contamination footprint. Precipitates were compared to a documented paragenetic sequence of mineral formation associated with sulphide rich mine waste. PHREEQC, a geochemical modelling tool, was utilized to predict the formation of precipitates from evaporation ponds. The chemistry of the leachate was analysed and compared to water quality standards in order to determine the possible environmental impact. The chemistry of the water emanating from the mine residue deposit reveals that an Fe-SO4 dominant chemistry persists, this is consistent with acid mine drainage environments. The most toxic cations and anions contained in the water are Fe, Al, Mn, Ca, As, Mg, Cu, Zn, Pb and SO . It is predicted that the impact of toxic metals identified in the water decreases further from the mine residue deposit due to dilution and co-precipitation with different mineral phases such as goethite. Precipitates identified include jarosite group minerals, goethite, melanterite, copiapite, Mg-copiapite, halotrichite, pickeringite, gypsum and alunogen. These secondary minerals may be used as indicator minerals of acid mine drainage. Assessment and prediction of the stage of contamination and possible environmental impact, may, therefore be pursued when comparing the indicator minerals to predicted paragenetic sequences. For example, the precipitation of melanterite is consistent with an early stage of acid mine drainage development. The presence of melanterite thus suggests that oxidation of sulphides is an ongoing process on the Robinson Deep mine residue deposit. Evaporation of water in the evaporation ponds aids in increasing the concentration, hence allowing the predominant precipitation of jarosite group minerals. Alternatively, rainfall dilutes the water allowing dissolution of minerals located on the banks of the evaporation ponds to predominate. This mechanism of precipitation and dissolution is seasonal; formation of precipitates predominates during the dry season, while dissolution is most prominent during the wet season. The development of hardpans indicates that the main mechanism of formation of the associated phases is through capillary action at the sediment surface. Leaching of Fe2+-rich water from the mine residue deposit containment area is indicated by the presence of copiapite, while jarosite and goethite formation tend to form part of a hardpan layer. Goethite is an indication of a late stage mineral predominant at lower sulphate and higher pH conditions. Results of predicted formation of precipitates by PHREEQC are not in very good agreement with actual field observations. This is mainly due to the lack of thermodynamic data for many of the sulphate minerals observed. Hence, precipitates associated with acid mine drainage may be utilized as indicator minerals. Consequently, there identification may facilitate in environmental monitoring and risk assessment.Prof. J. M. Huizenga Prof. J. Gutzmer
21
Vicente, Enoque Mendes. "Impact of alluvial gold mining on surface water quality in the Revue basin-Manica District, Mozambique." Thesis, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/5310.
Abstract:
The upper part of the Revue basin in the Manica District, Mozambique is located in a mountainous
area underlain by rocks of the Manica greenstone belt. This greenstone belt has alluvial gold deposits
in the Revue river and its tributaries Chua and Zambuzi. Alluvial gold in the Manica District has
been mined by local people using artisanal mining methods (panning) and by small scale companies.
The recovery process of gold involves washing of the auriferous gravel with large quantities of water
and the surface water quality has been impaired in this process. The aim of this dissertation is to
assess the impact of alluvial gold mining on surface water quality in the Revue basin. Physical and
chemical characteristics of the surface water were determined upstream of, within and downstream of
the mining area and in the main tributaries immediately before flowing into the Revue river.
Upstream of the mining area the water is clear and the rock types of the Manica greenstone belt are
likely to be the only source of metals dissolved in the water. Metal concentrations are generally low
except Cd, Mo and Ni but the water in this area meets all World Health Organization (WHO)
recommendations for drinking water. In contrast within the mining area there are signs of pollution.
The water is cloudy and the highest concentrations of most metals are found in the lower part of this
area where mining activity is very intense. Thus, the alluvial gold mining is responsible for elevated
metal concentrations and constitutes the major point source of pollution in the Revue basin. Water
quality within the mining area has been affected and metals Ba, Pb and Mn have concentrations
exceeding the WHO recommended values for drinking water. Downstream of the mining area the
impounded water in the Chicamba Dam, which is the source of potable water for Chimoio City,
reduces the water flow in the Revue river and sedimentation of suspended sediments occurs, together
with associated adsorption and precipitation processes. This result in general improvement of water
quality with only Ba and Pb concentrations remaining above the WHO recommended values for
drinking water. Increase in concentration of metals AI, Ba, K, Pb and Sr occurring in the Chicamba
Dam is likely to be due to input to the dam of water from rivers which cross the Granite-gneiss
Complex. Geochemical speciation modelling using MINTEQA2 program suggests that the behaviour
of metals Cr, AI, Mn and Fe is controlled by redox and precipitation reactions while the behaviour of
As, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ba and Ca is controlled by adsorption on the sediment surfaces. Changes in
environmental conditions, such as pH and dissolved organic matter (DOM) could result in metals
being released back into the water. Modelling the effect of a change in pH and variation in DOM
indicate that adsorption and precipitation would decrease with decreasing pH values and with
increasing DOM. The chemical form of dissolved metals, the type of interactive processes
(absorption and precipitation) and concentration of particulate matter gives the distribution of
pollutants while the transport process affect the fate of pollutants in the Revue river water.Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2000.
22
Malan, Joël D. "The impact of the gold mining industry on the water quality of the Kromdraai catchment." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11220.
Abstract:
M.Sc. (Geography)One of the main objectives of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) is the protection of natural resources (water resources) against pollution and misuse. These resources must be protected for the sustainable use by future and present generations. The study area consisted of the Kromdraai Catchment which included the Upper Wonderfonteinspruit, Lower Wonderfonteinspruit, Loopspruit and the Mooi River. This area is known for the amount of gold mining activities which may have a negative influence on the environment and especially on water. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of the gold mining industry may have on the water quality of the Kromdraai Catchment. Huge volumes of water quality data were collected from certain major monitoring stations throughout the Kromdraai catchment. A good indicator of pollution in a water sample is the electrical conductivity (Ee) of the sample. EC values were used to determine the pollution in each of the water samples because it saves time and costs. Pollution trends were established and conclusions were drawn to determine the impact of the gold mines on the water quality. A clear impact of a tailings dam on the water quality of the Turffontein Oog was established by the sharp increase in the EC values since the Doornfontein Gold Mine started depositing huge volumes of slime on the no. 3 tailing dam. The EC values of the Turffontein Oog have started to decline when the depositing of the slime was ceased. The conclusion of the study is that the gold mining industry has a definite negative impact on the water quality of the water resources in the Kromdraai catchment. The only effective way to mitigate and, manage these negative impacts, is through integrated environmental management. The sharing of data by all interested and affected parties is of critical importance, since most neighbouring goldmines are directly impacting on each other through the pumping and discharging of huge volumes of mine water. Catchment forums were established for the integrated environmental management of the Kromdraai catchment by all interested and affected parties. These forums have become important bodies representing stakeholders in the establishment of catchment management authority (CMA) that Will be established in the Upper Vaal Water Management Area.
23
Magodi, Rofhiwa. "Assessment and management of environmental and socio-economic impacts of small-scale gold mining at Giyani Greenstone Belt." Diss., 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11602/893.
