Authorisations & Licensing
Full management of mandatory environmental licensing processes to secure your legal right to operate, from Basic Assessments through to Water Use, Waste Management and Atmospheric Emission Licences.
Why Authorisations & Licensing Matter
Almost every industrial, mining, agricultural, or infrastructure project in South Africa requires some form of environmental authorisation or licence before construction or operation can begin. These processes are governed by NEMA, the National Water Act, NEM:WA and NEM:AQA, and each carries its own timelines, technical requirements, and public participation obligations.
We manage the full application lifecycle on your behalf — from initial screening and specialist studies through to submission, regulatory engagement, and final authorisation — so that your project secures its legal right to operate as efficiently as possible.
Our Authorisations & Licensing Services
Basic Assessments (BA)
For activities listed under Listing Notices 1 and 3 of the NEMA EIA Regulations, we compile and manage the Basic Assessment process — covering site screening, public participation, and the Basic Assessment Report submitted to the competent authority.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
For higher-impact activities listed under Listing Notice 2, we manage the full Scoping and EIA process, including specialist studies, alternatives analysis, and mitigation planning to support environmental authorisation.
Environmental Authorisations (EA)
We manage the end-to-end application process for Environmental Authorisation under NEMA, including liaison with the competent authority, responding to requests for further information, and managing appeals where required.
Water Use Licensing (WUL)
Under Section 21 of the National Water Act, we prepare and submit Water Use Licence applications — including supporting technical studies — for water uses that fall outside Schedule 1, existing lawful use, or a General Authorisation.
General Authorisations (GA)
Where a water use qualifies under a General Authorisation rather than a full licence, we assess eligibility and manage registration and ongoing compliance with the applicable GA conditions.
Water Use Registrations
We assist with registering existing lawful water uses and Schedule 1 uses with the relevant water management authority to formalise your water use status.
Waste Management Licences (WML)
Under NEM:WA, we manage licence applications for waste management activities such as storage, treatment, recycling, and disposal, including the associated technical and public participation requirements.
Atmospheric Emission Licences (AEL)
Under NEM:AQA, we compile and submit AEL applications for listed activities, including emissions assessment and dispersion modelling support where required.
EMPr Development & Amendments
We develop Environmental Management Programmes to guide construction, operational, and rehabilitation phases, and manage formal amendments as project scopes evolve.
Our Application Process
Screening & Scoping
Assess your project against applicable listing notices and legislation to determine which authorisations and licences are required.
Application Preparation
Compile technical reports, specialist studies and supporting documentation, and manage public participation where required.
Submission & Engagement
Submit applications to the relevant competent authority and manage all follow-up queries, requests for information, and negotiations.
Authorisation & Support
Secure your authorisation or licence and provide ongoing support for compliance, amendments, and renewals.
Other Core Services
Ready to Discuss Your Licensing Requirements?
Our technical experts are ready to assess your project and guide you through the authorisation and licensing process.