In the heart of Sub-Saharan Africa, where mining activities are on the rise, a critical question emerges: how do these operations impact the region’s vital water resources? A groundbreaking study published in *Discover Water* (translated from Afrikaans as “Ontdek Water”) sheds light on this pressing issue, offering a continental perspective on the hydrogeological risks associated with mining proximity. Led by Grace Nkechinyere Ijoma of the University of South Africa’s Department of Environmental Sciences, the research provides a much-needed regional-scale comparison of mining threats to water resources in Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The study employs geospatial modelling techniques to assess the vulnerability of karst aquifers, major river networks, and lake basins to nearby mining operations. By calculating the Environmental Exposure Index (EEI) and using Euclidean distance modelling, the researchers identified hotspots where mining activities pose significant risks to water quality and availability.
“Our findings reveal clear differences in vulnerability across the four countries,” Ijoma explains. “Nigeria and Tanzania show the highest exposure, with mining sites frequently located near shallow carbonate terrains, groundwater recharge zones, and dense river systems that facilitate rapid contaminant transport.”
In contrast, South Africa and the DRC display greater average separation between mining activities and major water bodies. However, the study highlights severe localized risks due to legacy mining, tailings, and artisanal gold extraction.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As mining activities expand, so too does the potential for water resource degradation, which can disrupt agricultural productivity, drinking water supplies, and ecosystem services. “By identifying continental-scale hotspots of hydrogeological vulnerability in data-scarce regions, our study provides a practical evidence base for improving environmental monitoring, guiding land-use planning, and strengthening regulatory buffers around sensitive aquifer and surface-water systems,” Ijoma states.
This research offers a novel approach to understanding mining-water interactions across multiple countries, demonstrating how national patterns of exposure differ despite shared environmental pressures. As such, it serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental managers seeking to balance economic development with sustainable water resource management.
The study’s findings are particularly relevant for the energy sector, where water is a critical input for various processes, including hydropower generation, cooling, and mineral processing. By providing a clearer picture of hydrogeological risks, the research can help energy companies make more informed decisions about site selection, water management strategies, and risk mitigation measures.
Moreover, the study underscores the importance of proactive governance in managing mining landscapes. By strengthening regulatory frameworks and implementing robust environmental monitoring systems, governments and industry stakeholders can work together to minimize the negative impacts of mining on water resources.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for sustainable water management practices will only grow more pressing. This research provides a crucial foundation for addressing these challenges, offering insights that can shape future developments in the field and promote more responsible and hydrogeologically informed decision-making across Sub-Saharan Africa.