Reply:

1. (a) (i) A total of (7) employees in DMRE are currently working from home;

(ii) These 7 employees have special permission to work from home; and

(iii) One employee has an injury, while two were pregnant ladies with a comorbidity who are currently on maternity leave and other four officials are sick: and

(b) The injured employee is expected to return to the office on 19 September 2022 while the ladies who are on maternity leave will come back respectively on 29 November 2022 and 02 January 2023.

(2) whether he will make a statement on the matter? Not necessary as such statistics are always available as and when required/requested.

Reply:

The Department enforces compliance in the mining sector through the following legislation:

a) Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996, as amended),

b) Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice on Mine Residue Deposits (issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines),

However, the Department does not have the authority to regulate the processing of residue deposits at the Jagersfontein dam. This is as a result of the De Beers court judgment over Jagersfontein residue deposits (De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd v Ataqua Mining (Pty) Ltd & others, case no. 3215/06, Free State Provincial Division, 13 December 2007). The judgement held that historical mine residue deposits (those created before the coming into operation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA) on the 01st of May 2004) are not minerals as contemplated in the MPRDA and such they are not regulated under provisions of the MPRDA. The processing of historical mine residue deposits does not constitute mining and the area where they are situated is not classified as a mine. This was again confirmed by the court judgment in the case of Ekapa Minerals (Pty) Ltd & Others vs Lucky Seekoei & Others (2057/2016) [2017] ZANCHC 5 (13 January 2017). The Department is fully committed to providing its technical and other expertise regarding mining related matters to the relevant government authorities.

Reply:

The Department oversee the rehabilitation of disused mines that are owner less. It should be indicated the pace and the rate at which rehabilitation of the owner-less mines are carried out is largely informed by the allocation of funds from Treasury. It is common knowledge that the allocated funds remain in adequate to address the existing backlog of operations.

In respect of the mines with owners, administrative processes are followed in that mines are issued with legal notices to carry out rehabilitation as per the approved Environmental Authorization or approved Environmental Management Programme. It should be indicated that where there are challenges relate to areas that are already rehabilitated (in accordance with the commitments outlined as per Environmental Authentications or approved Environmental Management Programme) and are reopened by illegal miners (who are undocumented migrants). Rehabilitation of such area follows after the conclusion of the criminal enforcement process.

 

 

Reply:

a) The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, is responsible for the enforcement of the respective legal provisions in the mining sector.

b) The court in the De Beers judgment over Jagersfontein mine residue deposits (De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd v Ataqua Mining (Pty) Ltd & others, case no. 3215/06, Free State Provincial Division, 13 December 2007) held that historical mine residue deposits (those created before the coming into operation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA) on the 01st of May 2004) are not minerals as contemplated in the MPRDA and such they are not regulated under provisions of the MPRDA. The processing of historical mine residue deposits does not constitute mining and the area where they are situated is not classified as a mine. This was again confirmed by the court judgment in the case of Ekapa Minerals (Pty) Ltd & Others vs Lucky Seekoei & Others (2057/2016) [2017] ZANCHC 5 (13 January 2017). Consequently, the Department did not have the authority to regulate the activities (including health and safety) in the processing of mine residue deposits at the Jagersfontein dam. However, the Department is fully committed to providing its technical and other expertise in the investigation of the accident by the relevant government authorities.

Reply:

All Policy review documents and /or any other government policy document developed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) follows policy development processes as prescribed by the legislature.Reviewed policy documents and /or any other government policy document developed follows a consultative process and are also gazetted if required for public comments and are accessible by the public, interested and affected parties, including by private or external structures or structures of any political party.

Reply:

The matter is not within the mandate of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy as it is an operational matter which should be responded to by the Department of Public Enterprises.

Reply:

The matter is not within the mandate of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy as it is an operational matter which should be responded to by the Department of Public Enterprises.

Reply:

The matter is not within the mandate of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy as it is an operational matter which should be responded to by the Department of Public Enterprises.

Reply:

The 80 projects being referred to are developed by private parties and the DMRE has no visibility on the progress. Since the lifting of the licensing threshold, many people seem to be developing energy projects and have no obligation to apprise the department. NERSA has registered projects totalling 688 MW to date.

