From beeping reverse warnings, noise, dust and trucks to concerns about aesthetics, affected residents have had their say on the impact the recommissioning of Balgray Colliery on Mpati hill will have on their lives.

Craigieburn residents, and those living in close proximity of the proposed mining operation, spoke of their right to retain the lifestyles they have bought into – peace, tranquillity and safety.

The issues were debated at the public participation meeting hosted by Buffalo Coal to gain public comment on the proposal.

Buffalo Coal representatives warned that should the Department of Mineral & Energy Affairs not give the go-ahead to mine Balgray Colliery, the company will close once mining stops at Aviemore Colliery, with the loss of around 600 jobs.

Kevern Mattison, Buffalo Coal’s general manager, said the company contributes about R10-million a month to the local economy in terms of salaries. “Taking into account the local suppliers we support, Buffalo Coal’s contribution is about R100-million a month.” Aviemore will terminate operations within two years.

He said the reserves at Balgray Colliery will give Buffalo Coal access to about 2.6 million tons of anthracite and add about seven years to the company’s lifespan.

However, the bigger prize, he said, is access to the more lucrative reserves in the northern side of Mpati hill, which can be done through the existing Balgray adit that was decommissioned in the 1960s.

But resident Jan Potgieter was adamant that the mining would impact heavily on residents’ lifestyle. “We cannot be blamed if there are no jobs. You cannot isolate one section of the community and leave them to suffer because of this mine. We built our house precisely where we cannot hear noise, such as traffic, industry, etc. Now we will be forced to lose this lifestyle once mining starts.”

Her thoughts were echoed by other residents at the meeting, which was facilitated by independent environmental consultant Trevor Haslett.

The main question that residents wanted answers to was how their concerns would be addressed by Buffalo Coal. Mr Haslett said all comments and suggestions would be included in the final environmental assessment report to the DMRE, who will make the final decision.

“We are not here to wreck lives. We are here to contribute,” Mr Mattison said.

See this week’s Courier for the full report

Related story:

Buffalo Coal recommences partial operations

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