WWF-SA's Biodiversity Unit head, Dr Deon Nel says, "The signing of these guidelines provides the platform for much needed co-operation between the mining and environment departments. If these guidelines are given the significance they deserve, they could do much to protect important biodiversity, contribute to water security, and reduce administratively wasteful conflict around mining developments."
The document aims to signficantly improve environmental consideration within the mining industry as well as compliance with the various forms of legislation governing mining and its associated impacts. Additionally, the guideline should assist both the mining and environmental sectors with ensuring that South Africa's sensitive water production areas are recognised, duly reflected and considered during prospecting and mining application processes.
The biodiversity gains from the protection of such areas cannot be overemphasised and as such WWF-SA would like to see adherence to the guideline document becoming a requirement for all future mining and prospecting applications in South Africa.
"However, the proof of the pudding will come in the implementation of these guidelines," cautions Nel. WWF is aware that currently there are two applications on Minister Shabangu's desk for the restriction of mining activities in critically sensitive areas. These applications, in terms of Section 49 of the Minerals and Petroleum Development Act (Act No. 28 of 2002), were submitted two years ago to the Department of Mineral Resources and cover the biodiversity rich areas of Wakkerstroom and Chrissiesmeer. These areas are also critically important water production sites benefiting millions of downstream water users.
Despite verbal support for their exclusion from mining in Minister Shabangu's 2012 budget speech, it appears the process of restricting any future mining in these areas has stalled, with prospecting and mining applications having subsequently been accepted in these areas. WWF-SA therefore urges Minister Shabangu to give immediate effect to the Mining and Biodiversity Guideline.
For more information, go to www.wwf.org.za.
