Heritage Cases

Marula Platinum Mine Pty Ltd (Marula) is a platinum producer in the Sekhukhune District of the Limpopo Province which has been operational since 2001. The mine operates with an approved Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPr) (approved December 2001) and subsequent amendment for the proposed Merensky Project (approved in 2008). In addition, it has two mining licenses (which cover both the Upper Group 2 (UG2) and Merensky ore bodies within the mine lease area boundary) granted in 2003, in terms of the old Minerals Act, 50 of 1991. Marula has received new order mining rights for the operation. Existing mine operations are comprised of two shaft complexes (Clapham and Driekop) with; an associated waste rock dump (WRD) at the Clapham shaft, a UG2 mineral concentrator plant, a tailings storage facility (TSF), a dense medium separation (DMS) waste site (approved but not yet constructed), water management facilities, and associated support services. Marula now propose to establish additional surface infrastructure within its mining right area (see Figure 1). The proposed surface infrastructure include the following: • The establishment of two additional ventilation shafts; and upgrades to existing refrigeration and ventilation infrastructure. • The upgrade of existing water supply and distribution pipelines and power supply upgrades in support of the proposed refrigeration infrastructure. • A product stockpile within the existing footprint of the Concentrator Plant. • Additional pipeline to the approved TSF within an approved footprint. • Upgrade of change house and compressed airline at the Clapham Shaft Complex footprint. • Marula also proposes to implement monitoring and remediation measures to assist with the management of the UG Tailings pollution plume. The current Marula operations have 11 years remaining for their life of mine (inclusive of FY22). The proposed project will extend the life of mine by 17 years.