What is the BN Aqua Project?
BN Aqua Solutions is a 100% black-owned water treatment company established in 2016 to address the country’s water shortage challenges. The project focuses on treating contaminated water from municipalities, boreholes, perennial streams, and acid mine drainage (AMD) to achieve SANS 241 drinking water standards. The prototype—built and commissioned at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)—demonstrated the process by treating 20,000 litres of acidic water per day into water fit for human consumption. Starting in 2014 under laboratory conditions at the University of Johannesburg, this innovative project is licensed to an inventor with over 14 years of experience in the mining industry, aiming to provide a cheaper solution for the contaminated acidic water found in mining operations.
Main Benefit: Innovative Water Solutions
The project delivers multiple innovative advantages, including:
- 100% black-owned water treatment company established in 2016
- Treats contaminated water to SANS 241 drinking stage using locally available waste metallurgical slag
- A prototype that can treat 20,000 litres per day at CSIR
- Modular treatment plants of 5 – 10 mega-litres per day in development within mining sites
- Potential to rehabilitate the environment by depleting the metallurgical waste stockpile
- Processing saleable minerals such as gypsum, magnetite, and synthesized lime as by-products
Project Background and Intellectual Property
Originally incepted in 2014 at the University of Johannesburg under laboratory conditions, this project is now exclusively owned as intellectual property by the University and licensed to the inventor. With over 14 years of experience in the mining industry, the inventor witnessed firsthand the non-compliance of mines regarding water—a scarce resource on the continent—and has innovated a cheaper, effective method to convert contaminated acidic water into potable water. It’s a fine example of academic research evolving into practical application, sparking new ideas in water treatment.
Technological Breakthrough in Water Treatment
Using waste metallurgical slag—a by-product that is both cheaper and locally available—the BN Aqua project treats contaminated water from municipal and mining sources to drinking water quality. The process, which has been verified by laboratory water quality results exceeding SANS 241 standards, mirrors the natural capacity of the environment to heal itself. This efficient system not only remediates pollution by reducing the current metallurgical waste stockpile but also recovers valuable minerals in the process… it’s a win-win situation in terms of cost and sustainability.
Key Objectives and Strategic Vision
The project’s objectives are clear and strategically aligned with the need to boost water capacity across the continent. Key objectives include:
• Providing innovative water solutions to municipalities and mines,
• Rehabilitating the environment by depleting existing metallurgical waste stockpiles,
• Operating acid mine drainage treatment plants competitively within the industry,
• Processing saleable minerals such as gypsum as by-products, and
• Increasing Africa’s water capacity for drinking, process, irrigation, and agricultural purposes.
These goals are designed not only to mitigate water scarcity but also to stimulate economic opportunity and environmental sustainability.
Industry Projects and Future Developments
The BN Aqua Solutions project has several initiatives underway. The City Deep Modular Treatment Plant has applied for funds from the Industrial Development Corporation, the Trailer-Mounted Treatment Plant has secured support from the Technology Innovation Agency, and the Seam Coal Treatment Plant is pursuing funds from the National Empowerment Fund. These projects, in essence, serve as a blueprint for a scalable solution that can extend well into rural and urban areas alike, providing water that supports not only human consumption but also agricultural and industrial uses.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Increasing safe and affordable drinking water capacity.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Promoting innovative water treatment technology.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhancing water resources in urban and rural communities.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Rehabilitating the environment through waste reduction.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Contributing to the reduction of pollution and environmental remediation.
Future Outlook and Market Influence
Looking ahead, BN Aqua Solutions is positioned to dramatically influence the water treatment and mining industries across Africa. The innovative use of the waste metallurgical slag offers a practical solution to a serious water shortage problem. By building small-scale modular treatment plants within mining sites, the project is set to not only serve the operational needs of mines but also to supply excess water to water-stressed municipalities. This move could boost food security and improve hygiene and living conditions in both rural and urban areas… a transformative approach that prioritizes community benefits while ensuring the economic viability of the mining sectors.
