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Danger below:  Underground acid mine water levels on the Eastern basin pose a threat

Acid mine water continues to rise underground on the East Rand

Levels at a treatment plant in Springs have now breached a critical environmental threshold

Threat: The rising water level will affect mining underground and should the toxic acid mine water break to the surface the groundwater could be contaminated. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Deep concern over rising underground tide of toxic acidic mine water on East Rand

Broken abstraction pumps at the Eastern basin treatment plant mean that water supply may become contaminated, posing a serious threat

Mining output decreased by 9% year-on-year in November 2022, Statistics South Africa
Photo: Gabriel Filippelli

Anglo knew for decades about lead poisoning at Zambia mine, lawyers say

The blood lead levels (BLLs) in children living near the world’s biggest lead mine in Zambia have been present for generations and have caused cognitive impairment in a large…

Polluted land: Slimes dams and gold mine dumps near Snake Park in Soweto (above) and many other areas leach heavy metals into the soil and water. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Cannabis can clean toxic mines and industries

Cannabis is dubbed the ‘mop crop’ for its ability to remove or render industrial pollutants harmless

Not enough: It seems that the regular salary is not enough for young South Africans. Many turn to side hustles to make ends meet.

Mind the toxic workplace

While people are taking mental health more seriously, the commodification of workers can turn a job into a toxic space that depletes more than it uplifts

Another corporate story that has recently made headlines is a second unsolicited bid from Australian mining giant BHP for the operations of South African industry peer Anglo American.(Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Anglo American wins extension to respond to Zambian mine lead poisoning case

Claimants allege corporate human rights abuses that resulted in lead poisoning among children and women in Kabwe

Polluter not paying: Acid water from mines, in particular those that have not been rehabilitated by owners, is polluting the Vaal River system with metals, radionuclides and concentrated salts. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy/M&G

State halts its R10bn long-term plan to fully treat acid mine water

The state is saddled with the burden of treating acid water and polluters are escaping the responsibility