Coal mining rights approved, 20 days for appeals

Community Alerts/Andries Mocheko/Limpopo/ 12 May 2017

Lephalale – Groothoek Coal Mining Company (Pty) Ltd recently received authorization for coal mining rights on the farms Groothoek 504 LQ and Eendracht 505 LQ within the Lephalale Local Municipality area. This area borders Onverwacht area, Marapong Township and New Development Residents Area (Altoostyd). The mine (open cast) will thus be situated in the middle of town.

In a letter dated 18 April 2017, the Department of Mineral Resources confirms that they have decided to grant Integrated Environmental Authorization in terms of Section 24L of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998).

All affected and interested parties get the opportunity to appeal in terms of Regulation 4 (2) (b) of the National Appeal Regulations, 2014.

The Lephalale Local Municipality held an urgent special council meeting on Monday in order to discuss the approval of mining rights, but the Municipal Manager, Edith Tukakgomo, could not be reached when WEJF and WWAO try to engage with her concerning the approval of Groothoek Coal Mine that was going to take place in Lephalale, because last time we check Groothoek coal mine public participation with Lephalale residents never succeeded as a result of the community being against with this mine.

-NB Mining Rights approved – still time to appeal.

WITHIN 20 DAYS after the date of the notification dated 26 April 2017 (all appeals have to be lodged before 15 May 2017). Concerned Citizens of Lephalale lodge an appeal against Groothoek Coal Mine.

This appeal is Supported By the following local Organization:

-SAWU-Tharina Rossel

-WEJF

-WWAO

– WAU SKEMER- Elana Greyling. By Andries Mocheko