Kouga Local Municipality would like to clarify its role regarding the sand mining activities currently taking place in Oyster Bay.
The sand mining operation is not a project of Kouga Local Municipality, and the municipality does not have authority over the approval, regulation or operational control of the mining activities.
How The Municipality Became Involved
The municipality first became aware of the proposed mining application during the public participation process for an application submitted by Schoenmakers Mining (Pty) Ltd to the Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum for a mining permit.
The application process, including environmental approvals and mining rights, falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant national authorities in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), as amended, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014, as amended.
The approved environmental authorisation relates to the mining of silica sand (general), building sand, stone aggregate and gravel on portions of Erf 280 and Erf 391 in Oyster Bay.
Municipal Responsibilities
While sand mining may present certain potential economic benefits for the municipal area, the municipality remains concerned about the potential impact of mining operations on municipal infrastructure. It will therefore continue monitoring matters that fall within its mandate.
Residents are further reminded that the municipality is responsible for maintaining municipal roads and infrastructure. However, it does not control the movement of sand caused by natural migration or mining activities.
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