Collaboration is key for a win-win solution to water scarcity

Like Harmony, many mining companies pump large volumes of water from underground operations to ensure sustainable and safe mining. This is an opportunity in waiting if we could beneficiate this water for society as an end user especially in water stressed regions. We identified this as an opportunity to partner with several stakeholders to collaboratively prevent potable water scarcity in our host municipalities.

Through engagements with Harmony, industry peers and other water supply companies, Rand Water identified a need for and launched a feasibility study on the Far West Rand to evaluate the viability of incorporating excess mine water into local water supply systems. Harmony and other mining companies have shared their regional water balances, pumping volumes, qualities and demand with Rand Water. The information will help build a sustainable business case for potential regional water treatment schemes. If successfully implemented, this initiative could benefit the mines, Randwater and our communities. We are encouraged by positive feedback and will continue to support the plan.

Harmony is also supporting the Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek) to secure funding for developing a strategy that will mitigate water-related environmental and socio-economic impacts of mine closure on the Far West Rand.

As members of the Minerals Council South Africa environmental policy committee, we also continue to support regulatory structures such as the government task team on mine closure, led by the DWS and DMRE, fostering collaboration between mines and other regional stakeholders to adequately address the potential risks and liabilities associated with mine flooding and decant after closure.

Considering Harmony’s intent to be a long-term, sustainable water user, it is critical for us to secure access to good quality water and continue leveraging synergies in incorporating excess mine water into regional supply schemes while fostering mutually beneficial and meaningful stakeholder relationships.