zo-31-ed4b59efacf53be3.pdf

The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DAFF) issued a formal objection on 18 October 2018 to the proposed extension of the Tormin Mine and its infrastructure expansion. The Department cites the applicant's history of unlawful expansions and non-compliance with existing environmental authorisations as primary reasons for adopting a 'risk-averse and cautious approach' and objecting to the development.

• The Department asserts that the expansion of the Tormin Mineral Sands Mine on Farm Geelwal Karoo No. 262 in Lutzville is unlawful because the applicant did not obtain the required environmental authorisation prior to the expansion.
• The Department objects to the proposed development based on the applicant's continuous non-compliance with authorisations and a perceived lack of 'general duty of care' toward the environment, specifically regarding the unlawful commencement of listed activities on the Remaining Extent of the Farm Geelwal Karoo No. 262.
• The proposed mining activities would occur within a Critical Biodiversity Area featuring Namaqualand Strandveld vegetation and would impact an important bird area for the Black African Oystercatcher and White Fronted Sand Plover across 10 beaches over approximately 30km.
• The development is located within the Coastal Protection Zone (CPZ) as defined by the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008, which aims to protect people and properties from risks such as sea level rise.
• The Department identifies a discrepancy regarding the need for an Atmospheric Emissions Licence (AEL); while one study suggests an application will be submitted, the Draft EIA Report claims an AEL is not required because the rotary dryer process uses an electric heater.
• The applicant is reported to be in non-compliance with Department of Transport and Public Works conditions; while original approval allowed 4 vehicles of 34 tons daily to the Port of Cape Town, there are currently approximately 36 truck trips per day to the Port of Saldanha.

APA

Centre for Environmental Rights (n.d.). zo-31-ed4b59efacf53be3.pdf. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ZO-31.pdf?x21779

Chicago

Centre for Environmental Rights. zo-31-ed4b59efacf53be3.pdf. n.d. https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ZO-31.pdf?x21779.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Centre for Environmental Rights |title=zo-31-ed4b59efacf53be3.pdf |url=https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ZO-31.pdf?x21779 |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{centreforenvironmentalrightsndzo31ed4b59efacf53be3pdf, author = {{Centre for Environmental Rights}}, title = {{zo-31-ed4b59efacf53be3.pdf}}, publisher = {Centre for Environmental Rights}, url = {https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ZO-31.pdf?x21779}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }