Mining approved near Tzaneen, water users blindsided

TZANEEN –The approval of an environmental authorisation for mineral prospecting on farmland near Tzaneen has raised concerns among local stakeholders, with the Letaba Water Users’ Association claiming it was unaware of the application process and questioning how the approval was granted. A notice published in the Letaba Herald’s June 5 edition announced that Mashrik Social Development Consultancy CC had been granted environmental authorisation for a prospecting right covering a range of minerals including: The prospecting area is named as Portions 1, 2, 3 and the remainder of the farm Rooiwater 673 LT, situated within the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, approximately 15km outside Tzaneen towards Maake. Jacque Kruger of the Letaba Water Users’ Association said the organisation only became aware of the approval after the decision had already been made.

“We know nothing about the prospecting and are shocked as to how it was approved when nothing about it was advertised,” said Kruger. He explained that the association had attempted to obtain more information about the process but had received no response. “I tried sending them an email to find out if there is information on when everything was done, and since we never saw anything about it until now and I have not received any response.

“I even called them today (Tuesday, June 9) to find out if they received my email and did not get anyone. I did not even receive an email of acknowledgement from them, and given that there are no coordinates of the area, we cannot pinpoint where this place is,” he said. Kruger added that the lack of information has made it difficult for stakeholders to assess the potential impact of the proposed prospecting activities on the surrounding environment and water resources.

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“We do not think that it is a good thing for the environment,” he said. Interested and affected parties who wish to challenge the decision may appeal to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment at appeals@dffe.gov.za. Copies of appeals must also be submitted to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources’ Limpopo Regional Office atthivhulawi.jolani@dmpr.gov.za

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