Coal drilling near Kruger Park halted amid community protests
Community raises concerns over lack of permission for coal drilling near the KNP.
A contractor conducting soil exploration activities near the Kruger National Park (KNP) was halted three weeks ago following concerns raised by local community members.
The contractor, reportedly engaged in drilling test holes to assess underground coal deposits, was confronted by individuals who claim the land in question falls under their custodianship following a successful land claim.
They allege that the contractor did not have the necessary permissions to proceed with the work.
The incident has reignited public scrutiny over a longstanding proposal for opencast coal mining in the area, located about 10km south of the park. The drilling was allegedly conducted on land associated with the Tenbosch, Turfbult and Tecklenburg Ranch areas.
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Black Tip Drilling (BTD), a Middelburg-based company, was identified as the contractor involved. Its owner, André Wolmarans, confirmed their involvement but denied any wrongdoing.
He stated that BTD had received an official appointment letter from Tenbosch Mining (TM), the company reportedly pursuing mining development in the region.
AfriForum raised concerns about the proximity of the drilling to the Nweti Spruit, a key water source for surrounding farms. Lambert de Klerk, AfriForum’s manager of environmental affairs, said that when the drilling was discovered, BTD was unable to produce documentation confirming instructions from TM.
De Klerk described the site as being marked with red crosses indicating drill points, with several holes completed and material samples bagged and stored on-site.
The matter has been reported to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
AfriForum has called for enforcement action and rehabilitation of the disturbed area, citing ecological sensitivity.
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Wolmarans told Lowvelder that BTD ceased operations and withdrew its equipment after being notified of potential legal action.
He stated that the company would only resume work once the dispute between TM, AfriForum and other relevant parties is resolved. He also indicated his willingness to share the appointment letter with Lowvelder, pending TM’s consent.
