The Extractive Industry Law in Africa (EILA) Unit, housed in the Department of Public Law at the University of Pretoria, Faculty of Law, proudly participated in the 4th EAPASA SADC Regional Conference held at Graceland Hotel Casino, Secunda, Mpumalanga, and hosted by the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA).

EILA was represented by its Director, Dr Tiisetso Rantlo, and Mr Senzo Msiza, an LLM candidate in Extractive Industry Law and Academic Associate in the Department of Public Law. The theme of the conference, “SADC Sustainable Synergies,” created an ideal space for regional collaboration and knowledge exchange on sustainability.

Dr Rantlo presented a paper titled “Reimagining Public Participation in IEM: Toward Social Inclusion within the Extractive Industry,” which explored practical pathways for more inclusive and effective environmental public participation.

In his first international conference, Mr Msiza presented a paper examining Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) through the lens of environmental justice and human rights, offering a valuable contribution to ongoing academic and policy debates.

Reflecting on EILA’s participation, Dr Rantlo noted, “As EILA, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing environmental law scholarship, promoting responsible and sustainable mining, and nurturing a new generation of scholars passionate about the extractive sector.”

EILA extends its warm congratulations to Mr Senzo Msiza on his excellent international debut, marking a proud moment for the Unit and the Faculty. The Unit also conveys its gratitude to the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) for the opportunity to contribute to the 2025 SADC Regional Conference and commends the Association on hosting yet another successful event.