Abstract:
MENVSC (Geography)Department of Geography and Geo-Information Science
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has devastating impacts on different parts of the environment and is a source of environmental degradation and contamination. ASGM degrades water resources, contaminate soil, sediments and water and lead to serious land degradation problems. ASGM activities are also associated with socio-economic issues such as child labour, prostitution and health and safety concerns. Insufficient understanding of the environmental and social problems of ASGM in Giyani Greenstone Belt has led to lack of mitigation strategies to reduce such problems. The main aim of this research was to assess and manage the environmental and socio-economic impacts of ASGM in Giyani Greenstone Belt. Remote sensing and GIS and Normalised Differential Vegetation Index were used to assess the effects of mining activities on vegetation cover. Assessment of the effects of ASGM on water, sediments and soil quality involved collection of samples in order to establish their physical and chemical properties. The concentration of toxic and trace metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) instruments. The pH meter was used to determine the pH level of the collected samples. Questionnaires, interviews and SPSS were used to assess socio-economic impacts of ASGM. The study culminated in devolvement of NDVI maps and this was used to assess the effects of ASGM on vegetation cover. Results showed that the mining activities in the area had caused extensive environmental degradation due to serious removal of vegetation cover in the site. ASGM had serious effects on soil, water and sediments quality such as environmental contamination by toxic and trace elements. Soil samples were found with high concentration of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn as compared to the recommended South African Soil Quality and WHO threshold values for plants. It was found that Klein Letaba had high concentration of Ba, La, V, and Ce above the World Soil Averages for plants. Sediments were heavily contaminated with Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, As and Ba as compared to the recommended standards prescribed by US EPA and WHO. The pH of water, soil and sediments samples collected from both mining sites were found to be strongly alkaline which affects the plants growth as well as aquatic flora and fauna. Socio-economic issues such as child labour, injuries, educational problems, health and safety issues, police disturbance, creation of jobs and income generation were identified at mine sites. ASGM had serious effect on vegetation cover through environmental degradation. ASGM also had serious environmental contamination by toxic and trace elements. ASGM had both positive and negative socio-economic issues at mining site which include employment opportunities, income generation, occupational health and safety, police disturbance and arrests and the use of child labour. Mine site rehabilitation is recommended in this study to reduce environmental degradation. The remediation of contaminated area by concentrated toxic and trace elements should be applied at both mining sites. ASGM should be legalised to enhance positive aspects of the mining such as increase in income generation and creation of more employment opportunities. However, there should be enforcement of mining policies to reduce social and environmental problems.
24
Munyai, Vuledzani Hector. "Assessing the impact of gold mining on the land use land cover change using GIS & Remote Sensing: case study in Yatela gold mine, Mali (1999-2015)." Thesis, 2017. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/25140.
Abstract:
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing) at the School of Geography, Archaeology & Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand. Johannesburg. 23 March 2017.The main purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of open pit mining on the Land Use Land Cover Change (LULCC) of the Yatela region in Mali. The methodology used to assess the open pit mining operations were remote sensing vegetation indices (NDVI) and LULC maps at a four year interval from 1999 to 2015. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification was used to create the LULC maps. Assessment of the quality from SVM classification outputs were analyzed using the confusion matrix technique. Three satellites (Landsat 5, 7 and 8) were used to analyze the images that were extracted from scene path 202 row 050. The NDVI results were able to detect the development and expenditure of the open pit mine in the Yatela region from 1999 to 2015. The roads and open pit mine area were easily detected from the 1999 NDVI results. Over the years the vegetation cover varied in the Yatela region, good vegetation cover was present before mine operations (1999) and after the mine closure (2015). The average overall accuracy for the five classified images was 84.31%. The change detection statistics showed that there were significant changes in each of the five classes over the 16 year period. Anthropogenic factors are assumed to be the major contributing factor to the Land Use Land Cover Change in the Yatela region. Nonetheless, this should not mean that climate factors can be neglected as contributing factors to LULCC in the region. Due to data limitation this research was unable to test any climatic influences.
LG2018
25
Nicholson, Heather Christine. "Arsenic in plants important to two Yukon First Nations : impacts of gold mining and reclamation practices." Thesis, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/13867.
Abstract:
This project examines arsenic in plants growing near closed or reclaimed gold
mines located in the traditional territories of two Yukon First Nations. A total of 238 soil
and plant samples (comprising 9 different species) were collected from Mt. Nansen,
Arctic Gold and Silver, and Venus Mine tailing properties. At each property, samples
were collected near the suspected point source of contamination, approximately 1 -3 km
away, and from background sites. Species were chosen for their ethnobotanical
significance to the Little Salmon/Carmacks and the Carcross/Tagish First Nations,
based on interviews with Elders and other knowledgeable people. Total and inorganic
arsenic concentrations were determined using ICP-MS and AAS instrumentation, and
organic arsenic concentrations were calculated from the difference.
Uptake of arsenic by plants was low compared to soil arsenic concentrations. In
both plants and soil, the arsenic form was predominantly inorganic. Concentrations in
berries at all three sites were low or undetectable, and are therefore considered safe to
eat under Health Canada tolerable daily intake guidelines for inorganic arsenic.
At Mt. Nansen, the lichen "caribou moss" (Cetraria/Cladina spp.), Bolete
mushrooms (Leccinum spp.), and the medicinal shrubs willow (Salix spp.) and Labrador
tea (Ledum groenlandicum/L. decumbens spp.) had high mean arsenic concentrations
around point sources or at sites up to 1.5 km away. These localized high
concentrations will not likely affect foraging animals, given their constant movement.
However, Carmacks residents could avoid gathering all species with elevated arsenic
around the Mt. Nansen mining property until reclamation is complete.
26
Nkosi, Lolah. "Social impact of mining." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13886.
Abstract:
LL.M. (International Law)Mining is an activity which contributes greatly and positively to a country’s economic development by creating job opportunities, development of roads, health care centres and educational facilities. However, mining in certain instances can also have a long lasting negative environmental and social impact on communities. The focus of this dissertation will be to address those instances where mining has a negative social impact on the communities where such mining projects are taking place. The negative social impact of mining in certain cases is regarded as a universal phenomenon. Citizens of many countries where mining activities take place i.e. “mining counties” especially in the under-developed, developing and countries with economies in transition, such as Ghana, Mali, South Africa and Tanzania in an African Continent are confronted with an array of negative consequences associated with the negative social impact of mining activities. However this does not mean that other continents are immune from this. Asian countries such as Paupau New Guinea, India, and China are also faced with the negative social impact of mining.
27
Fourie, Henning J. "Environmental aspects in trackless mechanised mining." Thesis, 1991. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/24685.
Abstract:
A project report submitted to the Faculty of
Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, in the partial fulfilment of the
requirement for the Degree of Master of
Science in EngineeringThe impact of TMMM on Environmental Engineering is pervasive in all aspects. More critical aspects have been evaluated to quantify their impact on air and refrigeration of a typical deep, hot gold mine. ( abbreviation abstract)
Andrew Chakane 2018
28
Bailie, Melisa. "An implementation programme for the South African gold mining industry to achieve environmental compliance." Thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2090.
Abstract:
M.Sc.The gold mining industry in South Africa is exposed to various legal issues due to the nature of its operations. Furthermore, there has been a renewed focus on environmental management in South Africa over the past decade, as well as an international focus on sustainable development. Environmental management in the gold mining industry must incorporate sustainable development, as well as the ‘cradle to grave’ concept. The gold mining industry has to ensure that its activities are compliant with environmental legislation and best practice requirements, as the increase in environmental awareness and legislated principles has escalated gold mines’ exposure to demands for the remediation and reparations of pollution and environmental degradation. No single document exists that provides the gold mining industry with detail on the environmental legislation and best practice requirements that gold mines are able to refer to in order ensure effective environmental management. Furthermore, there is no implementation plan for gold mines to implement in order to achieve compliance with environmental legislation and best practice requirements. This study has presented such a document, as it has provided the reader with detail concerning the responsibilities of the regulatory authorities, the current and new legislation, best practices, codes of practices, and offences and liabilities that gold mines will become exposed to should they not adhere to environmental legislative requirements. This detail has been used to compile an implementation programme (Chapter 4), which when implemented will ensure environmental compliance for the gold mining industry in South Africa. This mini-dissertation has thus provided the gold mining industry with an overview from which to work in order to become legally compliant with issues pertaining to environmental management in South Africa.
29
Webber, R. C. W. "Determining the physical and economic impact of environmental design criteria for ultra-deep mines." Diss., 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/26590.
30
Furniss, David Gordon. "Mapping landscape function with hyperspectral remote sensing of natural grasslands on gold mines." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/21646.
