The Junior Mining Indaba kicks off at the beginning of June, with junior miners navigating a minefield of concerns over illegal mining and social impact. Athi Jara explains the legislation. | Fin24
The Junior Mining Indaba kicks off at the beginning of June, with junior miners navigating a minefield of concerns over illegal mining and social impact.The Junior Mining Indaba is taking place on the 1 and 2 June 2022 at the Johannesburg Country Club. The discussions of this year will include a focus on the global economic and geopolitical environment and the impact on junior mining, as well as the regulatory environment.
Certain specialist studies must be undertaken as part of the application process for an environmental authorisation. In a recent judgment of, the High Court held that the specialist studies to be undertaken may include climate change impact assessments in line with South Africa's commitments under international treaties such as the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol.
Mining communities are often the most affected by mining activities. It is these communities which are most impacted by noise, vibrations and blasting activities which emanate from mining projects. These communities are also the most impacted by any environmental pollution or degradation which originates at mines.
There may also be traditional authorities, traditional leaders or traditional councils who have jurisdiction over a particular mining community. Lastly, there may be divisions or factions within the community itself - with part of the community supporting a mining project and another portion of the community opposing the mining project.
cases deciding that in addition to consultation, the consent of the community must be obtained by mining title applicants where the community holds informal land rights under the Interim Protection of Informal Land Rights Act, 1996.