Mining application next to Kruger National Park poses risks to water security, agriculture and much more, says AfriForum
AfriForum is once again strongly opposed to Tenbosch Mining’s latest application to construct a coal mine close to the Kruger National Park. In its formal comments to Kimopax on this application, the organisation pointed out, among other things, the risks to water security and pollution; the proximity to the Kruger National Park and the cumulative impact of mining and agricultural job losses on this conservation area; as well as the area’s agricultural value. These comments and objections were submitted on Friday in response to the background information document and draft scoping report for the proposed mining rights application, including the associated waste management licence and water use application. Kimopax is Tenbosch Mining’s environmental consultant, who spearheaded the previous application.
The new application process was initiated in February for the construction of an underground coal mine with significant above-ground infrastructure, including a processing plant, stockpiles, landfills, a sludge storage facility, pollution control dams and associated water treatment facilities, as well as power supply and road infrastructure. The area earmarked for this covers approximately 5 500 ha and is located near the southern border of the Kruger National Park. This area relies heavily on tourism, agriculture and ecological integrity for the community’s livelihood and the region’s long-term economic stability.
AfriForum has been fighting the proposed plans for the construction of a coal mine next to the park since 2019, with comments already submitted in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Since then, the application to mine coal in the area has been withdrawn several times and started anew under a new company name.
“The public participation process and the underlying documentation must meet the legal minimum standards. Where the basic property descriptions, footprint information and regulatory references are inconsistent or incorrect, the process cannot be treated as valid,” says Lambert de Klerk, AfriForum’s Manager for Environmental Affairs.
In its comments, AfriForum further emphasised that the area is a highly sensitive environment and stated that coal mining should not be permitted in such proximity to the Kruger National Park, particularly where the documentation presented to the public contains conflicting and incomplete information.
“Our message remains that no mine should be developed in these types of areas. The future of this region depends on the protection of the natural assets that sustain it,” concludes De Klerk.
