The process for a prospective coal mine that had the community abuzz has been clarified.
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Public will have chance to comment on planned coal mine
In the preliminary Basic Assessment Report (BAR) to be submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) by Bheka Masinga Global, the company confirmed it is prospecting to mine coal in 6 108.9 hectares close to the Benoni area.
According to the company, the area is located about 15.26km north-east of the Kempton Park CBD, 22km south-west of Delmas and 2km south-west of Bapsfontein.
The company appointed Muneiwa Rakhalaru as their Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP).
Rakhalaru holds an honours degree in mining and environmental geology from the University of Venda.
According to the BAR, he has five years’ experience in environmental science, five years’ experience in geology and five years’ experience in public participation.
The BAR states “prospecting will commence immediately after a prospecting right has been granted to Bheka Masinga Global”.
Prospecting will be carried out in different phases divided into subcategories and over a three-year period.
The company said rehabilitation will occur continuously throughout its activities.
Different phases explained
Phase 1A (months one to three) will be used to investigate the presence and quantities of coal deposits.
During Phase 1B coal drilling will begin in targeted areas, possibly reaching depths of 50 metres.
The company explains the depths of the drilling will be determined by the findings and interpretation of the geological information obtained in Phase 1A.
This will be done by an “independent drilling contractor”, according to the company.
In Phase 2, which will happen from month 13 to 24, drilling will continue if necessary to obtain, log and interpret all relevant information.
A Competent Person’s Geological Report will then be compiled containing information such as borehole results, sampling and analysis, maps indicating the location of depth and the extent of the physical prospecting work, and data from geophysical survey, if it was conducted.
Phase 3 will happen from month 24 to 36.
Bheka Masinga Global said this phase will be used to perform the feasibility study.
The feasibility study will include the geological, geotechnical and metallurgical investigations.
It will also determine the economic viability of the project.
Certain environmental and groundwater studies/surveys will be conducted and a preliminary mine plan and social and labour plan will be designed during the feasibility study.
Public participation process
The DMR requires all applicants to describe the process undertaken to consult Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) including public meetings and one-on-one consultations.
Bheka Masinga Global said they contacted landowners and occupiers; the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism; the chief director for rural development and land reform for Gauteng; the City of Tshwane and the City of Ekurhuleni, the Department of Water Affairs and “other relevant parties or departments”.
The company said “site notices were placed on the Transnet gate of the study site”.
The City Times cannot confirm where exactly the gate is.
The company placed an advertisement notice of the project, inviting people to provide comments or concerns, in the City Times on January 12.
Lungisani Mazibuko, owner of KeMu Holdings, the consultancy agency appointed by Bheka Masinga Global, said I&APs have asked for more time to comment on the prospecting application.
He said they have yet to receive feedback from the DMR.
He said he would be in constant communication with the City Times to ensure Benonians are informed about the public meeting.
Mazibuko added that the final BAR will only be submitted once the public participation process has been completed.
The DMR has yet to respond to questions sent by the City Times.
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