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When there is mine waste near residential areas, communities in the vicinity are always negatively affected. Photo supplied

The hazardous legacy of Krugersdorp’s abandoned mines

Experts say the government must fund acid mine drainage clean-ups to protect the right of citizens to a healthy environment and clean water

From the other side: A mine dump on Wemmer Pan Road, Johannesburg South, 2020. The photographer says Joburgers have an affinity for these dumps because, aside from a few natural ridges, the city is pretty flat. Photo: Marc Shoul

The Portfolio: If there is a jol there you will go

For photographer Marc Shoul, nothing is sacred in Joburg

West Rand: ‘These mine dumps are destroying us’

Mining areas on the West Rand are ecologically dead because of poor rehabilitation

children playing during lockdown level 3, most schools have closed down due to corona virus infections. Snake Park Soweto – has become a covid hotspot. Allot of people blame the mines in the area for their poor health and rise in infecions. Photo Delwyn Verasamy

Toxic dust from an abandoned mine coupled with Covid-19 is a tinderbox

Covid-19 is not the first health crisis to plague Snake Park. For decades the residents have lived with the mine, which they say blows clouds of dust into their homes

Desecration: ArcelorMittal churned up graves to accommodate a fence on its steelworks, which pollute the air near the town of Vanderbijlpark. (Oupa Nkosi/M&G)

Graves bulldozed for security fence

ArcelorMittal, charged with toxic air and water pollution, seems to have bulldozed through graves to create a perimeter fence

#FeesMustFall

​Geluksdal bites the Brakpan tailing dam’s dust

When the wind blows across DRDGold’s dump, grit covers the town and PM2.5 and PM10 particles lodge in people’s lungs and nose passages.

Gold rush’s toxic legacy lingers

It could cost R30-billion or more to clean up the thousands of abandoned mines in SA that are affecting the environment and locals’ health.

An aerial view of the old Top Star Drive-in in Johannesburg.

Top Star: Jo’burg’s reel-estate wasteland

The city’s landmark Top Star Drive-in site is a shadow of its former self, after the mine dump it perched atop was levelled and re-mined for gold.

Jason Larkin’s photos

Through the lens: Exploring land and photography in SA

From mine dumps to city skylines, four new books bring South Africa’s diversity into focus, writes Sean O’Toole.

Surrounded by mine dumps

Tudor Shaft: As dangerous as Chernobyl?

Surrounded by mine dumps, Tudor Shaft informal settlement has radiation levels comparable to that of Chernobyl. The health risks are unknown.

Pale mine dust coats the soil in Snake Park

Joburg’s iconic mine dumps are a health risk, say activists

Despite efforts to contain toxic mine dust, it’s still getting up the noses of Jo’burg residents. Mandi Smallhorne reports.