Public participation on track ahead of mine resumption

WHILE the exact date for when the Somkhelebased Tendele coal mine in Mtubatuba will resume operations, it has said that public participation processes, as ordered by the court, are on track.

The mine continued with the public participation process after the Pietermaritzburg High

Court in August dismissed an application for leave to appeal a 13 July ruling refusing an interim interdict sought by the Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organisation (MCEJO) and others against Tendele Coal Mine.

The mine's Nathi

Kunene said the public participation processes have been conducted with the assistance of the Mpukunyoni Traditional Council (MTC), with which the mine has been working closely.

Kunene said in recent weeks, the Tendele mine, 'through the blessing of the MTC', held public participation process meetings this month in Emalahleni, Ophondweni and Mahujini.

"A meeting was scheduled to be held in Machibini on 22 October, but due to the adverse weather conditions, the mine cancelled the meeting. This was out of respect for the families who lost loved ones and their homes," said Kunene.

"We are deeply saddened by this incident. Furthermore, given the delays in commencing with mining, not only have community members lost jobs and entrepreneurs unable to offer services to the mine, but it is also not in a position to provide any meaningful support to these families affected by the storm."

He added that in all public participation meetings to date, there have been no reported incidents of intimidation.

"We would like to thank the MTC and SAPS for their presence at each meeting. The meetings have been positive and supportive of the mine restarting. We anticipate that the public participation process will be concluded, and information submitted to the minister of the DMRE (Department of Minerals and Energy) by early 2024," said Kunene.

He said Tendele is 'working diligently on plans to commence with mining, and once in a position to start, all respective parties will be notified of the way forward'.

The MTC's Goodwill Mkhwanazi said the mine forms part of the council's community developmental efforts.

Mkhwanazi said the MTC wants to work in close partnership with the mine, with a memorandum of understanding between the two entities to benefit the communities.

A representative of the Mkhwanazi royal family said it was not true that locals were being 'manipulated' or 'bulldozed' to allow the mine to operate, and thus 'infringing on their rights' so the mine could operate 'by force'.

According to Mkhwanazi, one of the major issues was that some community members were not satisfied with relocation payment packages to give the mine the land it needs to continue with its operations.

"But you can't pay more than you can get from the ground," he said.

"The new Inkosi [Ntokozo Mkhwanazi] has a clear vision, which includes working in co-operation with communities and the mine to ensure there is economic development in the area.

"The Inkosi and traditional council are trying by all means to resolve any differences or areas of concern," said Mkhwanazi.