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The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SA created 159 new mines in five years, creating over 15,000 jobs
The establishment of new mines follows a structured application process overseen by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. South Africa has established 159 new mining operations over the past five years, creating over 15 000 direct jobs according to Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe. The information was revealed in response to parliamentary questions posed by MK Party MP Mzwanele Manyi regarding the state of mining development in the country. '159 mines were established over the past five years,' Mantashe confirmed, adding that '15,131 jobs were created through the granting of the specified mining rights.' New mining operations and registration process The establishment of new mines follows a structured application process overseen by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. To improve this process, the department has recently procured 'a streamlined online licensing system to improve transparency and efficiency in application processes,' Mantashe explained in his response to EFF MP Nqobile Matilda Mhlongo. This new system forms part of broader efforts to 'improve regulatory certainty and stakeholder engagement, creating a more attractive environment for both local and international investors,' the minister added. Mantashe said the department ensures sustainable mining practices through strict regulatory oversight. 'The department ensures that mining activities are conducted sustainably by applying the principles of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema) when granting mining licences.' He added that each mining operation must comply with environmental regulations before receiving approval. 'Each mining right is accompanied by an approved Environmental Authorization, which outlines measures to address potential ecosystem disturbances and biodiversity loss,' the minister explained. Moreover, he stated that the department 'also conducts regular inspections to monitor compliance.' ALSO READ: Here's what some of South Africa's SOE bosses earn Community development through mining Mining companies operating in South Africa are required to contribute to local development as part of their operating agreements. According to Mantashe, 'the Department ensures that the development of mining balances social, economic and environmental sustainability'. This approach is formalised through mandatory development plans. 'Each approved mining licence includes a Social and Labour Plan (SLP), outlining the company's development commitments,' he noted. These plans have resulted in tangible benefits, with 'notable projects including the construction of the Malekana Steel Bridge in Limpopo and the completion of JS Skenjana Secondary School in the Eastern Cape'. ALSO READ: R16m Gauteng gold bust: Pair arrested after tip-off Mineral beneficiation shows mixed progress The department has implemented legislation to encourage local processing of minerals rather than simply exporting raw materials. In his response to Manyi, Mantashe highlighted that 'The department has implemented the Precious Metals Act and the Diamonds Act both of which have provisions for supporting domestic beneficiation by availing of precious metals and diamonds for domestic beneficiation through the State Diamond Trader (SDT) and South African Diamonds and Precious Metals Regulator (SADPMR).' Results from these beneficiation initiatives have been mixed so far. 'Between 2022 and 2023, gold jewellery fabrication declined from 1482kg to 1030kg,' Mantashe reported. However, other minerals showed improvement: 'Domestic platinum jewellery fabrication grew from 50kg to 121kg in 2022, whilst diamonds beneficiation increased from 223,005 in 2022 to 234,109 in 2023.' ALSO READ: Tshwane's R54.6bn budget draws mixed reactions Tackling illegal mining challenges Illegal mining remains a significant challenge for South Africa's mineral sector. In addressing Mhlongo's questions about this issue, Mantashe said the department had come up with a comprehensive approach involving multiple government agencies. 'An Interdepartmental Task Team made up of the DMRE, Saps, Home Affairs, Justice and Sars is working together to identify, disrupt, and prosecute illegal mining activities,' the minister explained. The department's strategy includes several key components to address the problem: 'Efforts have been made to seal off and rehabilitate derelict mines, cutting off access for illegal miners and addressing safety and environmental risks,' Mantashe noted. Additionally, the department is 'working with the Reserve Bank and Sars to crack down on the illicit trade of minerals like gold and chrome to protect the formal economy.' To strengthen enforcement capabilities, the Department has deployed 'more trained mining inspectors to illegal mining hotspots, working in coordination with law enforcement agencies.' Legal frameworks are also being reinforced, with 'revisions to the MPRDA underway to increase penalties and classify illegal mining as a serious economic crime to enhance enforcement powers.' Modern technology is being incorporated into these efforts as well. 'Drones and satellite surveillance are being piloted to monitor illegal activity, supported by intelligence-led operations that have resulted in successful interventions and arrests,' according to the minister. Community engagement forms another important element of the strategy, with 'awareness campaigns launched to educate communities about the risks of illegal mining, while promoting legal and sustainable small-scale mining alternatives.' NOW READ: Nearly 2 000 arrested during nationwide Vala Umgodi operations in April
IOL News
21-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
New environmental screening tool aims to fast track job creation, economic growth
A newly operational web-based Environmental Screening Tool promises to speed up job-creating projects without sacrificing environmental protections. This is according to Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Launched under Regulation 16 of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2014, the tool is now mandatory for all EIA applications. It uses advanced mapping and data systems to identify environmental sensitivities at proposed development sites - a move which the ministry said is expected to reduce delays and encourage responsible investment. 'This instrument is a game-changer for South Africa,' said Minister George. 'It's about making processes faster and smarter without compromising our environment.' The platform allows developers to assess areas for potential risks such as biodiversity loss or habitat disruption. It assigns sensitivity ratings from low to very high, helping developers avoid environmentally critical zones before projects begin. 'This delivers real benefits for communities. By slashing delays in environmental approvals, we're paving the way for renewable energy projects, new infrastructure, and industrial developments that create jobs and stimulate local economies.' In the renewable energy sector, the tool is already making a difference. Over 3,000 applications have been processed, many of them for projects under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). 'We're cutting months off project timelines. In Renewable Energy Development Zones, where we're turning land into hubs for green energy, this means quicker financial closes and more jobs in regions hungry for economic growth," said George. The system also integrates with existing regulations and replaces Appendix 6 of the EIA Regulations where new protocols have been gazetted, covering critical areas like agriculture, biodiversity, and animal species. 'For too long, red tape has held back progress. This platform changes that. Developers get clarity, communities get opportunities, and our environment gets the protection it deserves.' According to the department, the tool means solar farms, wind turbines, and infrastructure projects can be approved more efficiently while maintaining rigorous environmental safeguards. Small businesses in rural and post-mining areas are expected to benefit from the economic ripple effects. 'I urge developers, practitioners, and communities to embrace this platform,' said George.
