http://www.iol.co.za/business/companies/coal-not-way-for-mapungubwe-1.1058401

‘Coal not way for Mapungubwe’

April 18 2011 at 06:38pm

Independent Newspapers

A coalition of NGOs that brought legal action against Coal of Africa Limited (CoAL) at the proposed Vele Colliery outside the Mapungubwe National Park has reiterated its opposition to the project.

The coalition, which includes the Endangered Wildlife Trust, the Peace Parks Foundation and the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists, said on Monday that mining “of this kind” was not appropriate for the area.

“Mining needs to make way for alternative forms of development that are more sustainable, equitable and inclusive of a variety of cultural and conservation needs, in appropriate circumstances,” the coalition said in a statement.

“The coalition is therefore opposed to this particular mine in this particular location out of recognition that mining activity of this nature is not appropriate for this area, and will compromise other more sustainable and more equitable forms of development that are being proposed for this region.”

One of the coalition's major concerns is that Vele mining area is adjacent to a proclaimed World Heritage Site. The site is one of just 24 sites around the world added to Unesco's World Heritage List in 2004.

“It is a natural treasure holding the history of 50,000 years of human development and contains priceless archaeological and paleontological treasures, with those thus far discovered likely representing the tip of the iceberg,” the coalition said.

“The coalition is of the view that mining at Vele will significantly erode the area’s sense of place, which is a feature of both its cultural importance and its natural beauty. The cumulative effect of the erosion of sense of place is important.”

A coal seam ran “right across northern Limpopo” and if Vele was allowed to proceed, this would impact on all future development decisions in the region.

“The coalition’s position is that the dust, noise and light pollution, as well as the risk to employment and livelihoods resulting from the threat posed to the current dominant land uses (agriculture and eco-tourism) will have a significantly detrimental impact on the socio-economic well-being and quality of life of the nearby communities.”

CoAL had promised to employ 826 permanent employees resulting in an impact on the direct livelihood of approximately 1495 people, but after 29 years - the approximate life span of a coal mine - the employment opportunities would end, the coalition said.

“In comparison, in the tourism sector, at least 700 permanent jobs currently exist in the core of the Transfrontier Conservation Area, while the conservative estimated direct jobs to be created within the TFCA over the next 15 years amounts to 3,904.

“These employment opportunities are sustainable and the intact environment will continue to contribute towards the GDP of the country for the benefit of all future generations.” - Sapa