Reply:

Yes, the Republic still has Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) stored safely at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Limited (Necsa), which has neither been downgraded nor sent to USA for safekeeping. The material is highly secured and under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards. The IAEA continuously monitors the stored material using their Remote Monitoring System (RMS) connected 24hrs to IAEA Headquarters in Vienna and does physical verification inspections by visiting Necsa in planned and unplanned visits. This is consistent with South Africa being a signatory to the international treaties for non-proliferation of nuclear material such as the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) and Protocol Additional to the Safeguards Agreement (AP). In terms of security, it should be noted that Necsa is a National Key Point.

Reply:

Several operations have been conducted jointly by the South Africa Police Services with officials of the Department. The South African police service is to launch the Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT), whose primary objective is to address the scourge of crimes within the non-ferrous metals, essential infrastructure, critical infrastructure, extortion, and illegal mining environments due to the negative impact these crimes have on the economy, security and growth of the country and society at large.

Reply:

• Mining legislative framework and policies amongst others requires that mining companies must have 60% of Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDP’s) and 25% women representatives on Senior Management Level in order to redress the imbalances of the past.
• The law does not categorise the Historically Disadvantaged South Africans in terms of their local place of origin within South Africa in as far as Employment Equity targets are concerned. Mining companies are however encouraged to be sensitive to the needs of immediate communities when it comes to job opportunities.
• As of 9th June 2021, Senior Management of Tronox was at 100% HDP’s and 40% thereof was occupied by women.

Reply:

This has been affected already, there’s no need for gazetting.

Reply:

a) The number of operating mines in all provinces is 573

b) and (c) Please see “Annexure A”

Reply:

(a)(i) The Small Scale Mining (SSM) Framework aimed at formalising artisanal mining is in place (30th March 2022 gazetted Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Policy). However, the support will be provided without compromising environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and therefore where human settlements are established mining cannot be conducted. The rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless mines is aimed at closing shafts/tunnels used by illegal operators to access areas where no authority to mine can be given. Illegal Mining is prohibited by law and security agencies SAPS is the lead agent dealing with illegal mining in the country including on people’s backyards. Perpetrators of illegal mining activities will be liable for prosecution. (ii) the Department is constantly working on eradicating the backlog with the main focus on mining rights.

(b) (i) The DMRE introduced a Women Diggers programme. The Department set aside funds to support women to participate in the small-scale mining. 23 women received theoretical and on-the-job practical training on small-scale mining facilitated by Mintek and Mining companies. The mining companies provided on the job training. The department is now facilitating the permit application and funding for some of the women diggers who have completed training and identified sites for mining. (ii) In terms of assisting the small-scale miners with mining equipment’s the framework objective is to ensure that the collaboration between different economic departments (Small Business Development and Trade, Investment and Competition) is enhanced and formalised. Furthermore, the DMRE regional managers continues to provide small-scale miners with relevant information and guidance regarding institutions where they could be equipped with necessary and relevant skills

Reply:

(a)(i) The strategic action plans that the Department has is to seal and close all derelict and ownerless mines so that illegal miners are denied access to the same mine, and also regular inspections in identified sites with law enforcement agencies (SAPS) to curb illicit dealing in gold.

(ii) The key indicators as per the Annual operational Plan are the percentage of complaints attended to/inspected as received as well as the criminal cases opened in respect of unlawful/illegal perpetrators who have commenced with mining activities without the necessary authorisation. This is contained in the Department’s Annual Operational Plan

(b)The compliance and enforcement directorate has a budget of R17 953 151, 26 for the purpose of compliance and enforcement.

(c) The Department does not regulate illegal mining, however when the officials of the come across it or a complaint is received such is attended to jointly with SAPS.

Reply:

(a) The Minister met with both the management of Sibanye-Stillwater and Labour representatives and emphasized the importance of them reaching an amicable solution.

(b)(i) The Department cannot give any guarantees in this case as the relationship between Employer and Employee is governed by both the Labour Relations Act and Basic Condition of Employment Act, and both are the competency of the Department of Employment and Labour.

(ii) The competent authority to respond to these questions is the Department of Employment and Labour.

Reply:

Development of oil and gas has great potential to offer South Africa energy independence (and security), economic growth and jobs as long as is developed within the principles of sustainable development.