Abstract:
Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
October 2016.Mining has negative impacts on the environment in many different ways. One method developed to quantify some of these impacts is Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) and this has been accepted by some mining companies and regulators. In brief, LFA aims at quantifying the organization of vegetative and landscape components in a landscape into patches along a transect and quantifying, in a relative manner, three basic processes important to landscape functioning, namely: soil stability or susceptibility to erosion, infiltration or runoff, and nutrient cycling or organic matter decomposition. However, LFA is limited in large heterogeneous environments, such as those around mining operations, due to its localized nature, and the man hours required to collect a representative set of measurements for such large and complex environments. Remote sensing using satellite-acquired data can overcome these limitations by sampling the entire environment in a rapid and objective manner. What is required is a method of connecting these satellite-based measurements to LFA measurements and then being able to extrapolate these measurements across the entire mine surface. The aim of this research was to develop a method to use satellite-based hyperspectral imagery to predict landscape function analysis (LFA) using partial least squares regression (PLSR). This was broken down into three objectives: (1) Collection of the LFA data in the field and validation of the LFA indices against other environmental variables collected at the same time, (2) validation of PLSR models predicting LFA indices and various environmental variables from ground-based spectra, and (3) production of risk maps based on predicting LFA indices and above-ground biomass using PLSR models and Hyperion satellite-based hyperspectral imagery. Although the study was based in grasslands at two mining regions, West Wits and Vaal River, a suitable Hyperion image was only available for Vaal River. A minimum of 374 points were sampled for LFA indices, ground-based spectra, above-ground biomass and soil cores along 2880 m of LFA transect from both mine sites. Soil cores were weighed fresh before sieving with a 2 mm sieve to separate root and stone fractions. The sieved soil fraction was tested for pH, EC, SOM, and for the West Wits samples, organic nitrogen and total extractable inorganic nitrogen. There was one modification to the LFA method where grass patches were collapsed into homogenous units as it was deemed not feasible to sample 180 m transects at grass tuft scales of 10 – 30 cm, but other patch definitions followed the LFA manual (Tongway and Hindley, 2004). Evidence suggested that some of the different patch types, in particular the bare/biological soil crust – bare grass – sparse grass patch types, represented successional stages in a continuum although this was not conclusive. There also was evidence that the presence or absence of cattle play a role in some processes active in these grasslands and erosion is mainly through deflation, rain splash and sheet wash. Generally the environmental variables supported the LFA indices although the nutrient cycling index was representative of above-ground nutrient cycling but not below-ground nutrient cycling. Models derived with PLSR to predict the LFA indices from ground-based spectral measurements were strong at both mine sites (West Wits: LFA stability r2 = 0.63, P < 0.0001; LFA infiltration r2 = 0.75, P < 0.0001; LFA nutrient cycling r2 = 0.73, P < 0.0001; Vaal River: LFA stability r2 = 0.39, P < 0.0001, LFA infiltration r2 = 0.72, P < 0.0001, LFA nutrient cycling r2 = 0.54, P < 0.0001), as were PLSR models predicting above-ground biomass (West Wits above-ground biomass r2 = 0.55, P = 0.0003; Vaal River above-ground biomass r2 = 0.79, P < 0.0001) and soil moisture (West Wits soil moisture r2 = 0.45, P = 0.0017; Vaal River soil moisture r2 = 0.68, P < 0.0001). However, for soil organic matter (r2 = 0.50, P < 0.0001) and EC (r2 = 0.63, P < 0.0001), Vaal River had strong prediction models while West Wits had weak models for these variables (r2 = 0.31, P = 0.019 and r2 = 0.10 and P < 0.18, respectively). For EC, the wide range of soil values at Vaal River in association with gypsum crusts, and low values throughout West Wits explained these model results but for soil organic matter, no clear explanation for these site differences was identified. Patch-based models could accurately discriminate between spectrally well-defined patch types such S. plumosum patches but were less successful with patch types that were spectrally similar such as the bare/biological soil crust – bare grass – sparse grass patch continuum. Clustering similar patch types together before PLSR modelling did improve these patch-based spectral models. To test the method proposed to predict LFA indices from satellite-based hyperspectral imagery, a Hyperion image matching 6 transects at Vaal River was acquired by NASA’s EO-1 satellite and downloaded from the USGS Glovis website. LFA transects were partitioned to match and extract pixel spectra from the Hyperion data cube. Thirty-one spectra were separated into calibration (20) and validation (11) data. PLSR models were derived from the calibration data, tested with validation data to select the optimum model, and then applied to the entire Hyperion data cube to produce prediction maps for five LFA indices and above-ground biomass. The patch area index (PAI) produced particularly strong models (r2 = 0.79, P = 0.0003, n =11) with validation data, whereas the landscape organization index (LOI) produced weak models. It is argued that this difference between these two essentially similar indices is related to the fact that the PAI is a 2-dimensional index and the LOI is a 1-dimensional index. This difference in these two indices allowed the PAI to compensate for some burned pixels on the transects by “seeing” the density pattern of grass tufts and patches whereas the linear nature of the LOI was more susceptible to the changing dimensions of patch structure due to the effects of fire. Although validation models for the three LFA indices of soil stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling were strong (r2 = 0.72, P = 0.004; r2 = 0.66, P = 0.008; r2 = 0.70, P = 0.005, n = 9 respectively), prediction maps were confounded by the presence of fire on some transects. The poor quality of the Hyperion imagery also meant great care had to be taken in the selection of models to avoid poor quality prediction maps. The 31 bands from the VNIR (478 – 885 nm) portion of the Hyperion spectra were generally the best for PLSR modelling and prediction maps, presumably because of better signal-to-noise ratios due to higher energy in the shorter wavelengths. With two satellite-based hyperspectral sensors already operational, namely the US Hyperion and the Chinese HJ-1A HSI, and a number expected to be launched by various space agencies in the next few years, this research presents a method to use the strengths of LFA and hyperspectral imagery to model and predict LFA index values and thereby produce risk maps of large, heterogeneous landscapes such as mining environments. As this research documents a method of partitioning the landscape rather than the pixel spectra into pure endmembers, it makes a valuable contribution to the fields of landscape ecology and hyperspectral remote sensing.
LG2017
31
Van, Rooyen Kenneth Carl. "An integrated method of coal discard and slurry disposal to reduce the environmental impact from coal residue." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9126.
Abstract:
M.Sc. (Geography)Coal mined in South Africa for the competitive international market, has to be selected to meet the many quality specifications of customers. This upgrading is done by washing the coal in a heavy medium separation plant. Marketable coal, discard and slurry are produced from this washing. Discard consists mainly of poor quality coal, carbonaceous shale and waste rock. Iron pyrite (FeS2) occurs in all of the above in higher concentrations than in the marketable coal. Both the carbonaceous materials and pyrites generate heat when oxidizing. If this oxidation is not arrested at an early stage on a discard dump and the temperature of the dump increases above BOoC, spontaneous combustion is quite likely. The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has estimated that smouldering discard dumps in the Eastern Transvaal highveld region contribute approximately 400 000 tons of S02 per annum to the atmospheric pollution in that area. As a result, significant localized acid rain occurs, Louw (1990). The oxidation of iron pyrites to sulphuric acid, and the oxidation of other trace elements, is accelerated under the high temperature conditions generated by spontaneous combustion. Leaching of these oxidation products results in local groundwater and surface water contamination. This study describes different disposal technique and pilot study aimed at minimising the oxidation within the dumps. Slurry, which consists of discard and/or coal of less than 1 mm in diameter is co-deposited with discard in sequential layers of approximately 200 mm thick. This has resulted in reducing the permeability, porosity and air and water exchange within the dump. This in turn has led to a reduction in spontaneous combustion, pollution and costs. A visual increase in stability of the discard dumps, moisture content and operational ease of placement were experienced. The saleable value of the dump as a low value heat source is also preserved.
32
Mula, Amina Bibi. "The impact of employment equity legislation on employee engagement within generation Y." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/43993.
Abstract:
This research focuses on three elements i.e. employment equity, employee engagement
and generation theory and specifically where these elements intersect. The literature found
that there were different perceptions of employment equity legislation. In addition, the
literature found generational differences with respect to some elements of employee
engagement. Limited empirical evidence was found on whether employment equity
legislation had an impact on employee engagement. Consequently, three research
questions were drawn from the literature reviewed.
The research is a quantitative study based on a sample drawn from South African
individuals who have completed grade 12 and are currently employed or have an
employment history. The sample included employees of a financial services company
based in Gauteng and GIBS MBA students.
