Browsing by Subject "Minerals"

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    A just transition towards sustainable development: A legal analysis of the transition to a low-carbon economy in the South African mining industry in the context of sustainable development.
    (2024) Zondo, Nondumiso; Mostert, Hanri; Cramer, Richard Henry; Heyns, Anri
    Section 100 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) mandates the Broad-Based Socio-economic Empowerment Charter for the Mining and Minerals Industry (the Mining Charter) to outline how the MPRDA's objectives of redressing historical social and economic inequities can be met. However, the MPRDA does not require that environmental protection be included as one of the fundamental concerns to be addressed by the Mining Charter. Thus, the resulting Mining Charter does not establish a framework for achieving environmental objectives. Environmental justice redresses the injustices of the past that are associated with the inequality that resulted from economic growth which caused environmental degradation and pollution, as well as the distorted access to and benefits from the extraction and use of natural resources. This leads us to the central question of this study: Can the Mining Charter do more to promote sustainable development in the mining industry in the context of an energy transition? Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 declares environmental justice as a national priority, encouraging the mainstreaming of environmental protection measures into legislation to promote sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting socioeconomic development. This research argues that the lack of environmental mandate in the Mining Charter is a point of concern for its effectiveness in addressing 'historical social and economic inequalities'. This research offers insight into the challenges presented by not incorporating climate change and environmental justice into regulations, which ignores a host of social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities that will be brought about by climate change, especially on the historically disadvantaged whom it claims it aims to redress. This research is premised on the conviction that social and economic justice cannot be achieved without environmental and climate justice
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    Assessing the distribution, composition and potential human health implications of metal-bearing particulate matter in the Saldanha Bay Municipality
    (2025) Ebrahim, Laylaa; Broadhurst, Jennifer Lee; Von Holdt, Johanna
    Air pollution through the emission of particulate matter (PM) can have a significant impact on the surrounding environment. PM2.5 and PM10 is of particular concern as it is known to reduce the quality of air and can cause adverse health effects on surrounding communities. The overarching aim of this paper was to assess the particulate matter (PM) concentration and composition in the Saldanha Bay Municipality, and based on these results, to assess the potential sources and potential health implications of these emissions. To address the aim and objectives, this paper includes the selection of the sampling/monitoring sites and the collection of background data. The processing and interpretation of the primary data from PM monitoring and sample collection provides a view in understanding the nature and patterns of PM pollution and the potential sources and health risks associated with these emissions. PM concentrations were obtained from PurpleAir Particulate Sensors and physical PM samples were collected from gravimetric samplers, dust fallout buckets and BSNEs for elemental and mineral analysis. Pollution roses and polar plots were constructed to assist in determining the potential origins and sources of emission in the municipality. Minerals such as hematite, lead, arsenic, thorium and uranium, to mention a few, were found in the samples and could potentially result in negative health implications to those in surrounding communities. It is envisaged that the results from this paper can be used to inform future studies by providing information on the potential components of concern and their possible sources.