Community celebrates as mine application is denied
A Newcastle community group is celebrating after authorities reject a proposed mine over serious environmental concerns.
The Save, Serve and Protect Newcastle organisation (SSP) is celebrating a major victory after the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMRE) rejected the D96 Mining Project application by Minetek Resources (Pty) Ltd.
The decision follows a thorough Environmental Authorisation process under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, which highlighted serious environmental, heritage, and agricultural concerns.
The Newcastle-based non-profit organisation has opposed the proposed D96 mine since 2023, citing fears of long-term and potentially irreversible harm to residents’ health and the town’s economic stability.
According to the organisation, the mine was expected to contribute to air and water pollution, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses, skin conditions and more serious diseases, particularly among children and the elderly.
They further warned that mining operations would contaminate vital water sources, damage local businesses and result in job losses, placing additional strain on the local economy.
Earlier this week, Save, Serve and Protect Newcastle received official confirmation that the mining proposal had been refused.
Key factors considered in the decision included the site’s location within an area of high agricultural value, based on land capability and current use. The assessment identified scarce soil types classified as high-potential agricultural land, suitable for crop cultivation.
The proposed mining activity would have resulted in the permanent loss of this valuable resource.
The report also highlighted risks to the freshwater ecosystem, with concerns that mining could negatively affect both the quality and quantity of local water resources.
Minetek Resources (Pty) Ltd has been granted 14 days to appeal the decision.
A more detailed report will be published in next week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser.
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