The results showed that there were differing perceptions of employment equity legislation
and that the majority of respondents perceived the legislation to be affirmative action.
There were no differences in the perception of employment equity legislation between
generations. Additional findings were that the perception of employment equity legislation
did not enhance employee engagement neither did the perception of the organisations
implementation of employment equity legislation enhance employee engagement. Limited
generational differences were found in terms of these findings.Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2014.
zkgibs2015
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
MBA
Unrestricted
33
Glass, Jenny. "The environmental impact of the abondoned Edenvale lead mine near Tshwane, South Africa." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/455.
Abstract:
The mining industry has been associated with environmental pollution throughout the ages. Old abandoned mines are of particular concern due to the lack of remediation and monitoring of the pollution. The abandoned Edendale Lead Mine in Tshwane, South Africa, was in operation from the 1980’s until 1938 and mined primarily galena for the lead content, although some silver was also recovered in the early years. The mine was decommissioned before environmental legislation in South Africa, namely the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 and the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002, required the mitigation of environmental impacts associated with mining. Consequently, the environmental effects of Edendale Lead Mine have not been determined. This study is aimed at establishing the source, extent and magnitude of environmental pollution associated with metal contamination from mining operations in the area. Such investigation is of particular interest as there are two schools in the area, namely the Edendale Primary and High School, and the mine site is located immediately adjacent to the Edendalespruit. Furthermore, there are numerous farms and some private residences in the area that rely on borehole water that may potentially be polluted. The ore at Edendale Lead Mine was mined from a hydrothermal deposit, with irregularly disseminated argentiferous galena being the only ore mineral of importance. Two mineralisation stages can be recognised from material available on waste rock dumps, i.e. an intensely fragmented and strongly silicified breccia and a carbonate-dominated breccia with minor pyrite. The galena is restricted to the first mineralisation stage. Water and solid samples were collected from the mine site and from the surrounding area. Through ion chromatography, Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis, the water of the area is found to be of good quality according to the South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Domestic Water Guidelines. The main concern is the presence of hazardous concentrations of lead in the Edendalespruit below the old plant site and in a pit near shaft one; determined to be from the abundance of relatively soluble anglesite (PbSO4) and susannite/leadhillite (Pb4(SO4)(CO3)2(OH)2) in the slag heap and the waste rock dump. Solid samples were mineralogically and chemically analysed using X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF), which determined the soil to be enriched in lead, zinc, and copper. The lead, zinc and copper are from secondary minerals of galena, sphalerite and chalcopyrite, respectively. Metal mobility and availability was found to be limited through high soil pH conditions, which encourage metal-carbonate precipitation reactions and absorption by iron oxides and hydroxides. However, the high concentrations of lead in the soil are of considerable concern due to its toxicity and the number of people at risk, namely at the Edendale Primary and High Schools as well as users of the Edendalespruit and local ground water sources. The soil lead levels exceed the European Union target and intervention standards, therefore, requiring immediate mitigation and remediation measures. Recommendations for remediation and prevention measures may include the removal of the slag heap at the old mine site and the use of phytoremediation.Prof. J.M. Huizenga Prof. J. Gutzmer Mr. H. Coetzee
34
"Functional evaluation of a gold mine tailings rehabilitation project." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3649.
Abstract:
Msc.This study focuses on the functional evaluation of a gold Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), the Fleurhof TSF (designated slimes dam 2L3), which is representative of gold slimes (tailings) dams in the Witwatersrand. The aim is to evaluate the rehabilitation status (in terms of species composition and landscape function) of TSF surfaces that were planted ~20 to ~40 years ago using the most common rehabilitation practice, namely pasture grassing. Pasture grassing aims to obtain rapid dust control. Mine closure was not considered at the time, and the vegetation was hence not designed with ecological processes or long-term objectives in mind. However, over time, grassing practices became routine in the TSF vegetation industry, and the contribution that they have made towards surface rehabilitation needs to be assessed against the current site closure objectives. On the selected site, evaluations of vegetation cover, species composition, and substrate physical and chemical properties were conducted in 1975 (Thatcher, 1979). The aim of the current mid-summer study in 2009 was addressed by assessing the same parameters of vegetation cover, species composition, and soil physical and chemical properties, and comparing these to the results of the previous assessment in 1975. Landscape Function Analysis (LFA – an index-based method of evaluating the retention of resources by surfaces and soil condition), was applied to determine the landscape function (stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling that are derived from the eleven soil surface assessment indicators), and compared with the landscape function of natural analogues in the same locality. Landscape organisation (also an indicator of LFA) was used to investigate the contribution of vegetation overall, and of discrete plant functional groups to landscape functionality. A total of 35 plant species were observed in the quadrats (56 species on the TSF overall), with 51% of species overall being alien. Perennial vegetation and cryptogam covers contributed the most to stabilising the TSF slopes and flat (top) surfaces. The percentage of vegetation basal cover on the TSF (30% – 70%) was lower than for analogue grassland sites on a nearby hill (80% – 100%). Lower basal vegetation cover on the TSF than on the analogue site, were associated with lower LFA indices of stability on all TSF slope aspects (P = 8.19 x 10-13 for all aspects), iii lower nutrient cycling for the northern and southern TSF slopes (south aspect P = 4.20 x 10-6; top aspect P = 0.03), and lower infiltration on the southern slope of the TSF (P = 2.68 x 10-6). However, a higher infiltration on the northern TSF aspect (P = 0.02) than on the analogue site, was attained. Perennial tussock grass patch types (which included perennial forbs) made the largest contribution to the soil surface assessment (SSA) indicators on the TSF and analogue sites, and therefore to the LFA indices that were derived from these SSA indicators. The contribution of woody patches to function was not evaluated.
35
Brand, Hendrik Gideon. "An integrated sustainability framework for environmental impact reduction in the gold mining industry/ Hendrik Gideon Brand." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/14465.
Abstract:
The gold mining industry pollutes both water and air resources in numerous ways. Of these, air pollution from greenhouse gasses inducing climate change poses the highest threat to human existence, with water scarcity as a result of pollution presenting the third highest risk (Mathews, 2007; Akorede et al., 2012; Jones et al., 1988). Water pollution, indirect air pollution and direct air pollution should be mitigated for sustainable gold mining.
Environmental impact reduction is achieved by the implementation of effective Environmental Management Systems (EMSs). These systems aim to achieve ISO 14001-compliance by setting targets and implementing a systematic approach to achieving these targets. However, ISO 14001-compliant systems do not ensure environmental impact reduction and give the mine no competitive edge (Hilson & Nayee, 2002).
EMSs available are too generic for implementation on gold mines. Reporting on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on gold mines should also be improved as it is unclear exactly what values should be reported on. This is due to a general lack of an environmental reporting standard (Jones, 2010).
Manpower and expertise to identify and implement projects is limited and the mines need assistance with the implementation of projects to effect resource pollution. Priority for the mines is an emphasis on production and safety rather than environmental impact reduction, so implementing projects to reduce pollution is often neglected. A novel sustainability framework is developed in this study. In this framework a database of electricity- and environmental impact reduction projects is created that can be implemented in the gold mining industry. Projects are automatically identified by monitoring key operational indicators.
By involving a third party in the form of an Energy Services Company (ESCO), project funding for these sustainability projects can be attained. This novel approach to environmental impact reduction creates a situation where ESCOs implement these EMSs at a reduced cost to the mines. This reduces the cost of lowering the mine’s environmental impact, while aiding the ESCO in identifying sustainability projects.
KPIs from various studies are consolidated to determine exactly what values should be reported on. These values are incorporated into a successful EMS. This allows the availability of all the necessary data for reporting to the Department of Energy (DoE) and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) on electricity-savings.
Projects are prioritised based on an integrated electricity- and environmental impact reduction payback approach. This approach allows funding options to be assessed for each project individually, based on both electricity- and environmental impact reduction advantages. This allowed the best funding option for each individual project to be determined.
