Question NW519 to the Minister of Public Enterprises

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22 May 2018 - NW519

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1)       Whether, with reference to the reply to question 4012 on 02 January 2017, he is aware that Environmental Management Programme Report of Alexkor expressly forbids the building of seawalls in the manner that is currently being used extensively along the Namaqualand coastline; (2) whether he will launch an investigation into the cofferdam mining method used by Alexkor in Namaqualand that has environmental consequences for the local fishermen and diamond divers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Response is based on information received from Alexkor.

ALEXKOR SOC LIMITED

(1)

The Department notes that the approved EMPR was based on the utilisation of sand material as opposed excavated material to construct the coffer dams. In 2013 Department of Environment and Nature Conversation gave Alexkor permission to continue with the coffer dam operations whilst the application of Section 24 (g) of NEMA Act 107 of 1998 is being assessed.

Subsequently Alexkor was required to revise the EMPR and this was submitted to the Northern Cape Mineral Resources (Regional Offices) on 4 May 2018.

(2)

The Department noted the concerns raised with regards to the coffer dam operation at the Alexander Bay operations. The Department has commissioned an investigation into the legality of the operations to determine whether the processes followed in assessing and evaluating the likelihood of environmental impacts on socio economic, community and marine life, were considered.

The Department intends to conclude the investigation during the 2018/19 financial year.

   
       
       
         
       
       

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