MINING (84)

Minutes_FPR and NEMLA Bill_Stakeholder Meeting held on 24 May 2018

Wednesday, 11 July 2018 17:21

Financial Provisioning Regulations: Intergovernmental and Stakeholder meeting on the NEMLA Bill and proposed amendments to the Financial Provisioning Regulations

The Minutes may be opened as a PDF document.

Published in MINING

Proceedings Report: Sustainable Use of Abandoned Mines in the SADC Region

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina have published the Proceedings Report for the Science-Business-Society Dialogue Conference II.

The conference titled “Linking Science, Society, Business and Policy for the Sustainable Use of Abandoned Mines in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region” was held from 28 – 30 November 2017 at Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE) participated in the Conference and delivered a presentation titled “Mining-Affected Communities: Risks, Expectations and Opportunities” on the third day of the Conference. The FSE is a signatory to the attached statement.

Published in MINING

OBJECTION TO THE AUTHORISATION OF THE PROSPECTING RIGHTS APPLICATION FOR LWENZHE RESOURCES - FILE REFERENCE NO. SAMRAD: NW

Wednesday, 30 May 2018 16:48

It is part of our law that the potential impact of a development on the sense of place of an area must be considered.

In the case of Director: Mineral Development Gauteng Region and another v. Save the Vaal Environment and others 1999 (2) SA 709 (SCA) at 715C, the Supreme Court of Appeals with regard to a proposed mine on a wetland next to the Vaal river, identified as an environmental concern the “…predicted constant noise, light, dust and water pollution resulting from the proposed strip mine will totally destroy the ‘sense of place’ of the wetland and the associated Cloudy Creek. Thus the spiritual, aesthetic and therapeutic qualities associated with this area will also be eliminated.”

This finding by the court established sense of place, as an environmental concern that can be impacted upon by development and that should be considered accordingly.

The EAP failed to consider the impacts – as experienced by tourists - of the activity on the unique sense of place of the Pilanesberg National Park, the Kwa Maritane Lodge and Sun City. Sense of place has an economic value.

Published in MINING

Comments on the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COHWHS) Integrated Management Plan

Tuesday, 29 May 2018 14:17

The following comments are submitted on behalf of the Federation for Sustainable Environment (FSE). The FSE is a federation of community based civil society organisations committed to the realisation of the constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being, and to having the environment sustainably managed and protected for future generations. Their mission is specifically focussed on addressing the adverse impacts of mining and industrial activities on the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities who live and work near South Africa’s mines and industries.

Published in MINING

Financial Provision Regulations & NEMLA Bill

Friday, 25 May 2018 12:46

Proposed amendments as a result of the public comment period 24 May 2018

Published in MINING

Tasman Pacific Minerals Ltd: withdrawal of applications.

Saturday, 12 May 2018 19:02

Tasman Pacific Minerals Ltd has requested Ferret Mining & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd to advise all Interested and Affected parties that the Quaggasfontein mining right application and the Matjeskloof prospecting right application in the Western Cape have been withdrawn. An application to relinquish the Davidskolk prospecting right in the Northern Cape has also been submitted.

Published in MINING

FSE sharing Carte Blanche

Thursday, 03 May 2018 09:34

Snake Park

Situated next to one of the world’s largest mine dumps, Snake Park near Soweto, is a community in distress with an unusually high number of Cerebral Palsy, respiratory diseases and inexplicable deformities in animals. With a growing body of evidence linking toxic dust in mine dumps to various illnesses in nearby communities, it appears environmental issues are to blame for these and other medical conditions. The circumstantial evidence is compelling, but there are still no empirical studies to make conclusive links. Carte Blanche searches for answers.

Watch the video here.

Children of the Mountain

There is nothing that upsets me more than seeing people suffer, especially those who are less fortunate than most. People whose lives are riddled with poverty, crime and a lack of resources. What is even more heartbreaking, is to see the children raised in these circumstances, who have little hope and almost nothing going for them. It’s unfortunate that even after such a long time, we are still crippled by our past and suffocate from life due to inequality, economic imbalances and a government which seems not to care.