Reply:

1. Yes, information will be made available after Cabinet approval.

2. The way forward will be informed by scientific studies currently underway.

Reply:

a) Mining Indaba is a conference like any other, the Department does not derive its mandate from it.

b) All issues raised at different platforms, including mining indaba are dealt with in line with the Department’s mandate and in accordance with the annual performance plan.

Reply:

The Department gazetted the Exploration Strategy recently and key areas of influence were identified. Government and social partners will address these to improve the country’s investment attractiveness within the next five years.

There are logistical (rail and freight), regulatory (water and environmental licensing) and security challenges which fall outside the mandate of the DMRE.

Reply:

a) Although Social economic development is the constitutional mandate of the Local Government, mining companies have to also contribute to the socio-economic development of the area they are operating through Social and Labour Plans. Mining companies around those areas have committed to contribute to the socio-economic development of the area in line with the IDPs of the municipalities.

b) The Department has a responsibility to monitor compliance. If non-compliance is detected, the Department issues a directive to remedy the non-compliance. If the non-compliance is not addressed, it may lead to a right being suspended or cancelled.

Reply:

Ward 26 falls under the Eskom Licenced Area of Supply which is the Wonderkop area. Ward 26 is situated on private land and Eskom has since asked landowners for consent to electrify the area. No response has been received and the local municipality (Madibeng) has been asked to assist with the process. Electrification of the area can therefore only resume as soon as all the above issues are resolved.

Reply:

The matter is not within the mandate of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy as it is an operational matter which should be responded to by the relevant mine(s).

 

Reply:

a) The department has recently gazetted the Exploration Strategy to address this. There are logistical (rail and freight), regulatory (water and environmental licensing) and security challenges which fall outside the mandate of the DMRE.

b) Key areas have been identified in the Exploration Strategy that government and social partners will address to improve the country’s investment attractiveness in the next five years.

 

 

Reply:

The matter referred to in the question should be addressed to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

 

Reply:

Yes, Elandshoogte Gold mine is issued with the mining right and an approved EMP/ EA which contain rehabilitation plan.

Reply:

a1 NRWDI

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i) No contract concluded

(ii) No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

2. SDT

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i) No contract concluded

(ii)No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

3. MHSC

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i) No contract concluded

(ii) No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

4. CEF

We can confirm that as CEF Group we have not concluded any commercial agreements with any Russian entities since 2017 to date. Following a tender by our subsidiary, PetroSA to sell non-core assets (i.e. Christmas Trees) through an open tender process, the Russian entity called Gazprom has shown interest to acquire these assets. We can also confirm that no agreement has been concluded in this regard.

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i) No contract concluded

(ii) No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

5. CGS

(a) N/A

(b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i) No contract concluded

(ii) No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

6. MINTEK

Russian Federation entities involved: EVRAZ Holdings, PAO Severstal, Kutchatov Institute, Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) (Uchalin and Gai Mines), A9 Systems, and Polyus Verinskoe.

Total value of projects: R7 751 547

​6.1 RAZ Holdings – Moscow Russia (East Metals AG Switzerland)

(aa) Relevant details

MINTEK has contracted with EVRAZ, based in Russian, for MINTEK to perform quality control (QA) evaluation work on grinding balls.

Date: 22 November 2021

(bb) Values

EVRAZ Holdings: R403 065

(cc) Time Frames

Complete by 31 May 2022

(dd) Goods Contracted

MINTEK will perform metallurgical characterisation test work on the grinding balls, including:

• Chemical composition analysis
• Metallurgical characterisation
• Impact/drop tests
• Ball mill abrasion wear testing
• Pin abrasion testing
• Dry rubber wheel abrasion testing

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

EVRAZ Holdings sought the best available services and approached Mintek to execute the work on their behalf.

​6.2 PAO Severstal – Russia

(aa) Relevant details

MINTEK has contracted with PAO Severstal, based in Russian, for MINTEK to perform metallurgical characterisation test (i.e. Quality Control (QC) work on grinding balls).

Date: 22 October 2021

(bb) Values

PAO Severstal: R425 766

(cc) Time Frames

PAO Severstal: Work conducted over 30 October 2021 to 03 December 2021

(dd) Goods Contracted

MINTEK will perform metallurgical characterisation test work on the grinding balls, including:

• Visual inspection and mass of the balls.
• Chemical Analysis.
• Microstructural Analysis.
• Hardness Measurements.
• Impact/Drop Testing (2000 drops) of three balls from each set.
• Charpy Impact Strength Analysis
• Ball mill abrasion wear test in the laboratory ball mill using the silica sand ore

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

PAO Severstal sought the best available services and approached Mintek to do the work.

