A new levy for the mining industry is currently under consideration by Government. The purpose of the tax would be to finance the clean up of toxic acid water which rises and flows out of abandoned mines. Pollution from acid mine water is a major problem in Gauteng. Very unpleasant.

The province is badly affected by acid water stemming from owner-less mines. The toxic water is rising up under Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand and polluting streams and precious wetlands.

The Department of Water Affairs is speaking to the mining industry about the problem and trying to establish how far back former mine owners can be held responsible for acid water drainage.

The polluting effects of the water obviously need to be kept at bay, but one wonders how on earth former mine owners will be convinced to start paying taxes on derelict mines that they don’t have any use for. Good luck with that one.

[Source: Mail & Guardian]