A pothole filler made of mining waste with a ‘lifetime’ guarantee has been developed by the Mobile Education and Training Trust (METT) in Hartbeespoort.

It will not only cost almost half of the current products but also contributes to a greener environment.

The trust is meeting with various government departments, mines and industries later this month to discuss the use of this first-of-its-kind product that can change the face of potholes in the country.

“This is a breakthrough for addressing the state of our roads and at the same time addresses environmental concerns about mining waste,” says Hennie Snyman, chairman of METT.

Snyman and his team worked with several universities to develop the product. It has been tested by the SABS and the patent belongs to the trust.

METT has already made a name for itself with its revolutionary building and construction method that uses recycled polystyrene. The pothole filler is the next step in greener practices.

“We were approached by one of the biggest mining companies that asked if we could not do something with mining waste. Mine dumps are a big headache for mining companies and reusing the waste will go a long way towards rehabilitating the environment,” Snyman says.

In simple terms, the mining waste is ground and mixed with chemicals to form a solid mass. “The secret is proper preparation of the pothole. It has to be cleaned, sealed, filled with a foundation and then sealed. Something that is not currently done.”

The product has been tested extensively in areas with especially high heavy vehicle traffic.

“Within ten minutes after filling a pothole, it can carry heavy traffic.”

Preliminary meetings with stakeholders have been promising and the meeting with government officials, mines and industries later this month will hopefully see the product rolled out countrywide.

Snyman said the products will be available on the market in about two months and is approximately 40% cheaper than tar.

METT is currently also working on other projects to utilise other waste products.