Mining exploration in Bela-Bela

The M2 Precious and Base Metals (Pty) Ltd has applied for the exploration of potential mineral deposits outside Bela-Bela.

Scores of residents attended the meeting, with the objective to hear out on potential job opportunities.

In response geologist and mining company consultant, Edgar Netshiozwi, said depending on the quantity of potential mineral deposits, operations were likely to contribute to the local economy.

The mining company had a meeting on Friday 20 July at Forever Resorts to thrash out issues with stakeholders.

M2 Precious and Base Metals has applied to the Department of Minerals and Energy to embark on prospecting operations for cobalt, gold, manganese and fluorspar.

Prospecting is earmarked for the areas of Zwartkloof, Mbizi and Roodepoort outside Bela-Bela.

The 1 840 tracts of land targeted encompass game farms and other private-owned properties.

Farmers and the broader property-owning community had expressed concerns that their input would not be heard.

Geologist and senior consultant for M2 Precious and Base Metals, Netshiozwi did however, answer questions at the Forever Resorts summit to the satisfaction of many of the concerned landowners.

He said the authorities had approved the prospecting licence, but not the actual mining rights as yet.

The company committed to taking into account environmental impact sensitivities, against the backdrop of fluorspar operations that had taken place in the past.

“We are, at the same time, making sure that the greater Zwartkloof neighbourhood does not necessarily form part of the broader prospecting operations. We commit to the continuation of further engagements with stakeholders over the next five years.”

— The BEAT