Coal mining projects in Newcastle have become a highly debated topic for Newcastillians, with many residents openly opposing any form of mining, while others have been vocal in encouraging the companies to open their doors. Among the most contentious proposals is the Newcastle Minetek Coal Project.
The proposed mining project was first introduced in November 2023, when it was revealed that the Minetek Resources project would involve open-pit mining and potentially future underground coal mining over several farm portions west of Newcastle.
The proposal identified up to seven open pits for exploitation, with concurrent backfilling to be undertaken.
Moreover, Minetek Resources has detailed that the application area is situated 5 kilometres west of Newcastle, covering a significant 3,269 hectares of land. Surface mining activities are expected to primarily take place in the eastern half of the application area. This includes the remaining extent of Portion 1 of the Farm Craig 2989-HS, as well as Portions 2 and 4 of the Farm Waterfall 3335HS. Plans for future underground mining operations are concentrated in the western portion of the application area, which spans the farms Dunblane 3317-HS (Portions 2 and 3), Waterfall 3335-HS (Portion 1), Harwarden 8915-HS, and Glen Ashton 8589-HS (Portion 3 of 1).
Additionally, it is important to note that the site designated for mining primarily serves agricultural purposes, including crop cultivation and livestock grazing. The D96 road, which passes through the site and leads westward to the Vulintaba Country Estate, is a significant feature of the area. Surrounding the proposed mining site are various residential, recreational, and tourism-related land uses, such as the Grey Goose Game Lodge and Thorn Hill Country Estate, making the project site highly visible from these locations.
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As the mining company continues to target Newcastle, Newcastillian News reported in early November 2024 that Cabanga Environmental had completed and submitted its Revised Final Reports for the Newcastle Minetek Coal Project.
These reports included detailed findings related to the project, and the community was informed that the Revised Final Reports for the Newcastle Coal Project would be available for public review until 5 December 2024. This period offered residents an opportunity to provide their input and officially voice their opinions about the potential opening of the mine.
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However, as concerns surrounding the mining project grow within Newcastle, community members have started forming Non-Profit Organisations to actively oppose the potential development of the mine. In response to the community’s concerns and queries, Cabanga Environmental has announced that the public comment period for the Revised Final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the Newcastle Minetek Coal Project has been extended. The new deadline for public comment is now 5 March 2025.
The necessary reports for review can be accessed online via the following link: https://we.tl/t-OVh7rIRnYf. For residents who prefer to access the information in person, a hard copy of the reports is also available at the Newcastle Public Library.
Reflecting on the extended deadline for public comment, Cabanga Environmental has urged residents to share their feedback and questions by emailing info@cabangaenvironmental.co.za on or before 5 March 2025. By participating in this process, Newcastle residents will have the opportunity to play a critical role in deciding whether or not the proposed mining project proceeds.
With this opportunity now available to Newcastle residents, what are your thoughts on the matter? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 10
As a citizen of Newcastle I refuse to have any mines opened that will effect our living conditions I have been a citizen of fernwood for the last 20 years and strongly disagree with any projects that will effect any of my fellow Newcastle citizens
Iam against the red opening of the mine. Due to the pollution of air and sickness that arise.
We have seen legal challenges fought and won when poor decisions relating to human and environmental rights are threatened. Public opinion and participation is the cornerstone of South Africa’s democracy and such life-changing implications on human life and the environment should be given the time it deserves.
This is unacceptable. This area is prone to high gustly winds which will effect the whole town. Pollution will be on the increase which will lead to health issues and other environmental issues.
I object strongly to any open pit mining around Newcastle especially in such close proximity residential or other areas during to pollution fron the dust emminating from an open pit mine which is detrimental to everyone’s lungs. It has been known to cause severe lung diseases and cancer
MY ANSWER IS NO!NO!NO!
This mine will not benefit the residents. The only contribution it will make is to increase pollution, destroy the already poor road infrasture and pose a health hazard.
Worst part is that all these coal mines are not held to account on their SLP by Stakeholders such as Newcastle Municipality and DMR .
With the recent win against opening new coal fired plants, there really is no need for more coal. We should be phasing out fossil fuels and choosing a sustainable and greener alternative, one that creates new jobs and a healthier environment.
The deadly impact coal has on human and environmental ecosystems should be a criminal offense. Coal causes several respiratory disease in both human, livestock and wildlife in addition to the environmental pollution (coal dust can travel up to 40km). Black lung and cancers have also been linked to coal mining.
No mention the hundreds of thousands of litres of water required to ‘wash’ coal or where that filthy water runs off into or seeps into, or the gases that stockpiles of coal creates, carbon oxides, hydrocarbons, sulfuric gases and hydrogen, or the additional pollution (noise and truck activity), or the influx of unsuccessful job seekers.
Very rarely do these mining criminals rehabilitate what they’ve destroyed.
NO MORE COAL
No problem if you give local contractors and citizens of Newcastle a fair chance to participate in the process if they don’t have the necessary skills train them the town must benefit only then it’s okay to mine 🙏🙏🤔
As much as it is a positive thing for our town i personally don’t agree with these mines being open because they’ll will destroy our lovely town and it will affect our health and the future if our children in Newcastle