Watch the video here

Published in MINING

MINING LANDSCAPES OF THE GAUTENG CITY-REGION

Tuesday, 24 April 2018 08:43

The landscapes of the Gauteng City-Region (GCR) can be traced back to about 3 000 million years ago when a depression in the earth formed an inland sea. Rivers flowing through the area drained into the depression and deposited sediment which would later become one of the largest deposits of mineral wealth on Earth.

Published in MINING

FSE COMMENTS - NATIONAL GUIDELINE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS PREPARING EIA FOR MINING ACTIVITIES

Monday, 12 March 2018 07:33

(Reg. No. 2007/003002/08)

NPO NUMBER 062986-NPO

PBO No. (TAX EXEMPT) 930 039 506

Postnet Suite 87

Private Bag X033

RIVONIA

2128

COMMENTS ON NATIONAL GUIDELINE ON MINIMUM INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PREPARING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS FOR MINING ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION

The following comments are submitted on behalf of the Federation for Sustainable Environment (FSE) The FSE is a federation of community based civil society organisations committed to the realisation of the constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being, and to having the environment sustainably managed and protected for future generations. Their mission is specifically focussed on addressing the adverse impacts of mining and industrial activities on the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities who live and work near South Africa’s mines and industries.

The FSE is a member of a significant number of governmental and academic forums, steering committees, task teams and teams of experts and its directors have two decades of experience with mining applications and environmental impact assessment processes.

Published in MINING

PRELIMINARY COMMENTS ON THE BOJANALA PLATINUM DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

Tuesday, 27 February 2018 11:03

DESIRED STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

The FSE’s comments, in line with its mission, are confined to the mining industry and in particular the platinum group metal producing mines in the Bonjanala Platinum District Municipality and mining applications and authorisation within the Marico River Catchment[1] and its impacts upon the environment and water resources. Our concerns, comments and recommendations are motivated by recent environmental authorisations of mining applications within areas of highest biodiversity importance and the profound often irreversible impacts on eco-systems and sustainable future land use with associated resources such as water.

[1] A number of applications for mining and prospecting has recently been authorised with the Marico River Catchment. The Groot Marico River is a key water resource, which is classified in the Ecological category A/B – largely natural. The upper reaches of the Groot Marico River are a river FEPA due to its clean, free flowing nature where the vulnerable Marico barb is found. The Quartenary Catchments A31A and A31B fall within a flagship NFEPA and the Catchment encompasses an Aquatic CBA 1 and terrestrial CBA. Certain areas within the catchment have already been declared protected areas and that the entire area is currently before UNESCO for consideration as a Biosphere Reserve. The river originates from the dolomitic eye of the Marico River (Kaalloog). The Groot Marico River forms the south-western headwaters of the Limpopo. The Catchment is the pumphouse of the Limpopo river. The Groot Marico River provides water to hundreds of thousands of downstream water users and the Molatedi Dam, which supplies North West’s premier Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve. The water is also pumped from the Tswasa Weir at the Dam to Gaberone in terms of the international Tswasa Agreement.

Published in MINING

FSE COMMENTS - Millsite Tailings Storage Facility Reclamation Project

Tuesday, 06 February 2018 14:26

Comments on the Millsite Tailings Storage Facility Reclamation Project:

Wetland Sensitivity Mapping and Impact Assessment
1. Freshwater Resource Assessment in the Vicinity of the Proposed Lindum Railway Decommissioning
2. Freshwater Resource Assessment in the Vicinity of the Proposed Millsite Reclamation
Surface Water Assessment Report
Groundwater Assessment Report
Integrated Water Use Licence Application for the Sibanye-Stillwater Rand Uranium/Cooke Operations
Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan in support of the WULA

Published in MINING

Presentations at the conference "Sustainable Use of Abandoned Mines in the SADC Region"

Wednesday, 24 January 2018 09:49

http://www.assaf.org.za/index.php/2-uncategorised/416-linking-science-society-business-and-policy-for-the-sustainable-use-of-abandoned-mines-in-the-sadc

Published in MINING

Palmietkuilen Coal Mining Project Rejected

Wednesday, 06 December 2017 17:12

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) has refused to grant permission for the proposed Palmietkuilen Coal Mining Project.

