Environmental authorisation granted for Springfield and Vlakfontein mines
Environmental approval granted despite vehement opposition from local residents and heritage groups.
VEREENIGING – After years of debate, public meetings, and fierce opposition from residents, Glubay Coal (Pty) Ltd has now been granted environmental authorisation (EA) for its proposed Springfield Colliery, Redan Siding, and Vlakfontein Colliery projects between Vereeniging and Meyerton, spanning the R59 to the R82 (Old Johannesburg Road).
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy issued the EA on February 13, giving Glubay Coal the green light to mine coal and develop the Springfield, Redan, and Vlakfontein sites.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy issued the environmental authorisation (EA) on February 13, giving Glubay Coal the green light to mine coal and develop the Springfield, Redan, and Vlakfontein sites.
While the projects promise around 550 jobs, they have faced overwhelming opposition from local residents since the first application in 2023.
At previous public meetings, people raised repeated concerns about health risks, environmental damage, and the impact on heritage sites.
Residents have until 20 days from the EA’s issuance to challenge the decision under the National Appeal Regulations, 2025.
Residents from Arconpark, Waldrif, Falcon Ridge, Springcol, Harmoniesrus, Houtkop, Unitaspark, Vaalkop, Van der Merweskroon, Rustter-Vaal, and Roshnee warned about the mines’ proximity to homes, potential water pollution, noise and vibrations, and the wider socio-economic effects on both urban and rural communities.
Landowners also highlighted the threat to farmland and livelihoods.
A major point of concern remains the Redan Rock Art Site, a provincially protected heritage area with between 200 and 300 sandstone engravings that may date back to the Iron Age.
Glubay Coal says a heritage plan will guide its preservation, but residents and heritage groups remain sceptical about the mine’s potential impact.
The environmental authorisation opens a 20 day window for appeals, during which affected parties can challenge the decision under the National Appeal Regulations, 2025.
If no appeals are filed — or if appeals are unsuccessful — Glubay Coal will be able to start mining, subject to the conditions set out in the EA. The approval represents a critical turning point in a long-running dispute over the balance between creating jobs and protecting the environment and local heritage.
