The Plumtree Town Council has imposed restrictions on alluvial mining as it moves to instil order in the area.
Statutory Instrument 145 of 2025 states that no one should permit any work having a vertical depth of more than 1,5m.
According to the SI, mining can only be allowed if terraced or sloped at an angle sufficient to ensure the safety of persons or is adequately supported, undercut or permits the undercutting of any workings.
The miner may also be allowed if using mechanical equipment to dig within the bed of a public stream after a permit is issued by an inspector of mines in consultation with the provincial natural resources officer and council, on such terms and conditions as may be specified in the permit, otherwise authorised.
“Any area within the bed of a public stream which has been mined shall be rehabilitated by backfilling as mining operations progress,” it said.
“Every miner, who has been authorised to conduct mining activities in the council area, shall pay to council royalties, levies, licence and any other fees approved by the council.”
The council further stipulated that all holders of prospecting, exploration and mining rights operating in the area should submit certified copies of their licences.
“All the provisions related to applications for mining rights, compensation for acquisition of land for mining purposes and payment of levies to local authorities by holders of mining rights as prescribed in the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05] shall apply to council area with necessary changes,” the SI said.
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The by-law further states that no person should pan for any mineral in the council area, except in terms of a licence issued by the Mines and Mining Development ministry.
It said developers of any projects in the council area for which an environmental social impact assessment is required in terms of section 97 and the 1st Schedule of the Environmental Management Act should apply for an environmental social impact assessment for consideration after paying a specified fee.
Developers are also expected to consult council during the consultation process leading to the development of an environmental impact assessment.
They are also expected to involve council in organising public consultation meetings in the area regarding the proposed development project and submit the name, contact details and other relevant particulars of any consultant hired or engaged to carry out the environmental impact assessment.
The by-law states that the miner shall submit all relevant information related to quarterly environmental monitoring reports submitted to the Environmental Management Agency operating in the council area.
The legislation stipulates that council will take measures to make environmental impact assessment reports submitted by miners available and open for public inspection at all reasonable times at council offices.
