Seriti Resources and Nafasi Water Technologies have launched a project to finance, build and operate a water treatment project at the Arnot Closed Colliery near Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

The project, which will be undertaken through a build-own-operate-maintain model, entails the complete lifecycle from design and construction to long-term operation and eventual decommissioning.

All waste will be responsibly disposed of at approved off-site facilities.

While mining activities at Arnot ceased in 1992, the site continues to produce mine-impacted water, and existing on-site measures, such as evaporation and pumping, are no longer sustainable or cost-effective, and storage capacity has been exhausted.

The new facility will treat the water to the required quality standards and discharge clean, compliant water into Bosmanspruit, part of the Olifants River catchment, in line with Seriti’s water-use licence.

By discharging clean, treated water into the environment, this project will help restore downstream water quality, enhance water security for users, and contribute to the ecological health of the Olifants River catchment area, ultimately ensuring more sustainable use of this critical shared resource, explained Seriti Resources CEO Mike Teke.

“At Seriti Resources, we recognise that our responsibility as a mining company extends far beyond the life of our operations. The Arnot water treatment project is a clear demonstration of how we can honour our mine closure obligations, while making a meaningful contribution to the environment and communities around us.”

Through the collaboration, Nafasi Water is able to leverage its specialist expertise in mine water treatment to deliver a solution that brings both environmental and community benefits, continues Nafasi Water CEO Suzie Nkambule.

“By applying innovative treatment processes and maintaining the highest operational standards, we can ensure that clean, compliant water is returned to the environment, supporting the restoration and protection of this vital catchment area.”

During its operational life, Arnot Colliery played a central role in South Africa’s energy supply, powering homes, industries and economic growth.

Now, in its post-mining phase, it will become an equally important asset for the region by contributing to the improvement of water security and quality for the same communities it once served with energy.

This long-term solution will address mine closure obligations, reduce environmental risk and help protect critical local water systems within the Olifants River catchment.