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Miningmx reports that according to Petmin subsidiary Tendele Coal, 1,500 employees will lose their jobs unless Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) Minister Gwede Mantashe approves a mining licence and environmental management permit for the firm’s Somkhele anthracite mine.
The mine’s permits are in question following objections by environmental and community groups – led by the Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organization (MCEJO) – to a mine extension that cuts close to the iMfolozi river in KwaZulu-Natal. The legal argument is that Tendele Coal’s proposed expansion has not been correctly permitted in terms of the National Environment Management Act. If the permits are granted, Tendele Coal will proceed with a 10-year mine expansion which it estimates will generate R4.7bn in community benefits over that period. Closure will result in 15,000 livelihoods being negatively affected, said Petmin. The mine, which employs 1,500 people directly and indirectly, stands to close at the end of June when its existing resources have been depleted. In addition to environmental concerns related to Somkhele’s expansion, non-governmental organisations have also argued that Tendele must sufficiently compensate residents of areas that will be affected by the expansion. Earlier this month, the Pretoria High Court sent the matter back to the DMRE for a pragmatic response that would guide the court.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by David McKay at Miningmx
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