Mining charter calls for SLP audits and verification

5th March 2021 Gerrie Muller

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Niche/Small Mines: No need for expensive SLPs

The EBITDA of a large mining right can easily be in the billions of Rand, with thousands of workers.  Such mining right holders have options and resources. Smaller mines have an EBITDA of in the low to medium million rand range, with the total work complement mostly less than 150 employees. The resources of small mines are limited and we have developed tools to cost-effectively assist our clients. 

We gladly work for small clients and we structure our work in accordance with what smaller mines can afford, without compromising on quality. We also assist and coach our smaller clients to make SLP/Mining Charter compliance cost-effective

Why the DMRE is not your enemy...

At our company, we have gained valuable experience in dealing with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) when it comes to mines that are not fully compliant with their Social and Labour Plans (SLPs). We have observed that the DMRE actively seeks ways to assist mines in meeting their obligations. We understand that mines can sometimes face challenges in implementing their SLPs, such as delays in HR submissions, transformation initiatives, or LED projects.

One crucial distinction between the DMRE and tax authorities is that the DMRE does not possess the authority to impose fines on non-compliant mines. However, it is important to note that potential notices for mine closure may still arise due to these shortcomings. Nevertheless, based on our experience, we have found that the DMRE is committed to avoiding mine closures and employee retrenchment.

This commitment creates an opportunity for mine right holders to engage in negotiation with the DMRE. We strongly encourage all mine right holders to seize this window of opportunity and engage with the DMRE to find mutually beneficial solutions. Our team is well-equipped to guide and support you throughout the negotiation process.

Each mine has a unique mining scorecard?

The first iteration of the mining charter was introduced in 2002 by the Department of Minerals and Energy. It set a target of 26% black ownership of mining companies by 2014, along with other goals related to employment equity, procurement, and community development. In 2010, a new version of the mining charter was introduced, which raised the ownership target to 30% and included new provisions related to the beneficiation of minerals and the promotion of research and development. In 2017, the government released a third version of the mining charter, which raised the ownership target to 30% and added new provisions related to local content procurement and the empowerment of women in the mining industry. However, the new charter was met with resistance from some mining companies, who argued that the ownership target was too high and would discourage investment in the sector. In 2018, the government and mining industry reached a compromise agreement on the ownership target, which would be calculated using a "once empowered, always empowered" principle. This means that companies that had previously met the ownership target would not be required to sell additional shares to black investors. In 2020, the provisions of the Mining Charter 2018 was challenged and the clauses on inclusive procurement and ownership were set aside. It was emphasised that the Mining Charter is policy, not law, and if anything, the Mining Charter 2010 is the closest the policy comes to legal obligation. In a nutshell, the agreement between the DMRE and the mine right holder is the mine's unique mining charter.

