MINISTRY OF ENERGY
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION 40
Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:
(1) Whether any (a) potentially toxic or (b) radioactive spillage from a
burst tailings dam of AngloGold Ashanti in the Stilfontein area was
reported to the National Nuclear Regulator on 26 December 2012; if
not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the spillage;
(2) whether any action has been taken against AngloGold Ashanti; if not,
what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant
details;
(3) whether any steps have been taken to ensure that a similar event does
not occur again; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant
details;
(4) what steps have been taken to remediate the area affected by the
spillage? NW42E
Response:
1) The NNR has no knowledge of the alleged slime spillage that is
reported to have occurred on 26 December 2012, but can confirm that
Mine Waste Solutions (a subsidiary of Anglogold Ashanti), holder of
COR-30, operating in the Stilfontein area has reported a slime
spillage resulting from heavy rainfall event (more than 54mm of rain
in 30 minutes) that occurred on 25 December 2012; As a consequence of
the event rainwater combined with slurry breached the containment of
the tailings impoundment and spilled over onto the adjacent farm owned
by Mr Jooste.
2) The authorisation holder was required to ensure that the impacted area
is rehabilitated.
Rehabilitation of the impacted farm, owned by Mr Jooste was initially
delayed due to the fact that Mr Jooste denied access to his property.
The NNR inspection conducted in January 2013 confirmed that the
nuclear authorisation holder had implemented repair to the damaged
tailings impoundment and that the threat of further environmental
contamination had been abated.
3) The containment capacity at the tailings impoundment and associated
pumping station has been increased. The authorisation holder is to
undertake a detailed hydrological assessment including review of the
current storm water infrastructure and identify improvements to be
made to the existing infrastructure;
4) An action plan to rehabilitate the site has been compiled by the
authorisation holder and submitted to the NNR for assessment. Further
the authorisation holder has recently negotiated the purchase of the
impacted land from its owner Mr Jooste.