VEREENIGING – An opencast coal mine planned for the Panfontein area near Vereeniging has received environmental approval, sparking outcry from residents concerned about health, water safety, and inadequate public consultation.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy granted authorisation to Richtrau 253 (Pty) Ltd on July 2 for coal mining on several portions of the Panfontein farm.

The site lies close to the Vaal River and the Rand Water Zuikerbosch water treatment plant — a key supplier of water to Gauteng, including Johannesburg.

Nearby residents say they were largely unaware of the mine’s development, which has reportedly been in planning since 2019.

“We have lived here since 2009 and this was the first we had heard of it,” said Heath White, a concerned resident.

“This mine risks polluting the Vaal River, and the coal dust could affect the health of people in Three Rivers and surrounding areas.”

The area is already affected by pollution from the Lethabo Power Station, while poor road conditions are expected to worsen due to increased heavy vehicle traffic.

Environmental approval documents indicate that residents have 20 calendar days from July 8 to appeal the decision.

However, concerns have been raised about limited consultation and the short appeal window.

Another coal mining project near Redan, next to the old Samancor site on the farm Kookfontein, is also reportedly moving through the application phase.

Locals are calling for greater transparency and expert input on the potential environmental and health impacts of these projects.

“Awareness must be created,” said Johan Gericke of Three Rivers. “To simply state issues will be mitigated is not sufficient.”

Residents who wish to appeal the Panfontein coal mine decision can do so by completing the official appeal forms. Assistance will be available at Riverside High School from 10:00 to 11:30, where Daleen Venter will help residents fill in the forms and submit their appeals before the deadline.