Notwithstanding any other Act, no person may-
(a) commence an activity listed or specified in terms of section 24(2)(a) or (b) unless the competent authority or the Minister responsible for mineral resources, as the case may be, has granted an environmental authorisation for the activity; or
(b) commence and continue an activity listed in terms of section 24(2)(d) unless it is done in terms of an applicable norm or standard.