The topic of coal mining in Newcastle continues to stir debate among residents, with some expressing concerns about its implications and others welcoming the development. However, this leads to an important question: What is the current status of the proposed mining projects in Newcastle?
Regarding the first mine, as reported by Newcastillian News at the end of last year, Cabanga Environmental, the company employed by Minetek Resources for necessary studies, formally submitted its final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) in December 2023.
In a communication issued on 6 December 2023, Cabanga Environmental informed residents that they would be notified of the Department’s decision and provided with details of the appeal process if they wished to pursue this course.
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However, five months later, there has been silence around Minetek Resources’ application. According to Cabanga Environmental, the DMRE has not yet issued its approval, nor has it denied the application.
Yet, a company representative noted that residents would be notified as soon as a decision was made, as well as being notified of the appeal process as required by the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
Since the launch of Minetek Resources’ plans, and the company awaiting approval, it would seem the Municipality has been working hard to secure mining projects across Newcastle.
During the Newcastle Mayoral Roadshows, it was noted by the Newcastle Municipality that there are currently commitments on the Social and Labour Plans (SLP) projects worth a total value of R22,990,000 from three mining companies: the MSI Group, Future Coal, and Minetek Resources.
Furthermore, the Newcastle Municipality did not divulge where the MSI Group and Future Coal intend to conduct their operations. However, during the Mayoral Roadshows it was highlighted that when looking at mobilising and securing private sector funds for public investment, the Municipality’s Directorate was engaging with the mining companies operating within the Newcastle Municipality’s jurisdiction. These engagements are to compile and implement social and labour plans that are a true reflection of the needs of the community as a whole.
As Minetek Resources awaits its official approval, while the Newcastle Municipality engages with the various mining companies, what are your thoughts on the above?
Share your views in the comment section below.
5 Responses
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There’s also a mine at Embabane, under Danhauser Municipality. It has caused sleepless nights because of noise, blusting and trucks as well. Families no longer save as the houses are cracking now. The mine is not clear when they will move the families or even pay for them to mkve nix.
This is really concerning to the public safety and health of the community and I am disappointed in Newcastle District 😕 😞 the way they have been handling this issue 😢
The main issue about this mines
They destroy our street meaning (tar road) they don’t maintain it as well in blaauwbosch and our municipal don’t engage on that matter in hand.lot of course by those trucks when they passing from SJ Zulu, theku plaza towards Utrecht road. I’m disappointed as a citizen of Newcastle 🤞
DISASTER,!!
Already a sale of a house has fallen through im the northern suburbs ,the buyer realising the effect the mining would have on the
value of his purchase.
withdrew from the deal
I have no problem with the mines, as long as they will hire the residents of Newcastle not those who hire people from outside Newcastle ,people from Limpopo and NW, for an example, Ikhwezi mine