Click here to download the latest Gauteng Court findings on Mining Charter III

The following clauses had been set aside by the High Court: 2.1.1.2 An existing mining right holder who, at any stage during the existence of a mining right, achieved a minimum of 26% BEE shareholding, and whose BEE partner /s exited prior to the commencement of the Mining Charter, 2018, shall be recognised as compliant for the duration of a mining right and such recognition will not be applicable upon renewal. 2.1.1.4 The recognition of continuing consequences, in respect of an existing mining right, shall not be transferrable and shall lapse upon transfer of such mining right or part thereof. 2.1.1.5 The recognition of continuing consequences shall not apply to an application for a new mining right or renewal of a mining right. 2.1.1.6 A renewal of an existing mining right shall be subject to Mining Charter requirements applicable at the time that a mining right renewal application is lodged. 2.1.6.2 The recognition of consequences of previous deals shall not be claimed against future mining rights or mining right renewal applications. 2.1.3.2 A minimum of 30% BEE shareholding must be distributed in the following manner: (i) A minimum of 5% non -transferable carried interest to qualifying employees from the effective date of a mining right; (ii) A minimum of 5% non -transferrable carried interest or a minimum 5% equity equivalent benefit as defined herein to host communities from the effective date of a mining right; ( iii) A mining right holder shall ensure that any reduction in shareholding of existing shareholders through the issue of new shares, shall not reduce qualifying employees carried interest and host communities' carried interest or equity equivalent benefit. (iv) A minimum of 20% effective ownership in the form of shares to a BEE Entrepreneur, 5% of which must preferably be for women. (v) A mining right holder of the minimum 20% shares referred to in subparagraph (iv) shall not be diluted below 51 % ownership and control by BEE Entrepreneur. 2.1.4 EQUITY EQUIVALENT 2.1.4.1 The equity equivalent benefit referred to in paragraph 2.1.3.2 (ii) shall be administered as follows: 2.1.4.1.1 5% equivalent of the issued share capital of the mining right holder, at no cost to a trust or similar vehicle set up for the benefit of host communities; 2.1.4.1.2 The Trust or similar vehicle shall be established and administered in terms of applicable legislation for the duration of the mining right; 2.1.4.1.3 The Trust or similar vehicle shall comprise of representation from host communities (including Community Based Organisations, Traditional Authorities, etc.) and mining companies; 2.1.4.1.4 A mining right holder must, in consultation with relevant municipalities, host communities, traditional authorities and affected stakeholders; identify host community development needs; 2.1.4.1.5 The Trust or similar vehicle shall be responsible for, amongst others, host community development programme, fund distribution and governance of the equity equivalent benefit; 2.1.4.1.6 All administration costs, project management and consultation fees of the Trust or similar vehicle may not exceed 8% of the total budget; 2.1.4.1.7 An approved host community development programme must be published in, at least, two languages commonly used within the host community. 2.1.4.2 A host community development programme approved under this element shall not replace Social and Labour Plan commitments as contemplated in Section 23 of the MPRDA. 2.1.5.2 The prescribed minimum 30% target shall apply for the duration of a mining right. 7.2 For Mining right holders, the Ownership and Mine Community Development elements are ring- fenced, requiring 100% compliance at all time. 2.1.6.1 (The proviso to clause 2.1.6.1, in clauses 2.1.6.1.1 to 2.1.6.1.4) Where a BEE shareholding or part thereof is disposed of below the prescribed minimum shareholding, a mining right holder's empowerment credentials shall be recognised for the duration of the mining right, provided that: A mining right holder is compliant with the requirements of the Mining. 2.1.6 DISPOSAL OF BEE SHAREHOLDING IN RESPECT OF EXISTING AND NEW MINING RIGHTS – (the heading of clause 2.1.6 insofar as it refers to "existing rights".) 2.1.7 BENEFICIATION EQUITY EQUIVALENT AGAINST THE OWNERSHIP TARGET - the definition of "beneficiation" and clauses 2.1.7.1 (including clauses 2.1.7.1.1 to 2.1.7.1.5) in the following respects: 1.8.1. setting aside the definition of beneficiation and substituting it with the definition of beneficiation in section 1 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002; 1.8.2. setting aside the words "against a BEE Entrepreneur" where they appear in clause 2.1.7.1; 1.8.3. setting aside the words "a maximum of 5 percentage points of a BEE Entrepreneur" where they appear in clause 2.1.7.1.1; 1.8.4. setting aside the whole of clauses 2.1.7.1.2 to 2.1.7.1.5; 2.1.7.1 South Africa adopted a strategy on mineral beneficiation to give effect to the National Industrialisation Programme. To this end, this element provides for an equity equivalent mechanism against a BEE Entrepreneur as follows: 2.1.7.1.1 A mining right holder may claim the equity equivalent against a maximum of 5 percentage points of a BEE Entrepreneur shareholding. 2.1.7.1.2 An existing mining right claimed the eleven (11) percentage points beneficiation offset prior to the commencement of Mining Charter, 2018, shall retain the offset for the duration of the mining right. 2.1.7.1.3 Equity Equivalent may only be claimed against a portion of BEE Entrepreneur. 2.1.7.1.4 A mining right holder must submit to the Department a Beneficiation Equity Equivalent Plan for approval, as outlined in the Mining Charter implementation guidelines. 