Previously disadvantaged communities and community organisations who need supportand advice on this application can contact Junaid Francis from the Centre for Environmental Rights on 021 447 1647 or jfrancis@cer.org.za.
VERLORENVLEI (PROPOSED RIVIERA TUNGSTEN MINE)
Application by Bongani Minerals Pty Ltd for prospecting at Moutonshoek, upstream of the Verlorenvlei Ramsar site, Western Cape
Decision-making authority: Department of Mineral Resources
Status as at 26 July 2011: Prospecting right granted in July 2011. The Verlorenvlei Coalition has indicated its intention to appeal the decision to award the prospecting right.
See the Verlorenvlei Coalition’s campaign website with all documents relating to this application here.
Status as at 26 July 2011: Mining right granted in 2010. Awaiting decision by the Minister of Mineral Resources on the appeal against the mining right and environmental management plan. Water use licence granted by the Acting DG of Department of Water Affairs on 29 March 2011. Objection to compliance notice refused by Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs on 9 May 2011. An environmental authorisation granted by the Department of Environmental Affairs in one s.24G application on 5 July 2011. Awaiting decision by the Minister of Environmental Affairs on the appeal against the refusal to authorise listed activities under NEMA, and a further decision on an application for rectification under s.24G of NEMA. In the interdict application, CoAL filed replicating affidavits (further answer to the applicants’ replying affidavits) in July 2011.
See a summary of the case and a long list of court and related documents here.
XOLOBENI (WILD COAST)
Disputed mining right granted to Transworld Energy and Mineral Resources Pty Ltd over portions of the Xolobeni Tenement Area, Eastern Cape
Decision-making authority: Minister of Mineral Resources
On 17 May 2011, the Minister of Mineral Resources withdrew the mining right awarded to Transworld. Download a copy of that letter here.
The letter from the Minister was written in response to an appeal by the Amadiba Crisis Committee against the mining right primarily on the basis that there was inadequate public consultation. In the letter, the Minister firstly found that there was in fact adequate public consultation; secondly she withdrew the mining right purportedly on the basis that there was still certain environmental information outstanding when the decision was taken, and she has now directed the mining company to submit that additional information within 90 days so that a new decision can be taken.
On 25 July 2011, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs dismissed the appeal against the N2 Wild Coast Toll Road.
Controversy
Application by Shell Exploration Company B.V.
Decision-making authority: Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA)
See more details about this application here.
Previously disadvantaged communities and community organisations who need support and advice on this application can contact Junaid Francis from the Centre for Environmental Rights on 021 447 1647 or jfrancis@cer.org.za.
Application by Bongani Minerals Pty Ltd for prospecting at Moutonshoek, upstream of the Verlorenvlei Ramsar site, Western Cape
Decision-making authority: Department of Mineral Resources
Status as at 26 July 2011: Prospecting right granted in July 2011. The Verlorenvlei Coalition has indicated its intention to appeal the decision to award the prospecting right.
See the Verlorenvlei Coalition’s campaign website with all documents relating to this application here.
Disputed mining right granted to Coal of Africa Limited/Limpopo Coal Pty Ltd for an opencast coal mine outside the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site, Limpopo
Decision-making authorities: Minister and Department of Mineral Resources, Minister and Department of Environmental Affairs, Minister and Department of Water Affairs
Status as at 26 July 2011: Mining right granted in 2010. Awaiting decision by the Minister of Mineral Resources on the appeal against the mining right and environmental management plan. Water use licence granted by the Acting DG of Department of Water Affairs on 29 March 2011. Objection to compliance notice refused by Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs on 9 May 2011. An environmental authorisation granted by the Department of Environmental Affairs in one s.24G application on 5 July 2011. Awaiting decision by the Minister of Environmental Affairs on the appeal against the refusal to authorise listed activities under NEMA, and a further decision on an application for rectification under s.24G of NEMA. In the interdict application, CoAL filed replicating affidavits (further answer to the applicants’ replying affidavits) in July 2011.
See a summary of the case and a long list of court and related documents here.
Disputed mining right granted to Transworld Energy and Mineral Resources Pty Ltd over portions of the Xolobeni Tenement Area, Eastern Cape
Decision-making authority: Minister of Mineral Resources
See the Sustaining the Wild Coast website here.
On 17 May 2011, the Minister of Mineral Resources withdrew the mining right awarded to Transworld. Download a copy of that letter here.
The letter from the Minister was written in response to an appeal by the Amadiba Crisis Committee against the mining right primarily on the basis that there was inadequate public consultation. In the letter, the Minister firstly found that there was in fact adequate public consultation; secondly she withdrew the mining right purportedly on the basis that there was still certain environmental information outstanding when the decision was taken, and she has now directed the mining company to submit that additional information within 90 days so that a new decision can be taken.
On 25 July 2011, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs dismissed the appeal against the N2 Wild Coast Toll Road.