As water fast becomes South Africa’s next existential concern after energy, the field of water engineering is being enhanced as much by new approaches and standards as by new technologies.
The country is well equipped with water-related regulations and most industries are sensitive to the growing threats to water security in this water-scarce region – arising from factors like population growth and climate change. The mining sector is a good example of how water availability has become a key consideration in early phase planning. If a pre-feasibility study notes an insurmountable water challenge, it is unlikely that the mining project will be seen through to implementation.
The question of resilience of water infrastructure now looms large in any mine’s planning strategy, and so it should for any business, or even municipality for that matter. This requires careful analysis of the most sensitive areas which expose the infrastructure to risk – either from too little or too much water – and applying mitigation measures.
