Call for comment on two new mining applications in biodiverse areas of the West Coast

Two new mining prospecting applications on the West Coast in highly sensitive, biodiverse environments are open for public comment. Protect our natural spaces - make your voice heard!

Application 1: Fish by the Sea, Brand-se-baai

The first is an amended version of a previous application by Fish by the Sea to prospect for diamonds using methods that include bulk sampling adjacent to a critical biodiversity area (CBA) near Brand-se-baai.?

The new application is a revised submission for the same area that replaces a previous version publicised by Protect the West Coast (PTWC) in July. This application also borders the broken lands of the vast Tronox mining operation.

The first application was deemed inadequate thanks to public input, which forced the resubmission. The new application’s DMR reference number is WC 30/5/1/1/3/2/1/10454/ PR.?

Should mining proceed, the potential damage to this sensitive part of the coast would not be pleasant. There would ostensibly be added biodiversity loss, destruction of beach ecosystems and dune systems, as well as damage to?recreational and tourism potential.?

Concerns about inadequate rehabilitation, a hallmark of most disused mining sites on the West Coast, are completely valid, based on past experience.?

PTWC urges all those who signed up as an Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) –? and anyone else – to review, comment on the IER and other updated documents and associated appendices and strongly object.?

Public comments on this application must be submitted by September 9.?

Anyone may view and comment on these documents here.

Should you decide to comment on the Amended Draft Environmental Impact Report, please send your letter to EnviroAfrica at [email protected] and include DMR reference number WC 30/5/1/1/3/2/1/10454 PR.?

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Application 2: Twiga Global Ore, Kliprand

Twiga Global Ore has submitted the other application. The strangely named company wants to prospect for copper ore, rare earths, zirconium and iron ore on a series of farms about 80 kilometres (km) from the coast, near the small town of Kliprand.?

This application falls within the internationally recognised Succulent Karoo Biome – the only arid-zone biodiversity hotspot in the world.

The application location is 72km north of Vanrhynsdorp in the Matzikama Local District (DMR Ref: WC 30/5/1/1/2/10466 PR). Public comments are open until September 3 (see below).

Many of the Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs), who registered during the initial round of public participation for this application – mostly local farmers, farmer’s organisations and members of the community, as well as a few academics and others – have voiced their concerns.?

In particular, they are worried about what it will do to local livestock and the surrounding environment.

According to UNESCO, the Succulent Karoo Biome is “home to 6,356 plant species, 40% of which are endemic and 936 (17%) of which are listed in the Red Data Book. In addition to its floral diversity, 27 amphibian species, 29% of which are endemic; 121 reptile species, 20% of which are endemic; 68 mammal species, 9% of which are endemic; and 431 bird species.”

The proposed prospecting site also contains an existing monazite mine that is closed but apparently due to reopen soon. This has prompted concerns about the burden on groundwater resources, potential contamination of these resources and damage to underground aquifers by drilling.

PTWC urges you to join us in commenting on and objecting to this application.

Public comments on this application must be submitted by September 3.?

Anyone may view and comment on these documents, available here.

Should you decide to comment on this application, please send your letter to Zyntha Consulting at [email protected] and include DMR reference number WC 30/5/1/1/2/10466 PR.?

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