Call for tailing dams with a safety risk to register
The Department of Water and Sanitation is overhauling the national register of tailings dams to enhance public safety and protect water resources. This initiative aims to prevent catastrophic failures like the recent Jagersfontein disaster by strictly enforcing the National Water Act. By classifying dams based on specific risk criteria, the government seeks to mitigate potential harm to communities, property, and environmental quality through rigorous regulatory oversight. Mining companies are urgently required to submit accurate data regarding their tailings storage facilities to the department and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The state plans to conduct random site inspections to verify the existence and safety of these structures. Owners who have not previously disclosed their facilities are encouraged to register immediately, ensuring they comply with legal mandates and maintain transparency in their operations. This effort is critical for open data initiatives as it creates a standardized, accessible inventory of high-risk industrial infrastructure. Transparent data on dam safety enables better community awareness, facilitates independent monitoring, and supports evidence-based policy-making. By making this information available, stakeholders can hold operators accountable, promote environmental stewardship, and empower the public with knowledge essential for disaster prevention and resource management.
Source: bizcommunity.comPublished on 2023-05-04