Phytoremediation for mine closure: integrating community development into long-term mine water management

Authors: Mühlbauer, R; Searby, S; Rabohale, I; Moodliar, S Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_10

Cite As:
Mühlbauer, R, Searby, S, Rabohale, I & Moodliar, S 2026, 'Phytoremediation for mine closure: integrating community development into long-term mine water management', in AB Fourie, G Boggs, J Heyes & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2026: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-11, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_10



Abstract:
The attainment of environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals for the mining industry is a critical requirement due to the unique environmental and social challenges faced by the industry and often presents a challenge. Phytoremediation is a niche technology suitable as a sustainable long-term option for the management of mining-influenced water after closure to mitigate uncontrolled discharges and reduce ‘into perpetuity’ liabilities, while providing socio-economic opportunities through community involvement and development of sustainable community enterprises. The benefits phytotechnologies provide, including biodiversity enhancement and carbon sequestration, can be aligned to support ESG goals and values, thereby creating shared value for both mining company and community. This is particularly important in the South African context as the closure of mines often results in social disruption and unemployment. A deliberate, planned strategy is required to ensure substantial relevant job creation, community investment and upliftment is realised when a phytoremediation project is implemented. This project involved the planting of indigenous trees for the management of mining-influenced water at several sites. It entailed the set-up and implementation of comprehensive social and technical systems for skills transfer that resulted in benefits to the local communities. Project systems and budgets were designed to include non-mechanised protocols for the planting process, maintenance and monitoring tree growth. The project was intentionally developed to be labour intensive and provide stimulus for the local economies through training and upskilling of local unskilled employment and involvement with local small businesses that worked jointly with the planting projects. The establishment of business opportunities allowed for the development of a partnership between the phytoremediation contractor and the community, ultimately transitioning into a fully-fledged supplier enterprise operated by the community with the ability to expand beyond the original project. This paper demonstrates the socio-economic benefits realised and highlights pitfalls, challenges and successes experienced during implementation of the phytoremediation project at scale while maintaining the integrity of the long-term mine water liability mitigation requirements.

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