Critical evaluation of the chemical composition of acid mine drainage for the development of statistical correlations linking electrical conductivity with acid mine drainage concentrations

•Significant metals concentrations were present in AMD in Mpumalanga Coalfields.•Seasonal variability and strong correlations between electrical conductivity and major parameters were noted.•Electrical conductivity is easily measured and data are immediately available.•Electrical conductivity can be used as a proxy to predict concentrations of other major parameters.•Derivation of electrical conductivity values corresponding to water quality limits for the predicted parameters may be used as a rapid method for testing compliance.