The Centre for Environmental Rights has concerns and reservations about the short timeframes and limited investigation required by the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) in this application by Shell for exploration rights in the Karoo, and to similar applications that may follow. Our concerns and reservations relate to both the particular controversial technical… continued
The Centre for Environmental Rights and the School of Law at the University of the Witwatersrand are undertaking a review of administrative appeals and litigation pertaining to prospecting and mining, with a particular focus on environmental issues in mineral rights decision-making, environmental compliance, consultation and access to information. The project is funded by the Ford… continued
MEDIA STATEMENT 24 February 2011 The Centre for Environmental Rights is in the process of studying the team of experts’ report on acid mine drainage released on the Department of Water Affairs’ website this morning. It is apparent from the report that the situation in the Witwatersrand calls for immediate action, and it is therefore… continued
The report was published on the Department of Water Affairs’ website today, 24 February 2011, the last day for a response from the Inter-Ministerial Committee to an NGO application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000.
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A further R3.6 billion is added for water infrastructure and services, including funding for the acid water drainage threat associated with abandoned underground mines. A report on this by a team of experts has been approved by Cabinet, and Minister Molewa is taking the lead in consulting with industry on a shared and coordinated response…. continued
MEDIA RELEASE: 22 FEBRUARY 2011 Today’s Cabinet briefing does not provide the public with enough information on government’s plans to address acid mine drainage (AMD) in the Witwatersrand to allow us to assess whether these plans adequately address the challenges posed by AMD. In particular, no clear timeframes have been provided, nor have particular agencies… continued
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE BY THE FEDERATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT AND THE CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS PROSECUTION OF ANKER COAL AND MINERAL HOLDINGS PTY LTD FOR VIOLATING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS 22 FEBRUARY 2011 1. The Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE) has received confirmation from the Director of Public Prosecutions in Mpumalanga (“the DPP”) that it… continued
The judgement on costs handed down in the unsuccessful defamation claim of Wraypex against four activists of the Rhenosterspruit Conservancy can now be downloaded here on the Centre’s website.
16 February 2011 Business Report By Donwald Pressly A report on acid mine drainage will go to the cabinet today, setting out the government’s plan to stem the flow of millions of litres of toxic water into various rivers and wetlands. However, Water Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said at a briefing by infrastructure cluster ministers… continued
On 9 February 2011, the North Gauteng High Court handed down a punitive costs order against Wraypex Developments for its unsuccessful R170 million lawsuit against four members of the Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy. The case was dismissed with costs on 6 December 2010. Costs were awarded on an attorney and client scale, which is significantly more… continued
9 February 2011 Earlier today, a large group of civil society organisations wrote to the Chair of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs, Advocate Johnny de Lange, requesting assistance in getting the report of the Team of Experts (ToE) appointed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Acid Mine Drainage released to the public…. continued
MiningMX, 8 February 2011 Mining companies might in future be able to apply for integrated mining permits, which would not only cover the right to mine but also indicate compliance to environmental legislation. Mines Minister Susan Shabangu said on Tuesday talks are at an early stage with the departments of water affairs and environmental affairs… continued
In 2011, the CER is partnering with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) on a project designed to expand the capacity of our Promoting Participation programme. This programme is aimed at facilitating effective civil society participation in environmental decision-making. The CER-WESSA project entails working with communities, community organisations and NGOs who are… continued
The Centre for Environmental Rights welcomes the Minister of Mineral Resources’ statement that no prospecting or mining rights applications will be granted by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) in ecologically sensitive areas, and we welcome efforts to ensure early identification of ecologically sensitive areas by the DMR when receiving rights applications. However, the Minister… continued
Ecologically sensitive areas can now be avoided “at a press of a button” MINISTER SUSAN SHABANGU’S STATEMENT ON THE NEW ELECTRONIC MINERAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT CAPE TOWN FEBRUARY 7 Following the various media reports and views preferred by analysts and assorted observers on issues that amounted to negative sentiment… continued
The Environmental Defence Fund is a non-profit organisation established to advance environmental rights in South Africa and is associated with the Centre for Environmental Rights (www.cer.org.za). The Fund accepts and manages donations for the purpose of funding the work of the Centre for Environmental Rights and other public benefit organisations with similar or related objectives… continued
The Centre for Environmental Rights wishes to employ a legal intern to work on its Exercising Environmental Rights programme in 2011, and hereby calls for applications by suitably qualified and experienced candidates to take up a contract with the Centre commencing as soon as possible after 23 February 2011. Exact working hours will be negotiated… continued
MEDIA RELEASE EXPLANATORY COMMENTS ON LEGAL ASPECTS OF 13 NGO AND CSOs’ REQUEST TO THE MINISTER OF MINERAL RESOURCES TO EXERCISE HER DISCRETION UNDER S.49 OF THE MPRDA TO PROHIBIT AND RESTRICT PROSPECTING AND MINING IN AREAS OF CRITICAL BIODIVERSITY AND HYDROLOGICAL VALUE AND SENSITIVITY 1 FEBRUARY 2011 On 1 February 2011,… continued
Eye Witness News, 26 January 2011 Government was on Tuesday given a week to demonstrate to environmentalists what it is doing about acid mine drainage or face legal action. A coalition of attorneys and environmentalists wrote to the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Acid Mine Drainage demanding greater transparency and evidence of concrete action. It said in the five months since… continued