The Lydenburg Magistrates Court has ordered Samancor Chrome Limited to pay R200 000 for contravening the Environment Conservation Act.

The Department of Environmental Affairs said the conviction followed a plea agreement entered by the State and Samancor Chrome Limited.

“The conviction relates to the operation of a disposal site and disposing of waste without the requisite waste authorisations,” the department said.
Samancor Chrome Limited was ordered to pay an additional R700 000 to the Department of Environmental Affairs by 23 November to facilitate environmental initiatives at the Steelpoort Primary School, which was one of the proponents impacted by the unlawful activities.

The company also had to pay a further R1 million to the Department of Environmental Affairs for the purposes of proper execution of their duties, environmental rehabilitation and enforcement training.

The court also ordered that R100 000 be paid into the account of the Department of Environmental Affairs for the costs that were incurred by the public prosecutor in the matter.

“It is hoped that this judgement sends out a strong warning to companies that compliance with environmental legislation is not negotiable,” department spokesperson Albi Modise said. – SAnews.gov.za