​6.3 Kutchatov Institute (KI), of the Russian Federation

(aa) Relevant details

SA-Russia Bilateral Agreement on Research & Development (R&D):

MINTEK, under the Joint Russia-South Africa Commission on Science & Technology (JCST) that was established in 2011 collaborated with the Kutchatov Institute (KI), of the Russian Federation, on Nanotechnology. The work centred on developing Smart Human and Animal Health Sensing using Nanotechnology.

(bb) Values

AMD (Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Group): South Africa Department of Science & Innovation (DSI)-funded programme at Mintek: R1 500 000

(cc) Time Frames

AMD (Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Group): South Africa Department of Science & Innovation (DSI)-funded programme at Mintek: Programme planned over 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17. Programme concluded in 2017/18.

(dd) Goods Contracted

MINTEK was tasked with the design, development and characterization of new nanotechnology biolabels (gold-based) and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) systems for the detection of diseases which are prevalent in South Africa. The Kutchatov Institute (KI) was responsible for advanced materials testing and validation of these technologies. The work developed gold (Au) and silver (Ag)-based SERS sensors for the detection of human (Malaria) and animal diseases (Rift Valley Fever (RVF), Rabies and Foot and Mouth).

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

AMD – A collaboration between institutes in South Africa (MINTEK) and Russia (Kutchatov Institute (KI)) carried out under a bilateral agreement between SA and Russia.

​6.4 A9 Systems and Polyus Verinskoe

(aa) Relevant details

Mintek signed a contract with A9 Systems on behalf Polyus Verinskoe. A9 Systems is a third-party distributor in Russia.

(bb) Values

Measurement and Control Division (MCD): R4 611 036

(cc) Time Frames

17 April 2019 – 26 August 2022

(dd) Goods Contracted

Mining Efficiency Automated Measurement and Controls Systems/Products:

Carbon Activity Analyzer, Cynoprobes, Carbon Concentration Meters, LeachStar Control Systems and CyLas Instruments

(N.B. These are all trademarked products manufactured at Mintek).

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

No other suppliers in the Russian Federation.

​6.5 Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Uchalin Mine

(aa) Relevant details

The Division submitted a proposal for consultation work.  This are for consulting for Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Uchalin Mine. The work involves reviewing their data on processing of tailings from Au/Sb deposits and advising on a test work program and interpretation of results. The proposal for Uchalin mine has been accepted.

(bb) Values

R202 920

(cc) Time Frames

Complete by 31 August 2022

(dd) Goods Contracted

The work involves reviewing their data on the processing of tailings from Au/Sb (Gold/Antimony) deposits and advising on a test work program and interpretation of results.

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Uchalin Mine: No reason given.

​6.6 Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Uchalin Mine

(aa) Relevant details

The Division submitted a proposal for consultation work.  This are for consulting for Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Gai Mine. The work involves reviewing their data on processing of tailings from Au/Sb deposits and advising on a test work program and interpretation of results. The proposal for Gai Mine has yet to be accepted.

(bb) Values

R202 920

(cc) Time Frames

Complete by 31 December 2022 should the project be awarded.

(dd) Goods Contracted

The work involves reviewing their data on the processing of tailings from Au/Sb (Gold/Antimony) deposits and advising on a test work program and interpretation of results.

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Gai Mine: No reason given

7. NECSA

(a) N/A.

(b) Yes,

(i) N/A

(ii) Necsa concluded two once-off commercial contracts with companies based in the Russian Federation within the period in question (since 01 April 2017).

​7.1 Contract One

(aa) Necsa concluded a once-off contract with Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant

(NCCP) in November 2018.

(bb) USD 1 058 015, 00

(cc) Once-off transaction that will conclude upon delivery of the order, possibly in the financial year 2022/23. At the moment the delivery of the order is delayed by the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

(dd) The goods procured are LTA fuel Elements and control rods for SAFARI-1.

(ee) The rods and the fuel elements are not available in the country.

7.2 Contract Two

(aa) Necsa’s subsidiary NTP Radioisotopes concluded a once-off contract with the Center for Molecular Research (CMR) in January 2018.

