Newcastle finds itself in the spotlight of the mining industry once again, as yet another company seeks prospecting rights in the area. This time, Sibhukua Trading Enterprises CC has set its sights on a property located between Bosch Hoek and Lennoxton for coal mining operations.
The company has confirmed that it has lodged an environmental authorisation application for prospecting rights, as stipulated under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2014.
According to Sibhukua Trading Enterprises, Basic Assessment Processes will be conducted, and the resulting reports will be shared with all registered interested and affected parties.
Speaking to Newcastillian News, the company clarified that the process remains in the consultation and application phase. They are currently awaiting feedback from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy before proceeding with any further steps.
Amid this development, concerns and considerations have already begun to surface. Chairperson of the KZN Legislature Health Portfolio Committee, Dr Imran Keeka, highlighted the importance of assessing the potential implications. “We need to ensure there is a balance between the rights of residents and the rights of the business,” he stated.
Dr Keeka further emphasised the need to evaluate the mine’s environmental and health impacts on the local community, noting that more details regarding the size and scope of the project are yet to be revealed.
While Sibhukua Trading Enterprises could not provide additional specifics at this stage, residents of Newcastle are encouraged to participate in the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Interested parties can register and submit their feedback by quoting reference number 11810 PR via email to phathu@mielelani.co.za or khuliso@mielelani.co.za.
Alternatively, they may contact Ramulondi Khuliso at 081 312 3951 or Mugagdeli Phathutshedzo at 073 796 6769.
As Newcastle becomes increasingly attractive to mining enterprises, questions remain about the balance between economic growth and the well-being of residents and the environment. What are your thoughts on this latest prospecting application?
Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 8
Good Day
Would it be possible to publish a single list of all the mining applications to date with the names, locations, dates of applications, status of applications, etc.? It is very difficult to keep track of all these applications and who is doing what where
Sounds like a great idea, list of names of Companies,
Hi this good news but won’t help in our sociaty becoce they hire pipuls from Mpumalamga and u to pay sum money to get a job
Exactly broer kumanje ngine experience eningi kabi kodwa kumele ngibhadala abantu bangaphandle ukuze ngithole umsebenzi kepha ngingowase Newcastle, kusebenza abantu abangasibo base Newcastle kulezimayini zakhona nabakhona bafuna sidize.
Should be focusing on return of investment for communities and also what employment opportunities are there? 🤔
this is a great opportunity for people of Newcastle. as ArcelorMittal employees whom are Newcastle residents, are facing retrenchment and loss of jobs.
Electrician
It’s a good opportunity for Newcastle as I am residing at Madadeni but already our climate change is already taking a toll with ArcelorMittal and Carbochem ,we are good we don’t need more pollution think about the health of the residents