Developing a framework for the management and rehabilitation of abandoned mines in South Africa

Abstract

The focus of this study was to develop a framework for the management and rehabilitation of abandoned mines in South Africa using the North West province of South Africa a case study. To this end, specific working objectives were formulated to explore gaps in the implementation of the existing legislative frameworks for the management of abandoned mines in South Africa. In the study, a mixed research approach (quantitative and qualitative) was followed. Data was collected from a total of 200 respondents of which 20 participants were key stakeholders interviewed for qualitative data and 180 respondents surveyed for quantitative data. Descriptive, thematic and exploratory factor analysis methods were used to analyze data. The study found that, the existing management frameworks for abandoned mines in South Africa compared to those of other mining countries around the world do not explicitly state the processes to be followed when rehabilitating a mine. Furthermore, the management and rehabilitation of abandoned mines are constrained by costs and confusion as to which stakeholder is responsible for disused mines rehabilitation. The study also found that, there is lack of clearly assigned responsibility in the absence of explicit criteria and standards of rehabilitation. Findings also reveal that, stakeholders do not adhere to the existing legislative frameworks and legal instruments to rehabilitate disused mines and hence, abandoned the mines despite the high risks associated with their non-rehabilitation. The study concludes that, mines today and in the past are a major contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of South Africa. Despite their contribution, abandoned mines remains a costly legacies of confusion in policies and legislations and poses a major risks to the environment and communities that live around these abandoned mines.