The length of time it takes to get a mining permit in South Africa depends on the type of permit you are applying for and whether or not your application meets all of the requirements.
- Prospecting permit: The processing time for a prospecting permit application is typically between 90 and 180 days.
- Mining permit: The processing time for a mining permit application is typically between 180 and 365 days.
- Small-scale mining permit: The processing time for a small-scale mining permit application is typically between 30 and 90 days.
However, these are just estimates, and the actual processing time may vary depending on the complexity of your application and the workload of the Department of Mineral Resources.
Steps for a mining permit application:
- Application submission: You can apply for a mining permit online or in person at a regional office of the Department of Mineral Resources. You will need to submit a completed application form, along with the required supporting documentation.
- Application assessment: The Department of Mineral Resources will assess your application to ensure that it meets all of the requirements. This may involve site inspections and consultations with other government departments.
- Public consultation: If your application is approved, you will be required to consult with the landowner, the occupier of the land and all other affected parties. This process may take up to 180 days.
- Ministerial decision: Once the public consultation process is complete, the Minister of Mineral Resources will make a decision on whether or not to grant you a mining permit. If your application is approved, you will be issued with a mining permit.
Factors affecting the processing time for a mining permit application
- The complexity of your application: If your application is complex, it will take longer to process than a simple application.
- The workload of the Department of Mineral Resources: If the Department of Mineral Resources is busy, it will take longer to process your application.
- The availability of information: If the Department of Mineral Resources needs to request additional information from you, it will take longer to process your application.