Coal of Africa Limited (CoAL) is rethinking its transport options at its planned Makhado Colliery just north of the Soutpansberg, as well as evaluating a number of options with regard to the supply of bulk water to the proposed mine.

This follows the inputs of interested and affected parties as part of the project’s draft scoping report. CoAL is in the process of updating the scoping report with these inputs to produce a final scoping report. They thanked all who commented.

In a project update, Mr Eugene O’Brein (CoAL’s Makhado project manager) says CoAL is taking these inputs seriously and is therefore investigating further options for the transportation of coal, as “it has become evident that road transport would not be a preferred option and that a rail transport option is preferred.” He adds that CoAL will engage with property owners who may be affected by the rail option within the next few weeks.

O’Brein says they are also in the process of evaluating a number of options of supplying water to the proposed mining operation. CoAL’s current studies are looking at groundwater abstraction, as well as other additional sources.

As for groundwater abstraction, O’Brein says preliminary results show that at least 2 000m3 of water per day can be supplied into the proposed mine pits from groundwater. “The impact of this dewatering on the area is presently being evaluated and the preliminary results are contained in the draft groundwater impact report,” says O’Brein.

Eleven production boreholes have also been identified as a potential source of water for the mine. These boreholes are capable of yielding a maximum of 1 400m3 of water per day. Again, O’Brein says, they are investigating the impact this will have on the area. “The water quality from these boreholes is generally very poor and not suitable for human consumption,” says O’Brein.

As for additional water sources, CoAL is also looking at the transfer of treated sewage effluent from both Louis Trichardt and Musina. At this stage, O’Brein says, an estimated 5 000m3 of sewage water from Louis Trichardt is available daily, and 2 000m3 per day from Musina.

Replacing portions of the Nzhelele canal system with pipes to reduce losses also forms part of CoAL´s investigations. “This option could provide a more secure source of water to the Nzhelele farmers and possibly allow for 100% of their quotas, as well as providing some water for the mine,” says O’Brein.

Another option includes transferring water from the Vondo and the Tshipiko Dam. “The availability of water, however, first needs to be cleared with the Department of Water Affairs,” says O’Brein.

The preliminary groundwater impact report has been made available. O’Brein says it can be downloaded at https://makhadocolliery.sharefile.com/d/s5223c5aceb449f0b or a CD can be collected from Ms Marie Helm at the office of the Soutpansberg District Agricultural Union in Louis Trichardt.