A mining permit and a mining right are both authorizations granted by the South African government to prospect for and mine minerals. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Mining Permit
A mining permit is granted for small-scale mining operations. It allows the holder to mine for a specific mineral or group of minerals within a specific area of land for a period of up to two years. The maximum area that can be covered by a mining permit is five hectares.
Mining Right
A mining right is granted for large-scale mining operations. It allows the holder to mine for a specific mineral or group of minerals within a specific area of land for a period of up to 30 years. The maximum area that can be covered by a mining right is not specified, but it must be economically viable to mine the minerals within the area.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Mining Permit | Mining Right |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Small-scale mining | Large-scale mining |
| Maximum area | 5 hectares | Not specified, but must be economically viable |
| Maximum duration | 2 years | 30 years |
| Renewal | Can be renewed up to three times for one year each time | Can be renewed for additional periods of up to 30 years |
| Application process | Less onerous | More onerous |
| Environmental requirements | Less stringent | More stringent |
In addition to the differences listed above, mining permits and mining rights also differ in the following ways:
- Mining permits are not transferable, while mining rights can be transferred with the permission of the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.
- Mining permits are not registered in the Deeds Registry, while mining rights are registered in the Deeds Registry. This means that mining rights are real rights, which gives the holder of a mining right a stronger legal position than the holder of a mining permit.
A mining permit is a good option for small-scale miners who want to mine for a limited period of time. A mining right is a better option for large-scale miners who want to mine for a longer period of time and have the financial resources to comply with the more stringent environmental requirements.