2.1.7.1.5 A mining right holder will be entitled to apply for equity equivalent credits subject to the following: i. Mineral ore or mineral products supplied to independent South African based beneficiation entities at a discount to the mine gate price; ii. Portion of an integrated producer's production that is beneficiated; iii. Mineral ore supplied to BEE Entrepreneur owned beneficiation entities at a discount to the mine gate price; iv. Monetary investment in South African based mineral beneficiation entities; v. Any other existing beneficiation related activities undertaken, or monetary investment made since 2004. 2.2 INCLUSIVE PROCUREMENT, SUPPLIER AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT Procurement of South African manufactured goods and services provide opportunities for expanding economic growth, creating decent jobs and widening market access to the country's goods and services. A mining right holder is required to promote economic growth through the development or nurturing of small, medium and micro enterprises and suppliers of mining goods and services. In instances where a mining right holder procures goods and services of a contractor to undertake extraction or processing (crushing and concentration) of minerals on their behalf, such goods and services will be deemed to have been procured by the mining right holder. To achieve inclusive procurement, supplier and enterprise development; a mining right holder must identify all goods and that will be required in its operations and ensure that its procurement policies adhere to the following criteria: 2.2.1 MINING GOODS 2.2.1.1 A minimum of 70% of total mining goods procurement spend (excluding non - discretionary expenditure) must be on South African manufactured goods. The 70% shall be allocated as follows: 2.2.1.1.1 21% to be spent on South African manufactured goods produced by a Historically Disadvantaged Persons owned and controlled company; 2.2.1.1.2 5% to be spent on South African manufactured goods produced by a women or youth owned and controlled company; and 2.2.1.1.3 44% to be spent on South African manufactured goods produced by a BEE compliant company. 2.2.2 SERVICES 2.2.2.1 A minimum of 80% of the total spend on services (excluding non -discretionary expenditure) must be sourced from South African based company. The 80% shall be allocated as follows: 2.2.2.1.1 50% must be spent on services supplied by Historically Disadvantaged Persons owned and controlled company; 2.2.2.1.2 15% must be spent on services supplied by women owned and controlled companies; 2.2.2.1.3 5% must be spent on services supplied by youth; and 2.2.2.1.4 10% must be spent on services supplied by BEE compliant company. in line with the approved beneficiation equity equivalent plan. 2.2.2.2 The above -mentioned procurement targets must be complied with progressively within a period of five (5) years, as outlined in the transitional arrangements. 2.2.2.3 A mining right holder must ensure that the terms and conditions offered to women owned and controlled companies, or youth, are not less favourable than those offered to other suppliers. 2.2.2.4 All procurement expenditure reported must be the actual expenditure incurred by a mining right holder. 2.2.3 VERIFICATION OF LOCAL CONTENT 2.2.3.1 A mining right holder must procure goods in line with a standardised product identification coding system developed by the Department of Trade and Industry. 2.2.3.2 A mining right holder shall provide proof of local content for mining goods in the form of certification from the African Bureau of Standards (SABS) or any other entity designated by the Minister. 2.2.4 ENTERPRISE AND SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT (a) The purpose for implementing supplier and enterprise development is to strengthen local procurement; enhance the ease and cost competitiveness of sourcing mining goods and services and build South Africa's industrial base in critical sectors of production and value addition. (b) A mining right holder may invest in enterprise and supplier development against which it may offset its procurement element obligations as follows: 2.2.4.1 MINING GOODS 2.2.4.1.1 Up to 30% of the total procurement budget on mining goods (excluding non - discretionary expenditure) be offset against supplier development. 2.2.4.1.2 A mining right holder may develop suppliers through Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) as prescribed in the Implementation Guidelines. 2.2.4.2 SERVICES 2.2.4.2.1 Up to 10% of the total procurement budget on services (excluding non - discretionary expenditure) may be offset against supplier and enterprise development. 2.2.4.2.2 Percentages referred to in 2.2.4.3.1 and 2.2.4.4.1 must be implemented as follows: (a) Supplier and Enterprise Development must be invested only in a Historically Disadvantaged Persons owned and controlled company with a turnover of less than R50 million per annum; (b) Investment on Supplier Development may not be claimed as expenditure on Enterprise Development; (c) There must be a written agreement between a mining right holder and the recipient Supplier or Enterprise being developed; and (d) The contract between a mining right holder and the recipient supplier must be for a minimum of 5 years. 2.2.5 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 2.2.5.1 A mining right holder must spend a minimum of 70% of its total research and development budget on South African based research and development entities, either in public or private sector. 2.2.6 PROCESSING OF SAMPLES 2.2.6.1 A mining right holder must use South African based facilities or companies for the analysis of 100% of all mineral samples across the mining value chain. 2.2.6.2 A mining right holder may not conduct sample analysis using foreign -based facilities or companies without the prior written consent of the Minister, as prescribed in the Mining Charter implementation guideline. Insofar as the following clauses relate to existing or new licences and permits issued in terms of the Diamonds Act, 1986 and the Precious Metals Act, 2005, clauses 4, 6.2, 7.1, 7.3, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 and 9.2; and clause 9.1.

