South African Mining Houses Urged to Register Tailings Dams for Compliance with Dam Safety Regulations

by
1 min read
south africa mining Cape Town

Background Information

Mining houses in South Africa are urged to register their tailings dams to ensure compliance with dam safety regulations. The South African Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is updating its database of all tailings dams that meet the requirements to be classified as Dams with a Safety Risk.

Definition of Tailings Dams and Dams with Safety Risk

Tailing dams store water and waste that arise as by-products from mining processes. Dams with Safety Risks are those dams with a minimum height of five meters and can hold over fifty thousand cubic meters of water or water-containing substance.

Importance of Registration

The DWS is urging mining houses that still need to register their dams as required to submit their information for classification. This will ensure that these dams are regulated and that the department can monitor them as needed for the National Water Act and the Dam Safety Regulations.

Accuracy of Information

The DWS calls on mining houses to provide accurate information to ensure their dams are registered and compliant. A registered engineering professional with knowledge of dams and tailings storage facilities should compile the data. The Dam Safety Regulation Director emphasized the importance of providing accurate information.

Collaboration with DMRE

The department will collaborate with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to ensure compliance. In addition, correspondence has been sent to at least 337 tailing dams so they can be classified as dams with a safety risk should they meet the requirements.

Legal Requirements

As the custodian of water resources in the country, DWS is empowered by the National Water Act to regulate dams to improve the safety of new and existing dams with a safety risks. Section 120 in the National Water Act requires the owner of a dam with a safety risk to register the dam within 120 days after the date the dam meets the requirements to be classified as a safety risk.

Commitment to Safety

The DWS is committed to ensuring tailings or Mine residue deposit dams comply with dam safety regulations. The safety of these dams is of utmost importance and cannot be compromised. Therefore, mining houses should take appropriate measures to ensure that their tailing barriers comply with safety standards and do not pose any risks to the environment, communities, and the public.

Contact Information

For any additional information on these dams, interested parties may e-mail greylingjm@dws.gov.za.

Tags:

You might be interested in

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

land restitution south africa Cape Town
Previous Story

A Critical Look at Land Restitution in South Africa: The Case of District Six

south africa national development agency
Next Story

National Development Agency in South Africa Forms Partnership with German Cooperative Raiffeisen Confederation

Latest from Blog

firefighters community outreach

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Firefighters Bring Joy to Children

In December 2024, firefighters brightened the holidays for children in care facilities by delivering wrapped gifts with big smiles. Partnering with Pick n Pay, they spread joy and gratitude after receiving support during a tough summer of wildfires. Each visit was a heartwarming reminder of kindness, as firefighters became symbols of generosity, teaching kids about empathy and community spirit. This joyful initiative shows how simple acts of giving can light up lives and strengthen bonds in the community.

justice gender-based violence

A Persistent Nightmare in Embalenhle: Justice Served

In Embalenhle, South Africa, a dark nightmare unfolded as Themba Prince Shongwe committed terrible crimes, including rapes and murders, from 2016 to 2018. The community lived in fear as he targeted innocent girls, causing heartbreak and loss. Finally, justice was served when he was found guilty and sentenced to nine life terms in prison, bringing relief to the grieving families and a sense of safety back to the community. This victory shines a light on the importance of standing against violence and working together to protect the vulnerable.

street lighting community safety

Illuminating Cape Town: Lighting Up Safety and Community

Cape Town’s streetlight program shines brightly as it manages over 245,000 lights, making the city safer and more inviting, especially during the festive season. The community plays a vital role by reporting issues and staying alert, working together to protect these lights from theft and vandalism. With a focus on sustainability, the city is switching to energyefficient LEDs, reducing its environmental impact while keeping streets welllit. This initiative not only lights up the city but also brings people together, creating a warm and safe atmosphere that showcases Cape Town’s beauty at night.

housing development community empowerment

A Beacon of Hope: Gugulethu’s New Housing Project

The Gugulethu Infill Housing Project is bringing joy and hope to the community of Gugulethu, South Africa, by building 52 new homes for deserving families. This celebration marks a fresh start for many, especially the elderly and middleaged residents who finally have a safe place to call home. As they move in, they not only gain shelter but also a sense of belonging and stability. This project symbolizes the community’s strength and resilience, showing that together, they can overcome challenges and build a brighter future. The new homes are more than just buildings; they represent dreams coming true and a promise of better days ahead.

colonel celeste van der klashorst gender-based violence

Championing Justice: The Journey of Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst

Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst is a fearless leader in South Africa’s fight against violence and crime, especially those targeting women and children. With over thirty years of service, she created Child Protection Units and now leads the National SECI Unit, tackling serious issues like serial rape and child pornography. Her team’s recent success in a major operation has led to arrests and rescued children, showing the powerful impact of her work. Colonel van der Klashorst inspires others with her passion for justice, making her a shining example of hope and resilience in the battle for a safer society.