VEREENIGING – The Department of Water and Sanitation has granted Glubay Coal a water use licence for its proposed Springfield and Vlakfontein open cast coal mines in the corridor between the R59 and the R82 (Old Johannesburg Road), between Vereeniging and Meyerton.

The notice was issued on Wednesday.

According to a notification issued by Zitholele Consulting on behalf of Glubay Coal, the licence covers activities including taking water, changing watercourse flows, discharging water containing waste, and removing underground water.

The approval comes amid longstanding opposition from residents.

They have raised concerns about possible water pollution and the depletion of boreholes, as well as coal dust, noise, blasting near homes, damage to farmland and livelihoods, and the potential impact on the protected Redan Rock Art Site.

Anyone dissatisfied with the water use licence decision may appeal to the Water Tribunal within 30 days of becoming aware that the licence was granted.