Water Use in the South African Mining Sector: Efficiency and Compliance Assessment

Abstract

Mining is one of South Africa's largest industrial water users, consuming approximately 330 million m³ per year. This report analyses water use efficiency across 85 mines covering gold, coal, platinum, diamonds, and other minerals, benchmarking against international best practice. Water balance analysis identifies significant undisclosed losses. Compliance with water use licences is assessed and a revised regulatory framework for mine water management is proposed.

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