Newcastle residents voice concerns over new mining proposals at local meeting
It was revealed that 16 new prospecting mining applications have been made for the area, raising concerns among residents about the potential environmental and social impacts of the projects.
Controversial proposals to open a coal mine on the D96 route and surrounding areas saw residents gather in the NOFTA hall on Saturday, February 8, for a presentation hosted by Save, Serve and Protect Newcastle.
Although the turnout was not as high as anticipated, the event drew concerned citizens eager to learn more about the potential impact of the new mining projects.
The meeting aimed to introduce the non-profit organisation to the public, inform attendees about their work, and rally support.
Mandy Austin and Kush Singh, members of Serve, Save, and Protect Newcastle, led the discussion on the proposed coal mine developments.
Clarifying their position from the start, Austin stressed that ‘we are not anti-mining; we do not fight with the mines already here. The danger is the new mines.’
“We are concerned with the impact these mines, which are surrounding Newcastle on every side, will have on the town and its residents,” she explained.
The organisation, which started with the opposition of the mine along the D96 area, has expanded its mission to address all new applications. They argue that these mines could jeopardize food security, tourism, manufacturing, and investments in the area.
“Mining will affect our food security by targeting all our farms for mining. What happens to agriculture? Newcastle is an agricultural town,” the group emphasized.
The duo also highlighted the issue of water scarcity, pointing out that South African mines often sit atop aquifers, exacerbating the country’s water shortage.
“What happens when we don’t have water? Dehydration, starvation, and the decline of the economy,” they warned.
Health concerns were another critical point of discussion. It was said that proximity to mining operations could lead to a surge in health issues, including lung diseases, heart problems, cognitive impairments, reproductive health issues, and an increase in foetal abnormalities, ultimately reducing life expectancy in the community.
Although the D96, dubbed the gateway application, has been the primary focus, the organisation stressed that all mining applications are a threat and the community has to stand against them. “There has been talk of the D96 mine because that court fight is the most advanced and,” they clarified.
Save, Serve, and Protect Newcastle called on the public to consider the long-term effects of new mining projects on the town.
“There are 6,000 abandoned mines around South Africa that have not been rehabilitated. The track record speaks for itself,” Singh stated. “
This is a violation of South African constitutional rights. We have a right to fight back. This battle will be won in the courts; therefore, we need to stand together,” Singh concluded.
The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).
