The Minister of Science and Technology, has in accordance with section 23 of the AGAA, given notice of her intention to declare that Open cast mining and mining dumps at ground level; and Hydraulic fracturing (or fracking), are prohibited within the Sutherland Central Astronomy Advantage Area. The notice only applies to the area declared for the purpose of optical astronomy and related scientific endeavors in terms of section 9(1) and (2) of the Act, and as published in Government Gazette No. 37434, under Notice No.199 on 12 March 2014.
Interested or affected persons and members of the public are to submit written representations on or objections to the proposed declaration within sixty (60) days from the date of publication of the above-mentioned notice.