DUNDEE KZN: Buffalo Coal one step closer to Balgray mining project
A Water Use Licence also has to be obtained and Buffalo Coal is in the process of taking the necessary steps to fulfill all the necessary legislation.
With the granting of the environmental authorisation, which will allow for the mining of the old Balgray Colliery on Mpati Hill, Buffalo Coal is one step closer to having been given a new lease on life.
Buffalo Coal is one of the area’s most important economic contributors, but Aviemore Colliery, where reserves are depleting, is expected to close in the latter half of 2022.
“Without the project at the old Balgray Colliery, over 350 jobs would be in jeopardy, not to mention the R10 million or so the company contributes monthly to the local economy with regards to salaries and the input made in terms of paying and supporting local suppliers,” said Buffalo Coal general manager, Kevern Mattison.
While the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy has granted the environmental authorisation (EA), interested and affected parties (those who attended the public meetings last year, where concerns of the impact on the environment and on residents were voiced) still have 21 days to appeal the Department’s decision.
A Water Use Licence also has to be obtained and Buffalo Coal is in the process of taking the necessary steps to fulfill all the necessary legislation.
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