Documenting reclamation and closure of Ermelo coal mines : implications for developing a national strategy for mine reclamation in South Africa

Abstract

The reclamation and closure successes and challenges of Ermelo Mine Services in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa are documented and evaluated. It was found that most of the impacts of the mine on the environment and the surrounding areas were associated with the operational phase of Ermelo Mines Services. Major impacts and concerns that arose during the closure were the stability of the mined areas, contamination of the surrounding area, contamination and pollution in the study and surrounding areas, particularly of ground water aquifers, visual impacts, particularly of the discard dumps and slurry dams, the decommissioning of mining shafts, and monitoring the environment following the mine’s closure. It is apparent that reclamation has been effective particularly as a private concern was contracted to undertake aftercare, notably the re-vegetation of the dump. The aftercare activities have contributed to decreased surface runoff and a reduction in surface and ground water pollution, as well as greatly reduce dust levels. The implications of the findings from this study are presented, particularly in view of there being a strong need to develop a national strategy for mining in South Africa.