In recent years, the mining sector has demonstrated its creativity and ability to serve as a valuable partner in post-mining landscape rehabilitation. Two notable examples showcase the successful collaboration between mining companies and municipalities, specifically in the rehabilitation of sewage plants.
In Welkom, a mining company refurbished a sewage pump station, resulting in improved functionality and a cleaner operation. This intervention directly addressed the rising water levels that threatened mining operations, while also benefiting the community by reducing sewage overflows and improving water quality.
Similarly, another mining company undertook the rehabilitation of sewage works in Kimberley, cleaning out clarifiers and refurbishing machinery. This effort not only restored the plant’s functionality but also provided direct socio-economic benefits to the town’s residents and businesses.
These two initiatives demonstrate the potential of mining companies to contribute to the rehabilitation of infrastructure, addressing critical societal issues and strengthening local communities. However, the long-term viability of such partnerships remains a concern, as they currently rely on the goodwill of mining company executives.
To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, there is a need to explore alternative revenue streams. One promising approach is the digitization of the water value chain, enabling real-time monitoring of process efficiency and the generation of reliable data. This data can be used to quantify the socio-economic benefits of rehabilitation, creating a fungible asset that can be traded on a regulated market.
By converting these benefits into Water Credits with financial value, mining companies can earn credits for their rehabilitation work. This shifts the long-term burden of maintenance away from the companies, making the rehabilitation process more sustainable.
Empowering regulators with real-time data visibility through a dashboard provided by a trusted data repository would strengthen their oversight and enable them to reward good behavior rather than solely relying on punitive measures.
The two mining companies involved in these sewage plant rehabilitations are pioneers, demonstrating the benefits that the mining sector can bring to society. Their efforts hold the potential to drive future PPPs that are sustainable and mutually beneficial.
As South Africa transitions to a circular beneficiation economy, innovative thinking and collaboration are crucial to address infrastructure challenges. The mining sector has a unique opportunity to play a leading role in this transformation, contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