Automatic identification of these projects reduces the required manpower and resources to implement sustainability projects. Projects proposed by this study showed a combined energy efficiency reduction of 11.8 MW and achieved a load shift of 15.6 MW. In addition to electricity reduction, these projects also reduced the water usage by 1135 Ml per annum and the carbon dioxide equivalent production by 214 205 ton per annum.
The proposed projects were effective at increasing the sustainability of gold mining. It also streamlined the implementation of these projects on gold mines. By applying this framework, sustainability improvements can now be achieved on gold mines worldwide.PhD (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
36
Lombard, Dewan. "Law enforcement in the South African Gold Mining sector : the nexus between company, environmental and equity law." Diss., 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25084.
Abstract:
Although the mining industry contributed to the development of the country by providing
infrastructure and employment, it left a negative impact on the environment. To this end, various
pieces of law were promulgated to limit environmental damage and hold those who pollute
(Mining Companies / licensees) accountable. This research focused on two study sites namely
Blyvooruitzicht and Grootvlei gold mines. Both mines underwent forced mine closure and their
environmental liabilities remained unresolved. This study focused on important laws governing
the South African gold mining sector, to form an understanding of these laws and to establish if
these laws protect the environment sufficiently or not. The study included an overview of the
current relevant legislative framework regarding mines, with the aim of identifying if there were
gaps between Mining law, Company law, B-BBEE law (Equity Law) and Environmental law. This
included an exploration of the interrelationships between the various pieces of legislation and the
challenges relating to compliance and enforcement of these mentioned laws. Further to this, the
research study investigated the requirements and responsibilities of the South African State, and
directors of mining companies.
The finding was that South African law with respect to mining companies needs minor
adjustments, but the crux of the problem is a lack of effective implementation and enforcement by
the State. There is ineffective administration of environmental quality control by the various
designated National Government Departments. Recommendations made include the need for clear
monitoring of compliance and enforcement of the environmental regulatory framework if there is
to be successful mine closure in South Africa. In addition, the South African State Government
could consider incentivizing compliance, that is, reward mining companies who uphold
environmental law. Further to this the thesis suggest the elimination of any contradictions between
the various legislations within the mining industry and stipulates that legislation must be read in
conjunction with one-another if a robust legislative framework is to exist.Environmental Sciences
M.Sc. (Environmental Science)
37
Tunce, Loyiso. "The dynamics of mining towns: the case of Khutsong township, Carletonville." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/22970.
Abstract:
A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Science in Town and Regional Planning at the school of architecture and planning to the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2016Mining and the mining experience is one that has been written about extensively in academia. The history of mining in South Africa has not only shaped the physical landscape of the country but has shaped peoples understanding of the different spaces. The changing dynamics of mining, especially gold mining has played a role on the different experiences in contemporary South Africa. The decline in employment and production in the sector has meant that people in these gold mining towns have had to adapt to the changing times. The concept of resilience allows the research to view spaces such as that of Khutsong to see how people in such places are able to be resilient and the factors impacting on their resilience.
MT2017
38
Umba, Ndolo Gauthier. "Cryptogam biomass on gold mine tailings of the Witwatersrand : identification and chemical properties." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11373.
Abstract:
M.Sc. (Geography)Gold mine tailings deposits in the Witwatersrand are subjected to intensive wind and water erosion the combination of factors responsible for air and water pollution. Numerous efforts to alleviate this problem through vegetation have succeeded in establishing soil cover, although the surviving species are not representative of original indigenous vegetation and longer-term soil establishment has been poor. Contributing to these difficult conditions for establishing stable soil and plant communities are: low pH values; low surface stability; deficient organic matter and nitrogen; and high levels of heavy metal in the tailings. Although the role of cryptogams on nutrient cycling and positive impacts on growth of plants is well documented, their potential use in the planning of rehabilitation programmes of gold mine tailings has not been explored. In this study, the abundance and diversity of cryptogams and their impact on the chemical properties of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF) surface material were investigated on three selected tailings dams: Fleurhof (2L3), Rand Leases (2L8), and Durban Roodepoort Deep DRD (2L24). On the third TSF, DRD (2L24), the original vegetation on the northern half has been entirely covered by wind- eroded material from the southern half the current surface represents a fresh un-vegetated surface. Field investigation was conducted to determine the abundance, diversity and coverage of cryptogams and their effect on the surface stability of the selected tailings. Bacteria, cyanobacteria and fungi were isolated and identified to evaluate the diversity and abundance of these organisms in the study area. In addition, electron microscopy observations were performed to understand the formation of the TSF crust. Chemical analyses of pH, electrical conductivity and the nutritional level of cryptogams TSF material were conducted to determine the effects of cryptogams on the chemical properties of the TSF material and predict the suitability of the substrate for the establishment of other microbes and vegetation. Abundant cryptogams, with diversified growth and morphological features, were found within the sampled areas. The cryptogam diversity proved similar to those across the three tailings dams, and was dominated by mosses and lichens. The abundance and growth of these mosses and lichens was dependent on the presence of vegetative cover and the direction of solar radiation. On undisturbed sites, cryptogams covered as much as 30% on DRD, 70% on RL, and 80% on FL. It was observed that the TSF surfaces covered by cryptogams were more stable than the bare ones. Ten genera of cyanobacteria were isolated from samples for the three tailings and identified, based on their morphology and growth characteristics, as: Aphanocapsa sp., Chromonas sp., Chroococcus sp., Cyanothece sp., Microcystis aeruginosa; Microcoleus sp., Nostoc sp., Oscillatoria sp, Scytonema sp. and Stigonema sp. Five fungal (Trichoderma gamsii, Phoma sp., Hypocrea lixii, Lecythophora sp, and Ascomycota) and four bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis, Arthrobacter aurescens, A. histidinolovorans, and A. sulfonivorans), representing the most abundant isolates from each group, iv were identified using DNA sequencing. Under the electron microscope, it was observed that the cryptogams being examined constituted diversified groups of organisms. Mycelia mats and sheathe produced by filamentous cyanobacteria and fungi played a major role in the formation of the crust by binding the TSF particles. The substrate had very low pH, EC, organic matter and nutrients essential for plant growth. However, the presence of cryptogams altered the acidity of the surface material into almost neutral and significantly improved the level of the essential nutrients and organic matter. It was concluded that the diversity of cryptogams in the TSF material was comparable to the diversity reported on other (different) soils. In addition, the cryptogams’ role in ameliorating the chemical properties of the surface material of the TSF is a clear indication that these organisms can play a positive role in stabilising the tailings material surface and promoting the growth of other microbes and higher plant forms.
39
Stoop, Aiden. "A framework methodology for the cumulative impact assessment of wetlands." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/684.
40
Dechuvi, Kasemire Rosine. "South African transnational mining companies and environmental impact assessment in the Democratic Republic of Congo." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/20217.
Abstract:
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. February 2015.This study examines the practice of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) by South African mining transnational companies (TNCs) operating some mining projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It analyses whether and how South African mining TNCs carry out EIAs for their mining projects in the DRC, especially whether they follow (1) the DRC EIA policies, (2) the South African EIAs policies (3) international EIA policies, or (4) internal company policies. It also examines what motivates the companies to follow any of the policy path, by assessing whether financial or policy regimes evaluations motivates the TNCs to follow the certain path. Through the case studies of AngloGold Ashanti and Metorex (Pty) Limited, the study demonstrates the complexity involved in making decisions on choosing a policy path to follow which confronts TNCs. The conclusion we draw from this study is that TNCs do not follow a single policy path in carrying out EIAs but integrate a number of policies and standards and the integration of various policies and standards demands highly qualified and well trained staff as well as availability of an enabling scientific and research infrastructure within the host country.
41
Sutton, Malcolm William. "Use of remote sensing and GIS in a risk assessment of gold and uranium mine residue deposits and identification of vulnerable land use." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/12692.