(bb) USD 7000

(cc) Once-off transaction that was concluded upon delivery of goods.

(dd) The product that was procured was Ytterbium - 176 (Raw Material used in the

production of Lutetium)

(ee) This isotope is only produced in Russia and is sometimes available through

distributors based in the USA but no such distributors are available in Africa.

8. SANEDI

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation.

(i) No contract concluded

(ii No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

9. SADPMR

(a) N/A

(b) No

(i) No

(ii) No, the Entity is guided by the decision of the DMRE and Government

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

10. NERSA

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i)No contract concluded

(ii) No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

11. NNR

(a) N/A

(b) No

(i) N/A

(ii) No position

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

Reply:

1. Yes, it is the responsibility of the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy to establish a Cadastral system.
2. The Department engaged SITA to initiative the procurement of the system and the evaluation of the proposal was concluded in October 2021. To date the Department is awaiting the recommendation letter from SITA in order to appoint the successful bidder.
3. The budget for the system has been included in the Departmental Budget.

 

Reply:

a) No incidents of (i) sexual harassment and (ii) sexual assault were reported in the department (aa) in each of the past three financial years and (bb) since April 2021, (b) number of cases opened (i) were five (5), (ii) no case was withdrawn and (iii) three (3) cases remain open/pending (c) sanctions meted out against persons found guilty were dismissal (3 cases) and one month suspension without pay (2 cases).

Reply:

The high diesel prices globally are a direct results of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. The supply of diesel to Europe from Russian Federation has been disrupted as a result of sanctions thus creating a major diesel shortage globally.

The government has intervened by reducing the fuel levy by R1.50 per litre over a period of two months. This intervention came at a cost of R6 billion to the State and benefited both diesel and petrol users.

Reply:

Allegations of soliciting a bribe against the former Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy came to light during legal proceedings instituted by DNG Power Holdings (Pty) Ltd in which the Director-General was cited as 3rd Respondent in his official capacity. The allegations related, amongst others, to corruption during the tender process for the procurement of an emergency supply of 200 megawatts of general capacity under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Procurement Programme.

Subsequently, the Gauteng Division of the South African High Court dismissed the application with cost and held that corruption in relation to the impugned tender process could not be established. This judgement is currently on appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Having regard to the Court’s ruling and considering that this matter is being investigated by appropriate authorities, a departmental investigation into the allegations would be inappropriate and unjustified. Moreover, there is currently no employment relationship, as the term of the employment contract with the former Director-General has since expired.

Reply:

(a)(i) Number of mining right holders that are complying is 48

(ii) Number of mining right holders that are not in compliance is 51

(b) Directives and orders in terms of section 29 and 93 of MPRDA were issued to those mining right holders who does not comply

(c) The publishing of SLP is not only limited to website, but some companies also publish in their website while most Mines are publishing in Tribal Authority, Local Municipalities and Libraries for easy access to community they are operating around.

Reply:

(1) The renewal application of the mining right is still under consideration.

 

Reply:

Elandshoogte Gold Mine is the holder of the mining right with an approved Environmental programme/ Environmental Authorisation, which provide that General waste must be kept in containers which are either wind and scavenger proof, and be disposed of at a permitted landfill site. This Authorisation does not negate the holder of the Authorisation to comply with any statutory requirements that might be applicable to the undertaking of any other activity. In this regard Elandshoogte Gold Mine must be in a position of a waste disposal permit from a local Municipality.

Reply:

The mining right was issued on 24 February 2007 and in terms of section 25(2)(b) the holder must commence with mining operations within one year from the date of issuing.

Reply:

It is the mandate of the department to ensure security of energy supply. The Department delivers on this mandate through the development of policy and regulations, energy planning and the facilitation of investment into the sector.

In line with the government investment drive, the department intends to continue to attract private sector investment into the energy sector including renewable energy. It must be noted that there is no law prohibiting organs of state from investing in the energy sector and the department has through the IRP 2019 and Electricity Regulations on New Generation Capacity further clarified this.

Reply:

(1)(a) Whilst there are 10 million barrels of crude oil in the terminal, only 8.7 million barrels are accounted as inventory and the balance is working stock.

