MININGBalancing
MININGBalancing environmental complianceand critical mineral extractionAs South Africans search for sustainable miningsolutions, NSDV Law’s Dominic Varrie and MandyHattingh unpack ways in which mining companiescan meet sustainability goals while minimising theircarbon footprints. Varrie is a Candidate Attorney andHattingh is a Legal Practitioner.In the global pursuit of sustainable development and thetransition towards cleaner energy technologies, the demandfor critical raw materials (CRMs) has surged, casting a spotlighton the impact of their extraction and processing.For context, CRMs refer to raw materials that areeconomically and strategically important for various industries,particularly those related to technology, energy and defence,but are at high risk of supply disruption due to their scarcityor concentration in certain regions. These materials are essentialin the production of advanced technologies such as renewableenergysystems (solar panels, wind turbines), electric vehicles(EVs), electronics and military applications. Their critical naturestems from the combination of their high demand and thedifficulty in securing reliable and sustainable supply chains.Countries and jurisdictions like the United States and theEuropean Union have published specific lists of CRMs. SouthAfrica has not done so, although the Department of Mineraland Petroleum Resources has identified minerals crucial tothe country’s economy and global supply chains, includingplatinum group metals (PGMs), manganese, vanadium andchromium. These minerals fall within the generally acceptedglobal definition of CRMs.As global demand for CRMs rises – driven by factors suchas the growth of EVs, the adoption of renewable energyand technological advancements – initiatives like the LobitoCorridor are paving the way for sustained industry expansion.The Lobito Corridor, a vital transportation route connectingthe mineral-rich regions of Central Africa, including theDemocratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, to the Atlanticcoast through Angola, provides more efficient access to exportmarkets. This, alongside South Africa's position as a leadingglobal producer of PGMs, manganese and significant reservesof vanadium, is strategically positioning the region for longtermgrowth, enhancing both supply chain efficiency andresilience in response to increasing global demand.However, while South Africa’s strategic role in the globalCRM market presents significant economic opportunities, thesecome with the responsibility of managing the environmentalimpacts that mining inevitably entails. As we explore theeconomic opportunities presented by CRM investments in SouthFailure to engage effectively withcommunities can result in legalsetbacks, reputational damageand project cancellation.Africa specifically, interested parties must understand how tonavigate the intricate landscape of environmental and regulatorycompliance. To do so, it is first necessary to understand therelationship between CRM mining and the environment.CRM mining and the environmentMining CRMs in South Africa plays a pivotal role in the globalsupply chain, particularly for clean-energy technologies.However, the extraction of these materials carries significantenvironmental consequences that require careful managementto ensure sustainable development. Key environmentalimpacts include land degradation, water pollution, air pollutionand large-scale energy consumption, all of which can havelasting effects on ecosystems, the broader environment andlocal communities.Land degradation and habitat loss result when large tracts ofland are disturbed for mining purposes, leading to soil erosionand the destruction of natural habitats. Although South Africamandates mine rehabilitation, ensuring that land is restoredto its original state remains a challenge. Additionally, waterpollution, particularly through acid mine drainage (AMD), posessignificant risks to the country’s already scarce water sources,as mining activities often lead to the contamination of riversand groundwater with heavy metals and chemicals.Air pollution from mining activities, combined with theheavy reliance on coal for energy, further exacerbates theenvironmental footprint of CRM extraction. Mining operationsand coal-fired energy production plants emit particulatematter and greenhouse gases, contributing to both (welldocumented)local health issues and global climate change. Wastemanagement is another pressing concern, with improperdisposal of tailings and other by-products posing the risk oftoxic spills and environmental contamination.Despite these challenges, South Africa’s legal frameworkprovides mechanisms to regulate the environmental impact of44 | www.opportunityonline.co.zaPHOTO: International Institute for Environment and Development