Abstract:
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science Johannesburg, November 2012.Acid rock drainage (ARD) and dust are potential consequences of gold and uranium mine residue deposits (MRDs) on the Witwatersrand basin. Urbanisation has taken place around mines and, with the curtailing of mining activities and clearing of land previously covered by MRDs, there is pressure to use this land for residential, industrial and agricultural purposes. However, mining companies historically were not required to provide pollution control measures and there is evidence for contamination of land and water. Thus, there is a need to prioritise contamination sources for mitigation and to understand the extent of contamination and potential risks associated with different categories of land-use on mining land. The aim of my study was to conduct a first-order risk assessment to aid in identifying vulnerable land use in the vicinity of gold and uranium mining, and prioritising MRDs, including footprints, for mitigation. To achieve this I constructed a Geographical Information System (GIS) using publicly available spatial data, and then tested the usefulness of historical aerial photographs and remote sensing imagery for mapping MRDs and impacts of MRD origin under Highveld conditions (i.e. a seasonal climate with summer rainfall and annual evapotranspiration of >2.5 times mean annual precipitation). The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM; 1923 km2) is an area of extensive historical mining with major urbanisation, while retaining areas for agricultural land use; thus it was selected as a representative study site. I used a numerical rating scheme, which combined a number of parameters in two separate stages to calculate a risk index. The first stage involved the classification of hazards associated with MRDs while the second involved an assessment of land use vulnerability based on exposure pathways and proximity. Historical aerial photographs (1938, 1964 and 2003) and the Chamber of Mines (CoM) Dump Indexes were used to identify and classify MRDs in terms of basic geotechnical properties, current status and historical failure. Multi-spectral data, acquired over two years (2002 and 2003) in two seasons (spring and summer) by the TERRA satellite’s Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) sensor, were used to compile thematic images, indicating potential contamination of surrounding land. It was intended that a zone of influence could be distinguished for each MRD enabling me to rate the hazard severity. The thematic images I selected included primary minerals (pyrophyllite and chlorite), secondary minerals (copiapite and jarosite), an indicator of uranium-bearing ore (referred to as mincrust) and the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). These minerals were chosen as potential indicators of different transport routes of contaminants and I tested their associations with different features and land use. I also tested for seasonal differences in the detection of these minerals, and used NDVI to examine the masking effect of active vegetation. I found GIS to be well suited for combining the various forms of spatial data and providing information about MRDs, aqueous pathways, proximity to vulnerable land uses and impacted areas. However, I found that the potential severity of the hazards posed by each MRD, as indicated by a zone of influence, could not be determined from aerial photographs and ASTER alone. I therefore utilised the findings expressed in the literature survey to assign ratings for the different classes of MRDs. The vulnerability assessment was also supplemented by literature review to rate land uses based on human exposure pathways. I determined that MRDs (including footprints) cover 4.1% of EMM, with slimes dams, totalling 3.5%, occupying the majority of this area. I found that 64% of slimes dams had failed prior to 2003 and I plotted a further 0.6% of EMM covered by visible mine residue spillage. Fifty three percent of MRDs were situated within 100 m of drainage lines or old wetlands, while 52% of these (i.e. 27% of the total) had been constructed in the watercourse. I also found that 15% were constructed on dolomites. Informal settlements were located on or bordering 6% of MRDs, with 41% of MRDs within 1 000 m. Eighty eight percent of MRDs were found within 1 000 m of formal residential areas, 71% within 500 m, and formal settlements were located on or bordering 5% of MRDs. Twenty three percent of MRDs were located within 500 m of agricultural land, while 35% were within 1 000 m; and industrial land use was on 9% of MRDs (footprints), with 40% of MRDs being within 500 m of industrial areas and 61% within 1 000 m I found that chlorite did not provide a ‘signature’ of gold and uranium mine residue, whereas the other four minerals did. I also found that, of the two seasons examined (spring and summer), the best time to take an ASTER image to detect mineral signatures of gold and uranium mine contamination is after a few dry days following the first spring rains. For this reason, I used the ASTER taken in late October (spring) 2003 to examine associations with pathways and land use. I found more pyrophyllite and copiapite on industrial and business land use than background, which I suggest is associated with the settling of windborne dust on large and flat roofs; although, in the case of copiapite this could be related to the oxidation of settled wind blown pyrite material. I found jarosite to be a reliable indicator of mine residue, which, together with mincrust, helped me identify contamination in former agricultural holdings, which are now a township. Although, chemically undefined, mincrust was a useful indicator of contamination, as I found it to be reliably detected on MRDs (including footprints), mine residue spillage, wetlands and other contaminated sites, and absent from known uncontaminated sites. Furthermore, it was not necessarily masked by active vegetation, whereas copiapite, jarosite and pyrophyllite were. Mincrust was also detected on irrigated agricultural land with an odds ratio of between 10 to 36 times greater than for rain-fed. Consequently, the most likely pathway for mincrust is the aqueous. The mincrust signature, together with historical aerial photographs, also assisted me to identify historical mining along Black Reef outcrops, through detection in a wetland upstream of known mining activities. The culmination of my study was a risk class and index for MRDs from which ‘risk maps’ were produced. These maps provide a guide to the level of risk posed by each MRD to the surrounding land use. Of the total 287 MRDs (including footprints) identified in the EMM, 50% were classified lower-risk; 40% medium-risk; 10% higher-risk and 0% as much higher risk. The lower-risk MRDs were predominantly rock dumps, whereas the higher-risk MRDs were slimes dams. The findings from my study will contribute to meaningful recommendations for future land use and enable mining companies, landowners, developers and government to allocate their resources judiciously (i.e. appropriate to the level of risk). The results of this study have been published as: Sutton, M.W., Weiersbye, I.M., Galpin, J.S and Heller, D., 2006. A GIS-based history of gold mine residue deposits and risk assessment of post-mining land uses on the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa. In: A. B. Fourie and M. Tibbett (eds.), Mine Closure 2006: Proceedings of the 1st International Seminar on Mine Closure, Perth, ISBN: 0-9756756-6-4, pp. 667–678 (Appendix I). Sutton, M.W. and Weiersbye, I.M., 2007. South African legislation pertinent to gold mine closure and residual risk. In: A.B. Fourie, M. Tibbett and J. Wiertz (eds.), Mine Closure 2007: Proceedings of the 2nd International Seminar on Mine Closure, Santiago, ISBN: 978-0-9804185-0-7, pp. 89–102 (Appendix II). Sutton, M.W. and Weiersbye, I.M., 2008. Land use after mine closure – Risk assessment of gold and uranium mine residue deposits on the eastern Witwatersrand, South Africa. In: A.B. Fourie, M. Tibbett, I.M. Weiersbye and P.J. Dye (eds.), Mine Closure 2008: Proceedings of the 3rd International Seminar on Mine Closure, Johannesburg, ISBN: 978-0-9804185-6-9, pp. 363–374 (Appendix III).
42
Venter, Andries J. A. "Assessment of the effects of gold-mine effluent on the natural aquatic environment." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10747.
