MAMDIWAS

Mining plays a vital role in the global economy. However, both active and abandoned mines release potentially contaminated mining-influenced water, leading to significant environmental and societal challenges. These issues are especially pronounced in mining-dependent countries like South Africa – and are exacerbated by water scarcity and security issues, impacting society, health, industry, the economy, and social development.

MAMDIWAS aims to address these challenges by viewing mining-influenced water as an opportunity rather than a burden. Through a collaborative approach with local partners and stakeholders, the project focuses on developing technology for water and material reuse, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and governance.

The UN-Habitat Collaborating Center at the Wuppertal Institute leads the governance pillar of the project. Developing and implementing sustainable and integrated solutions for the management of mining-influenced water requires identifying gaps in existing policies and exploring regulatory frameworks that enable innovative water treatment technologies to thrive. The goal is to promote sustainable water management, explore economic opportunities, and strategically shape the transition from a mining-based to a post-mining society.