MAMDIWAS

Through MAMDIWAS, we are not only improving water quality, but also empowering local communities. Together we are building a more sustainable future.

Prof. Richard Moutloali

MAMDIWAS transforms mine influenced water into a resource. Our technology creates clean water and new opportunities for South African communities and the environment.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Panglisch

Abstract

MAMDIWAS addresses the environmental and financial challenges posed by untreated mining influenced water, including but not limited to acid mine drainage in South Africa. Through a holistic and collaborative approach involving local partners and stakeholders, the project focuses on technology development for water and material reuse, integrated water resources management, as well as co-production, governance, policy, and regulation. The goal is to create economic opportunities, promote sustainable water management, and contribute to the transition from a mining-based to a post-mining society. Through collaboration, capacity development, and the demonstration of innovative solutions, the project intends to inspire transformative change, increase water security, and contribute to the achievement of SDG-6 targets.  

Impact

The outcomes of the project are expected to significantly benefit local communities, national government agencies and authorities, NGOs, and international networks. The project targets sustainable water management solutions with a primary focus on South Africa, though its methodologies and technologies have potential applications in other mining-intensive regions globally. The mining sector will particularly benefit from the economic opportunities created for mine water treatment, supporting a transition to post-mining societies. Emphasising application-oriented solutions, the project ensures practical benefits that promote future research and development. The results will create transfer potential for both German and South African companies, enhancing collaboration and innovation in sustainable water resource management and contributing to key SDG goals. 

The journey of mine influenced water

Focal points of the project 

• Technology Innovation: Creating innovative technologies for water treatment and resource recovery from mining influenced water. 
• Integrated Water Resource Management: Implementing a comprehensive approach for sustainable water use and protection in mining areas. 
• Co-Production and Governance: Encouraging collaboration among local partners, authorities, and communities for joint solution development and implementation. 
• Policy and Regulation: Developing guidelines and regulatory frameworks to support sustainable water management and legal implementation of new technologies. 
• Economic Opportunities: Creating economic opportunities through mine water treatment and reuse and promoting investments in sustainable technologies. 
• Post-Mining Transition: Supporting the shift from a mining-based economy to sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives, aligned with key SDGs. 

WP 1: Technological innovations for active mine water treatment 

Lead partners: UDE / ZWU, UNISA 

The main objective of WP 1 is to develop cost-effective, energy-saving technologies for treating mining influenced water that reduce sludge and produce valuable by-products and reusable water. This involves enhancing the cascade concept, optimizing acid mine drainage pre-treatment, and using new membrane-based technologies, such as capillary nanofiltration in closed cycle systems, combined with sludge precipitation. 

WP 2: Sustainable water resources management and water reuse options 

Lead partners: IWW, SUN 

The main objectives of WP 2 are to implement an integrated water resources management approach for the Vaal River catchment, assess baseline water quality and quantity to identify water pollutants and their environmental impacts, and determine water reuse options (e.g., drinking, irrigation, hydroponics, industrial) and local community acceptance.

WP 3: Co-production, governance, policy, and regulation 

Lead partners: WI, UNISA 

The objective of WP3 is to analyse the operating environment, conduct stakeholder mapping, develop recommendations for governance policy, and regulation and develop a post-mining development strategy that focuses on reclaimed water interventions for community enhancement. 

WP 4: Capacity building, training, transfer of technology and knowledge 

Lead partners: UDE / ZWU 

WP 4 focuses on capacity building and technology transfer in South Africa, training academic and industrial professionals in water treatment and membrane technologies. It aims to meet local community needs, promote sustainable development, encourage entrepreneurship, and guide business setup. Key objectives include strengthening academia-industry networks for collaboration and knowledge exchange, developing a skilled workforce, and advancing membrane technology applications in South Africa. 

WP 5: Coordination and dissemination 

Lead partners: UDE / ZWU  WP 5 is designed to ensure the effective management, evaluation, and communication of MAMDIWAS. Its primary objective is to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and outcomes, ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the demonstration activities