Stream diversion approval given

COAL of Africa said yesterday that the South African Department of Mineral Resources had granted environmental approval for stream diversion and associated infrastructural activities for plant modification at Vele Colliery in Limpopo. The company said approval from the Department of Water and Sanitation was the remaining outstanding green light. In a statement to investors chief executive David Brown noted that the implementation of “the historic biodiversity offset agreement between the Department of Environmental Affairs, the South African National Parks and Coal of Africa was setting a new benchmark for co-existence between mining, agriculture and heritage land uses”. “This is evidenced through the company’s continued engagement with various stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, landowners, communities and advocacy groups,” Brown said. “We continue to engage with our stakeholders to optimise this co-operation framework as we strive to maximise the benefits of mining for all our stakeholders.” – ANA