Social Justice Activism
Social Justice Activism
Social Justice Activism
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
the health and safety concerns of workers and the need for land rehabilitation during
and after mining operations. In 1993, the Act was amended to require each new mine to
have an Environmental Management Program Report (EMPR) prepared before
breaking ground. These EMPRs were intended to force mining companies to outline all
the possible environmental impacts of the particular mining operation and to make
provision for environmental management.
In October 1998, the Department of Minerals and Energy released a White Paper
entitled A Minerals and Mining Policy for South Africa, which included a section on
Environmental Management.
The White Paper states "Government, in recognition of the responsibility of the State as
custodian of the nation's natural resources, will ensure that the essential development of
the country's mineral resources will take place within a framework of sustainable
development and in accordance with national environmental policy, norms, and
standards". It adds that any environmental policy "must ensure a cost-effective and
competitive mining industry."
Page 109 of 161