Is There Still Hope For Mapungubwe?

The NGO Coalition, which issued the interdict application against Coal of Africa Limited’s Vele mining operation last year, says to date it has received no notification of the Department of Environmental Affairs’ (DEA) authorisation of the controversial project.

The Coalition is made up of a range of conservation and environmental NGOs including the Endangered Wildlife Trust, BirdLife SA, the Peace Parks Foundation and the Mapungubwe Action Group.

The Coalition says it has requested further information from the DEA, including a copy of the authorisation and reasons for the decision. “We will take all appropriate legal measures to challenge this decision, including the lodging of an appeal and judicial review proceedings as necessary,” it says in a press statement.

“The Coalition considers the decision by the Department to grant the authorisation, or even to accept the rectification application, wholly inappropriate in light of Coal's considerable resources and status as a public listed company who ought to be fully aware of its obligations under law. It is not clear why the Department is allowing Coal to legitimise their illegal activities,” said the statement.
 
Furthermore, the Coalition says the DEA’s authorisation only applies to some of the illegal activities undertaken by the company on the mining site. Coal has a second, outstanding rectification application which is currently open for public comment until July 29, 2011. “Without authorisation, these activities may not commence. The Coalition will submit comprehensive objections to the second rectification application.

Article source: www.tourismupdate.co.za