The FSE with other interested and affected parties lodged an objection with the Department of Mineral Resources against the proposed open cast coal mine to be situated on the Palmietkuilen farm in Lesedi.

Published in MINING

turn mine enviro hazards into jobs generator

http://www.miningweekly.com/article/booklet-outlines-guide-to-turning-mine-enviro-hazards-into-job-generator-2017-07-28

booklet outlines measures to turn mine enviro hazards into jobs generator

4th August 2017 By: Ilan Solomons - Creamer Media Staff Writer

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More Mining News

Proceedings Report: Sustainable Use of Abandoned Mines in the SADC Region

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina have published the Proceedings Report for the Science-Business-Society Dialogue Conference II. The conference titled “Linking Science, Society, Business and Policy for the Sustainable Use of Abandoned Mines in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region” was held from 28 – 30 November 2017 at Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE) participated in the Conference and delivered a presentation titled “Mining-Affected Communities: Risks, Expectations and Opportunities” on the third day of the Conference. The FSE is a signatory to the attached statement.

Financial Provision Regulations & NEMLA Bill

Proposed amendments as a result of the public comment period 24 May 2018

FSE sharing Carte Blanche

Snake Park Situated next to one of the world’s largest mine dumps, Snake Park near Soweto, is a community in distress with an unusually high number of Cerebral Palsy, respiratory diseases and inexplicable deformities in animals. With a growing body of evidence linking toxic dust in mine dumps to various illnesses in nearby communities, it appears environmental issues are to blame for these and other medical conditions. The circumstantial evidence is compelling, but there are still no empirical studies to make conclusive links. Carte Blanche searches for answers. Watch the video here. Children of the Mountain There is nothing that upsets me more than seeing people suffer, especially those who are less fortunate than most. People whose lives are riddled with poverty, crime and a lack of resources. What is even more heartbreaking, is to see the children raised in these circumstances, who have little hope and almost nothing going for them. It’s unfortunate that even after such a long time, we are still crippled by our past and suffocate from life due to inequality, economic imbalances and a government which seems not to care. Watch the video here

FSE COMMENTS - NATIONAL GUIDELINE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS PREPARING EIA FOR MINING ACTIVITIES

(Reg. No. 2007/003002/08) NPO NUMBER 062986-NPO PBO No. (TAX EXEMPT) 930 039 506 Postnet Suite 87 Private Bag X033 RIVONIA 2128 COMMENTS ON NATIONAL GUIDELINE ON MINIMUM INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PREPARING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS FOR MINING ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION The following comments are submitted on behalf of the Federation for Sustainable Environment (FSE) The FSE is a federation of community based civil society organisations committed to the realisation of the constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being, and to having the environment sustainably managed and protected for future generations. Their mission is specifically focussed on addressing the adverse impacts of mining and industrial activities on the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities who live and work near South Africa’s mines and industries. The FSE is a member of a significant number of governmental and academic forums, steering committees, task teams and teams of experts and its directors have two decades of experience with mining applications and environmental impact assessment processes.

