No mervco, there are no other issues besides the environmental...

No mervco, there are no other issues besides the environmental appeals that stand in the way of the MR getting signed off. A mining right is granted if:

• The mineral can be mined optimally
• You have the funds and expertise to conduct the proposed mining operation optimally
• The financing plan is compatible with the intended mining operation and for the duration thereof
• No unacceptable pollution or damage to the environment will occur as a result of the mining operation
• You have made financial and other provisions for the prescribed social and labour plan
• You are not contravening the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) (MPRDA)
• The operation is in line with the Mining Charter.

WWI is currently awaiting point 4 after which the criteria has met. That's the reason they are saying it was approved because the EA was already granted by the DMR last year but it gets suspended instantly the moment any appeal is lodged, until there is a resolution on that appeal. DMR is backing WWI fully, and we are just waiting on the DEFF now; interestingly they state that once an appeal is lodged they will often consider more than whether the original reason for the grant was valid and by also accounting for whether or not mining is desirable. Based on the economic situation brought about by covid and comments by the President, etc it does seem mining is desirable in general, and there are a multitude of reasons including providing jobs, preventing illegal mining, ground already being open, etc. Once the EA appeals are cleared, the MR is just clockwork. However this has obviously shown to be quite a hurdle.