Proposed Elders Colliery Irrigation, Ventilation Shafts and Associated Auxiliary Infrastructure Projects

An irrigation project is planned at Elders Colliery. The Elders irrigation project will utilise the underground water recharge (water make) from the Elders mine, which will be pumped and utilised for irrigation to surrounding farmers. As the water make increases over the life of mine (LOM) the irrigation scheme is earmarked to be implemented in three phases. A total irrigation area of 406ha has been allocated to the irrigation project. Irrigation of the land will only be done by means of central pivots as these systems are better managed than conventional sprinkler systems. An additional 66ha is also available under conventional sprinkler irrigation should the need arise. A variety of crops are considered for the irrigation system ranging from seasonal to perennial crops such as lucerne and pastures. The irrigation system comprises of a pumping system, pipelines and the various sized pivots irrigating areas from 5ha to 50ha each. The irrigation project will be undertaken in a phased manner, starting with phase 1, then moving to phase 2 and 3. (Figure 4-1) as water becomes available over time. Additional to the Elders Irrigation Project, Elders Colliery proposes to construct upcast and downcast ventilation fans for the ventilation at the mine.
Province(s): Mpumalanga