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

early childhood education toy libraries

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

wastewater management urban sustainability

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

illegal mining south africa

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

fireworks policy public safety

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.