TRAIL OF MUCK: Mining sludge surge triggers power cuts and contamination fears after tailings dam collapse

{JSON.stringify(article.attachments[0], null, 2)} --> A tailings dam collapse at Samancor Dikwena has cut access to nearby mine shafts, swept away vehicles, and knocked out Eskom power lines near Brits. Satellite analysis and experts point to delayed rainfall effects and potential structural over-deposition as potential causes.

On Thursday, 13 August, the wall of a dam belonging to Samancor Dikwena Tailings Facility collapsed, unleashing mining sludge across the R566 towards the nearby Eland Mine owned by Northam Platinum near Brits in North West.

The sludge flood interrupted access to an Eland Mine access road but was later cleared up.

Daily Maverick understands the tailings storage facility (TSF) is on Samancor land, but the operator is an unlisted company, One Chrome.

Aerial footage provided to Daily Maverick shows a trail of sludge extending for several kilometres, sparking concerns of potential contamination. A mining expert who viewed the footage said it was worrying that another tailings facility had water on top of it that was “not supposed to be there”.

A dam wall at the Samancor Dikwena tailings storage facility near Brits collapsed on Thursday, 13 August, allowing mineral waste to spill into the surrounding Elands Mine. (Video: Iaan Myburgh)

The sludge flood also damaged Eskom infrastructure in the area, resulting in power interruptions in Brits, Hennops and surrounding areas.

Daily Maverick contacted the Madibeng Local Municipality to seek clarity on the extent of the damage and the relief effort put in place by the local government. However, we had not received a response by the time of publication.

The SABC reported that Eskom, with the help of Samancor Dikwena Chrome, was working to restore power to the affected areas.

“Eskom can report that, with the assistance of the mine, it is currently preparing to gain access to the affected poles so that our technical teams can commence with the necessary repair work. The area is very muddy and slippery, which is slowing down the restoration time and efforts. At the moment, we do not have an estimated time of restoration, but this process can take some hours,” said Eskom spokesperson Ezekiel Baruti.

While the cause of the dam wall failure is still under investigation, a report seen by Daily Maverick used satellite imagery to evaluate possible triggers.

Geostationary imagery captured clear, cloudless skies directly over the facility during the reported hour of failure, ruling out immediate rainfall as a trigger.

Precipitation data shows the site received 4.2–4.8 mm of rain between August 10 and 12. While small, this equals the entire average monthly norm for August, and occurred two to three days before the collapse. Analysts note this could have caused delayed water infiltration and heightened internal pore pressure.

Satellite archives are being analysed to determine whether active hydraulic re-mining took place on the failed wall.