A Chinese-controlled coal mine in South Africa’s Limpopo province is advancing toward full production, facing a legal challenge from community members and environmental groups. Concerns are mounting regarding water security in the region.
Kinetic Development Group, which controls MC Mining, anticipates the Makhado hard-coking-coal project will reach steady-state operation by the end of the year. The mine, located within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected wetlands. Environmental advocates state that land clearing has damaged sensitive habitats and destroyed native trees.
The project’s environmental authorization, first granted in 2013, has undergone several amendments. A controversial 2021 amendment removed a condition requiring mining to begin by a fixed deadline. A coalition appealed this decision, arguing it granted an open-ended authorization without sufficient public input.
Source: Mongabay