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EIA for the Multi-commodity Prospecting Right Offshore of Richards Bay, South Africa

Short Project Title

EIA for the Multi-commodity Prospecting off Richards Bay

Project Title

Multi-commodity Prospecting Right Offshore off Richards Bay, South Africa

SRK Project Reference Number

612838

EA Holder

N/A

Official Reference Number

KZN30/5/1/1/2/12024PR

SRK Project Manager

Marais Geldenhuys

Contact Person

Yakira Naina

Contact Email

ctpp@srk.co.za

Contact Number

+27 21 659 3060

Multi-commodity Prospecting off Richards Bay

PROJECT SYNOPSIS

Trans Hex Heavy Minerals Mining (Pty) Ltd (THHMM) is applying for a Multi-commodity Prospecting Right offshore of Richards Bay, South Africa. Prospecting entails geophysical surveys, drill sampling, and bulk sampling. Targeted minerals and metals include:

  • Gemstones;
  • Precious metals;
  • Ferrous and non-ferrous metals;
  • Heavy minerals; and
  • Industrial minerals.

In terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014, an application for a Prospecting Right requires an Environmental Authorisation.

THHMM has appointed SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (SRK) to undertake the EIA process required in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA) and the EIA Regulations, 2014.

PROJECT LOCATION

Northern boundary of project precinct approximately 5 km offshore of Richards Bay, South Africa, and 35 km offshore on the southern boundary.

STATUS OF PROJECT

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report, and Executive Summary of the EIA Report, for the project were released for public review and comment between 21 November 2025 and 12 January 2026. A Public Open Day was held in Richards Bay on 26 November 2025, a Small-Scale Fishers Focus Group Meeting was held in Richards Bay on 27 November 2025, and an online Focus Group Meeting with  Richards Bay Clean Air Association (RBCAA) on 12 December 2025. 

The public participation process conducted to date has provided stakeholders the opportunity to submit their comments on the EIA Report. Comments received during the EIA Phase have been incorporated into the Final EIA Report, which was submitted to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) on 11 March 2026 for their decision making.  

Once a decision is taken by authorities, this decision and the associated appeal procedure will be communicated to all registered stakeholders.