Question NW4156 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

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25 November 2022 - NW4156

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)With reference to the complaints of dust pollution in the town Koingnaas in the Kamiesberg municipal area due to the dried-out tailings dams, what mining company will be responsible for rehabilitation now that West Coast Resources are in business rescue; (2) whether his department has done an impact study to establish the impact of the dust pollution on residents; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether his department intends to enforce rehabilitation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date will his department render assistance in this regard; (4) whether any mining rehabilitation has been done in the Kamiesberg area; if not, why not; if, so, (a) where and (b) by what company? NW5221E

Reply:

(1) The Mining right is still active; therefore, West Coast Resources will still be liable and expected to carry-out the rehabilitation and environmental monitoring. In this case, part of the responsibility of the Business Rescue Practitioner will be handling the environmental obligation management as required by the National Environmental Management Act, (No.107 of 1998) (as amended).

(2) The inspection was conducted by the Department and Department Agri, Env Affairs, Rural Dev Land reform on the 02 August 2022 to assess the concern raised. The outcome of the inspection was that the mining operation had ceased and no activity was observed onsite.

The site visit was undertaken during the of windy season of the year and still none dust emission were observed. Normally Department would request dust monitoring to commence in case there is extreme dust emission within a timeframe of 3 months from the date the notice is issued and the submission of a Dust Management Plan for approval and implementation.

(3) The Mining Right is still active, the department has already enforced the obligation by the Right Holder to undertake the rehabilitation process and these proved to have been done and continuing.

(4) (a) mining area in Kamiesberg area. (b) The rehabilitation process has been undertaken by West Coast Resources (right holder).

 

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