Nomfundo Dlamini

To contribute to environmental governance and sustainable development by applying environmental legislation, compliance monitoring and environmental management practices in a manner that protects natural resources, supports communities, and enables responsible economic activity. I aim to promote cooperation between regulators, developers, and communities to achieve environmentally sound and socially responsible outcomes.

Environmental Officer Intern at Ikwezi Mining (2025-09 – Present)

• Managed the complete prospecting rights application lifecycle via the South African Mineral Resources Administration System (SAMRAD), including preparation, compilation and submission.
• Coordinated and submitted mandatory supporting documentation, including Prospecting Work Programs and Environmental Authorisation applications.
• Ensured timely registration of prospecting rights applications with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
• Prepared and submitted Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) applications to access records for rejected applications and inform future strategy.
• Completed Section 11 Amendment applications and supported related regulatory amendment processes.
• Directed on-site teams to ensure adherence to environmental and regulatory standards.
• Reviewed and provided feedback on monthly reports and site-specific compliance trackers.
• Monitored Water Use License renewals, ensuring applications were initiated before expiry and representing the company in renewal meetings with DWS.
• Reviewed Water Use Licenses and monitored operational compliance with license conditions.
• Conducted monthly site inspections to verify operational integrity, regulatory compliance and proper waste management practices.
• Led monthly operational review meetings to assess progress, identify challenges and develop targeted action plans.
• Reviewed environmental reports and compliance trackers to improve accuracy and legislative alignment.
• Advised and trained site personnel on waste segregation and good housekeeping standards.
• Secured land access for exploration by negotiating and liaising with landowners and relevant stakeholders.
• Developed and maintained an Excel database to track prospecting right application outcomes and enable trend analysis.
• Analysed rejection data to identify common pitfalls and provide insights to improve application success.
• Generated and managed purchase requisitions using SAP to support site operations and procurement needs.

Environmental intern at Zinoju Coal (2024-01 – 2024-12)

Reason for leaving: Moved to Head Office (Ikwezi Mining).

• Monitored and enforced compliance with environmental authorisations, Integrated Water Use License Applications (IWULAs) and site-specific Environmental Management Programmes (EMPrs).
• Conducted environmental audits and site inspections to identify non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
• Compiled internal environmental reports, including audit findings, compliance performance metrics and monthly regulatory submissions.
• Investigated environmental incidents and ensured root cause analysis and corrective actions were captured and tracked.
• Collected, managed and analysed environmental data relating to air quality, waste management, water usage, biodiversity and land rehabilitation.
• Conducted on-site water sampling in accordance with Water Use License conditions and coordinated laboratory analysis.
• Developed and maintained compliance tracking systems to support proactive environmental management.
• Led weekly environmental toolbox talks for site workers, contractors and visitors on best practices, incident prevention and regulatory requirements.
• Served as an on-site liaison for environmental matters, engaging with internal teams, landowners and regulatory authorities.
• Advised operational teams on waste segregation, spill response and sustainable housekeeping practices.

Bachelor Of Science in Environmental Science and Water Management – University of Mpumalanga (2024)

Introduction To SAMTRAC – NOSA College (2025)

SHE Representative – NOSA College (2025)