THE Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed on Friday, with costs, an appeal by Sasol and Gauteng’s director of mineral development against a High Court decision in March 1999. The High Court had set aside Sasol’s authorisation to strip-mine the Rietspruit wetland on the Vaal River for coal. The ruling means that mining companies and the authorities have to listen to all interested and effected parties prior to deciding whether a mining licence in terms of section 9 of the Minerals Act 50 of 1991 should be issued.