Abstract:
D.Phil. (Zoology)South Africa is a major gold-producing country with the 43 larger mines processing approximately 120 x 106 ton of milled and processed ore and about 30 x I06 ton of mined waste rock. Pollution of both surface and ground water, which can be attributed to the influences of gold-mining, are well known. Acid mine drainage, characterized by a low pH and high concentrations of dissolved metals, and seepage, from active and disused mine-tailings, are two of the main environmental problems associated with gold mining operations in South Africa. A growing concern for the environment and a stricter approach to water pollution by government agencies have made it necessary to investigate the type of effects which the gold mining industry is responsible for, and to develop action to reduce these impacts. The present study focused on procedures to access the effect of gold-mining effluent on the natural surface environment. The study is divided into three separate identities. The mine represented as Ccse study Mine One is considered to be a major contributor of salt loads to the natural stream on the property of the mine. This stream confluences with the Klip River outside the mined area. This mine has only one discharge point of underground mine service water, and is considered to be the main point source of pollution for the mine. As the mine makes use of an open water circuit, the quality and quantity of effluent have a direct effect on the downstream users. It appears that one of the main water quality problems of this open water circuit is the creation of surface water with a very low pH. Part of the problem is the geology of the area which consists of shales, which has a natural low buffering capacity. Because of the low pH the wetlands are not very effective. Metal concentration changes are possibly the direct result of the low pH of the both the water column and sediment. Improving the pH of the surface water can leads to reduced metal concentrations in the water, with possible increased concentrations in the sediment and wetland vegetation. Case Study Mine Two was conducted at a gold mine in the Far West Rand Mine region. The mine can be classified as having a closed water circuit, in that only excess water is discharged. The volume of water discharged is dependent on a number of factors, such as rainfall, wash-down service water and changing demands in sewage treatment systems. The advantage in this type of circuit is that water which has accidentally been spilled can be retained in one of the boundary dams, without the possibility of endangering the downstream users. From the assessment it appears that although the mining activities have influenced the water within the mining area this impact is only confirmed to certain areas. Biotic environmental conditions at certain sites resemble the conditions of the two control sites while other, notably those in contact with processing plants (e.g. metallurgical plant), are far more deteriorated. pH does not seem to be a problem at this specific mine. The main reasons are that the underlying geology of the mine is dolomitic in nature, while the sulphate concentration in the ore appears to be lower than those' found at the Witwatersrand mines. Case study Mine Three is situated in the Klerksdorp gold-mining region. The mine has a complex water circuit as a percentage of the service water is being reused or/and discharged via effluent streams into the Vaal River. Metal concentrations in the sediment core samples indicate a large variability between seasons, sites and depth. Sites in close proximity of slimes dams have high iron and manganese concentrations, whilst those in contact with effluent water from metallurgical plants have relatively high nickel, copper and in concentrations. This can be related to the type of processing material used in the gold-mining process.
43
Khumalo, Bheki Romeo. "Goldmine tailings : a remote sensing survey." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/23482.
Abstract:
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science,
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science in Environmental SciencePollution originating from mine tailings is currently one of the environmental problems South Africa has to deal with. Because of the large number of tailings impoundments and their changing status, authorities are battling to keep their records and controls up to date. This project is aimed at investigating the use of remote sensing as a way of conducting surveys of mine tailings efficiently, regularly and at a low cost. Mine tailings impoundments of the Witwatersrand in Gauteng provide an ideal study area because of the large number of tailings dams of different sizes and conditions and the availability of satellite images and aerial photographs covering the area. Tailings impoundments conditions are analysed through satellite images, airborne multi-spectral data and aerial photographs captured during the Safari 2000 dry season campaign. Remote sensing interpretation of colour composites of multi-spectral bands, Principal Components and supervised and unsupervised classifications are the methods of analysis used. The overall goal of the project has been achieved through the production of a comprehensive database of tailings impoundments and their rehabilitation status, in an accessible format, containing identity, coordinates, area, rehabilitation status and owner of each tailings impoundment, map them and end up with a comprehensive database of tailings impoundment on the Witwatersrand.
AC2017
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Gumede, Sabelo Victor. "Assessment and management of the impact of platinum mining on water quality and selected aquatic organisms in the Hex River, Rustenburg Region, South Africa." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8062.
Abstract:
Ph.D.Mining operations significantly influence the environment due to direct and indirect discharges of waste products into the aquatic systems. The primary aim of this study was to assess the current situation in the platinum mining area and develop a management plan to ensure that existing and potential environmental impacts caused by platinum mining and processing are mitigated. To do this, an assessment was carried out to investigate changes in critical aquatic invertebrate and fish community distributions and assess how they relate to measured environmental factors. Five sites were selected, one reference site which is upstream of heavy mining activities and four sites within heavy mining and processing activities. Standard techniques for water, sediment, invertebrate and fish sampling were used. Macro-invertebrates sampled were identified to family level whereas fish were identified to species level. Multivariate analysis used was cluster analysis by non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) for both macro-invertebrates and fish. Three methods of ordination were used to analyze the biotic and abiotic data namely N-MDS, Correspondence Analysis (CA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Cluster analysis of macro-invertebrates data revealed three major groups based on sampling period (low flow or high flow) and the last cluster according to the locality. Multidimensional scaling ordination of high and low flow for macro-invertebrate communities confirmed the groupings detected by cluster analysis. Cluster analysis for fish communities revealed two groups at 50% similarity; the first group is the combination of reference and exposure sites for both high and low flow sampling regimes. No fish were sampled at site 4 during both low and high flow regimes. Multidimensional scaling ordination of high and low flow fish communities confirmed the groupings detected by cluster analysis. Analysis using a similarity profile (SIMPROF) test indicated that fish communities are statistically (p=5%) the same. It was found that macro-invertebrates and fish respond differently to environmental variables.
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Chavalala, Bongani. "Clean technology transition potential in South Africa's gold mining sector : case of Harmony's Kusasalethu Mine." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13601.
Abstract:
Countries and governments around the world have accepted the scientific argument on the prevalence and the possible effect of global warming and climate change on the environment, world economy and ultimately human life (Nhamo, 2011). Amongst all industrial corporations, the mining industry is the biggest environmental polluter due to its extractive nature and energy intensive operations. However because of its economic importance, it cannot be abandoned, instead it needs to find a win-win situation, where it continues to succeed but minimizes environmental damage.
This thesis aims to examine the possible impact of clean technology on the sustainability of South African gold mining sector. Specifically, the study aims to determine the drivers behind the move towards clean technologies and methods, identify challenges and opportunities associated with this transition at Harmony Gold’s Kusasalethu mine. This was achieved through using Kusasalethu as a case study to which investigations of the effectiveness of clean technology and methods were carried out. The case study was multidimensional; exploring the effect of clean technology on energy consumption, greenhouse gas emission (GHG), water consumption, cyanide management and Kusasalethu’s financial performance.
While the case study was largely qualitative it involved quantitative data analysis that had to be triangulated with other data sources and data gathering instruments to achieve legitimacy. This meant that the study had to adopt the mixed research methods. The instruments used included; key informant interviews, and document analysis, structured questionnaire and a set of open ended questions that served as interview guide. The qualitative data were analyzed by means of coding, descriptions, typologies, taxonomies and visual representations, whilst quantitative data were processed through Microsoft Excel to generate various forms of descriptive statistics.
The findings indicate that resource consumption (energy, water, cyanide) depends on the mine design and gold output rate. Clean technology implementation at Kusasalethu helped the mine reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions. However scope 2 (indirect GHG emissions associated with energy consumption) is also determined by coal production technologies and methods used by coal mines. Although data on Kusasalethu water and cyanide management and related technologies was not available, the aggregate data for all Harmony Gold mines indicated higher annual water and cyanide consumption during 2010 and 2012. In terms of Kusasalethu’s financial performance and clean technology adaptation, acquisition of clean technologies increased capital expenditure temporarily. However, the positive effects of the clean technology transition and implementation minimized operational cost and increased operational profit greatly. Although adopting clean technologies calls for increased capital expenditure, this study reveals that this expenditure pays off in lower operation costs for the mine and the environment benefits through lower GHG emission. However, clean technologies are yet to impact significantly in lowering water and cyanide consumption levels as they do with energy consumption. The study concluded that clean technology and methods played a positive role on Kusasalethu’s environmental impact and financial performance by reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions. Though, more need to be done in terms of water and cyanide management.Environmental Sciences
M. Sc. (Environmental Management)
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Laisani, John. "Assessment of impact of corporate social responsiblity on sustainable development of Shamva Mining Community in Zimbabwe." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11602/858.
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"Environmental mining frameworks for water pollution in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of South Africa." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14017.
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Tshilande, Tshilisanani. "The use of tree layer to assess impacts of coal mining on biodiversity in Mukomawabani Area, Mutale Municipality South Africa." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11602/357.
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Idowu, Olufemi Abiola. "Impact of irrigation with gypsiferous mine water on the water resources of parts of the upper Olifants basin." Thesis, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/3429.
