Clean Air As A Constitutional Right: The 2026 National Priority Area Air Quality Summit And What It Means For Mining
Overview On 24 June 2026, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, opened the National Priority Area Air Quality Summit in Rustenburg, North West Province. The venue was deliberate. Rustenburg sits within the Bojanala Platinum District, one half of the Waterberg-Bojanala Priority Area, the country’s newest declared air quality priority area […]
Proposed Replacement Of Waste Management Listed Activities – Key Implications For The Waste Industry
On 12 May 2026, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published, for public comment, a Draft Notice proposing the repeal and replacement of the list of waste management activities that have, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the environment (Government Notice 7461 in Government Gazette No. 54665) (Draft Notice). The […]
National Dust Control Regulations, 2026: New Compliance Obligations For Mining And Industry Under Nemaqa
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has published new National Dust Control Regulations, 2026 (Regulations) under Government Notice R.7335 in Government Gazette No. 54440 of 31 March 2026. These Regulations, made under section 53(o) as read with section 32 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 (NEMAQA), replace the […]
Amalgamations And Mineral Rights – SCA in Nkwe Platinum vs Genorah Resources
In Zincede Ngokwakho Housing (Pty) Ltd v Matatiele Local Municipality, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) considered whether a mining right holder requires a valid lease or ongoing landowner consent in order to access and exploit land. Interpreting section 5(3) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA), the Court reaffirmed […]
Mining Indaba 2026 – Progress Through Partnerships In The Mining Sector
The 2026 Mining Indaba brought together government, regulators, investors and mining executives at what is clearly a pivotal moment for South Africa’s mining industry. This year’s event centred on one overarching theme: progress through partnership. Regulatory certainty, institutional reform and investment confidence dominated discussions as the government sought to position South Africa as a stable […]
South Africa’s Mining Sector in 2024: Resilient, Restrained, and Requiring Reform
Mining’s Enduring Role in a Challenging Year Mining remains central to South Africa’s economic identity. In 2024, the sector again anchored export earnings, fiscal revenue, and employment, but under mounting pressure.The latest DMRE Mining Performance Report (R141/2025) shows that while mining still contributes over 6 % to GDP, growth has flattened, constrained by weak global […]
South Africa’s Mining Sector and the Just Energy Transition: A Legal Reality Check
Mining has long been the backbone of South Africa’s economy. Today, it also stands at the heart of the country’s energy future. The sector’s heavy reliance on electricity, its carbon footprint, and its control of transition-critical minerals such as manganese, PGMs, and vanadium mean that mining will either anchor or derail South Africa’s just energy […]
Landmark Offshore Drilling Ruling: South African Court Sets Aside TotalEnergies’ Environmental Authorisation
On 13 August 2025, the Western Cape High Court issued a landmark judgment in the matter of The Green Connection NPC and Natural Justice v Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Others (Case No. 5676/2024). The Court reviewed and set aside TotalEnergies’ environmental authorisation for offshore exploration drilling off South Africa’s south-west coast. […]
Navigating Mining Compliance in South Africa: Why a Proactive Legal Approach Saves Time and Reduces Risk
Mining is one of South Africa’s economic cornerstones. Yet for operators and investors, navigating the legal and regulatory framework can feel like an obstacle course. The MPRDA, NEMA, and NWA each impose complex, overlapping requirements, and when compliance is handled reactively, delays and disputes can be costly. At Bishop Fraser Attorneys, we see too many […]
Mining Technology and the Future of Compliance: What It Means for South Africa’s Industry
Today’s mining sector is not just about extraction; it’s about doing more with less, ensuring cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective operations. At a webinar hosted by Creamer Media’s Engineering & Mining Weekly, industry leaders highlighted how technology is transforming blasting, water usage, tailings management, energy efficiency, and safety in South Africa’s mines. Key Insights Adoption […]