South Africa’s environmental management and governance effort consists of a wide array of legal and regulatory requirements. In ensuring that a mine, prospective mine, or exploration activity complies with the relevant environmental legislation, various legal components need to be adhered to and permits for any such activities, are required. The legislation to take cognisance of includes the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA), the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA), National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (NEM:WA) and the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2006 (NEM:AQA), to name only a few.
The MPRDA regulates the mining industry in South Africa and provides for the equitable access to, and sustainable development of, the nation’s mineral and petroleum resources. The MPRDA recognises that minerals and petroleum are non-renewable natural resources and therefore the management of these are important. One of the objects of the MPRDA is to give effect to the constitutionally entrenched environmental right as contained in Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, by ensuring that the nation’s mineral and petroleum resources are developed in an orderly and ecologically sustainable manner, while promoting justifiable social and economic development as these resources belong to the nation, of which the State is the custodian.
As per the relevant legislation, prior to the authorisation of any mining or related activity, an Environmental Authorisation Process must be undertaken. Depending on the nature of the activities a Basic Assessment or a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be undertaken.
The professional team at Prism EMS is positioned to offer clients with value adding, practical, solution driven and cost effective services. With over 20 years’ experience in the mining industry, and having successfully assisted in advising clients on the environmental components of Mining- and Prospecting Right Applications, Prism EMS is qualified to provide clients with a high quality service and advise throughout the project’s cycle (i.e. pre-feasibility to closure).
Our focus and project management skills have proven to streamline project planning with practical and effective environmental management, ensuring a holistic approach to obtaining the required authorisations and permits.