The Swaziland Environment Action Plan (SEAP)

RECOMMENDED POLICY AND STRATEGY FRAMEWORK

CONTENTS | INTRODUCTION | NATIONAL LAND AND ENVIRONMENT | RURAL LAND AND ENVIRONMENT | SOIL CONSERVATION | AGRICULTURAL LAND USE | LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION | CROP PRODUCTION | FORESTRY | MINING | BIODIVERSITY | RURAL WATER | RURAL SETTLEMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE | TOURISM | RURAL ENERGY | PERI-URBAN LAND AND ENVIRONMENT | URBAN LAND AND ENVIRONMENT | RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL, RETAIL & INDUSTRIAL | GREEN BELT, AGRICULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL |

1.7 MINING

This policy is to provide directions towards implementation of the policies of levels one and two above within the mining industry.

ISSUES SUMMARY

Environment related

  • Alteration and destruction of landscapes and ecosystems.
  • Accumulation of waste, often hazardous.
  • Pollution of air, surface and ground water.
  • Health hazards due to unsafe operations or toxicity of mining materials (e.g. asbestos).
  • Rehabilitation of mines unsatisfactory; mining companies do not adhere to rehabilitation provisions as laid down in the mining licence.
  • Insufficient environmental mitigation measures and insufficient environmental planning capability.

General

  • Lack of proper planning of mining operations, especially with respect to coordination and continuity.
  • The mineral resources of Swaziland not fully exploited, e.g. the considerable coal reserves, including high quality low sulphur anthracite.
  • Low production and use of coal on the domestic market.
  • The effectiveness of the committees responsible for the assessment and analysis of applications by private investors.
  • The present mining act outdated and no longer suited to provide the comprehensive regulatory policies for present day mineral exploitation.

SUMMARY POLICY PROPOSALS

Essential in the mining policy is a Constitution Article stating that all mineral rights and title are vested in the Ngwenyama in trust for the Swazi Nation.

Status of Policy

Brief Draft Mining Policy, dated April 1996, by A.M. Vilakati.

Broad Overall Objective

To achieve a sustainable, efficient and environmentally sound mining industry as integral part of the country's economy.

Policy Principles

  • Mineral resources be optimally developed and efficiently exploited with safe and health protective mining practices.
  • The environmental impact of mineral extraction be critically assessed and evaluated following accepted standards.

Policy Practical Elements

  • Sustained mineral resources management and exploration be promoted in order to ensure continued development of the mining industry.
  • Pollution and waste control be pursued in all mining operations.
  • The rehabilitation of affected land and water resources as a result of exploitation of mineral resources be fully integrated in the overall mining operation.

Policy Supportive Elements

  • The mining legislation be revised, updated and fully implemented.
  • The role of Government in mining comprehensively be defined in terms of promotional, supportive and controlling activities.

SUMMARY STRATEGY PROPOSALS

  • To develop and exploit the mineral resources of Swaziland based on sustainable management with the following principles:
    • attractive legal and fiscal investment conditions;
    • free market mechanism;
    • maximum benefits;
    • continuity in all operations.
  • To require the submission of an environmental plan and programme as a precondition for all mining operations. In addition regular environmental impacts management reports are required during the operational stage.
  • To include the rehabilitation of all mining sites such as quarries, open casts, subsurface mines and their affected surroundings in the mining licence of each operation, including full funding arrangements.
  • To revise the present mining act and implement a new act. The act must define arrangements of royalties, rent, taxes, etc., and prescribe operational procedures.
  • To appraise the mandate and responsibilities of the Department of Geological Survey and Mines and recommend institutional improvements, if required. The role of the Department to be assessed in the following fields:
    • exploration;
    • promotion of investment in mining;
    • updating information systems;
    • provision of infrastructure;
    • pollution and environmental impact;
    • rehabilitation.
  • Broad public awareness be created about the role and impact of the mineral industry.

KEY REFERENCE MATERIAL

None

MINISTERIAL INVOLVEMENT

MNRE, in particular the Geological Survey and Mines Department, and MTEC (SEA).