Conservationists rally against proposed mine
The Fuleni Anthracite Project could be given the green light as early as 6 June.
IN just over a month, land adjacent to world-renowned Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) could see yet another open-cast mine scarring its landscape.
Opponents have little doubt that the mine’s noise, lights and pollution would put tremendous strain on tourism in the area, as well as ‘irreparably compromise the integrity of the wilderness area’.
Ibutho Coal (Pty) Ltd has applied to mine coal on the southern boundary fence of HiP’s iMfolozi Wilderness Area.
This could result in the proposed Fuleni Coal Mine lying a mere 40 metres from said boundary
According to a petition opposing the mine, the Fuleni Anthracite Project could be given the green light as early as 6 June.
“We must show Ibutho Coal and the SA Government that the iMfolozi Wilderness Area is sacrosanct and that there is overwhelming world-wide opposition to proceeding with this mining application,’ said the petition.
HiP is the oldest protected area in Africa, having been proclaimed in 1895, and has, for many decades, formed the core of conservation in KwaZulu-Natal.
HiP played a major role in saving the white rhino from extinction and is currently home to the most dense rhino population in the world.
The African wild dog, relative newcomers to the park, is another endangered species thriving in HiP.
Furthermore, opponents to Fuleni Coal Mine are convinced mine activities and associated noise and pollution will put an end to the park’s world famous wilderness trails.
‘It will also sabotage a nationally approved plan and a global strategy supporting links between wild places and sustainable livelihoods of neighbouring communities,’ states the petition.
“I had no interest in nature until I went on a wilderness trail in iMfolozi. Now I am passionate about the environment because I understand we all depend on it for our survival,’ said wilderness trail enthusiast, Moses Kilozo.
The 2 May deadline for objections was issued on 1 May, leaving opponents with little time to drum up support.
South Africa is littered with mines, but protected areas such as the iMfolozi Wilderness Area, are increasingly under threat.
A mine so close to the park’s border could make HiP more of a target to poachers than it already is.
I think regarding the mine that a March should be made on Showeheads villa at Nkandla to demonstrate against this obvious ANC rip off of the environment .sorry I cant join you .. I used to live nearby just across the Tugela but now 20000 km .. its a bit far. .