NON -COMPLIANCE 9.1 A mining right holder who has not complied with the ownership element and falls between levels 6 and 8 of the Mining Charter scorecard shall be in breach of the MPRDA and subject to provisions of section 93, read in conjunction with section 47, 98 and 99 of the Act.

Projects we completed

Atoll Mining
Project Type: Full SLP Suite: Development, Annual Updates, DMRE Liaison
Key Outcome: A complete overhaul of the SLP architecture including: new SLP (2022–2026), annual SLP updates, and direct engagement with DMRE over 2 years, restoring compliance.
Most Recent Date: 2025
SLP Relevance: Full 360° SLP execution — strategy, documentation, labour-sending data, equity compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

Transhex De Punt 11B and 13B
Project Type: Full SLP Compilation and DMRE Submission
Key Outcome: Baseline: Coastal concession areas located near Strandfontein (Western Cape) with high unemployment, service delivery backlogs, and contested marine resource access. Socio-economic profile showed low formal education levels and limited socio-economic alternatives beyond fishing. Outcome: Developed a complete SLP with LED, HRD, and stakeholder integration tailored to coastal context. Included marine-linked socio-economic activities, small business support, and compliance with MPRDA norms.
Most Recent Date: 2024
SLP Relevance: Example of adapting inland SLP frameworks to a coastal concession setting. Builds on environmental sensitivities, heritage preservation, and blue economy potential.

Kalkpoort Soutwerke BK
Project Type: Mining Charter Scorecard and Compliance Guidance
Key Outcome: Baseline: Kalkpoort operates as a small-scale salt mine in a remote setting with limited formal employment and constrained administrative capacity. Outcome: Delivered a full Mining Charter compliance memorandum, including ownership, inclusive procurement, employment equity, and Mine Community Development performance. Advised on MCII/MCIII interpretation post-court ruling, enabling the client to stay audit-ready.
Most Recent Date: 2024
SLP Relevance: While not an SLP per se, the scorecard guidance directly supports the SLP’s Employment Equity, Procurement, and MCD reporting requirements and compliance positioning.

