About
What you should do
How long does it take
How much does it cost
Forms to complete
Who to contact
About applying for a mining permit
If you want to conduct mining operations you need to obtain a mining permit from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
No person is allowed to mine without a mining permit.
Mining permits are not transferable. They are aimed at controlling prospecting and mining, having regard to considerations for health and safety, environmental management and the responsible extraction of minerals.
A mining permit is valid for the period specified on the permit, but may not exceed two years. It may however be renewed for three more periods of no more than a year each.
A mining permit may only be issued if:
- the mineral in question can be mined optimally for two years
- the mining area does not exceed 1,5 ha.
What you should do
- Apply online
- Pay the prescribed, non-refundable fee.
- The system will accept the application if all requirements have been met.
- Once your application has been accepted, the regional manager will request that you submit an environmental management plan and consult with the landowner and legal occupier of the land as well as any other affected party.
- Submit a written outcome of the consultation to the regional manager within 30 days.
- The Minister of Mineral Resources will issue a mining permit if all the requirements have been met.
How long does it take
The South African Mineral Resources Administration System will inform you immediately if your application has been accepted (this means you have met all the requirements).
How much does it cost
Contact the Department of Mineral Resources about the costs.
Forms to complete
All applications should be done online.
Who to contact
