Overview of Chapter: PART III – ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS FOR MINERAL DEVELOPMENT, PETROLEUM EXPLORATION, AND PRODUCTION
Jason Chabalala (PR.SCI.NAT)
PR.SCI.NAT_121972. Environmental Control Officer in the diamond, chrome, ore mining industry.
Part III of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Regulations focuses on the environmental management and rehabilitation of land used for mineral development, petroleum exploration, and production. It establishes the framework for environmental assessments, risk mitigation, rehabilitation, and closure processes that entities must follow during and after their mining or petroleum-related activities.
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?Key Sections:
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1. Application of Provisions (Regulation 47):
?? This section clarifies that the environmental regulations apply to both mineral development and petroleum activities, with the necessary modifications.
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2. Environmental Reports (Regulation 48 - 50):
?? Companies must prepare environmental reports, including a scoping report and an environmental impact assessment (EIA), which assess potential environmental, social, and cultural impacts. These reports identify necessary mitigation measures and alternatives for the proposed operations.
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3. Environmental Management Programmes (Regulation 51):
?? This outlines how to develop a comprehensive environmental management programme (EMP), including objectives for managing environmental impacts, socio-economic conditions, and historical aspects. It also details monitoring, emergency procedures, and financial provisions for rehabilitation.
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4. Environmental Management Plans (Regulation 52):
?? For smaller projects, an environmental management plan is required. It includes the assessment of potential impacts, financial provision for rehabilitation, and public participation records.
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5. Financial Provisions (Regulations 53 - 54):
?? These regulations specify the financial guarantees required to cover rehabilitation costs. Companies must make adequate financial provisions for premature closure, final decommissioning, and post-closure management.
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6. Monitoring and Performance Assessment (Regulation 55):
?? Continuous environmental monitoring is required throughout the operational life of the project. Regular performance assessments ensure compliance with the EMP or environmental management plan, and final assessments are needed before applying for closure.
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7. Mine Closure Principles (Regulation 56):
?? Mine closure planning must begin at the start of the operation and continue through its lifecycle. The closure process includes proactive management of environmental impacts, rehabilitation to a sustainable land use, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
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8. Application for Closure Certificate (Regulation 57):
?? To obtain a closure certificate, entities must submit a closure plan, an environmental risk report, and a final performance assessment. The closure certificate signifies the official end of liability for environmental impacts.
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These regulations are designed to ensure that mineral development and petroleum exploration activities are conducted responsibly, with attention to environmental preservation, risk mitigation, and site rehabilitation.