The public participation process is how the public has a say in environmental, prospecting and mining applications in South Africa. It gives interested and affected parties the information and the time to comment before the competent authority makes a decision.
Why the public participation process exists
Applications under NEMA and the MPRDA can affect land, water, communities and the environment. The law requires the applicant to notify affected people and to give them a real opportunity to comment. This is set out in the EIA Regulations, 2014.
How the comment period works
Once an application is made known, interested and affected parties have at least 30 days to register and submit comments. The applicant must give access to the relevant reports and plans. Comments can be made in writing and must be recorded.
What happens to your comments
The applicant must record all comments and respond to them in the reports sent to the competent authority. The authority considers these before deciding the application. Your comment becomes part of the official record.
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