Book Chapters

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Browsing Book Chapters by Subject "Acid mine drainage"

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    Deriving benefits from acid mine drainage
    (Africa Institute of South Africa, 2017-09) Masukume, Mike; Onyango, MS; Maree, JP
    This chapter reports on the possibility of recovering valuable products (such as drinking water, metals, electricity, pigments and sulphur) from acid mine drainage (AMD) in South Africa. A lot of effort has been put into AMD remediation using different technologies; however, each of the proposed technologies has advantages and disadvantages that tend to limit their use. To compensate for the limitations of the proposed technologies, researchers should focus on AMD remediation, with subsequent recovery of valuable products from such efforts. With 360 Ml/day of AMD being generated from gold mines in South Africa, this issue should not be considered a mining challenge, but rather a resource that could be used as the basis for a new value-added beneficiation industry.
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    An interest group at work: Environmental activism and the case of acid mine drainage on Johannesburg’s West Rand
    (Africa Institute of South Africa, 2012-02) Funke, Nicola S; Nienaber, S; Gioia, C
    From an environmental perspective, South Africa faces many challenges that affect both its ecological biodiversity as well as its socio- economic and socio-political security . One of the most prominent challenges is acid mine drainage (AMD) – a by-product of mining. This chapter analyses environmental interest groups that campaign on the AMD issue on Johannesburg’s West Rand. To contextualise these advocacy efforts, the chapter scientifically outlines why AMD is a fundamental problem and what socio-ecological hazards it creates. Then it describes the legislative context that regulates mining in South African before illustrating why the country’s environmental advocacy movement is a potential driver for environmental, social, economic and political change. Finally, the chapter profiles the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE), Mariette Liefferink. A dedicated whistle-blower and AMD activist, Ms Liefferink strongly opposes malpractice by large mining corporations and the South African government. Her advocacy agenda and techniques as well as her strengths and weaknesses all describe the climate within which a South African environmental activist operates. To conclude, the chapter shows where interest groups and activists can improve their AMD advocacy efforts. For instance, environmental advocates might find it useful to network and build solid and mutually beneficial relationships; they might consider approaching a range of potential funders to increase their independence; and they might need to find financial support for further academic and scientific research that can inform the public about AMD and its effects.