Roodepoort Crusher – Janniek Mining
Project Type: SLP Annual Compliance Report
Key Outcome: Baseline: Located 15 km south of Polokwane, Limpopo, the mine operates in an area marked by moderate rural poverty, with residents dependent on basic services and informal employment. Outcome: SLP implementation focused on structured HRD, LED, and housing efforts. Highlights include bursaries, mentorships, and 35 portable skills interventions. Two LED projects included a soccer grandstand and a multi-use school facility. Downscaling plans and procurement compliance were reported in line with MPRDA.
Most Recent Date: 2022
SLP Relevance: Shows how mid-sized aggregate operations fulfil full SLP lifecycle obligations, with strong emphasis on basic services, HRD metrics, and local development spend.

St Helena Bay – FSRU & Gas Network
Project Type: Socio-economic and Need & Desirability Assessment
Key Outcome: Baseline: The St Helena Bay area is a coastal peri-urban economy with high unemployment and seasonal income dependence from fisheries and tourism. Energy poverty persists and electricity reliability is a barrier to socio-economic expansion. Outcome: Despite environmental and visual objections, the report argued for a gas-to-power FSRU as a bridging strategy, showing socio-economic benefits via improved energy security, job creation, and long-term GHG reduction potential relative to coal. Position paper helped frame national discourse on ethical energy transitions.
Most Recent Date: 2022
SLP Relevance: Not an SLP project, but highly relevant to energy-sector licensing and EIA debates. Framed socio-economic need, climate trade-offs, and vulnerable group impacts with clarity applicable to future mining or infrastructure SLPs.

Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mine
Project Type: SLP Implementation Review and Community Impact Assessment
Key Outcome: Baseline: Located near Hotazel in the JTG District, with widespread unemployment and minimal industrial diversification. Youth migration and underinvestment in education were recurring themes. Outcome: Assessed the SLP’s impact on education, procurement, and infrastructure. Notable successes included school renovations, support for the Maremane Trust, and consistent LED budget allocations over multiple years.
Most Recent Date: 2021
SLP Relevance: Provided a full audit trail for DMRE reporting and reflected best practices in social investment consistency, trust governance, and local stakeholder partnerships.

ArcelorMittal – Ben Alberts Nature Reserve
Project Type: Integrated Business Plan and Land-Use Development Feasibility
Key Outcome: Multi-sector land use model for post-mining transition: eco-tourism, agrivoltaics, job creation, and biodiversity offsets aligned with national LED corridors.
Most Recent Date: 2021
SLP Relevance: Model for SLP-linked post-closure planning, rural employment, and land repurposing.

Palmietgat Diamonds – SLP
Project Type: SLP Compilation and Community Strategy
Key Outcome: Baseline: The region near Schweizer-Reneke in North West Province had minimal mining exposure, limited formal employment, and low local supplier readiness. Social indicators pointed to youth vulnerability and a need for foundational education support. Outcome: The SLP included a fit-for-purpose LED plan with school infrastructure and bursary commitments, supported by basic business development interventions. The plan was accepted by the DMRE with minor revisions and laid the foundation for future community agreements.
Most Recent Date: 2021
SLP Relevance: Demonstrates adaptive SLP planning for small-scale operators in under-served areas. Focused on education-first LED strategy and early trust structuring.

Tetra4 – Socio-economic Need and Desirability
Project Type: Gas Extraction Justification (Need and Desirability Study)
Key Outcome: Baseline: Situated near Virginia in the Free State, the region experienced post-gold mining socio-economic decline, with above-average unemployment and underused infrastructure. The existing economy showed a dependence on agriculture and commuting labour. Outcome: The study justified gas development as catalytic for local energy resilience, industrial reactivation, and socio-economic diversification. Considered both direct project multipliers and downstream gas beneficiation potential. Integrated socio-economic upliftment and land use logic under SPLUMA.
Most Recent Date: 2021
SLP Relevance: Illustrates how upstream gas extraction aligns with spatial planning and community revitalisation goals. Supports SLP framing around new energy corridors, local procurement, and transition-economy employment.

