CoAL moving forward with regulatory processes at Makhado project

The South African Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) have granted Coal of Africa Ltd (CoAL) the amendment of the Environmental Authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 107 of 1998) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2014) for Makhado project, transferring the holder of the Environmental Authorisation from CoAL to Baobab Mining and Exploration Ltd.

The departments have also granted an extension of the validity period of the EA, extending the commencement period for an additional five years.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2014) allow for the appeal of the above mentioned authorisations by any stakeholder. Any such appeal will immediately suspend the authorisation. If this takes place, the company would deal with the regulatory authorities in this regard.

David Brown CEO, commented: “The decision by DMR and LEDET, and is a confirmation of the government’s commitment to drive socio-economic development, not only in our area of operation, but also the broader Limpopo Province. The recent designation of the Special Economic Zone by the South African government in this area is a further demonstration of that commitment. We continued to engage the Department of Water and Sanitation in respect of the processing of the appeal against the Water Use Licence for the Makhado project.”

Brown concluded: “ We have commenced with the implementation of our Social and Labour plan at the Makhado project to ensure that our communities develop the necessary skills to access the opportunities offered within the project.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/27072016/coal-moving-forward-with-regulatory-processes-at-makhado-project-2088/