CHELMSFORD – Recently, members of the Newcastle community formed the Khwezumkhono Environmental Justice Network (KEJN) together with Ground Work Coal Campaign, KEJN marched to Chelmsford Coal Mine on August 19, to voice their grievances.
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They objected to the lack of recognition from the mine regarding decision making processes. This was over and above existing grievances previously voiced regarding alleged soil and water pollution, houses allegedly damaged as a result of blasting, and coal dust people were forced to breathe, affecting their health.
Ground Work Coal Campaign Manager, Robby Mokgalaka said the march was in protest against environmental injustice allegedly caused by the mine in the Normadien farming area.
“The protest was organised by the community structure, Khwezumkhono Environmental Justice Network, elected by the community to address community environmental challenges,” he said.
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Allegedly, the mine did not properly consult with the community before embarking on mining operations in 2009, violating the community’s environmental rights in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, which required the mining company to consult with potentially affected surrounding communities.
Mr Makgalaka said the community approached the mine several times to address the cracking of houses, and dust and water contamination allegedly caused by mining operations. This frustrated the community, especially as alleged promises of employment opportunities to the community were not fulfilled.
“What compounded community frustration was that the mine refused to recognise KEJN, which made it impossible for the community to access a platform to address their concerns.”
At the end of the march, a memorandum was handed to the mine manager at the mine’s gates, demanding the following:
– To hold a community meeting to address concerns
– To recognise KEJN
– To show their Water Use Licence
– To produce an environmental management plan and social labour plans for the community.
“A mine official received the memorandum on behalf of the mine, and said they would engage with the community to alleviate concerns.”
Mr Mokgalaka said they hoped that coal mines would bear in mind the grievances of affected communities, as less fortunate people also have the right live in a healthy environment, as enshrined in our Constitution.
“We also wish our government would protect its people from environmental abuse,” he concluded.
CEO of Chelmsford Coal Mine, Malcolm Pryde acknowledged the allegations of KEJN against the mine. He said they were unfounded and without any substance and therefore not true or correct.
“All mining operations at the Chelmsford mine are conducted in terms of a mining right granted to the company by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR),” he said.
Mr Pryde elaborated that all mining operations on the site were strictly controlled and monitored by DMR in terms of current mining and environmental legislation, and the mine was regularly visited by officials of DMR. All processes were conducted in a transparent process, he claimed.
“A community consultation forum is in place, which is also regulated and monitored by DMR and the Newcastle Local Municipality. No formal settlement exists near the mine, and the mine is situated in an agricultural area of the district, and the closest inhabitants to the mine are farm workers and occupiers residing on nearby farms.”
He said KEJN did not take part in any formal consultation processes, and had embarked on a process to spread untrue and unfounded allegations regarding the operations of the company. He said it was an apparent attempt to cause concern within the community, and attempted to promote the personal agendas of those ‘apparently’ in control of the organisation. The company was not aware of any damages caused to any person or property in the area. He said the mine could not reply to unfounded and baseless allegations.
“The company remains committed to comply with all relevant legislation and to consult with the community through established community consultation structures, and will continue to do so. We are satisfied that the company’s operational and environmental operations are in compliance with relevant legislation and codes of good practice in the industry,” he concluded.