Modderfontein Gold (Giza Minerals)
Project Type: SLP Development and Annual Update
Key Outcome: Baseline: Ekurhuleni Municipality had a population of 3.77 million with 31% living in poverty, a Gini coefficient of 0.633, and 31.6% unemployment. Only 4% held tertiary qualifications, with major sectors being manufacturing, finance, and logistics. Outcome: The SLP addressed HRD, LED, and Mining Charter compliance. Despite COVID-19 disruptions, the mine achieved 100% HDP staffing, a Level 2 B-BBEE rating, and delivered educational infrastructure at Kingsway School as a flagship LED project.
Most Recent Date: 2020
SLP Relevance: Demonstrates resilience and adaptability in SLP delivery under pandemic conditions. Showcases localised education support and employment equity alignment.

Mineral Sand Resources – Tormin Mine
Project Type: SLP Annual Report (Update and Audit Prep)
Key Outcome: Baseline: Situated along the West Coast near Lutzville, the region features rural coastal settlements, persistent youth unemployment, and seasonal agricultural work. Infrastructure constraints and historic exclusion from mining supply chains persisted. Outcome: The 2020 SLP annual update audited HRD, housing and living conditions, and LED delivery. Improvements included targeted community bursaries, upgrades to municipal infrastructure, and increased local procurement tracking.
Most Recent Date: 2020
SLP Relevance: Supports compliance with the Mining Charter III framework. Provided basis for transparent DMRE submissions and alignment of LED with coastal resilience and post-mining diversification goals.

Orion Minerals – Prieska Copper-Zinc Project
Project Type: SLP Development (Initial Submission)
Key Outcome: Baseline: The Namakwa District is characterised by socio-economic stagnation, declining agriculture, and youth outmigration. Formal employment opportunities are scarce, and infrastructure deficits constrain service delivery. Outcome: Developed a DMRE-aligned SLP for the early-stage project, including LED project design (e.g., artisan training, renewable-linked agrivillages), HRD commitments, and local procurement planning. Built consensus through structured engagement across municipal and traditional leadership structures.
Most Recent Date: 2020
SLP Relevance: Provides a replicable model for greenfield SLP planning, aligning exploration-phase ESG commitments with long-term community investment logic.

Eloff Mining – Eloff Phase 3 (Universal Coal)
Project Type: Alternative Land Use and Need & Desirability Study
Key Outcome: Over 60 years, R23.3bn in GDP benefit and up to 4,443 jobs created vs 219 lost. Stronger socio-economic case for coal vs agriculture; weakly positive on desirability due to GHG/climate issues.
Most Recent Date: 2019
SLP Relevance: Feeds into EIA, SLP, and land-use trade-off evaluations. Informs cumulative impact debates and localised LED trade-offs.

Shell Filling Station Extension – Need and Desirability
Project Type: Petroleum Site Expansion Justification (N&D Assessment)
Key Outcome: Baseline: Existing Shell station located along a major arterial route in a growing peri-urban zone with rapid commercial densification and transport node evolution. Outcome: Demonstrated spatial need for expansion based on fuel demand projections, land use intensification, and traffic flow reorientation. Document aligned with SPLUMA and municipal IDP priorities, balancing socio-economic expansion with environmental and land planning frameworks.
Most Recent Date: 2018
SLP Relevance: Illustrates spatial-socio-economic modelling techniques relevant to infrastructure-related SLP projects—particularly transport and logistics hubs tied to mining corridors.

Shell SA – Parklands Service Station
Project Type: Socio-economic Need and Desirability Assessment
Key Outcome: High probability of socio-economic viability with forecast turnover >R1 million pm; risks to nearby peers acknowledged. Net job creation: 32–35. Located on high-growth traffic corridor.
Most Recent Date: 2016
SLP Relevance: Not a mining SLP, but aligned to petroleum licensing and EIA/NEMA regulatory fit. Illustrates local socio-economic value and trade-offs in contested areas.

