Yzermyn Groundwater Model

The Yzermyn Groundwater Model simulates the impact of mine workings on two aquifer systems. While the deeper fractured aquifer shows a zone of impact extending approximately 2 km downstream, significant drawdowns over 20m are limited to the area immediately above the mine. The model suggests that a steady-state cone of dewatering is an unlikely worst-case scenario given the 15-year mine life. However, groundwater-dependent ecosystems and springs within the shallow aquifer's dewatering zone, limited to site boundaries, may be negatively impacted or dry up.

• The simulated steady-state zone of impact for underground workings on the deeper fractured aquifer extends primarily above and around 2 km downstream or North of the mine, though significant drawdowns exceeding 20m are likely restricted to the area immediately above the workings.
• The 15-year projected life of the mine is likely to end before a steady-state cone of dewatering is established, as such a state requires years or decades of unimpeded inflows; consequently, the water table may partially recover after active dewatering ceases.
• Springs and groundwater-dependent ecosystems within the shallow aquifer's dewatering zone, which is limited to site boundaries, face potential negative impacts or drying up, whereas springs in the deeper fractured aquifer are unlikely to be affected due to limited hydraulic connection between the two systems.

APA

Centre for Environmental Rights (n.d.). Yzermyn Groundwater Model. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Annexure-I-part-1.pdf?x21779

Chicago

Centre for Environmental Rights. Yzermyn Groundwater Model. n.d. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Annexure-I-part-1.pdf?x21779.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Centre for Environmental Rights |title=Yzermyn Groundwater Model |url=https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Annexure-I-part-1.pdf?x21779 |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centreforenvironmentalrightsndyzermyn, author = {{Centre for Environmental Rights}}, title = {{Yzermyn Groundwater Model}}, institution = {Centre for Environmental Rights}, url = {https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Annexure-I-part-1.pdf?x21779}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }