South Africa Moves to Block Mining Surveys Near Major Astronomy Site

South Africa is moving to tighten protections around one of its most important scientific assets, signalling a clampdown on mining-related exploration near the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT).

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has issued a notice of intention to amend regulations governing the Sutherland Central Astronomy Advantage Area (SCAAA), with the aim of banning not only mining but also exploration and prospecting activities within the protected zone.

Closing a Regulatory Loophole

The proposed amendment, gazetted on 21 January by Science Minister Blade Nzimande, seeks to close a loophole in the Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act that currently allows companies to conduct mineral prospecting in areas designated for astronomy.

While existing rules already prohibit open-cast mining, surface dumping, and hydraulic fracturing within the SCAAA, exploration and prospecting have remained legally permissible—raising concern among scientists and observatory operators.

In August 2024, Ramotholo Sefako, head of telescope operations at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), described mineral prospecting in the area as “a nightmare” due to potential interference with sensitive astronomical observations.

Scientific Community Welcomes Move

Sefako, who was involved in drafting the proposed amendment, said some companies had been exploiting the prospecting allowance to obtain licences despite the absence of any realistic mining pathway.

“We found it strange because why would you do prospecting when you are not going to do mining?” he said. “We wanted to make sure that nothing like that happens.”

The SAAO welcomed the department’s move, saying stronger protections are essential to preserve the integrity of one of the world’s premier astronomical sites.

Tension With Mining Authorities

The proposal comes as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) advances plans for geophysical investigations across parts of the south-central Karoo, including areas overlapping the Sutherland astronomy zone.

In October 2025, the DMRE concluded consultations on a subsurface geological mapping project involving seismic surveys using vibrations and controlled explosives. While the department indicated it would proceed initially with airborne surveys, seismic work would require environmental impact assessments and public consultation.

Maps published during the consultation process showed portions of the proposed survey area overlapping with the SCAAA, raising questions about policy alignment between the science and mining portfolios.

Inter-Departmental Discussions Ongoing

According to Sefako, discussions between the science and mineral resources departments have taken place but remain unresolved.

“The latest discussions were that this matter should be discussed at the level of directors-general,” he said, indicating that higher-level coordination will be required to reconcile scientific protection with mineral exploration objectives.

The DMRE had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

Public Consultation Window

Affected stakeholders now have 60 days to submit comments on the proposed amendment before it is finalised.

If adopted, the revised declaration would significantly strengthen South Africa’s protection of strategic astronomy infrastructure—while also setting a precedent for how scientific, environmental, and mineral interests are balanced in resource-rich regions.