Embracing change whiledelivering excellenceKgarebana Civil and Structural Engineers is meeting and exceeding client expectations.ENGINEERINGKeatlaretswe (Kea) van der Merwe is the sole director ofKgarebana Civil and Structural Engineers. She is a StructuralEngineer with an MEng Structural Engineering from theUniversity of the Witwatersrand and has considerableexperience in consulting and construction engineering. She aimsto advance the role of women in engineering while providingexceptional professional services.Which of your divisions is receiving the most work lately?Our Civil and Structural divisions are currently busy with projectsfrom our biggest client, SANRAL, from a contract awarded fiveyears ago. It is deeply concerning that there have not been any newprojects coming to market since 2022.Is South Africa building enough infrastructure?No, and current procurement practices are not helping the rate atwhich new projects are coming to market.Is the engineering sector a place where women can thrive?Yes and no. Yes, because there is legislation in place that makes itbeneficial for companies to promote women in engineering. And no,because in 2025 I still find myself as one of two or three women inmeetings and even less for technical meetings. A lot of our malecounterparts still struggle to accommodatewomen, especially in more technical situations.What is your style as a leader and where areyou leading the company in the next phase?I believe as a relatively young woman that Iam a very easy-going, a lead-from-thebackand versatile leader. I never get toocomfortable, and I embrace change with ease.Kgarebana Civil andStructural EngineersCEO, Keatlaretswevan der Merwe.I have ventured into other types of work so as to avoid limitingour growing company to specific types of projects. As we speak,we are looking at venturing into mining projects.Please tell us about a recent project that gave you the most satisfaction.The replacement of bridge-joints on the R34 over the BloemhofDam in the North West. The project had many challenges, includingcommunity issues as well as the acquisition of materials. The bridgefingerjoints were imported from overseas and at the time of ourproject there was an issue with the ports and we had not anticipatedthe long lead time. We had to disestablish the site and stop workwhile we waited for delivery. We ended up taking much longer tofinish the work, but the final project came out beautifully, making itall worth it.COMPANY PROFILEKgarebana Civil and Structural Engineers is aQualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) that is 100%black woman owned and a Level 1 BBBEEcontributor. Kgarebana is a member of theConsulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) andis ISO9001 certified.Services include:• Structural design of buildings• Civil works• Pavement design, management andrehabilitation• Hydraulics, hydrology and stormwatermanagement• Bridge and structural design in concreteand steel• Civil engineering township services• Project and construction managementAs a company we are firmly committed topartnering with our clients and each task isundertaken with a view to establishing andmaintaining effective long-term relationships.We pride ourselves in providing quality andtimely work to our valued clients, with safetybeing one of our highest priorities on our worksites.We aim to fill the gap in engineeringconsultancy as one of the best femaleownedengineering companies and toempower and advance women inengineering. Kgarebana currently has a totalof 10 employees, some of whom arepermanent and others are on contract.MembershipsThe company is registered with the followingentities: Engineering Council of South Africa(ECSA); South African Institute of Civil Engineers(SAICE); South African Council for Projectand Construction Management Professions(SACPCMP); CESA; NHBRC; Concrete Societyof Southern Africa.Selected completed projectsDesign and supervision of the PretoriaIntermodal Facility (Rainbow Junction),pictured, and secondment of StructuralEngineer and Resident Engineer; siteassessment for a shopping complex buildingfor PC BOU; a parapet repair at the Big Birdinterchange in Midrand; a culvert repair inGrobblersdal; repairs to the Hans SchoemanBridge (Johannesburg), JV project; designreview of scaffolding for WBHO; HerbertBaker house renovations including drainagedesign; project planning and preliminarydesign phase, Willow Ridge School.Contact detailsHead Office address: 623 Rubenstein Dr,Moreleta Park, Pretoria 0181Other offices in Middelburg, Brits andGa-MatlalaTel: +27 12 004 0408 | Email: info@kcse.co.zaWebsite: www.kcse.co.za