PRELIMINARY COMMENTS ON THE BOJANALA PLATINUM DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

DESIRED STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT The following comments are submitted on behalf of the Federation for Sustainable Environment (FSE) The FSE is a federation of community based civil society organisations committed to the realisation of the constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being, and to having the environment sustainably managed and protected for future generations. Their mission is specifically focussed on addressing the adverse impacts of mining and industrial activities on the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities who live and work near South Africa’s mines and industries. The FSE’s comments, in line with its mission, are confined to the mining industry and in particular the platinum group metal producing mines in the Bonjanala Platinum District Municipality and mining applications and authorisation within the Marico River Catchment[1] and its impacts upon the environment and water resources. Our concerns, comments and recommendations are motivated by recent environmental authorisations of mining applications within areas of highest biodiversity importance and the profound often irreversible impacts on eco-systems and sustainable future land use with associated resources such as water. [1] A number of applications for mining and prospecting has recently been authorised with the Marico River Catchment. The Groot Marico River is a key water resource, which is classified in the Ecological category A/B – largely natural. The upper reaches of the Groot Marico River are a river FEPA due to its clean, free flowing nature where the vulnerable Marico barb is found. The Quartenary Catchments A31A and A31B fall within a flagship NFEPA and the Catchment encompasses an Aquatic CBA 1 and terrestrial CBA. Certain areas within the catchment have already been declared protected areas and that the entire area is currently before UNESCO for consideration as a Biosphere Reserve. The river originates from the dolomitic eye of the Marico River (Kaalloog). The Groot Marico River forms the south-western headwaters of the Limpopo. The Catchment is the pumphouse of the Limpopo river. The Groot Marico River provides water to hundreds of thousands of downstream water users and the Molatedi Dam, which supplies North West’s premier Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve. The water is also pumped from the Tswasa Weir at the Dam to Gaberone in terms of the international Tswasa Agreement.

Presentations at the conference "Sustainable Use of Abandoned Mines in the SADC Region"

Presentations, including the FSE’s presentation, held at the conference “Linking Science, Society, Business and Policy for the Sustainable Use of Abandoned Mines in the SADC Region” are now accessible here: http://www.assaf.org.za/index.php/2-uncategorised/416-linking-science-society-business-and-policy-for-the-sustainable-use-of-abandoned-mines-in-the-sadc

Palmietkuilen Coal Mining Project Rejected

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) has refused to grant permission for the proposed Palmietkuilen Coal Mining Project. The FSE with other interested and affected parties lodged an objection with the Department of Mineral Resources against the proposed open cast coal mine to be situated on the Palmietkuilen farm in Lesedi.

turn mine enviro hazards into jobs generator

http://www.miningweekly.com/article/booklet-outlines-guide-to-turning-mine-enviro-hazards-into-job-generator-2017-07-28 booklet outlines measures to turn mine enviro hazards into jobs generator 4th August 2017 By: Ilan Solomons - Creamer Media Staff Writer MARIETTE LIEFFERINK The project would be in the position to supply jobs to 100 people, who would be responsible for the rehabilitation of Tweelopiespruit and surrounding areas Photo by: Duane Daws

It’s all about the money

The hazardous mining by-product raises two questions – who’s to blame and who should pay. The acid mine drainage crisis is going to cost someone a lot of money, but probably not the people who caused it. The “polluter pays” principle was next to impossible to apply to the acid mine drainage problem in a retrospective way, said Marius Keet, chief director for mine water management at the department of water and sanitation.

Down in the dumps, there's hope

"WHERE there's waste, there's opportunity," said mining hydrologist Kym Morton, pointing to a huddle of shacks perched on top of a mine dump in Krugersdorp.

Fokus reports on Coal Mine east of Springs

SABC's Fokus of 23 July 2017 addresses the planned Palmietkuilen coal mine east of Springs. A new mining rush is under way in Springs, where companies are eager to get to the coal. In one of the latest bids, Pandospan, a subsidiary of Canyon Coal, on behalf of Anglo Operations, is hoping to get the green light for its proposed open-cast mine, Palmietkuilen. View the episode here.

Zuma-linked mine dealt legal blow

In arguing against Atha-Africa and its BEE partner being given a mining right in a formally protected area, a civil society coalition said the proposed 15-year coal mine would cause “unacceptable pollution and degradation of the environment”. But their main point to the court was that a “poor decision-making process” had led to the granting of the right.

