Residents have until November 1 to object to a proposed sand mine in the lower Mzimkhulu River near Port Shepstone, where 50 000 cubic metres of sand a year could be extracted, close to municipal drinking water infrastructure.

Earthforge Ventures (Pty) Ltd has applied for a mining permit covering 4.76ha of the river, with plans to extract sand annually for two years.

The proposed site is reportedly metres from the St Helens Rock water-abstraction works, a key source of municipal water.

Concerns have been raised that fuel or oil spills from mining machinery, increased sediment and possible changes to the river channel could affect water quality and increase the risk of saltwater moving upstream.

The potential impact on the coast is another concern. Objectors warn that removing large quantities of sand could reduce the natural supply reaching beaches between Port Shepstone and Umtentweni, potentially worsening coastal erosion and threatening tourism and coastal infrastructure.

The proposed mining area also falls within an Estuarine Functional Zone and a Critical Biodiversity Area. Environmental concerns include damage to river habitats, protected vegetation and wildlife, as well as dust, noise and increased heavy-truck traffic along District Road D201 and surrounding residential roads.

Residents concerned about the potential effects on their water supply, river, estuary or beaches are urged to submit written objections by Sunday, November 1.

Email objections to manogrie@ecaconsulting.co.za, quoting reference number KZN30/5/1/3/2/11187MP.

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