Quantification of the water footprint inventory in South African coal fuel cycle

Abstract

Due to the scarcity of the water footprint inventory data for the coal mining industry in South Africa, water footprint studies that are supposed to provide quantified and categorized environmental impacts are scarce. Consequently, water uses ecological implications within the industry are not well understood, albeit public perceptions suggesting that the industry is a water guzzler and polluter. This manuscript proposes water footprint inventory data for the industry to enable researchers to conduct water footprint studies. The median total water loss intensities for surface mines with and without beneficiation are 331 and 276 L/ton, whereas those of underground mines with and without beneficiation are 420 and 262 L/ton, respectively. The water-intensive sinks are evaporation, dust suppression, and discharge into the environment. Water management practices, i.e., the high recycling rate in mines with excess water, non-segregation of clean and dirty water streams, and deficient water treatment infrastructure, are the root causes of the water pollution in collieries. Although low pH, high sulfates, and high total dissolved solids in coal effluents are congruent to other jurisdictions, the high cyanide, iron, manganese, and mercury content make the country's pollutants inventory data uniquely different. Misalignment between drinking water and effluent discharge limits are the causes of regulatory challenges. The voluntary disclosure practice prohibits transparency within the industry.