Question NW2740 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
27 November 2020 - NW2740
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) Whether any environmental audit and/or inspection has been conducted by his department and/or any other relevant government entity at the Astron refinery in Milnerton in the past nine months before and/or after the explosion on 2 July 2020 that caused the loss of two lives; if not, why not; if so, what (a) were the findings of the audit and/or inspection in each case and (b) actions have been taken based on the findings of the audit and/or inspection; (2) whether the refinery is still compliant with its licensing conditions; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Department of Mineral, Resources and Energy does not conduct any environmental audits, as these fall under different departments.
2. The refinery is not operational at the moment, however in terms of the Petroleum Products Act, the refinery was compliant prior to the incident.