Unit 3 Mining In SA

Question 1

Mining in South Africa

Answer 1

Mining is important for our economy and has helped our country form an extensive infrastructure. South Africa is rich in both minerals and fossil fuels. Approximately 60 minerals are extracted from about 700 mines and quarries around the country, with some of these being exported to 100 countries across the world. South African mines directly employ nearly 500 000 workers, with another 400 000 workers employed in industries that are associated with mining. However, there are social and environmental costs attached to this industry, some of which we have only recently become aware of. South Africa’s mining industry has the fifth largest economic value in the world, That wealth has been built on the country’s vast resources. We have nearly 90% of the platinum metals on Earth, 80% of the manganese, 73% of the chrome, 45% of the vanadium and 41% of the gold. Even though gold mining is not as active as in the past, South Africa is still a world leader in gold mining technology and gold production. We produce about 12% of the world’s gold. Platinum is becoming more important and we are currently producing about 60% of the world’s platinum. There is still huge potential for discovery of other major deposits of minerals in certain areas.

Question 2

infrastructure

Answer 2

the constructed networks of a country, for example, roads, electricity generation and distribution structures, harbours, railways

Question 3

pollutant

Answer 3

something that causes pollution

Question 4

radioactive

Answer 4

material that emits radiation energy, particles or rays - all of which can damage living tissue

Question 5

decanting

Answer 5

pouring out

Question 6

acid mine drainage

Answer 6

water polluted with acidic chemicals draining out of mines into natural water systems

Question 7

hazardous

Answer 7

dangerous

Question 8

Mapungubwe National Park

Answer 8

One very famous site that is affected in this way is the Mapungubwe National Park. Mapungubwe is in Limpopo on our northern border with Botswana and Zimbabwe. Mapungubwe is home to one of the nation’s oldest cultural treasures, the 1 100-year-old Kingdom of Mapungubwe World Heritage Site. There are only eight sites of such value in South Africa. The Mapungubwe National Park contains evidence of an Iron Age trading kingdom, including palace sites and related settlement areas. Archaeological artefacts collected from royal graves include a golden rhino, gold bowls and a royal sceptre. These suggest that the kingdom once enjoyed trading relations with China, India and Arabia.

Question 9

opencast coal strip-mine

Answer 9

Sadly, an opencast, coal strip-mine is being operated in the area and there are plans to extend it. The damage from the existing mining, which is on a limited basis at the moment, has already been called ‘irreversible, yet the company’s application to expand operations has been approved. The proposed mine will eventually cover 8500 hectares, most of which will be an opencast coal mine.

Question 10

Department of Water Affairs

Answer 10

The Department of Water Affairs granted a licence to the mine to extract 2,4 billion litres of water from the Limpopo River, despite warnings that this area does not have enough water.

Question 11

negative impact of mining activity

Answer 11

Discuss the negative impact of mining activity 1. Describe four ways in which mining can have a negative environmental impact. 2. Describe three direct impacts mining can have on human health. Conduct a class debate on this topic: ‘If we compare the wealth that has been gained from gold mining to the health and environmental damage it has caused - might we have been better off if we had left the gold in the ground?’