South Africa to Increase Environmental Inspections at Mines

South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources will increase inspections and may cancel the mining rights of companies that fail to comply with their approved environmental management plans, Minister Susan Shabangu said.

The department is busy amending mining legislation to “strengthen and streamline” matters relating to these plans, Shabangu said in a written reply to lawmakers in Cape Town dated Nov. 15 and e-mailed today.

“The steps to be taken may include suspension of non- compliant operations, including cancellation of rights of such companies,” she said in the reply. “Capacity is being expanded to ensure appropriate response in this regard.”

The department will also start to publish actions taken against non-compliant mining companies in its annual report, she said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Jana Marais in Johannesburg at jmarais@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: John Viljoen at jviljoen@bloomberg.net