(b) The cost per barrel is as per prevailing market rate. Each grade of Crude oil is priced differently at a premium or discount of Brent Crude Oil as prevailing in the market. As at the 4th of April Brent Crude Oil was trading at $104/bbl.

(c) As at the 28th of March 2022 the cost value of the strategic reserves in tank was R 1 750 764 252. This is what would be reflected on the annual financial statement in terms of the accounting rules.

(2) There has not been any rotation of strategic reserves during the abovementioned periods.

(3) As per the joint statement issued by the National Treasury and the Department of Minerals and Energy, the Strategic stock will be utilised to provide a R 6 Billion cover for revenue lost in the reduction of the general fuel levy for two months. This will effectively “reduce the general fuel levy for Petrol from R3.85 per litre to R2.35 per litre and reduce the general fuel levy for diesel from R3.70 per litre to R2.20 per litre”

Reply:

(a) Total number of environmental inspectors is 94

(b) The breakdown in respect of Environmental Mineral Resource (EMRIs) in each province is as follows:

No. Seq	REGIONS	EMRIs
1.	Head Office	16
2.	Limpopo	12
3.	Northwest	14
4.	Mpumalanga	12
5.	Northern Cape	10
6.	Free State	7
7.	KwaZulu Natal	7
8.	Gauteng	7
9.	Western Cape	6
10	Eastern Cape	3

(c) A number of dynamics are taken into consideration when Inspectors are assigned with the functions and responsibilities, which may amongst others include the Inspectors capacity (skills and experience) required to perform functions relating to the dynamics of such a province’. The environmental challenges and dynamics of a particular Region/Province would also form the basis of the capacity required to deal with such.

(d) All the EMRIs have undergone the necessary training by an assigned Institution with more focus on the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998). The training largely revolves around the functions they need to perform as per the relevant legislation, primarily being NEMA. All the Performance standards set for the inspectors in this regard revolve around NEMA. The adherence to the standards in this regard are duly monitored by their managers and supervisors who are graded as Grade 1 EMRIs.

 

Reply:

According to the records of the Department, there is no company by the name of Liquid Mist.

 

Reply:

ITEMS	2019/20	2020/21	2021/22
	OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	DEPARTMENT	OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER	DEPARTMENT	OFFICE OF THE MINISTER	DEPUTY MINISTER	DEPARTMENT
a) CATERING	1,272.90	24,164.50	1,041,642.70	15,468.00	-	272,099.64	7,832.00	1,572.40	432,669.69
b) ENTERTAINMENT	-	-	-	-	-	-	888.90	-	-
c) S&T - LOCAL ACCOMMODATION	822,741.16	258,903.06	22,248,865.44	352,939.89	117,943.62	10,506,194.13	510,031.34	694,075.03	15,643,483.33
c) S&T - FOREIGN ACCOMMODATION	387,307.17	143,021.00	1,236,889.29	183,157.94	12,379.75	140,784.86	3,735.89	23,908.67	176,859.52
TOTALS	1,211,321.23	426,088.56	24,527,397.43	551,565.83	130,323.37	10,919,078.63	522,488.13	719,556.10	16,253,012.54

.

Reply:

1.a) All water resources are managed through the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998), under the competency of the Minister of Water and Sanitation, all mines are mandated to acquire water use License prior commencing with mining activities

2(a)(b) The Department has record of the Authorised mining operations conducting concurrent rehabilitations on portion/s of the disturbed environment, however there’s no recorded of a complete rehabilitated and closed mining operations in Mpumalanga. All mining operations conduct concurrent rehabilitation in accordance with the approved Environmental management Program/Environmental Authorisation

3(a)(b) Mining companies submit an annual Environmental Audit report which describe the current environmental disturbances and conducted rehabilitation process with a quantum calculation on the extent of the activities within the mining operations. This report further provides the operational cost on the management of the potential impacts with the adjustment of the financial provision. All mining operations conduct concurrent rehabilitation in accordance with the approved Environmental management Program/Environmental Authorisation

4) All holders of rights and permits whose operations are underway or placed under Business Rescue Practice have some level of outstanding rehabilitation, and the Department continuously monitor these operations to ensure that the State is not exposed to the risk of inheriting liability.

