Research Projects
WaMiSAR

Project:

WaMiSAR – Sustainable and climate adapted Watermanagement in Mining of Southern African Region

Sub project:

Development and use of natural treatment methods for cleaning mining water as well as determination of isotopes to assess processes

Duration:

01.05.2024 – 30.04.2028

Website:

KIT - WaMiSAR

Project partner:

• University Potsdam, D
• Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, D
• Institut für Umwelttechnik und Management Witten, D
• Technische Hochschule Witten, D
• Technologiezentrum Wasser, D
• Sensatec GmbH, D
• Hydroisotop GmbH, D
• Aquantec GmbH, D
• Delta h GmbH, D
• Desert Research Foundation Namibia, NAM
• Namibia University of Science and Technology, NAM

Abstract:

WaMiSAR develops solutions for the sustainable and climate-adapted management of water resources from the beginning to the end of mining activities. The project includes

1. the development of hydrological and hydrogeological reference studies under conditions of limited data availability,
2. the automated monitoring and modeling of water availability in the unsaturated zone of mining heaps as a basis for
3. the development of adapted greening measures with regard to agricultural uses (biomass, crops) or the promotion of biodiversity and ecosystem services when using mining water for irrigation
4. adapted remediation measures for contaminated surface and groundwater including automatic groundwater monitoring and
5. Taking into account local socio-economic conditions. The end result will be a set of instruments for sustainable and climate-adapted water management in mining that is modularly expandable and offers holistic solutions that can be adapted to the individual environmental problems in mining

The project is structured via an already established mine management network (MiWaNet), which includes the relevant mining companies as well as ministries, authorities, universities and engineering offices. The eight participating universities organize a training network for students and employees of MiWaNet members.

The task of Hydroisotop in this project is to develop a process that processes contaminated water from mining activities using natural and locally available materials and makes it available as drinking or irrigation water and for revitalization.

Furthermore, with the help of isotope analysis, the Stampriet Aquifer will be characterized, processes such as microbial sulfate reduction and sulfide oxidation will be assessed, and plants growing on site will be identified.

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, funding number 02WAS1717G