Proposed gold mine near Bridal Veil Falls sparks outrage in Sabie
Sabie residents claim plans for an open-cast gold mine near Bridal Veil Falls may have been deliberately hidden from the community.
Sabie residents are up in arms over an open-cast gold mine planned near the Bridal Veil Falls.
“The first time we took notice of the application was when someone saw a small notice glued onto a stop sign,” said Dan van Eijk of TKBA International and member of the Sabie Ratepayers Association.
Ecological impact
During an urgent ratepayers meeting on Tuesday, March 3, it was agreed that if the licence is granted, the mine would have a disastrous environmental and ecological impact.
The proposed mine site is less than 6km from Sabie and just over 1km from the Bridal Veil Falls.
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The application by Ceylon Ventures (Pty) Ltd to mine in a SAFCOL forest began on January 14.
According to an assessment report by the Signa Group, mining activities on the five hectares of SAFCOL land would include excavating, blasting, hauling, loading, ore stockpiling, and transporting gold-bearing ore.
Not financially viable
“After studying the report, it seems the mine will not be financially viable. With a projected lifespan of two to five years, it appears to be a pipe dream,” said Van Eijk.
Residents discovered the application notice at the end of January by pure luck.
“We are convinced the company tried to hide the proposed mine by placing notices in obscure locations such as the library and municipal offices in Graskop, but none in Sabie.”
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A notice was also posted at the far end of KLF’s Ceylon Village, where only locals would see it.
“The mine operation will not only cause air pollution but also pollute a stream that eventually flows into the Sabie River,” Van Eijk added.
Register to object
According to the Signa Group’s assessment, the Ceylon Road will be used to transport the ore.
The gravel road crosses the Sabie River at the Ceylon Bridge, which ‘was not designed to carry this type of volume or weight and will be destroyed in no time.’
Van Eijk urges every Lowvelder to register an objection against the mine. Objections can be sent to admin@siganaenviro.co.za.
Van Eijk can be contacted on 083 440 8312 or dan@tereokrino.co.za.
