Newsletter / Blog
2011-07-21 Appeal Against Mining at Mapungubwe based on Science
The Coalition has noted media
reports stating that the environmental authorisation granted to Coal of Africa
Limited (CoAL) by the Department of Environmental Affairs in the first s.24G
application for rectification of illegal activities, was based on
“science, not emotion”.
It also noted a statement that
“the DEA’s Ishaam Abader defended the decision to grant
environmental consent for CoAL's Vele colliery, saying any impact could be
mitigated and that indigenous vegetation could be moved from where roads would
be built, and planted elsewhere”.
The Coalition’s opposition
to the proposed colliery at Vele is based on detailed scientific studies on the
groundwater, biodiversity, heritage, socio-economic, air quality, noise and
tourism impacts posed by this mine, which were conducted by a wide range of
experts in these fields. It appears that the DEA is attempting to sweep aside
serious concerns highlighted in these scientific studies by attempting to
mitigate all negative impacts through conditions in the authorisation. This is
neither realistic nor based on sound science.
Furthermore, the strong sense of
connection thousands of people, both locally and abroad, feel to the Mapungubwe
Cultural Landscape, its resources and history, is of great significance.
The Coalition will be lodging its notice of
intention to appeal the authorisation under s.24G within the prescribed time
period, i.e. by 25 July 2011. It will also shortly lodge its appeal against the
water use licence granted to Limpopo Coal in March 2011, which will suspend the
operation of that licence pending a decision by the Water Tribunal.
The Coalition is also currently appealing
the mining right granted by the Department of Mineral Resources as well as the
associated approval of the Environmental Management Programme. The Coalition
further launched interdict proceedings to stop CoAL from carrying on any mining
or related operations on the Vele site.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Yolan Friedmann
Chief Executive Officer
Endangered Wildlife Trust
Tel: (011) 372 3600
Email: yolanf@ewt.org.za |