As Newcastle positions itself for a new chapter, with the mining sector poised to play a role in the local economy’s future, residents are being urged to contribute their views. This call to action comes as a public participation meeting has been scheduled for the mining company seeking quarry rights along the R34.
ZN Geo Services, the environmental consultancy conducting the required groundwork for their client, SP Minerals (Pty) Ltd, initially held a public participation session on 21 August 2025.
However, the meeting attracted criticism from community members, who expressed frustration over inadequate communication regarding its scheduling. One resident noted that “many were totally unaware of the meeting, while those who did, could not attend a public participation meeting at 10 am on a week morning.”
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Given that the quarry is expected to involve substantial mining activity, residents have raised concerns about the potential impact of blasting and drilling on the surrounding community. In response, ZN Geo Services announced that it will host a follow-up meeting on Friday, 26 September 2025, at Phumula Nathi Motel along the R34, next to Northdown Fuels & Truck Stop.
The meeting is set to begin at 17:00 and will focus on discussing the proposed amendment in mining method—from drilling and blasting to a free-dig load-and-haul approach—as well as addressing any questions or concerns that community members may have regarding the project.
As reported by Newcastillian News on 12 August 2025, the proposed mining site is situated along the R34, with quarry rights being sought in the area. ZN Geo Services has indicated its intention to extract materials from the designated site, a development that has drawn substantial attention due to its potential environmental and socio-economic implications.
According to ZN Geo Services, the project is expected to generate much-needed employment opportunities in a region still struggling with the lingering economic effects of COVID-19, where the unemployment rate stood at 32.9% during the first quarter of 2024.
Furthermore, the company has emphasised that the creation of jobs and the increased demand for goods and services could provide significant socio-economic benefits to Newcastle and surrounding communities.
However, the company’s own documentation acknowledges that the project may present several environmental concerns. As a result, the anticipated socio-economic changes are twofold—offering potential benefits such as job creation and local economic stimulation, while also raising concerns about the operation’s long-term environmental footprint. In addition, the mining permit application has triggered listed activities under GNR 327 Listing Notice 1, requiring a Basic Assessment process in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2014, as amended in 2021.
Reflecting on the above, the consultancy agency noted that as part of the ongoing Mining Permit (MP) and Environmental Authorisation (EA) process under the National Environmental Act (NEMA) and Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), and in light of the public participation comments received thus far, the mining applicant has now opted to change the operation to a “free-dig” load-and-haul mining method.
This means that drilling and blasting, which had been a primary concern among the public, will no longer be conducted on site.
Instead, excavators and other machinery will be used to dig and load loose material directly, which is then transported to processing or storage areas. This approach reduces vibrations, noise, and dust compared with traditional blasting, making it less disruptive to the surrounding community and environment.
With the follow-up meeting fast approaching, Newcastle residents are presented with an opportunity to make their voices heard and directly influence the future of their town.
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FAQs for R34 Quarry Consultation
The R34 Quarry Consultation refers to a public meeting where Newcastle residents can give input on the proposed SP Minerals quarry along the R34. The mining company has updated its approach, opting for a no-blasting, free-dig method to reduce environmental and community disruption.
The follow-up consultation will take place on Friday, 26 September 2025, at Phumula Nathi Motel, located next to Northdown Fuels & Truck Stop along the R34. The meeting starts at 17:00.
The initial public participation meeting on 21 August 2025 was criticised due to poor communication and inconvenient timing, making it difficult for many residents to attend.
Instead of using drilling and blasting, SP Minerals now proposes a free-dig load-and-haul method. This change aims to reduce noise, dust, and ground vibrations, addressing key community concerns.
The quarry is expected to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth. However, it also raises environmental concerns, such as dust, traffic, and noise, which the revised method seeks to mitigate.
5 Responses
Stupid morons would put a mine on the entrance of newcastles suburbs….
How bloody stupid can these greedy @$$@!# be?????
Bertie, you are a major concern right now in this town. You are.pushing for the destruction of newcastle for money………….
This has to be one of the most ignorant statements I have seen in a long time. You clearly have no idea of what is happening in Newcastle economically, nor what is at stake. Using childish sentences like “destruction of newcastle” for a quarry mine with no blasting, shows your intellect. Do the town a favour and let the grownups make decisions.
As someone who went to the first feedback meeting, I just have this to say. Everything is extremely shady. The only documentation copy was printed on a faulty streaky printer and placed in a library on the opposite side of Newcastle from the mining area. There was no electronic copy of the documentation and the supposed link to one was inaccessible by the public. The mining company didn’t even contact the owner of Phumula Nathi about the mining proposal, let alone residents of the area. Nothing looks above board. Stop letting “jobs” blind you to nonsense.
No one is claiming that everything is filled with integrity and collective benefit. But, progress is never simple or easy. However, all Newcastle residents do is complain and sit on their backsides. Get involved, shape the future of the town, but do not chase away opportunity because it is not perfect, that is just plain old stupid. This is Africa, nothing is perfect but we make it work. It is not about the jobs….it is about the fact that it opens up new business opportunities, which leads to more development. This results in industries growing, leading to job and career opportunities. It also flags Newcastle as a viable option for investors. In other words, investment leads to more investment. But, if every opportunity is chased away, it removes Newcastle from the option pool. Why would anyone want to trade here if it is issue on issue? Think about it. This town is in a hole currently. Ironically, we need to mine out
We need new investments but not destructive ones. The councillors should stop taking and doing more to promote growth.