Environmental non-compliances reported by affected communities, the media, & NGOs
In a report by the non-profit Bench Marks Foundation, entitled ‘Rustenburg Community Report 2011’, the negative environmental effects of mining in the area are considered. The report implicates Merafe’s joint venture which operates in the region. The environmental damage reported on includes high emissions leading to health problems such as asthma and TB and polluted water with high levels of nitrates.1
In response to a PAIA request submitted by the CER for records indicating the names of mines and industrial facilities in respect of which notices or directives under the National Water Act have been issued, the Department of Water & Sanitation responded with information which indicated that the Glencore Merafe Venture Operation in Mpumalanga was issued with a notice in terms of the National Water Act on 10 March 2015.
- ‘Rustenburg Community Report 2011’, by the Bench Marks Foundation, at p15, available at http://www.bench-marks.org.za/publications/rustenburg_community_report_2011.pdf