Seminar
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Ensuring that the environmental damage caused by mining is rehabilitated to the extent that – at best - other land
use is possible, and – at worst – does not pose an ongoing threat to the environment and safety of affected
communities, is an enormous and perpetual challenge in South Africa. Past failures to ensure adequate rehabilitation
and closure, often complicated by insolvency, have not only resulted in vast environmental challenges like acid mine
drainage, but has also facilitated the recent human tragedies associated with unregulated artisanal mining.
Why do we not see enforcement of historical liability of mining companies and directors? What steps can be taken
to prevent disaster in mines just closed, like the notorious Blyvooruitzicht Mine, or on the cusp of closing,
particularly in the current economic climate in South Africa? And looking ahead, will the Regulations pertaining to
Financial Provision for Prospecting, Exploration, Mining or Production Operations recently published under the
National Environmental Management Act start to secure adequate financial provision for rehabilitation and closure
of existing and new mines?