25 February 2008 11:35:25 AM

Once again we are forced to fight to protect wild animals and the habitat on which they depend for a living.

Since late last year SanWild has resisted attempts by the Maranda Mining Company (Pty) Ltd to start open cast mining in the SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary.

Late last year the owners of Maranda Mining, Mr. Sakkie Smith and Michael Bryant broke the locks on our main gate to gain access to the reserve after we repeatedly refused them entry to start their mining operation. A formal complaint of unlawful entry, breaking and entering as well as damage to property and intimidation was laid at the Gravelotte Police Station. Both individuals have been formally charged and this case is still being investigated.

A week ago however, SanWild was formally served with legal documents informing us that Maranda Mining Company Pty Ltd would be brining an urgent application for an interdict against us on the 18th March 2008, in which they will ask that we be prevented from interfering with their intended mining activities and that they be given the court’s permission to enter the land to proceed with mining. SanWild will be opposing this application strongly in the best interest of our wildlife and the conservation of the entire SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary.

All attempts by Maranda mining to get us to take financial compensation and allow them to mine the reserve has been rejected with the contempt it deserves and we have on numerous occasions refuse them entry to the property and told them that SanWild was a wildlife sanctuary where we protect and conserve nature and wildlife and that no miming will be allowed in the reserve.

We pointed out to them that it was the elephants in particular that would be compromised should any open cast dynamiting take place as they have been rescued recently from a situation where they feared humans greatly. The area in which the proposed mining would take place is of great conservation importance and many others endangered and elusive animals have made it their territory and home.

For obvious legal reasons we cannot comment now on how they obtain mining permit and if indeed the correct procedures have been followed. What we can tell you is that we have consulted with senior legal council and that SanWild will oppose any mining attempts by Maranda Mining Company.

We will be opposing the application for an urgent interdict they have brought against us to prevent us to interfere and stop them mining. The court date is set down for the 18th March 2008.

We will be meeting with senior legal council this week to prepare to oppose this application in the strongest way possible and will need your urgent help to raise the necessary legal fees to prevent Maranda Mining for mining in the SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary.

All donations towards this very worthy cause would be welcomed. Donations can be done on-line on this website or by means of direct banking transfer into our trust account.

For more information please email louise@sanwild.org or phone our office on +27 (0) 15-3187900/1