NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 2156
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06 NOVEMBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 27)
2156 Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental
Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to Question 303 on 18
September 2009, a letter of refusal has been issued to Vuna
Mining Enterprises for a water licence at their operation in
Bronkhorstspruit; if not, what is the position in this regard;
if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any application for a water licence is currently before
her department for approval; if so, what are the relevant
details; if not, why is the mine still operating?
NW2156E
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REPLY:
(1) A letter of refusal has not been issued to Vuna Mining
Enterprises. My Department is still awaiting further outstanding
information from the applicant to be able to make an informed
decision on the application.
(2) Yes, however My Department has not taken a decision based on the
incomplete application that was submitted by the mine. My
Department has also issued a Directive to Vuna Mining
Enterprises to stop with the unlawful Water Use activities. It
should however be noted that the responsibility and authority to
stop a mining operation rests with the Department of Mineral
Resources and the mandate of the Department of Water Affairs is
limited to water use. My Department is currently following up to
investigating as to whether the mine has complied with the
issued Directive (i.e. stopping the unlawful water use). Should
the investigation reveal that the Directive has not been
complied with, My Department will lodge a criminal case against
the mine.
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