News

May 07, 2008

Watermark Global Intends to Clean Up South Africa’s Acid Mine Drainage At A Profit

By Charles Wyatt

Acid mine drainage is a sulphuric acid solution generated when exposed ore comes into contact with water and air. It’s long been a problem for mines and for mining companies, as it also contains heavy metals. This very unpleasant form of water poses a severe environmental threat as underground voids gradually fill up and the toxic water then seeps into the surrounding water courses. But Aim-traded Watermark Global has a plan to clean up from the problem. Watermark has focused on the prolific Witwatersrand Basin where there are a number of deep underground mines. The company is currently operating three pilot plants at one of the old mining shafts there, pumping out acid mine drainage with a view to determining which innovative technology best suits its purpose.

The first of these pilot plants uses the SAVMIN methodology patented by Mintek and operated by Atomaer. It treats four cubic metres per hour to produce water to industrial quality standards. That means it isn’t drinkable, but can be re-used by the mines. Jaco Schoeman, Watermark’s managing director and, incidentally, technical director of Mintails, patiently explained to Minews, who is no scientist, how it all works. In essence the water goes through an initial process which neutralises free...