Residents recently alerted the Herald to at least one poster regarding the project that had been put up on a farm fence in the area.
The company, National Treasure Minerals (Pty) Ltd (NTM), has applied to the Regional Department of Mineral Resources and Energy for prospecting rights for iron ore. They plan to prospect for iron ore on various portions of the Deelkraal farm, covering about 2210 hectares.
The same company, from Erasmusrand in Pretoria, recently applied for prospecting licences in various other areas, including Roodepoort.
This area is located roughly five kilometres west of Wedela, 16 km west of Fochville, 13 km south of Welverdiend and 18 km southwest of Carletonville.
The landowners directly affected by the project have already been identified and contacted.
While the first part of the prospecting will be non-invasive, including geological mapping and a geophysical survey, among other things, the second part will involve invasive work in the form of reconnaissance drilling.
However, this work will only be done from the sixth to the 18th month of the project.
Drilling for ore and determining the feasibility of the project will be done at a later stage.
Several potential heritage sites have been identified in the area where the drilling is planned.
If it gets the licence to prospect, the company foresees that its activities may have a moderate impact on noise levels, the removal and damage of natural vegetation, the disturbance or even poaching of animals, damage to biodiversity and an increase in crime, among other things.
Land use conflict may also arise from drilling and prospecting that may intrude on agricultural land.
On the positive side, the activities could create employment oppor- tunities and lead to the discovery of cultural sites.
According to Ms Riana Panaino of the company, Eco Elementum, which is handling the public participation process, a public open day will take place at the entertainment lapa of the Deelkraal Country Estate’s recreation club at 10:00 on Wednesday, 25 August.
For more information, contact her at 012 807 0383 or info@ecoe.co.za.
