The national Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) granted an environmental authorisation to Coal of Africa on 5 July 2011 in respect of the Section 24G application for the rectification of certain activities unlawfully commenced with at the Vele Colliery.
The applicant (Coal of Africa) had illegally commenced with listed activities (without an environmental authorisation), thus contravening the National Environment Management Act (NEMA). On 5 August 2010, DEA issued Coal of Africa with a Compliance Notice for the commencement of activities in contravention of the requirements of the NEMA. In compliance with the notice, all relevant activities ceased within the timeframes stipulated. An application to rectify the unlawful commencement of listed activities in terms of Section 24G of the NEMA was lodged on 3 September 2010.
The department is satisfied that, subject to compliance with the conditions contained in the environmental authorisation, the authorised activities will not conflict with the objectives of integrated environmental management laid down in Chapter 5 of the NEMA and that any potentially detrimental environmental impacts resulting from the proposed activity can be mitigated to acceptable levels
The department has noted the challenge for the media to understand this complex process and would like to provide clarification through a media briefing.
Media is invited to attend this event as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Time: 10h00 to 11h30
Venue: Department of Environmental Affairs Boardroom - 4th Floor, North Tower 315 Pretorius Street (cnr van der Walt), Fedsure Forum Building, Pretoria CBD
RSVP:
Ernest Mulibana
Tel: 012 395 1770
E-mail: EMulibana@environment.gov.za
Banele Mabena
Tel: 012 395 1607
E-mail: SMabena@environment.gov.za
Moses Rannditsheni
Tel: 012 310 3901
Cell: 082 448 2450
E-mail: MRannditsheni@environment.gov.za
