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.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.