Coal mining operations nearby Limpopo’s Mapungubwe World Heritage Site have ceased after an order from the Department of Environmental Affairs was passed down yesterday to mining company, CoAL of Africa.
The department’s Environmental Management Inspectorate, or the Green Scorpions as they are also known, has ordered the mine to cease activities as they are in contravention of the National Environmental Management Act.
Concerns were raised over a year ago from tourism industry players who believed that mining activity in the area would destroy the tourism potential of the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site which is famed for artefacts discovered believed to have been integral to an ancient iron-age civilisation that populated the area.
In addition, the area that is to be developed and mined by CoAL of Africa falls into the Transfrontier Conservation Area that straddles the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
All development activity in the area by CoAL of Africa will cease within 24 hours, while the use of surrounding roads for whatever purpose will cease within three days. The mine has also been forbidden from extending its footprint.
The Green Scorpions will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the compliance notice is maintained by the mine. If the mine persists with operations, further charges will be brought against CoAL of Africa and an interdict from the
High Court will be issued.
This does not necessarily symbolise the end of mining operations in the area, however, as CoAL of Africa will be able to appeal the decision made by the department.
