Seriti Resources, in partnership with Nafasi Water Technologies, is launching a new water treatment facility at the Arnot Closed Colliery near Middelburg, Mpumalanga. The project is aimed at restoring downstream water quality in the Olifants River catchment, one of South Africa’s most strategically important water systems.
This initiative highlights Seriti’s ongoing commitment to responsible water management, environmental stewardship, and compliance with regulatory standards.The Olifants River catchment plays a crucial role in supporting communities, agriculture, industry, and biodiversity across multiple provinces.
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By treating and discharging clean water into this vital system, the project will help improve water quality downstream, enhance water security for users, and support the ecological health of the catchment area.Ultimately, the effort will promote the sustainable use of this critical shared resource.
Mining activities at Arnot ceased in 1992; however, the site continues to produce water impacted by historical mining operations. Current methods, including evaporation and pumping, have become unsustainable and increasingly costly, with storage facilities reaching capacity.
The new treatment facility will purify this mine-impacted water to meet required quality standards before safely discharging clean, compliant water into the Bosmanspruit, which is branch within the Olifants River catchment. This discharge will fully comply with Seriti’s Water Use License.
The project follows a Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) model, managing the entire lifecycle from design and construction to long-term operation and eventual decommissioning. Seriti mentioned that All waste from the treatment process will be safely disposed of at approved off-site facilities.
Mike Teke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Seriti Resources, stated, “At Seriti Resources, we recognise that our responsibility as a mining company extends far beyond the life of our operations.
The Arnot water treatment project clearly demonstrates how we can honour our mine closure obligations while making a meaningful contribution to the environment and communities around us.”
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Teke continued to say clean and secure water systems are vital for South Africa’s future, and through their partnership with Nafasi Water, they are taking tangible steps to protect one of the country’s most critical catchment areas.
“This is about ensuring that the legacy of Arnot Colliery is about powering the nation and safeguarding natural resources for generations to come,” added Teke.
Suzie Nkambule, Chief Executive Officer of Nafasi Water, added, “Through this collaboration, we are able to leverage our specialist expertise in mine water treatment to deliver a solution that brings both environmental and community benefits.
By applying innovative treatment processes and maintaining the highest operational standards, we can ensure that clean, compliant water is returned to the environment, supporting the restoration and protection of this vital catchment area.”
During its years of operation, Arnot Colliery was a key contributor to South Africa’s energy supply, powering homes, industries, and economic growth. Now, in its post-mining phase, the site will continue to serve the region by improving water security and quality for the same communities it once energised.
This long-term solution addresses mine closure obligations, lowers environmental risk, and helps protect critical local water systems within the Olifants River catchment.
The partnership between Seriti Resources and Nafasi Water reflects the power of collaboration in delivering sustainable environmental outcomes.