 

 

Reply:

1) Yes, the following studies have been conducted in relation to coal:

Research Programme/Project	(i) Expected date of conclusion of phase	(ii) Status
(a) SANEDI
Cleaner Fossil Fuel	31 March 2022	In progress
(b) Council for Geoscience
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage	2024	To be conducted in 2024
(c) MINTEK
Coal gasification	2020-present	In progress
Operability of the DC waste coal gasification concept	2015	Outputs incorporated in strategic programme
Techno-economic evaluation of the DC arc plasma coal gasifier	2011	Outputs incorporated in strategic programme
Feasibility of Producing Hydrogen in DC arc Furnace	2009	Outputs incorporated in strategic programme
Coal solubilisation	2004	The project was not successful as the conversion of the coal to methane could not be controlled and the coal was instead converted to biomass and carbon dioxide.
Biogas from coal	2019	Issue with the quality of the gas produced and the economic viability of the process
Microbial desulphurisation of coal	1995	Process technically successful, economic viability an issue
Reuse of treated mine-impacted water as a potential resource for accelerated carbon sequestration	2020-present	In progress – concept being validated
CO2 Capture and Utilisation	2019/2020	At concept stage

2) Yes but most of these studies are available online. either on the websites of SOEs or from the document database on request. Any which is not in the public domain they can be released for sharing at the Minister’s discretion.

3) The clean coal technology as a scientific intervention is not new – the Norwegians started a pilot in 1986, followed by a number of other jurisdictions that have tested the technology, including the USA, UK, Italy, Netherlands and Australia amongst others. The basis of science has therefore been established and is a subject of refinement to the South African context by the CGS, as an implementing agent for the partnership of the South African Government with the World Bank. As a responsible state, it is our social and environmental responsibility to allow critical decisions to be premised essentially on scientific and technical basis. However, the afore mentioned studies are all of a sound scientific basis and one needs to consider energy security and its impact on the South African economy. South African coal reserves are adequate to meet the targets outlined in the IRP 2019 and the Paris Agreement talks to the country’s commitment to lowering emissions from an economy that will still be using coal towards a net zero by 2050.

4) The Department is consulting experts in the sector and within its resources.

 

Reply:

a) Since 29 May 2019 no new vehicles were purchased for the (i) Minister and the (ii) Deputy Minister.

b) N/A

c) N/A

d) N/A

e) N/A

Reply:

The law has always allowed for municipalities to procure their own power. As the DMRE, we have gone further and clarified requirements and process for municipalities to obtain the necessary Section 34 Ministerial Determinations.

Reply:

The visits to the traditional leadership in the Eastern Cape are part and parcel of the ongoing departmental engagements with stakeholders on issues affecting the minerals and energy industries. As part of the stakeholder engagement process, the department continuously consult interested and affected parties including communities and civil societies.

 

Reply:

In response to questions 1(a) and 3:

Serious allegations of misconduct have been levelled against the board member, and I have been requested to consider exercising the powers afforded to me under section 9(1)(c) of the National Nuclear Regulator Act, Act no. 47 of 1999. The board member has been afforded an opportunity to fully respond to these allegations, which opportunity he has accepted. It would therefore be, at this time, premature and inappropriate to comment further on this matter.

In response to questions 1(b) and 2

The NNR has advised me that it is factually incorrect that the steam generator replacement approval was issued by the Technical Committee of the NNR board. Instead, the steam generator replacement approval is an operational decision concerning plant modification, which is not within the remit of the Technical Committee or the NNR board. The steam generator replacement approval was accordingly issued by the NNR Programme Manager responsible for Nuclear Power Plants on 18 January 2022, which was a day before the Technical Committee meeting.

The NNR has further advised me that the Technical Committee meeting of 19 January 2022 was properly constituted and quorate in accordance with the provisions of the National Nuclear Regulator Act, Act no. 47 of 1999.

Reply:

 

Cabinet considers and approves the Country Negotiating Position for the UNFCCC processes, with the DFFE mandated to lead negotiations on behalf of the Republic.

Reply:

 

1. Significant progress has been made in the adjudication of mining licence applications since the beginning of the last calendar year. A total of One Thousand and Eleven (1011) prospecting right applications were finalised and Two Hundred and Seven (207) mining right applications were finalised. In addition, 96 Social and Labour plans were finalised.
2. The Challenges experienced included the inordinate number of appeals that accompany each application. In addition, the delays in filling of vacancies exacerbated the situation.