Rehabilitation ofAbandoned open Excavation forBeneficial use of the pit Lake at Nyala Magnesite Mine

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

University of Venda, School of Environmental Sciences, Department of Mining and Environmental Geology, Private Bag X 5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

Abstract

Abandoned surface mine excavations can be a major environmental, social and/or human health
problem for the mining industry as well as for the community living nearby. This problem is exacerbated by the
rapidly growing population encroaching on areas of historic mined lands. The aim of this studywas to assess the
safety status of the historic Nyala Mine excavation with the purpose of coming up with rehabilitation options that
promote the beneficial use of the pit lake. The study involved characterisation of the abandoned excavation
through field description,modelling of both the geometry of the pit and the flow of surface runoff in to the pit, and
chemical analysis of the pit lake water. A survey of the pit landscape showed pit walls of up to 22m high with a
slope angle ranging from 10° to 30°. The pit was found to be accumulating runoff water from high grounds along
the northern part of the excavation. Pit water was found to be alkaline (pH ±9.6), with F- (±1.1 ppm), Cl-
(±169.6 ppm),Mg2+ (±67.85 ppm) andK+ (±87.16 ppm) concentrations that were all above the standards permissible for domestic use. This study demonstrated that beside backfilling of oldmines excavations; rehabilitation techniques that transform lifeless landscapes into prosperous ones, with beneficial end uses can be considered.

Keywords

International Journal of Environmental Research
Volume 9, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
January 2015
Pages 303-308

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