Tendele Mine – Somkhele
URGENT APPEAL – REGISTER NOW AS AN INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTY (IAP)
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO STOP A DEVASTATING NEW COAL MINE ON THE BORDER OF THE HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK
Background
For the second time in four years, the Fuleni community, home of the Mthethwa people for centuries, is being subjected to the stress of the threat of what is likely to be another massive, polluting open cast coal mine, like Tendele, in the middle of their villages. The proposed area for prospecting includes the entire Fuleni reserve, a large area almost the size of the iMfolozi wilderness area.
It will affect an estimated 16 500 people who, in 2016, finally made it clear they will not move off their land.
Fuleni residents protest against Ibutho Coal – 2016
Yet, another new, unknown mining company, Imvukuzane Resources, has applied for a prospecting licence. The community strongly oppose the application together with the Global Environmental Trust (GET) and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. We also need you to say NO!
The mine is on the boundary of the historic Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) the oldest protected area in Africa, set aside in 1895, more than 110 years ago as a sanctuary for the Southern White rhino, thought to be extinct at that time. It is the home of these iconic animals being poached to extinction for their valuable horns. The iMfolozi Wilderness area was established in 1958, and is recognised as the first Wilderness designated in Africa. Many thousands of people from all walks of life, races and creeds have gone on Wilderness trails in this place held sacred by the Zulu people.
There will be many serious environmental impacts, particularly noise 24/7, blasting, coal dust, water extraction and pollution, light pollutions, contamination of soil, destruction of agricultural and grazing land, displacement of thousands of people, etc.
The full Background Information Document (BID) can be downloaded below:
Groundmined I&AP Letter Fuleni Reserve .pdf
REGISTER AS AN IAP – COMPLETE THE FORM TODAY – DEADLINE 22 JUNE.
EMAIL T0 christine.f@greenmined.co.za
Form can be downloaded below:
AP Registration & Comments – Fuleni Reserve.docx
The more people who register as IAPs, the stronger and clearer the message to the Department of Mineral Resources that coal mines is rural farming communities that threaten HiP are not to be considered. Neighbouring communities derive far more jobs and sustainable benefits from the Park and tourism than from coal mines that leave serious environmental, social and economic devastation behind and invariably do not rehabilitate the area despite legal obligations to do so.
GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETING THE FORM
- Contact details section. Ensure you complete the Interest section
Egs. I have contributed to anti-rhino poaching and am aware of the link between mines on the boundaries of protected areas and increasd poaching.
OR
I have been on a wilderness trail and believe other people should have the opportunity and right to this experience that would be ruined by another mine in close proximity to the wilderness area.
AND/OR
I recently went on a wilderness trail and was shocked by the impact that the current Tendele coal mine had in the wilderness area, day and night. The noise and light pollution at night was so invasive. It distracted from the experience. Another mine to the south of the wilderness area would destroy it completely.
OR
I live in the vicinity of the Park
OR
Protected Areas belong to all South Africans and as a concerned citizen I have an interest in HiP
- Comments/Opmerkings Section
No Comment:-
Numerous comments OR Many comments OR Several comments. Or the exact number of comments.
Request additional information:-
Proof of the procedure followed this far, particularly in terms of negotiating with the Fuleni traditional leadership and the community prior to engaging with the Ingonyama Trust Board and applying to the Department of Mineral Resource for permission to prospect in the area.
Precise location of where notices were posted to inform IAPs of the Prospecting application.
Who was the BID was circulated to and how.
Languages in which the notice was prepared.
Languages in which the table for comments was prepared.
To avoid wasting IAPs time and money, provide a comprehensive desktop study that details all the issues and impacts raised in 2014 by IAPs as well as specialist studies for the Ibutho Coal project.
Provide evidence of substantive new information or changes in the situation since 2014 to 2016,.
Concerns:-
The Prospecting application focusses only on determining the existence of minerals in the area and pays no attention to the numerous Fuleni residents and members of the public who, since 2014, have made it clear through legal, peaceful channels that mining in NOT wanted. Who is responsible and accountable should understandable violence erupt?
Increased rhino poaching with strangers coming into the area during prospecting and subsequent mining
The impacts and damage to the Wilderness Area, the wildlife and the Park as a whole should mining be approved.
A reduction in the popularity and number of tourists visiting HiP as a result of the intrusion of mining so close to the Park.