The history and beginnings of major acid mine drainage: Mining has been a cornerstone of South Africa's economy. It was the base around which one of its major cities, Johannesburg, was built. Today, gold mining in the Witwatersrand Basin has been a major contributor to mining in South Africa. It is estimated that around 98% of all gold mined in South Africa has been mined from the Witwatersrand Basin. South Africa's total mineral reserves have an estimated value of R20. 3 trillion, giving South Africa the fifth largest mining sector by GDP globally. From this we can understand that mining constitutes an important part of our economy; on the other hand, in the period in which gold was extracted, the negative effect that extraction would have on the environment was not taken into consideration. This resulted in a careless attitude towards the environment and the effects of water pollution were not immediately visible, so the serious consequences were not taken into consideration by these mining companies at the time. Since 1987, the American Environmental Protection Agency has recognized that there are problems related to mining waste, which can be classified together with global warming and ozone depletion. The impact of mining waste on the environment and specific ecosystems has caused irreparable damage. The effects of discarding or negligent dumping of mining waste used in mining activities in previous years have emerged. Visible effects can be seen in increasing amounts of acid; as well as concentrated acid mine water levels that are threatening the Witwatersrand area. Acid mine drainage is water rich in metals, which forms from chemical reactions between the rocks that make up the mine...... middle of paper... ....s opinion on the matter.• Funds will be allocated to upgrade water pumping stations.• A company called Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, was contracted by the Department of Water Affairs to find a long-term solution and a short-term solution to the problem. Short-term solutions: • The solution to the problem on the West Rand includes increasing the number of liters of water pumped. Then the water will be neutralized by adding lime and chalk, this will eliminate any heavy metals and sulphites in the water. Salt levels will still be very high and to remove salt from the water the water will undergo triosmosis treatment.• The Department of Water Affairs has agreed to upgrade and build more water pumping stations.Solutions to long term:• The Department of Water Affairs tasked the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority in April 2011 with finding long-term solutions.