‘DISTURBING anomalies and misrepresentations’ were found by opposers of Ibutho Coal’s amended Fuleni scoping report published last week.
This, after the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs rejected the initial scoping report last year.
‘Our team of experts started scrutinising the report as soon as they received the notification and immediately started finding glaring factual errors and anomalies that require explanation from the consultants and the authorities,’ said Global Environmental Trust’s Sheila Berry, who has been spearheading the Save Our Wilderness campaign since its launch last year.
Kirsten Youens, GET’s lawyer, confirmed they will challenge the amended scoping report.
GET is particularly concerned about Jacana Environmentals’ specialist team’s inexperience regarding the sensitivity and uniqueness of the iMfolozi Wilderness Area.
GET trustee, Sinegugu Zukulu, also expressed concern about the contents of the report.
‘My worry is that while the report mentions the need to consult communities further, the consultation processes do not necessarily require the consultants to consider seriously the views of the affected communities.’
After a recent meeting with affected Fuleni communities, GET’s Fuleni representative, Sifiso Dladla, reported the communities to be ‘vehemently opposed’ to the mine.
Not allowed by local councillors to meet in public buildings, communities hold meetings outdoors.
‘I am happy this is happening because it indicates to me that we are making progress and that Ibutho Coal is scared of us,’ said Dladla who also reported the communities’ women to be raising their voices against the proposed mine.
‘They are strong after the field visit and international workshop organised by WoMin (Women Against Mining) in Somkhele and Fuleni in January,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Ibutho Coal appears to have submitted a new application for a mining right, after the expiry of the previous one.
Berry cautioned those pushing for the mine’s approval to follow correct procedures, owing to the high profile of this case and the international support opposers of the mine have garnered in recent months.
‘We have plenty of open cast coal mines polluting our planet [but] we have only one iMfolozi Wilderness Area,’ concluded Berry.
