Problems experienced in the closing of South African collieries

Conference · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995

OSTI ID:98683

Oberholzer, J W ^[1]

---

1. CSIR, Auckland Park (Australia)

When a mine in South Africa is granted a closure certificate, the responsibility for possible residual environmental impacts is passed from owners of the mine to the state. To enable the closure process to be completed with expediency and to ensure that industry fulfils their environmental obligations, the South African coal mining industry has initiated a research project to identify the problems that could be barriers to preventing successful mine closure. This paper describes the results of the investigation which was carried out together with mine owners and involved governmental departments. The results indicate that the problems that are presently being experienced are diverse and complex in nature. The identified problems range from a lack of well defined procedures and information to inadequate technical solutions. The lack of information on which to base longer term predictions and financial provisions is also seen to be a serious problem. By assessing the problems and the factors that cause them, areas of focus for further research have been identified. These areas include aspects such as the establishment of information bases, research projects to develop mitigation technologies and the establishment of guidelines and informatory processes to assist mine staff with closure of mines.

• OSTI ID: 98683
• Report Number(s): CONF-9506226--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
CLOSURES
COAL MINES
COAL MINING
COST
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
LEGAL ASPECTS
OPERATION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
RISK ASSESSMENT
SOUTH AFRICA