The MAMDIWAS project team successfully completed its second sampling campaign on February 14th, 2025, following the first campaign conducted in October 2024. This crucial fieldwork was led by the IWW Institute for Water Research (Germany) and Stellenbosch University (South Africa), with the goal of gathering comprehensive data on mine-influenced water (MIW) pollution and its impact on local water systems.
Over the course of two weeks, the research teams worked intensively in the Krugersdorp – Black Reef and Carletonville – Driefontein regions (Gauteng Province, South Africa), collecting a total of 234 samples from 18 different sites. These samples will help us better understand the extent of pollution, its sources, and how contaminants are transported within the catchment area. The work also included in-vitro toxicological tests to assess the environmental and health risks associated with MIW.
A key focus of MAMDIWAS is not only analyzing contamination but also identifying opportunities for water reuse and resource recovery. The data collected during this and previous campaigns will contribute to developing effective treatment strategies that enable the safe use of treated MIW for applications such as drinking water, agriculture, and industrial purposes. Additionally, researchers are investigating the potential for recovering valuable materials such as sulfuric acid, metals, and rare earth elements from the polluted water.
The success of this campaign would not have been possible without the strong collaboration with the University of South Africa (UNISA), which provided essential laboratory space, logistical support, and personnel assistance throughout the sampling period. Their contribution played a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations and high-quality sample collection.
In the coming weeks, the collected samples will undergo detailed laboratory analysis, and the results will be evaluated to refine strategies for sustainable MIW management. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for their dedication, hard work, and valuable contributions to the project!
Stay tuned for updates as we continue our mission to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for water security in South Africa.
MAMDIWAS at the 14th IWA International Conference on Water Reclamation and Reuse
Representatives of the MAMDIWAS Project core and associated partners will be present at the 14th IWA International Conference on Water Reclamation and Reuse in Johannesburg, South Africa between 16th and 21st of March 2025. They will be happy to meet representatives of other projects from the WASA programme as well as other acteurs.
More information on all seven projects can be found here and in the programme publication.