A dubious reclamation operation at the old Grootvlei gold mine is endangering the ecologically vital Blesbokspruit wetland in Gauteng. Journalists' inquiries prompted the Department of Water and Sanitation to investigate, revealing the company lacked necessary water authorisation. Enforcement actions are now underway to protect this Ramsar-designated site.
The Blesbokspruit, a key tributary of the Vaal River and one of southern Africa's largest wetlands, holds Ramsar status for its international ecological importance, including the Marievale Bird Sanctuary. Flowing through Gauteng's Highveld, it supports diverse biodiversity, from yellowfish to birds, but faces severe threats from urbanisation, sewage spillages, agricultural run-offs, and mine-related pollution.
A 2024 study in Science of the Total Environment highlighted rapid ecological degradation, noting the wetland's listing on the Montreux Record in 1996 due to intense strain. Recent activities at the Grootvlei gold mine, closed in 2011, have exacerbated these risks. Upward Spiral 1471, an unlisted mining services company, began decommissioning tailings storage facilities for reclamation around October 2025 without water use authorisation from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
Daily Maverick's aerial photographs from 31 October 2025 revealed stripped protective cladding, possible illegal mining (zama zama) activity, rust-orange pools indicating acid mine drainage, and excavators operating near the wetland. Experts, including one anonymous mining specialist, warned of significant contributions to acid mine drainage and lack of safety controls. Alastair Bovim of Insight Terra described the site as high-risk, situated adjacent to wetlands with no visible buffers or signage.
Upward Spiral claimed its work aimed to rehabilitate the area and deter illegal mining, citing an Integrated Environmental Authorisation from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy issued on 15 May 2024. However, DWS's site investigation on 21 November 2025 confirmed no water licence had been obtained, despite requirements under the National Water Act. The department is initiating enforcement, which could involve fines, imprisonment up to five years, or remedial orders.
Environmental activist Mariette Liefferink noted no consultation with the Blesbokspruit Catchment Management Forum. A prior 2024 amaBhungane report raised suspicions over Upward Spiral's high gold yields from tailings. This case underscores broader challenges in South Africa's mining sector, linking illicit activities to environmental harm and organised crime.