Driving Sustainable Mining Through Integrated Environmental Expertise

Mining is a fundamental part of South Africa’s economy, supporting growth, job creation, and development. However, the industry must navigate a complex regulatory framework designed to balance economic advancement with environmental responsibility.

Under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), mining rights, permits, and environmental authorisations must be aligned to ensure the sustainable development of mineral resources.

Over the past two decades, the ENVASS Group has established itself as a service provider dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex authorisation framework, a significant challenge in the mining sector.

Lengthy approval processes, shifting compliance requirements, and heightened public scrutiny demand precision, foresight, and technical expertise. ENVASS’s multidisciplinary approach streamlines this process by integrating environmental science, water management, and compliance oversight. This enables mining companies to achieve regulatory certainty and improve operational efficiency.

Navigating the authorisation process

Emile van Druten, a director at the ENVASS Group, points out that the company understands the various phases involved in establishing or expanding a mining operation. Initially, baseline and feasibility studies may be necessary to operationalise mining projects. Obtaining a prospecting right through the NEMA Basic Assessment process is also essential.

“The next likely step is to apply for a mining permit, if the area to be mined is less than five hectares. For larger and longer-term projects, a mining right (MR) application will be required,” he says.

“The MR application process includes a comprehensive scoping and environmental impact assessment. Additionally, it is important to consider obtaining a water use licence and other authorisations, such as an atmospheric emissions licence and a waste management licence.”

Mine Closure and Rehabilitation

The ENVASS Group has been exploring integrated mine closure and post-mining land use options for the industry since the first Minerals Act was enacted, notes Van Druten. Integrated mine closure planning is a crucial component of sustainable mining and responsible resource management.

“It allows investors to systematically conclude non-economic mining activities and transition to subsequent investments. ENVASS adheres to international best practice guidelines and promotes a full life-cycle approach, ensuring that closure plans are developed from the project’s inception, and are then continuously refined and updated throughout the mine’s operational phase.”

ENVASS advocates that the early integration of closure objectives in project planning is essential to ensure that mine design supports effective rehabilitation and minimises long-term liabilities, he says. “Regular updates to closure plans help maintain alignment with operational changes, environmental conditions, and stakeholder expectations.”

ENVASS recognises that establishing clear and actionable closure objectives ensures that the necessary operational performance standards remain valid and relevant. This process includes meaningful stakeholder engagement, allowing communities, employees, and authorities to take part in defining post-mining land uses and social transition strategies.

“Furthermore, ENVASS supports its clients throughout an iterative approach of closure risk assessments, focusing on identifying and mitigating physical, environmental, and social risks. It also proactively assists the mining right holder to estimate accurate financial closure provisions, and is able to produce a post-mining site that remains safe, stable, and environmentally sound.”

Aquatic and hydropedological assessments

Mining in the South African landscape often has a complex relationship with water resources, including rivers, streams, and wetlands. These relationships, along with the associated management measures, are typically outlined in a mining operation’s water use licence and/or its approved environmental management plan.

“As a standard requirement, mining operations must assess the impact of activities that occur within a 500m project area of influence. This assessment considers flood lines, sensitive riparian vegetation, and other water users, in addition to geohydrological impact and management control plans,” he says.

“ENVASS understands this legislative regime and supports the industry to adhere to requirements relevant to river health and hydrological impact management. This includes hydropedological assessments that examine the subsurface flow of water through various soil horizons. All of this contributes to the water use licence application process and operating conditions, governed by the Department of Water and Sanitation.”

Compliance Audits That Add Value

Once environmental authorisations, environmental management plans, and water use licences have been obtained, it is essential to conduct an annual review of environmental performance to ensure compliance with these conditions.

“These compliance audits are fundamental to maintaining accountability within South Africa’s mining sector. They ensure that both surface and underground operations are conducted transparently and in line with environmental legal obligations, thus establishing a clear reference point between mining right holders and environmental regulators.”

ENVASS recognises that large, multi-operational mining operations are subject to various licences and conditions, which can increase compliance costs. Establishing integrated multi-site audit programmes is essential for consistent assessment, as it highlights patterns of risk, recurring non-conformances, and opportunities for improvement.

Kevin James Bushell, ENVASS’s lead auditor, explains: “An integrated compliance programme transforms what used to be scattered, site-by-site checks into one clear and practical, evidence-based system that demonstrates accountability.

“When multiple operations are evaluated through the same framework, leadership gains visibility over systemic risks, and can take action before issues escalate.”

ENVASS’s combined audits approach, assessing environmental, water, and air compliance simultaneously, helps to minimise duplication. It reduces downtime and provides a comprehensive view of operational performance.

The key benefit is increased efficiency, which results in less disruption for production teams, clearer reporting to regulators, and faster implementation of corrective actions. This approach ensures that operations remain compliant and run smoothly.

The value of project principle-based partnerships 

ENVASS believes effective project management is crucial for the success of environmental projects on mining sites. This includes planning, execution, and closeout phases. It is essential to ensure that the planning stages involve clear communication with clients, the gathering of relevant background information, and a thorough understanding of the project’s context and critical path.

According to Van Druten, “ENVASS’s internal project management controls aim to enhance overall project effectiveness, efficiency, and safety, through the principles of planning, execution, control, and accurate closeouts that align with work specifications and client expectations.

“Having an objective environmental partner, with industrial experience, ensures accurate interpretations, decision-making and prioritisation during project control phases. ENVASS provides an extensive value proposition to the mining industry, by recognising that each project has its own environmental, technical, and logistical complexities.”

The organisation also understands that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work to apply its experience as a preferred partner to any mining operation and or project in South and Southern Africa.

“When proper planning and information gathering are neglected, it often leads to delays, repeated site visits, unexpected conditions, and increased costs. These experiences have reinforced the idea that investing time upfront in detailed preparation consistently results in safer operations, better resource management, and ultimately, stronger and more reliable project outcomes,” he says.

ENVASS takes pride in leading environmental consulting efforts within the mining sector. Its dedicated team combines scientific innovation with practical strategies to provide customised solutions that have a meaningful impact. The company assists clients in securing necessary permits and offers guidance through the complexities of mine closure and post-closure processes, ensuring support throughout every stage of their journey.

“Our mission is to empower South African mines to operate sustainably and responsibly, fostering environmental excellence at each phase of the mining lifecycle. We prioritise forming robust partnerships with our clients, collaboratively navigating regulatory frameworks while addressing environmental challenges directly.

“Through these efforts, we aim to create enduring value for shareholders, local communities, and the environment. Together, we can advocate for a balanced and sustainable approach to mining, contributing to a more promising future in South Africa and abroad,” says Van Druten.