Newcastle may soon transform into a coal mining hub, as several companies have targeted the area and its surroundings.
Currently, a total of nine mining companies are applying for prospecting rights in Newcastle, each earmarking specific sites both in and around the region.
Their goal is to source coal from within the area, with the potential promise of bringing some economic development to the region. However, a pressing question looms—if these projects are approved, what impact will this have on the local community?
The first coal project is one that Newcastillians are already quite familiar with—Minetek Resources. This project is set to impact the D96, commonly referred to as the Vulintaba Road, and is planned to be situated just 5km outside of Newcastle. Newcastillian News first reported the project in 2023, where it was revealed that the initiative involves open-pit mining, with the possibility of future underground coal mining across various farm portions west of Newcastle.
Up to seven open pits have been identified for exploitation, with plans for concurrent backfilling. According to the mine, the coal processing will be limited to on-site crushing, screening, and sorting, without any proposed washing. The project will also include supporting infrastructure, such as security, office facilities, a workshop, roads, and water management infrastructure.
Furthermore, the necessary documentation and applications for this project have already been submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
To read more about this project, click here.
This project, which has already sparked public outrage, is not the only one on the horizon. Another mining company has submitted a request for prospecting rights for several farms located 10km north of Newcastle. Furthermore, a third project has seen yet another company target the Signal Hill area for mining rights.
As reported by Newcastillian News in March 2024, the company pursuing the Signal Hill area was approached for comment but declined. At the time, Councillor Bebsie Cronje raised serious concerns about the environmental and community-wide impacts this project could have.
To read more about this project, click here.
The remaining mining applications include plans for the Lennoxton area, one site 10km from Dannhauser in the direction of Newcastle along the R34 (Memel Road), another location not far from Newcastle, and a proposed project north of Chelmsford Reserve in the vicinity of Normandien. Two additional companies are looking to mine local farms surrounding Newcastle.
As these companies eye Newcastle’s coal reserves, Newcastle Municipality’s Councillor Faizel Cassim expressed his concerns. “While it is an opportunity to create employment, I am against coal mining in the area due to the impact it would have on the health of the town’s community. Furthermore, certain mines do not follow the necessary requirements of cleaning the area after they have completed their mining projects, and this will further impact the environment.”
Cllr Cassim also pointed out that Newcastle is well-known for its agricultural sector, and significant portions of farmland would be destroyed in the process. Additionally, he voiced concerns over the impact on local road infrastructure, which would suffer immensely due to large vehicles transporting coal shipments through Newcastle and along national routes.
He further explained that while the mining companies are still in the consultation phase, the Municipality’s hands are currently tied. However, he assured that once the mines receive approval from the DMRE (Department of Mineral Resources and Energy), the Municipality will address the issue when these companies come to acquire land.
As these mining companies wait for their responses from the DMRE, Councillor Bertie Meiring added that, to date, the Newcastle Municipality has objected to the mining company that set its sights on the Signal Hill area.
He also confirmed that the application targeting the Lennoxton area had already been rejected.
Cllr Meiring went on to agree with Cllr Cassim, particularly voicing concerns over the strain on local road infrastructure and the health hazards posed by coal dust, which could leave Newcastillians “gasping for fresh air.”
Reflecting on the issue, Cllr Meiring advised residents not to be overly anxious for now, as the Newcastle Municipality Council will still have an opportunity to provide input and approve or reject these projects once the DMRE grants approval.
While the local government might ultimately hold the final say on the matter, Angus Burns, lead for area-based conservation for WWF South Africa, shed light on broader concerns surrounding coal mining. He explained, “When it comes to coal mining, it’s one of the dirtiest forms of mining, with several studies showing that it has major impacts not only on the surrounding natural environment, but also on the health of people living in proximity to a mine, despite the mitigating measures mining companies might take.”
Burns further elaborated, “The environmentalists who conduct these environmental impact assessments often want the mines to operate, so they can be biased in their reporting. But we need to consider the full impact of these companies—coal mining destroys ecosystems, affects road infrastructure, and has far-reaching consequences. Moreover, the benefits of these companies do not always flow to the local community, as the mines typically employ few skilled workers and rely heavily on machinery.”
Building on this, Burns added that locals should not expect significant job creation from these coal mining projects, claiming that the mining companies and their shareholders are primarily profit-driven, with much of the coal being exported out of the country.
In addition, Burns warned that coal mines often use blasting techniques, which could seriously impact homes throughout Newcastle. Continuous blasting could cause structural damage to homes, sending tremors that shake buildings to their foundations. He also pointed out that mining companies might deter future outside investment due to the negative effects on people’s health, ecosystems, local infrastructure, and the general cleanliness of the town.
Concluding, Burns said that coal mines typically do not operate for long, as companies aim to extract as much coal as possible in a short time to maximise profits. He emphasised that once these mining projects shut down, they could leave Newcastle with a legacy of depleted water supplies, destroyed ecosystems, dilapidated infrastructure, and severe health problems.
As the Newcastle Municipality now waits for these companies to finalise their processes and for the DMRE to make its final decision on the projects that have not already been declined, the community is left wondering—what is the future of coal mining in Newcastle?
Share your views in the comments below.
Comments 4
Even if a mine is set up 20kms away from town, the winds will pick up and blow the coal dust into our domains. So, it’s going to be much worse if they set up in close proximity of about 5kms from the centre of town.
Mining of coal will just make matters worse for the community as once approved there will be no stopping them from damaging the peace we have presently while they are just profits driven.
These applications should be strongest rejected.
Why cant they prospect further outside town? Especially the dry barren rock areas. Why target Newcastle?
Thank you for keeping the residents of Newcastle updated on the mining applications in our back yard. It is important to get involved with the Environmental Impact Assesment by registering as an interested and affected person. Remember, the EIA practioner is normally paid by the mining company and could possibly be biased in favour of the mining company. We need to stand together for the future of our town through not allowing blasting, water pollution, damaged roads, unhealthy air pollution etc within say 10 km from town.