How to Get a DMRE Mining Permit: Complete Guide 2026

The Department of Mineral Resources and <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/energy'>Energy</a> (DMRE) regulates all <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> activities in South Africa under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA, Act 28 of 2002). For mining companies, contractors, and service providers targeting this sector, understanding the DMRE authorization process is essential for accessing mining-related government tenders and ensuring legal compliance in mineral extraction activities.

South Africa's <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> sector remains one of the largest contributors to GDP and government revenue. Government tenders related to mining infrastructure, mining services, rehabilitation, and exploration all require contractors to understand and comply with DMRE requirements. Whether you're applying for your own mining rights or providing services to mining operations, this guide covers the essential DMRE authorization pathways.

Types of DMRE Mining Authorizations

Who Needs DMRE Authorization?

• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>Mining</a> companies:</strong> Any entity extracting minerals commercially
• <strong>Quarries and sand <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a>:</strong> Aggregate, dimension stone, <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/construction'>building</a> sand extraction
• <strong>Exploration companies:</strong> Seeking prospecting rights for mineral discovery
• <strong>Artisanal miners:</strong> Small-scale miners requiring <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> permits
• <strong>Mineral processors:</strong> Plants processing extracted minerals
• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>Mining</a> contractors:</strong> Companies providing services to mining rights holders
• <strong>Mine rehabilitation:</strong> Companies undertaking mine closure and rehabilitation

Requirements for Mining Right Application

Legal and Corporate Requirements

• <a href='/glossary#cipc'>CIPC</a> company registration documents
• <a href='/glossary#tcc'>Tax Clearance Certificate</a> (Tax Compliance Status)
• <a href='/glossary#b-bbee'>B-BBEE</a> Certificate (preferably Level 4 or higher)
• Proof of financial capability to conduct <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> operations
• Proof of technical capability (qualified personnel)

Environmental Requirements

• <strong>Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):</strong> Full EIA process under NEMA for significant <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a>
• <strong>Environmental Management Programme (EMPr):</strong> Detailed plan for managing environmental impacts
• <strong>Financial Provision:</strong> Guarantee for rehabilitation and closure costs
• <strong>Water Use Licence:</strong> From DWS if <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> affects water resources

Social and Labour Plan (SLP)

A critical component of any <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> right application is the Social and Labour Plan (SLP), which must address:

• <strong>Human Resource Development:</strong> <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>Training</a>, skills development, and employment equity
• <strong>Local Economic Development:</strong> Projects benefiting <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> communities
• <strong>Housing and Living Conditions:</strong> Standards for mine employee <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/accommodation'>accommodation</a>
• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>Procurement</a>:</strong> Targets for local and HDSA procurement
• <strong>Community Development:</strong> Infrastructure and social projects
• <strong>Downscaling and Retrenchment:</strong> Plans for managing mine closure impacts

Technical Requirements

• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>Mining</a> Work Programme:</strong> Detailed operational plan for extraction
• <strong>Geological Report:</strong> Prepared by SACNASP-registered geologist
• <strong>Mine Manager:</strong> Holder of Mine Manager's Certificate of Competency
• <strong>Health and Safety Plan:</strong> Compliance with Mine Health and Safety Act

Step-by-Step Mining Right Application Process

1. <strong>Pre-Application Consultation:</strong> Meet with Regional DMRE office to discuss application requirements
2. <strong>SAMRAD Application:</strong> Submit application via DMRE's online SAMRAD (South African Mineral Resources Administration) system
3. <strong>Application Acceptance:</strong> DMRE verifies application completeness within 14 days
4. <strong>Regional Manager Review:</strong> Assessment of application against MPRDA requirements
5. <strong>Environmental Authorization:</strong> Submit EIA/EMPr application to DMRE (one environmental system)
6. <strong>Community Consultation:</strong> Conduct stakeholder engagement as required by regulations
7. <strong>SLP Submission:</strong> Submit Social and Labour Plan for review
8. <strong>Financial Provision:</strong> Submit rehabilitation financial guarantee
9. <strong>Technical Assessment:</strong> DMRE technical review of <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> work programme
10. <strong>Ministerial Consent:</strong> Final decision by Minister or Regional Manager (delegated)
11. <strong>Execution:</strong> Execute <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> right agreement with DMRE
12. <strong>Registration:</strong> Register right at Mineral and Petroleum Titles Registration Office (MPTRO)

Costs and Timeline

Mining Permit for Small-Scale Mining

For <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> areas under 5 hectares, a Mining Permit offers a simpler process than a full Mining Right:

• <strong>Simplified Environmental:</strong> Basic Assessment instead of full EIA
• <strong>Limited Duration:</strong> Maximum 3 years, renewable
• <strong>Area Limit:</strong> Maximum 5 hectares
• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/manufacturing'>Production</a> Limit:</strong> May have production volume limits
• <strong>Faster Processing:</strong> Typically 6-12 months
• <strong>Lower Financial Provision:</strong> Reduced rehabilitation guarantee requirements

Compliance and Reporting Requirements

• <strong>Annual Compliance Reports:</strong> Submit to DMRE on <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> and SLP progress
• <strong>Environmental Monitoring:</strong> Regular EMPr compliance reporting
• <strong>SLP Implementation:</strong> Annual progress reports on social and labour plan
• <strong>MHSC Compliance:</strong> Mine Health and Safety Act compliance under Chief Inspector of Mines
• <strong>Financial Provision Review:</strong> Annual review and adjustment of rehabilitation guarantee
• <strong>Royalty Payments:</strong> Mineral royalties paid to National Treasury

B-BBEE and Mining Charter

<a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>Mining</a> companies and contractors must comply with the Mining Charter, which includes specific ownership and <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>procurement</a> targets exceeding generic <a href='/glossary#b-bbee'>B-BBEE</a> requirements. Key Mining Charter elements include:

• <strong>Ownership:</strong> Minimum 30% meaningful economic participation by HDP (Historically Disadvantaged Persons)
• <strong><a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>Procurement</a>:</strong> Minimum 70% from BEE-compliant entities, with targets for black-owned and black youth/women-owned suppliers
• <strong>Employment Equity:</strong> Progressive targets for representation at all levels
• <strong>Human Resource Development:</strong> Minimum percentage of payroll invested in <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/education'>skills development</a>

Related Resources

• <a href='/industries/mining'>Mining Industry Guide</a> - Complete overview of <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a> sector tender requirements
• <a href='/blog/how-to-register-with-sacnasp'>SACNASP Registration</a> - For geologists and environmental scientists
• <a href='/blog/how-to-get-iso-45001-certification'>ISO 45001 Certification</a> - Safety management for <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/mining'>mining</a>
• <a href='/blog/how-to-get-waste-management-license'>Waste Management License</a> - For mine <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>waste management</a>