What is the role of Nafasi Water in improving water security?

In South Africa, demand is outstripping supply, but even in available supply there is a decline in water quality from sanitation related discharge, mining impacts, or other industrial activities. The government has put a three-tiered strategy in place of which the first tier is focussed on how to get non-revenue water economically back into the network of water boards. Nafasi Water can partner with the government in dealing with non-revenue water and packaging solutions to get economic value for a very precious resource. The next priority area is the improvement of sanitation infrastructure and possible reuse of wastewater. Then lastly, finding new sources of water for high growth coastal areas, for example sea water desalination.

Can you elaborate on Nafasi Water’s SIGMA OPS system and HiPRO product range?

Operating complex process plants with high value equipment and a high availability requirement is a challenge for any operator; as a result, Nafasi Water’s innovation focus in these areas is about generating and using big data tools. SIGMA OPS is a cloud-based centralized plant control system support tool for operators on different sites. The system allows us to make plant control and optimization decisions based on live insights and trends. The HiPRO Mine Impacted Water product range is our proprietary process design technology to recover in excess of 99% of water with a waste stream that is restricted to only 1%. In addition, we also offer brine treatment solutions and are in the process of developing technologies that will eliminate the excess waste produced by beneficiating it into viable chemical products.

What role does ZN Geo Services play in the South African mining industry?

ZN Geo Services was established in 2015 and is a wholly black-owned Level 1 BBBEE company. We started as a one-man show geological company but have since evolved into an environmental company with a team of four.

How would you describe the current appetite for exploration in South Africa?

The appetite for exploration is still there, especially for predictable minerals such as coal and aggregates. We have seen exploration appetite for precious metals decline over the years, especially in grassroots exploration.

How would you describe the evolution of the environmental aspect in the mining industry?

In 2014, South Africa introduced the One Environmental System to streamline the licensing processes for mining, environmental authorizations and water use. The System represents the government’s commitment to improve the ease of doing business and further enhance South Africa’s global competitiveness as a mining investment jurisdiction. This introduced a centralized environmental wing within the government, with a strong focus on observing how mines are managing the environment. You now have to advertise new mining projects and engage with people and the communities. This creates more accountability. There has been a clear evolution in environmental attitudes. I have seen a gradual increase in being sensitive to the communities that surround mining operations, and mining companies have become more environmentally responsible.