The FSE comments on the proposed reclamation of the Soweto Cluster Surface Dumps.
Since the objective of ERGO Mining (DRD GOLD) (the Applicant) is to reclaim uraniferous slimes dams in order to recover gold and not uranium, the residue after the reclamation will still be toxic and potentially radioactive.
Before a decision is taken on which measures to implement for remediation and closure the objectives that need to be achieved with the implementation of such measures must be established and agreed upon. This ties in with the MPRD Regulations objectives for mine closure (which must start at the commencement of the operation and continue throughout the life of the operation) stated above “the land is rehabilitated, as far as is practicable, to its natural state, or to a predetermined and agreed standard or land use which conforms with the concept of sustainable development.
The requirement of MPRD Regulation 62 entails that interested and affected parties must be involved in the agreements regarding future land use of affected areas and thus in the decisions regarding the establishment of objectives for such future land use, as well as in discussing the alternatives for engineering interventions, where decisions regarding such options will affect the future land use.
The comment in its entirety is available to download.