Parkdene Filling Station – Need and Desirability
Project Type: Petroleum Site Licence Justification (N&D Assessment)
Key Outcome: Baseline: Located in Parkdene, George, with underserved township and peri-urban populations reliant on informal transport networks. Existing filling stations served high-throughput corridors but left gaps in local service accessibility. Outcome: Demonstrated that the proposed site would improve competition, reduce fuel migration, and offer township-based employment. Integrated socio-economic impact modelling (NPV-based) and peer station objections to validate justifiability under the Petroleum Products Act.
Most Recent Date: 2015
SLP Relevance: Not an SLP project but demonstrates transferable methodology in stakeholder engagement, socio-economic justification, and community-impact framing—relevant to energy-sector or fuel-linked mining SLPs.

Sanddraai Solar Plant – Alternative Land Use Assessment
Project Type: Preliminary Impact and Land Use Analysis for Renewable Energy
Key Outcome: Baseline: Groblershoop economy heavily reliant on agriculture, with agriculture contributing nearly 30% of local GDP and over 50% of employment in 2013. Farm Sanddraai includes irrigated vineyards (80 ha) and extensive grazing land, mostly unaffected by solar footprint. Outcome: Study showed solar development on the farm would not materially devalue agricultural land or impact yields. Dust fallout, noise, and road degradation identified as concerns, but impacts found to be limited, reversible, and largely addressable. Development seen as a strategic socio-economic opportunity for the area, with limited viable alternatives apart from agriculture and renewable energy.
Most Recent Date: 2015
SLP Relevance: Demonstrates an agricultural-socio-economic baseline and land use optimisation logic that supports similar rural solar-linked SLPs. Useful for integrating spatial land potential in energy transition contexts.

Aquila Meletse Iron Ore Project
Project Type: Alternative Land-Use Socio-economic Impact Assessment (Regulation 50)
Key Outcome: Net GDP gain of R5.3 billion over 18 years, 129 equivalent jobs created, and R54 billion in projected foreign exchange earnings. Project rated weakly positive on sustainable development.
Most Recent Date: 2014
SLP Relevance: Supports SLP planning by quantifying GDP, job creation, land-use trade-offs and foreign exchange contribution. Informs LED and mitigation strategy.

Banro Corporation – Namoya Gold Mine (DRC)
Project Type: Socio-economic Impact Assessment for Post-Conflict Mining
Key Outcome: Projected GDP gain of USD 1.8 billion over 20 years, with 3,400 jobs created; regional multiplier and land-use analysis included.
Most Recent Date: 2013
SLP Relevance: Not applicable to SA SLPs. Used for IFC/OECD-aligned post-conflict development planning.

Magazynskraal PPM (via SLR Consulting)
Project Type: Socio-economic Impact Assessment (Regulation 50)
Key Outcome: Net GDP gain of R5.1 billion and 2,356 net jobs over 30 years. Mining outperformed alternative eco-agricultural land use by 30:1 (GDP) and 20:1 (employment).
Most Recent Date: 2012
SLP Relevance: Informs LED, job creation, and mitigation planning. Forms part of EIA/EMP, integrated into SLP justification.

Kalagadi Manganese – Northern Cape
Project Type: Full SLP Development (Kuruman Region)
Key Outcome: Baseline: John Taolo Gaetsewe District exhibited a legacy of mining dependence, under-resourced municipalities, and deep inequality. Youth unemployment exceeded 55%, and social services were thinly spread. Outcome: Comprehensive SLP covered LED, HRD, employment equity, and stakeholder planning. Flagship LED project was a manganese-linked agri-processing corridor. SLP was DMRE-compliant and integrated into early-phase ESG frameworks.
Most Recent Date: 2011
SLP Relevance: Established long-range commitments in a newly industrialising manganese basin. Anchored local supplier and youth training integration. Informed community trust structuring under early MPRDA obligations.

