HES4810 Exam Portfolio November 2025 (Answer Guide) – Due 27 November 2025: Impact Mitigation and Management

HES4810 Exam Portfolio November 2025 (Answer Guide) – Due 27 November 2025: Impact Mitigation and Management Question 1: Mining Environmental Management Plan Report (EMPr) 1.1 Key Environmental Legislation Governing Coal Mining Operations in South Africa Coal mining in South Africa is governed by an integrated environmental legislative framework designed to balance economic growth with environmental protection. The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) 107 of 1998 is the primary framework legislation for environmental management. It establishes principles for sustainable development, public participation, and the “polluter pays” principle, which ensures that mining companies are responsible for preventing and remediating environmental harm (DEA, 2017). The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) 28 of 2002 regulates mineral resource exploitation and requires mining rights applicants to submit an Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) before operations commence. The EMPr ensures that environmental impacts are identified and mitigated in line with sustainable practices (DMRE, 2020). The National Water Act (NWA) 36 of 1998 governs water abstraction and pollution control, crucial for mines operating near rivers, such as the Lephalale case. The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEMAQA) 39 of 2004 controls dust, gaseous, and particulate emissions from mining activities. Additionally, the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) 59 of 2008 provides for waste classification, storage, and disposal procedures to prevent land and groundwater contamination (DEA, 2018). Lastly, the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA) 25 of 1999 ensures that mining activities respect cultural and archaeological sites. Collectively, these laws mandate that mining companies implement preventive, rehabilitative, and monitoring measures throughout the project lifecycle (Strydom & King, 2019). 1.2 Major Environmental Impacts Associated with Coal Mining in South Africa Coal mining generates multiple environmental and social challenges. First, water pollution occurs when acid mine drainage (AMD) releases sulphates, heavy metals, and acids into surface and groundwater systems, degrading aquatic habitats and human water supplies (Hobbs et al., 2018). Second, air pollution results from dust, blasting emissions, and coal combustion residues, contributing to respiratory illnesses and climate impacts. Third, land degradation arises from excavation, overburden dumping, and erosion, leading to habitat loss and reduced agricultural productivity. Fourth, biodiversity loss occurs when mining disturbs ecosystems and disrupts wildlife corridors, especially in riparian and communal grazing lands. Finally, socio-economic displacement affects local communities