/ 4 September 2008

Anglo cleared in water-pollution scare

Water tests have raised questions over accusations made by ActionAid against Anglo Platinum that it was polluting the drinking water of two communities in Limpopo, the mining group said on Thursday.

The pollution of drinking water in the Ga-Molekana and Ga-Pila communities was the basis of a complaint made in March by international pressure group ActionAid to the South African Human Rights Commission.

The groundwater review was conducted by the Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) based at the University of the Free State, which commissioned independent isotope testing by the United States Geological Survey’s isotope research laboratory.

”The research found that the high nitrate levels in the water tested is a feature of the groundwater in this region and cannot be attributable to mining operations,” Anglo Platinum said.

IGS researchers used several different scientific techniques to analyse the water samples taken, including sophisticated dual isotope testing of nitrates in the water.

”Based on the chemical, isotope and microbial results, the data shows that there is no direct link between nitrate at the mine and those measured at Ga-Molekana”, said Brent Usher and Jennifer Pretorius, the IGS geohydrologists who conducted the independent study.

Mary-Jane Morifi, executive head; corporate affairs at Anglo Platinum, added that the company was relieved that the findings confirmed Anglo Platinum’s Mogalakwena mining operation was not responsible for polluting drinking water in Ga-Molekana.

”The health and safety of our employees and communities is our main concern and clean drinking water in this water stressed area remains a key priority,” she said. ”When allegations of water contamination first arose in March, Anglo Platinum took swift action to ensure that the schools had access to clean drinking water.”

Morifi added that the mine had assisted the local municipality in trucking potable water to the schools on a regular basis.

In another finding, the researchers confirmed the presence of high levels of nitrate and sulphate in water samples taken from a community surface water seep located in old Ga-Pila village.

The report said this might in part be attributable to mining activities, but cautioned that ”evidence from the field investigation does, however, suggest that there are several other potential sources of nitrate and microbial contamination in the community water seep”.

The study concluded that the precise source of nitrates at Ga-Pila could not be determined with the current data available, and required further scientific investigation. ”Local residents used the seep for ablution, washing animal skins and clothes — not for drinking.”

The scientists noted that in most cases alternative water sources were available.

Anglo Platinum said it is committed to working with the local municipalities and other stakeholder departments and communities to find a lasting solution to the problems of water in the Limpopo area.

ActionAid SA’s country director Zanele Twala was not available for comment. — Sapa