De Beers – Kimberley Mines
Project Type: Full SLP Development and Socio-economic Closure Impact Assessment
Key Outcome: Full-scope SLP, LED strategy, and closure impact study estimating R1.2bn GDP loss and 2,500 jobs lost. Informed early localisation strategy.
Most Recent Date: 2007
SLP Relevance: Pioneered closure planning integration under MPRDA. Informed LED and social mitigation planning.

Soutwerke Kalkfontein en Saamwerk
Project Type: SLP Development and Compliance Guidance
Key Outcome: Focused on salt mining operations in the Northern Cape with highly localised employment needs and minimal digital infrastructure. Delivered an SLP document and implementation roadmap that prioritised water efficiency, rural education support, and basic service co-funding. Included mentoring for local municipality on LED project alignment.
Most Recent Date: 2023
SLP Relevance: Small-mine SLP solution in a remote geography. Model for bridging traditional economic practices with compliance frameworks.

Booysen Central
Project Type: SLP Advisory and Review
Key Outcome: Provided strategic support in reviewing an underperforming SLP, identifying gaps in housing commitments and HRD spend. Developed a turnaround strategy and presented revised priorities to the DMRE. Focused on local labour absorption and credible procurement reporting systems.
Most Recent Date: 2022
SLP Relevance: Illustrates mid-cycle SLP rescue through better metrics, local trust repair, and audit-readiness.

Opperman Kinders
Project Type: SLP Design and Submission
Key Outcome: Engaged to write the first SLP for this newly licensed sand operation. Designed a compact but targeted LED strategy focused on early childhood infrastructure, youth bursaries, and contractor skilling. Document was accepted with commendation on proportionality and quality.
Most Recent Date: 2023
SLP Relevance: Strong example of fit-for-purpose planning for junior license holders entering formal compliance.

Renergen Tetra4 EIMS
Project Type: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment and Need & Desirability
Key Outcome: Baseline showed distressed infrastructure and high energy insecurity in the Virginia–Welkom corridor. Developed a compelling narrative on the catalytic potential of domestic gas. Integrated employment forecasts, municipal grid benefits, and local procurement strategy into one cohesive impact model.
Most Recent Date: 2021
SLP Relevance: Influential in mainstreaming gas-linked LED logic. Anticipated carbon reduction co-benefits.

Thungela
Project Type: SLP Annual Performance Evaluation
Key Outcome: Reviewed post-spin-off SLP implementation at various sites. Focused on wage equity, MCD project coherence, and stakeholder engagement following corporate restructuring. Delivered concise evaluation tool for internal alignment and DMRE compliance.
Most Recent Date: 2022
SLP Relevance: Shows how major houses manage compliance continuity across legacy and new operations.

FSRU Exigen
Project Type: EIA-linked Socio-Economic Justification
Key Outcome: Developed a socio-economic justification for offshore LNG infrastructure near Saldanha. Addressed community concerns around marine access, safety, and visual impact. Linked gas import infrastructure to regional energy security, industrial scaling, and just transition objectives.
Most Recent Date: 2021
SLP Relevance: Though not a mining SLP, this project contributed valuable framing for energy-SLP equivalency and licensing narratives.

Manyeleti
Project Type: Socio-Economic Strategy for Mining Rights Application
Key Outcome: Built a hybrid conservation–mining economic model in collaboration with traditional leadership. Proposed community-led revenue model using portions of royalty flows for ecotourism and conservation employment.
Most Recent Date: 2023
SLP Relevance: Early demonstration of biodiversity-linked LED structures with cultural governance.

Nsimbinthle
Project Type: SLP Compliance and Integration Review
Key Outcome: Audited multiple community trusts and procurement records. Assisted in aligning these records to the SLP’s intended commitments, flagging irregularities, and providing a compliance gap register. Offered digital tracking templates.
Most Recent Date: 2022
SLP Relevance: Example of post-implementation integration, cleaning up fragmented reporting to enhance audit visibility and trust credibility.

SLP4Good Consulting

Mining charter calls for SLP audits and verification

Social and Labour Plan Mining Charter Advisory