Open-cast· coal mine a threat to Springs wetland

WITH hands covered with liver spots, Stan Madden points out the expanse of Aston Lake glimmering in the distance Fields of near-ripened mealies and clusters of soya beans stretch across this fertile, wetland-sodden landscape on the outskirts of Springs

Mine Shafts: Accidents waiting to happen

Eighty-two shafts without warning signs. Twenty-two open shafts. Three waterlogged holings. And of the reported closed mine shafts, 64 had collapsed or needed refilling. These are among the main findings of a Department of Mineral Resources’ “Risk Area Status” report spanning the Witwatersrand’s mining belt from November 2011.

Residents left in the dark over AMD treatment

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has been accused of “authorising pollution”, after its water quality tests for its acid mine drainage (AMD) plants in the Witwatersrand surpassed the government’s own water resource quality objectives.

Blyvoor Gold directors accused of R10m theft

Johannesburg - Three former directors of Blyvoor Gold who were meant to revive the troubled Blyvoor gold mine have been described as the alleged “masterminds” behind the staggering R10 million theft of valuable mining equipment.

A most significant threat

Fifteen years ago, the cost to fill South Africa’s sinkholes exceeded R1 billion. That number has risen, and the effects are more than disastrous, writes Mark Olalde

The Destruction of the Highveld

"Various organisations have done critical work on understanding the impacts on mining in 2016. The Centre for Environmental Rights has exposed the brutal reality of poor governance and its entrenched nature. The Centre for Applied Legal Studies has clearly shown that the Social Labour Plans, promising a new life for those whose lands are destroyed, has failed to deliver. The writing is on the wall. Mining does not work for people." Download the full report:www.groundwork.org.za

Gold rush leaves toxic hangover

The 'West and Central Rand' have historically contained some the biggest gold deposits on Earth. But extracting this resource has left a dangerous environmental legacy, says the Harvard Law School in a new and alarming report. Sheree Bega examines some of its findings An eerie silence hangs over the dead waters of Robinson Lake and the crumbling ruins of the abandoned buildings that encircle the wasteland.

Truth of the dust that brings death

A new hard-hitting report from Harvard Law School details how South Africa has failed to meet its human rights obligations concerning gold mining in and around Joburg. Bonnie Docherty, who led the research, spoke to Sheree Bega Johannesburg - Great riches and high risks. That’s the story of gold mining on the Witwatersrand, where the sparkle of the gold rush led to a boom that would give rise to Joburg, turning it into one of the most powerful cities on the continent. But the hunt for gold would also irrevocably alter our socio-political and natural landscape.

HRC: Compliance, enforcement and monitoring

The Federation for Sustainable Environment (FSE) has submitted comments to the South African Human Rights Commission on South Africa's environmental compliance, enforcement and monitoring system.

Mining's dark shadow

The signs of trouble started soon after Luciano Williams was born. When he was only one month old, he suddenly stopped breathing. It’s a moment his frightened grandmother, Ann, won’t ever forget. Little Luciano was lying in her arms: “I saw his eyes turning in his head. He couldn’t breathe. I was so scared. I asked his uncle to run to get a mirror to hold it in front of his mouth. But there was nothing coming out,” remembers the 60-year-old.

Could this be key to solving SA’s acid mine drainage problem?

A new Finnish technology could revolutionise treatment of acid mine water and industrial waste.

Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mine: Ray of hope

In 2010, workers at DRDGold’s Blyvooruitzicht gold mine near Carletonville toyi-toyi -ed to protest against a bid for the distressed mine by Aurora Empowerment Systems, whose reputation was already marred by events at Grootvlei and Orkney. Blyvoor traded itself out of its difficulties then, but only three years later, Village Main Reef, which was managing the mine pending the completion of a deal to buy it from DRDGold, put the mine into provisional liquidation.

Govt prioritises fight against acid mine water in Gauteng

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Government’s acknowledgment of the severity of acid mine drainage (AMD) in the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, and the subsequent priority given to taking steps to alleviate the problem are of “significant importance”, states Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE) CEO Mariette Liefferink.