The Remaining Pillar Resources in the Northern Witbank-Highveld Coalfield

Electrical and electromagnetic ground surveys were run over a Waterberg profile with borehole logs and three dimensional seismic data as control, to test whether cheaper methods can match seismic reflection for locating coal and faults. Resistivity tomography at two electrode spacings, frequency and time domain electromagnetics, controlled source audio magnetotellurics and magnetics were all acquired. Results are preliminary.

The financial benefit of bees to a rehabilitating site could not be modelled with confidence, and a field trial to show direct benefit is hard to configure because so many variables affect rehabilitation. Apiaries suit sites where bee friendly plants are established, the return coming through honey yield rather than measured gains in biodiversity or ground cover, at low establishment cost.

Compared against concrete and gabions on cost, construction time, footprint, durability and safety, the Dongalock product proved cheaper and quicker to install in small and medium incised valley bottom wetlands, and needs no heavy plant, so local enterprises can build it. Concrete still suits large wetlands carrying high water velocities.