Review of the groundwater documemtation related to the proposed Yzermyn Colliery

The review identifies significant scientific gaps and contradictions in the groundwater and wetland assessments for the proposed Yzermyn Colliery. Key concerns include the underestimation of drawdown effects on sensitive wetlands, the likelihood of post-closure mine decant with high sulphate levels, and contradictions in wetland sensitivity ratings. The author argues that current models fail to quantify impacts on groundwater-dependent ecosystems and downstream users, recommending further field work and more comprehensive numerical modelling.

• The author disputes claims in the amended EIAR that wetland impacts would be limited to 'drought conditions', noting that a predicted 9 m drop in the upper aquifer is significant for wetlands and that the statement regarding faster stabilization is not supported by simulations.
• There is a high probability of post-closure mine decant, with expected sulphate values of 1000 mg/L and a likelihood of acidity because 67% of Yzermyn coal samples are classified as potentially acid generating.
• The SAS 2014 wetland assessment is criticized for failing to assess the 'best environment option' layout, relying too heavily on the NFEPA database, and ignoring the impacts of mine dewatering on sensitive ecosystems.
• A review of the SAS wetland delineation letter reveals contradictions where the author describes wetlands as 'highly marginal' and of 'extremely limited' importance, despite the SAS 2014 report assigning them the highest Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) score of A.
• While the Delta H and WSP models show similar dewatering cones that will affect protected areas, springs, and wetlands, the Delta H report is noted for lacking a construction phase dewatering cone and failing to simulate abstraction boreholes or pollution plumes from mine workings.
• The EcoPartners report on downstream water usage is described as 'poorly written and motivated', failing to quantify groundwater and surface water impacts and relying on the outdated WARMS database which underestimates water use.

APA

Dennis, I. (2016). Review of the groundwater documemtation related to the proposed Yzermyn Colliery. Centre for Environmental Rights. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Annexure-F.pdf?x21779

Chicago

Dennis, Ingrid. Review of the groundwater documemtation related to the proposed Yzermyn Colliery. Centre for Environmental Rights, 2016. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Annexure-F.pdf?x21779.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Dennis |first1=Ingrid |title=Review of the groundwater documemtation related to the proposed Yzermyn Colliery |publisher=Centre for Environmental Rights |date=August 2016 |url=https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Annexure-F.pdf?x21779 |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{dennis2016review, author = {Dennis, Ingrid}, title = {{Review of the groundwater documemtation related to the proposed Yzermyn Colliery}}, institution = {Centre for Environmental Rights}, year = {2016}, month = aug, url = {https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Annexure-F.pdf?x21779}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }