2. The mine should develop a monitoring programme
that defines:
the objectives of the monitoring exercise;
the water quality guidelines and targets to be used
as a basis for assessing quality and fitness for use;
The sampling points to be used
The collection method for samples
Sample storage/ preservation procedures
Constituents to be analysed
Quality control procedures for sampling, analyses
and validation of results
Reporting and data storage format
3. Monitoring
Surface and ground water monitoring sampling
points should be sited to ensure that adequate
baseline information can be collected, both
upstream/upgradient and downstream of the
mine.
Monitoring points should ensure information is
collected to enable the mine to determine its
potential impacts to surrounding water users
and to identify problems before they occur, if
possible.
4. Objective: Monitor the mines
impacts on water resources
To ensure consistency in monitoring, a sampling protocol should be
prepared and adhered to. This would detail:
Where samples should be taken
The frequency of sampling
How samples should be taken
How flows will be measured during the time of sampling
Storage of samples during transportation to the laboratory;
The preparation of samples for analysis;
The range of analysis required;
The detection limits required;
The method of analysis;
Quality control on all aspects of the monitoring programme;
How results should be interpreted, stored and reported.
5. Quality of the results
The people taking the samples, the laboratory
carrying out the analysis and the people
assessing the results should be kept informed
of changes to the sampling protocol
An accredited laboratory, with the necessary
quality assurance, should carry out analysis of
key samples and should have quality control
measures in place (blanks, standards,
duplicates, cation-anion balances etc)
This will ensure consistency in analytical
accuracy and improve the verification and
validation of water quality data.
6. Downstream monitoring points
Should contamination (concentrations
exceeding guideline values) be detected, the
mine should then:
Identify the source of the contamination;
Identify, and if necessary implement,
measures for the prevention of this
contamination (short and long term);
determine, and if necessary implement, any
remediation measures.
7. Comparison of Water Quality
Guideline Values
SOUTH AFRICAN WATER QUALITY
GUIDELINES Volume 1: Domestic Water
Use, 1996
South African Water Quality Guidelines
Volume 4: Agricultural Water Use: Irrigation
South African Water Quality Guidelines
Volume 5: Agricultural Water Use: Livestock
Watering
8. The mine should monitor ground water levels and
quality in the potentially affected community supply
boreholes to determine the impacts of mining activities.
An example:
Table 3-6: Comparison of Water Quality
Guideline Values
Source: (SRK Consulting, 2002)
Presentation : by Cliff Malatjie
