The fate of the proposed coal mining project in Newcastle hangs in the balance as Cabanga Environmental eagerly awaits a decision from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
Cabanga Environmental formally submitted its final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to the DMRE on 30 November 2023, setting the stage for either the project’s approval or halt concerning the prospective mine on the outskirts of Newcastle.
Initially revealed in November 2023, the open-pit mining project stirred controversy with plans for coal extraction over various farm portions west of Newcastle, including potential future underground mining. Up to seven open pits were earmarked for exploitation, accompanied by backfilling operations.
According to the project details, onsite processing would be limited to crushing, screening, and sorting of coal, with additional infrastructure such as security, offices, workshops, roads, and water management facilities included.
Moreover, the mining company has identified the application area spanning 3,269 hectares, located 5 kilometres west of Newcastle. Surface activities would primarily occur in the eastern half of the application area, with future underground mining planned for the western portion.
However, transportation routes, including D96, Allen Street, and the R34 (Memel Road), are expected to be significantly affected by the mining activities.
As the new year unfolds, the DMRE has yet to announce its decision. Speaking with Lelani Claassens from Cabanga Environmental, she clarified that no approvals have been granted, as the DMRE is still evaluating the necessary reports.
While all the interested parties and residents will be notified when there is feedback, Claassens said this is not expected before April.
“The Water Use License Application is also still underway, and we will notify all once we put reports out for review,” said Claassens.
Simultaneously, a group of concerned community members, led by Mandy Austin and Natalie Kincaid-Smith, are gearing up for a legal battle against the mine, citing threats to water, wetlands, air quality, and community health.
The duo is establishing a Non-Profit Organisation and seeking financial support from the Newcastle community, requiring R300,000 by 24 January 2024 for legal costs as they prepare to work with Southey’s Attorneys on the matter.
For additional information, residents can contact Zak Scholtz at Southey Attorneys on 034 315 1241.
Adversely, numerous residents have come forward stating that the proposed mine would create jobs while alluring other businesses to the town, a positive shift for the current stagnant local economy.
Nevertheless, with conflicting viewpoints on the proposed mine, what are your thoughts, be sure to let us know in the comment section below.
10 Responses
I hope the mine goes ahead this town needs it the economy is so low it will boost the town and there will be job opportunities if the dust worries you wear a mask you will always find those who look for the negative and them selves I hope no one supports them they are just selfish in my eyes think of your neighbors before yourselves as the Good Book says
Please google Zero Sum Game. It means that one industry will develop at the cost of all others. We are thinking of our neighbors and our beloved town. The mines promise jobs and supply maybe 10 local jobs with the rest being brought from elsewhere. Most of Lennoxton is under-mined, with the first blast we have absolutely no guarantee Lennoxton will still exist. We are all for the urgent development of Newcastle and the town is going to have to work hard to turn things around but this is not the only mine…there are many other applications. Each new mine that comes will promise jobs and when the time comes to hire people then they don’t hire locals. Wearing a mask will not be optional for anyone.
You are very correct. Mining boosts local economies the world over and the dying economy of Newcastle would greatly benefit everyone. The mines bring large scale companies into the area and our kids don’t have to run away for any scrappy employment they can get in other areas.
Those will full bellies and old money will obviously disagree, however we should all be wishing the mine opens sooner to provide jobs, training and an opportunity to grow.
This town is turning into a ghost town bery quickly. That mine must open. So many jobs and not just with the mine will open. Daycare facilities will get busier. Shops will get busy because we can afford food.
Its a shame everybody sees jobs. A coal mine is a ditry coal duat covered place that polutes EVERYTHING. I hope they pay enough so that you And your family have a very good medical aid. You are going to need it
Hello people of the mine creation, did you consider the peoples houses and where will they live after the houses are destroyed? Also I fail to believe that opening certain places will give jobs because it’s not like the mine is going to take people that don’t have a matrix certificate and experience… Which most people don’t have that is why the unemployment is so high… If the government is willing to provide money for affected people to relocate then building the mine will problem, but let’s also think about when the explosion take place and a house wall falls on a child or a adult… Is the mine going to pay the family for the death of a loved one…? These are the things one should carefully think about… This is not about making money and one rich but this is about future generations and making this a better place… Think about mthe unemployed with out matric and experience before stating that building this mine will create jobs.🙏 Thanks you
Read the final reports on this mine….u will then believe how everyone is going to be affected. Wearing a mask is not going to help when the blast travels 5km or when the conveyor belts run 24/7. Neither is the mine going to employ 1000s of people….max 200 people or less…travel the road to Chelmsford and wake up to the realization of what the roads and surrounding areas will look like…..
If someone ask you ” What is a mine?” You must simply answer ” its a whole in the ground owned by a liar” , mining companies always talk about jobs, but in reality, the cause unemployment, dependency and violence in all communities. It never tell the truth about the destruction of our water sources, impact on our soil quality and our health? The costs are always externalized, whilst a few might have jobs, the majority will pay with their lives
If someone ask you ” What is a mine?” You must simply answer ” its a whole in the ground owned by a liar” , mining companies always talk about jobs, but in reality, they cause unemployment, dependency and violence in all communities. It never tell the truth about the destruction of our water sources, impact on our soil quality and our health? The costs are always externalized, whilst a few might have jobs, the majority will pay with their lives
Small business people are already starting to relocate to more sensible cities. Newcastle is already losing income from rates and taxes. These coal mines are having a damaging effect.
And why the silence from the Mayor and Co?