‘Eskom coal mine may risk SA water’

Published Oct 24, 2014

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Johannesburg - Water supply to millions of South Africans could be hampered if the development of a coal mine that will feed Eskom’s Lethabo power station goes ahead, the Times newspaper reports.

Rand Water Services and local residents are opposing the proposed Panfontein colliery, on the northern bank of the Vaal River, because it may affect water and the environment through the generation of acid water, according to the Times.

The mine will also have a negative impact on the water network system and pump station, the newspaper cites Rand Water spokesman Justice Mohale as saying.

Andrew Etzinger, spokesman for Eskom, didn’t answer two calls made to his mobile phone or immediately return a text message seeking comment.

Rand Water supplies an average of 3.7 billion liters (977 million gallons) daily to Johannesburg and several other municipalities, according to its website.

The Vaal runs 1,120 kilometers (695 miles) through Gauteng, Free State and North West provinces. - Bloomberg News

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