SALDANHA – The West Coast District Municipality (WKDM) has rejected Transnet Port Terminals’ application to renew its Atmospheric Emission Licence (AEL) for bulk iron-ore terminal operations in Saldanha, citing years of non-compliance, persistent procurement delays, and failure to address dust pollution concerns.

The decision, confirmed this week by WKDM spokesperson Heinrich Robertson, marks the first time in years the licensing authority has declined to renew the controversial permit, following years of persistent complaints from residents about dust pollution affecting the greater Saldanha Bay area.

Both Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and objectors who participated in the AEL application process have the right to appeal the decision before Thursday 9 July.

Robertson said the licence holder has failed to consistently comply with current AEL conditions aimed at reducing the nuisance impact of dust emissions.

TPT’s indication that outstanding projects will likely only be implemented by 2028 due to procurement constraints was dismissed by WKDM. “Procurement-related challenges have been cited as reasons for non-compliance with project implementation dates since 2016,” Robertson said. “While the licensing authority has previously applied reasonable discretion, continued reliance on this justification is no longer acceptable.”

Input received during the public-participation process indicates the main concern relates to dust nuisance, specifically the contamination of properties. Outstanding projects were meant to reduce the identified dust nuisance, but these objectives have not been achieved due to continued procurement constraints preventing project implementation. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has already issued Environmental Authorisations and two other AELs within the port. “It therefore makes sense for DFFE to act as licensing authority for all AELs within the port,” Robertson said.

WKDM revealed that it has been in discussions with DFFE during February and March 2026 about the possible transfer of the AEL. The department has welcomed the possibility of such a transfer and will become the licensing authority from now on.

“The AEL application process was already underway,” Robertson explained, “and therefore the West Coast District Municipality must complete the current process before DFFE can assume responsibility as licensing authority. Any future requirements, standards or conditions that Transnet must meet will depend on the position of DFFE’s Air Quality Management Unit.”

The existing AEL remains valid until its expiry date of 2 September 2026. During the 21-day appeal period, WKDM will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with AEL conditions through regular site inspections and review of operational data.

“No negative impact is foreseen,” Robertson said. “Transnet’s operations are expected to continue normally during the 21-day appeal period and, if applicable, until the AEL reaches its expiry date.”

Rejection welcomed by advocacy group

The Red Dust Action Group (RDAG), which has spearheaded community opposition to the terminal’s environmental impact, welcomed the decision as a watershed moment for public participation. “For the first time in five years, we have had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact as civil society, and our voices have been heard,” RDAG said in a media statement. “The public has spoken. Your voice has been heard.”

The rejection follows extensive public participation, with residents, business owners, health-care professionals and environmental advocates submitting comments, attending meetings and lodging complaints about the terminal’s dust emissions and their impact on quality of life.

RDAG characterised the decision not as a setback for the port, but as “an opportunity to modernise operations,” implement world-class dust mitigation systems, restore public trust and demonstrate that the Port of Saldanha can be “both a globally competitive export facility and a responsible neighbour.”

The group stressed that, regardless of future emission limits, Transnet must now adopt “a far more proactive approach to pollution prevention and mitigation. Compliance alone is no longer enough. Communities expect leadership, innovation, transparency, and a commitment to continuous improvement.”

Robertson reassured residents that concerns about air quality and dust emissions were being taken seriously. “The WKDM, together with DFFE, will continue to enforce the provisions of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act. This includes ensuring all facilities with Atmospheric Emission Licences operate responsibly, actively reduce and limit emissions, and comply with national legal requirements. These efforts are aimed at protecting public health and upholding residents’ constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being.”

RDAG said it remained committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including Transnet, government authorities, industry, organised business, labour and civil society. “We remain convinced a cleaner port is not only achievable but essential for unlocking the full economic potential of Saldanha Bay and attracting future investment into the region.”

In a statement, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) confirmed that the Saldanha Iron Ore Terminal’s Atmospheric Emission Licence renewal process is under review following engagements between regulators and stakeholders. It said the terminal remains legally compliant under its current licence, valid until September 2026, and that operations and export activities are unaffected. The company said it remains committed to environmental compliance and investment in emissions reduction.