It is vital that we help protect the wetlands. Why? Because wetlands are essential to biodiversity. They store water so that we can combat droughts, they prevent floods, and they even control soil erosion. Wetlands are also home to a host of wildlife and plants from fish and amphibians to insects and birds. Without these habitats, these species would have nowhere else to go.
It is for this reason why our Isibonelo Colliery is about to start the second phase of its landmark wetland rehabilitation project, following the successful restoration of two degraded wetlands in the upper Olifants river catchment area.
The initiative, a first of its kind in South Africa – won the environmental category of the Nedbank Capital Green Mining Awards in 2007. It began prior the operation’s commencement when engineers modified the mining plan to ensure that some 499 hectares (around 5km2) of floodplain would not be impacted.
Our environmental coordinator Kenneth Mokoena says, “we committed to rehabilitating an equivalent 119 hectares (1.19km2) of degraded wetland situated outside the mining site.”
Bulbous plant species were transplanted to beds located on the property to replenish both on- and off-site wetland areas, while a search for floodplains that could potentially be rehabilitated off site was started in collaboration with a range of regulatory bodies and the environmental NGO, Working for Wetlands.
Phase one, which was recently signed off by the Department of Water and Sanitation, saw the restoration of 43.6 Hectares (4.36km2) that form part of the Witbank and Rietkuil wetlands. These are situated one kilometre north of Isibonelo colliery and 2km north of Kriel Colliery, respectively.
“Both areas had been degraded owing to a variety of factors, including cattle grazing, road construction and seepage from nearby solid waste and wastewater treatment facilities,” says Kenneth.
Corrective actions included the construction of several gabions intended to prevent further erosion and restore wetland function, leading to an increase in biodiversity in these areas. This was done at a cost of R3.5 million, and has been accompanied by ongoing monitoring of the re-establishment of plant and animal species to these areas.
The next phase of the project will commence during the course of this year, with the identification of further wetlands to be rehabilitated. It is envisaged that 75 hectares (0.75km2) will be restored. To learn more about our approach to the environment, read more here.