Mondi South Africa (Pty) Ltd Richards Bay Mill (hereafter referred to as Mondi RB) is a pulp and paper mill situated on the north-east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, within the uMhlathuze Local Municipality and King Cetshwayo District Municipality. The mill produces paper, packaging paper, converted packaging products, uncoated fine paper, speciality products, and processes such as coating, release liner, as well as consumer flexibles.
On 4th November 2019, Mondi RB was granted an extension of the compliance timeframes via a postponement relating to point sources governed under Subcategory 1.1 and 1.3 of the Minimum Emission Standards (MES) issued in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004) (NEM: AQA).
Mondi will complete all other air quality compliance projects associated with the 2019 postponement roadmap. Construction, however, of the Fluidised Bed Boiler (“FBB”) was delayed by the impact of COVID-19 on Mondi’s annual shutdown schedule and, due to supply constraints, Sasol Gas will not renew Mondi’s contract post-2026. The later delay was due to the need to redesign the FBB to increase capacity and obtain an EA amendment for the increase.
Mondi RB was granted a condonation by the Minister, allowing the National Air Quality Officer (NAQO) to consider, after 31st March 2019, the application to be made in terms of paragraph 11B of the MES under NEM: AQA (“the 11B application”). The purpose of the 11B application is, if granted, to enable Mondi RB to lawfully continue operating its three power boilers until they are replaced by the FBB. The FBB is designed to enable Mondi RB to meet the new plant standard of 50 mg/Nm3 for particulate matter (“PM”) prescribed for Subcategory 1.1: Solid Fuel Combustion Installations under the MES.
Aligned with the requirements of Paragraph 12 of the MES the following documentation has been submitted to both the NAQO and the local Air Quality Officer (AQO):
- A motivation report that provides reasons and justification for the postponement application including the challenges faced in achieving compliance within the current road map timeframes.
- An Atmospheric Impact Report (AIR) undertaken in terms of Section 3 of National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004) NEM: AQA.
- A public Participation report that details the public participation process undertaken in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (Government Notice No. 982, 04 December 2014) under the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) to facilitate comment on this motivation and the AIR.
The NAQO is required to consider Mondi’s application for postponement together with the comments received as part of the public participation process and thereafter issue a subsequent decision. Stakeholders and Registered I&APs will also be notified once a decision regarding the postponement application has been made by the authorities. If registered I&APs find the provided responses unsatisfactory, they may address their concerns directly with the relevant authorities before 30 April 2025.
