Environmental Regulations for the Minerals Sector, 2012.

These Regulations, made by the Board of the Environment Protection Agency under section 62 of the Environment Protection Agency Act, 2008 as amended by the Environment Protection Agency (Amendment) Act, 2010, provide with respect to environmental protection in mining operations. They shall apply to body corporates and individuals applying for or issued minerals rights under the Mines and Minerals Act 2009. The Environment Protection Agency, in its capacity as the Lead Authority on environmental and social matters related to the issuance and administration of environmental licences for mining activities, shall: (a) regulate, coordinate and monitor all environmental and social aspects associated with mining activities; (b) grant environmental licences as provided by the Act and these Regulations; and (c) enforce environmental and social laws and Regulations with respect to mining and impose sanctions in relation thereto.The Regulation set out environmental and social management principles and rules for accountability by holders of a mineral right. Principles include the polluter pays principle and the precautionary principle. They regulate procedures for the application for and granting of an environmental licence and prescribe environmental quality standards, including standards for effluent wastewater. Other matters provided for by these Regulations include: access to information; public participation; liability; appointment of a corporate environmental officer; environmental procedures for non-invasive reconnaissance licences and for invasive reconnaissance licences; strategic environmental and social assessment of artisanal mining areas; project categorisation and appeal against project categorisation; preparation and review of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA); consent to use land for mining purposes by land owners; environmental reporting and other obligations of licence holders; inspection of fresh water dams; monitoring and inspection in general; enforcement.

Implements: Environment Protection Agency Act, 2008 (No. 11 of 2008). (2008-08-11)