WELCOME TO RIPL

Ripl is Protect the West Coast’s innovative new digital platform.

An accessible, user-friendly technology solution, Ripl is set to revolutionise the Public Participation Process to hold the mining industry accountable on the South African West Coast.

The West Coast is under siege

Why Ripl?

Reconnaissance, prospecting and mining applications are coming in at an alarming rate. The South African government has a mandate to expand mining in the country, and in recent years, has been approving the majority of these applications with little or no oversight. 

The Public Participation Process (PPP) acts as a vital mechanism for ordinary citizens to register as Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs), and submit their comments, objections and appeals to hold state entities such as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) – and the mining industry – to account, and ensure transparency.

The current comments and objections process is often too complex and inaccessible for ordinary citizens – especially for those with poor literacy and/or computer skills or no access to a computer – and is thus heavily skewed in favour of the government and mining companies.

Developed by Cape Town digital agency iBay as an accessible, easy-to-use digital public participation platform, Ripl is designed to revolutionise the entire process, amplify all of our voices and empower ordinary citizens to take meaningful action against illegal mining.

How it works

We’ve reimagined citizen participation with our innovative online portal. Our technology simplifies the entire process, making it accessible to anyone with a smartphone.

Here’s how Ripl will change the game:

Centralised Information

All mining applications are now easily accessible in one platform.

Simplified Registration

Sign up with your cell phone number. No complicated forms, no hassle.

Easy Participation

Register as an interested and affected party (I&AP) and comment on applications directly.

Smart Forms

Our streamlined forms remove the need for printing, scanning or emailing, making your participation as easy as a few taps on your screen.

Instant Notifications

Stay informed with SMS alerts about new mining applications, public meetings and updates.

Direct Communication

Ripl ensures your comments reach the Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) without you having to navigate the complicated process alone.

Empowering citizens

In a world where the pace of industrial expansion often overlooks environmental conservation, the Cape West Coast is facing a critical juncture. Mining activities threaten to disrupt this ecologically rich area, pushing its diverse ecosystems to the brink and negatively affecting local communities. The DMRE’s drive to expand mining, coupled with a complex and inaccessible objection process, has left ordinary citizens sidelined – until now.

The challenge

The traditional process for public participation in mining applications is daunting and complex. From the lack of initial notifications about new applications and public meetings, to the cumbersome task of registering objections, the system is not designed for easy citizen involvement. The requirement for physical forms, access to scanning and emailing facilities, or even postal services is often unavailable or inconvenient for many, which has stifled voices that should – and must – be heard.

The aim

Our goal is clear, to make public participation in the environmental approval process as straightforward and impactful as possible. By eliminating barriers to information and simplification of the objection process, we’re not just giving citizens a voice; we’re amplifying it.

Take action

Your voice is powerful and together we can make a real difference. Sign up to Ripl today, and let’s take a stand to protect the Cape West Coast for generations to come.