Abstract:
The generation of large quantities of mine wastewater in South African coal mines and the needs for a cost effective, as well as an environmentally sustainable manner of mine water disposal, have fostered interests in the possibility of utilizing mine water for irrigation. Such a possibility will not only provide a cost-effective method of minimizing excess mine drainage, as treatment using physical, chemical and biological methods can be prohibitively expensive, but will also stabilize the dry-land crop production by enhancing dry season farming. Considering the arid to semi-arid climate of South Africa, the utilization of mine water for irrigation will also boost the beneficial exploitation of the available water resources and relieve the increasing pressure on, and the competition for, dwindling amounts of good quality water by the various sectors of the economy. The disposal of excess gypsiferous mine water through irrigation has been researched in a few collieries in the Witbank area. In this study, the assessment of the impacts of using gypsiferous mine water for irrigation were carried out in parts of the Upper Olifants basin upstream of Witbank Dam, using the ACRU2000 model and its salinity module known as ACRUSalinity. The study area was chosen on the bases of locations of previous field trials and the availability of mine water for large-scale irrigation. The primary objectives of the study were the development of relevant modules in ACRU2000 and ACRUSalinity to enable appropriate modelling and assessment of the impact of large-scale irrigation with mine water and the application of the modified models to the chosen study area. The methodology of the study included the modifications of ACRU2000 and ACRUSalinity and their application at three scales of study, viz. centre pivot, catchment and mine scales. The soils, hydrologic and salt distribution response units obtained from the centre pivot scale study were employed as inputs into the catchment scale study. The soils, hydrologic and salt distribution response units obtained from the catchment assessment were in turn applied in similar land segments identified in the mine used for the mine scale study. The modifications carried out included the incorporation of underground reservoirs as representations of underground mine-out areas, multiple water and associated salt load transfers into and out of a surface reservoir, seepages from groundwater into opencast pits, precipitation of salts in irrigated and non-irrigated areas and the incorporation of a soil surface layer into ACRUSalinity to account for the dissolution of salts during rainfall events. Two sites were chosen for the centre pivot scale study. The two sites (Syferfontein pivot of 21 ha, located in Syferfontein Colliery on virgin soils; Tweefontein pivot of 20 ha, located in Kleinkopje Colliery on rehabilitated soils) were equipped with centre pivots (which irrigated agricultural crops with mine water), as well as with rainfall, irrigation water and soil water monitoring equipment. The pivots were contoured and waterways constructed so that the runoff could leave the pivots over a weir (at Tweefontein pivot) or flume (at Syferfontein pivot) where the automatic monitoring of the quantity and quality of runoff were carried out. The runoff quantities and qualities from the pivots were used for verification of the modified ACRU2000 and ACRUSalinity. The catchment scale study was on the Tweefontein Pan catchment, which was a virgin area mainly within the Kleinkopje Colliery, draining into the Tweefontein Pan. The data on the water storage and qualities in Tweefontein Pan, as well as the soil water salinities in the irrigated area located within the catchment were used for verification of results. In the catchment scale study, different scenarios, including widespread irrigation on virgin and rehabilitated soils, were simulated and evaluated. For the mine scale study, the Kleinkopje Colliery was used. The colliery was delineated into 29 land segment areas and categorized into seven land use types, on the basis of the vegetation and land uses identified in different parts of colliery. The centre pivot and catchment scale studies indicated that the impacts of irrigation with low quality mine water on the water resources are dependent on the soil types, climate, the characteristics and the amount of the irrigation mine water applied, whether irrigation was on virgin on rehabilitated soils and the status of the mine in terms of whether a regional water table has been re-established in an opencast mining system or not. The studies further indicated that the irrigation of agricultural crops with low quality mine water may lead to increases in soil water salinity and drainage to groundwater, but that the mine water use for irrigation iii purposes can be successfully carried out as most of the water input onto the irrigated area will be lost through total evaporation and a significant proportion of the salt input, both from rainfall and irrigation water, will either be precipitated in the soil horizons or dissolved in the soil water of the soil horizons. By irrigating with a saline mine water therefore, the salts associated with the low quality mine water can be removed from the water system, thereby reducing the possibility of off-site salt export and environmental pollution. On-site salt precipitation, however, may lead to accumulation of salts in the soil horizons and consequent restriction of crop yields. Therefore, efficient cropping practices, such as leaching and selection of tolerant crops to the expected soil salinity, may be required in order to avoid the impact of long-term salinity build up and loss of crop yields. The simulated mean annual runoff and salt load contribution to Witbank Dam from the Kleinkopje Colliery were 2.0 x 103 MI and 392 tons respectively. The mean annual runoff and salt load represented 2.7% and 1.4% of the average water and salt load storage in Witbank Dam respectively. About 45% of the total water inflow and 65% of the total salt load contribution from the study area into Witbank Dam resulted from groundwater storage. From the scenario simulations, the least salt export would occur when widespread irrigation is carried out in rehabilitated areas prior to the re-establishment of the water table due to a lower runoff and runoff salt load. It may therefore be a better water management strategy in active collieries if irrigation with mine water is carried out on rehabilitated soils. In conclusion, this research work has shown that successful irrigation of some (salt tolerance) crops with low quality mine water can be done, although increases in the soil water salinity of the irrigated area, runoff from the irrigated area and drainage to the groundwater store can occur. Through the modifications carried out in the ACRU2000 model and the ACRUSalinity module in this research work, a tool has been developed, not only for application in the integrated assessment of impact of irrigation with mine water on water resources, but also for the integrated assessment and management of water resources in coal-mining environments in South Africa.Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.
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Matidza, Murendeni. "Green synthesis of geopolymeric materials using Musina Copper Mine Tailings: a case of beneficial management of mine tailings." Diss., 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/11602/1467.
Abstract:
MENVSCDepartment of Ecology and Resource Management
Mine tailings (MT) have been a global problem due to the environmental impacts the waste generates such as air, soil and water pollution. The detrimental impacts include a global problem such as acid mine drainage (AMD) which has been difficult to cleanup. Several studies have been conducted to find alternative measures in reducing or mitigating impacts such as AMD and air pollution. Several studies have revealed how alumino-silicate mineral waste can be used as raw material to produce construction materials. This study aimed at evaluating the potential of synthesizing a geopolymer material from Musina copper mine tailings. Tailings were characterized for their physicochemical and mineralogical compositions using standard laboratory techniques in order to evaluate suitability in geopolymerization. First section of the results presented physicochemical and mineralogical characterization of the Musina copper tailings together with the bioavailability of the chemical species. It was observed that the tailings are mainly composed of SiO2 and Al2O3 as the major oxides indicating that they are aluminosilicate material. Mineralogical analysis revealed dominance of quartz, epidote and chlorite as the major minerals. The bioavailability assessment showed that largely Cu and Ca are bioavailable and highly soluble in an aqueous solution while Al, Mg, Ni, Co, Cr and Fe have a high proportion in non-labile phase. Second section presented the preliminary results wherein the potential application of Musina copper tailings in geopolymerization was evaluated. The results showed that Musina copper tailings can be used to synthesize a geopolymer material. However, it was recommended that several parameters influencing geopolymerization need to be evaluated. The third section presented the evaluation of optimum parameters that influence the geopolymerization process, which include type of alkali activators, alkali activator concentration, curing temperature, liquid-solid (L/S) ratio and curing regime. It was observed that a mixture of NaOH:Na2SiO3.5H20 at a ratio of 70:30 yields a better geopolymer material. The concentration of 10 M NaOH:Na2SiO3.5H20 at a ratio of 70:30 was observed to be the best that yielded the UCS that is acceptable according to SANS1215 standards. When evaluating curing regime, it was found that the material cured using greenhouse has lower UCS as compared to the material cured using oven. The v effect of temperature showed that the UCS decreases with increasing curing temperature. An admixture of river sand and cement was introduced which resulted in a high UCS of 21.16 MPa when using an admixture of cement. The mineralogical composition of the geopolymer bricks showed formation of secondary minerals such as phlogopite, fluorapatite, diopside and actinolite. Batch leaching conducted on the geopolymer bricks detected high leaching of Na from the bricks. Based on the findings of the study of the raw MT potential to produce geopolymer bricks, it was concluded that the material can be used to produce bricks that are within the SANS 1215 requirements. The study further recommended that the study a focus on using cylindrical moulds, other alkali activators and a mechanical mixer. It was also recommended that the greenhouse be restructured to contain heat within the greenhouse during the evening so as to allow constant temperature within
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