By Steve Bartels, SRK Consulting, partner and principal technologist and Jennifer Meneghelli, senior engineer, SRK Consulting and chairman of SAICE’s Environmental Engineering Division.
As South Africa grapples with the escalating concern of water scarcity, water engineering is undergoing significant transformations with new methodologies and standards, alongside innovative technologies, shaping the landscape of water management, says SRK Consulting.
While the country boasts robust water-related regulations and industries are keenly aware of the mounting threats to water security in this parched region, factors such as population growth and climate change pose imminent challenges.
“The mining sector serves as a pertinent example of the pivotal role water availability plays in initial project planning. During pre-feasibility studies, if an overwhelming water challenge is identified, the likelihood of the mining venture progressing to implementation diminishes significantly. Consequently, the resilience of water infrastructure has become a paramount consideration in the strategic planning of mining projects and, indeed, for businesses and municipalities alike.
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