Today’s public participation process regarding proposed mining on Rooifontein farm, bordering on Kimberley, sparked strong public outcry and the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) will keep a close eye on the project.
The Freedom Front Plus attended the proceedings.
The Kimberley community members who are opposed to the idea come from all walks of life.
This included farmers, hunting enterprises, informal miners and conservationists.
Community members are mainly concerned about water availability, the rehabilitation of mined-out sites, safety and wildlife.
Local farmers pointed out that previous mining operations in the immediate vicinity were forced to stop, because of the detrimental impact on water resources in the area.
Community members became hot under the collar as they felt that not all questions were satisfactorily addressed. There was no supportive participation.
The farm in question belongs to the Ekapa mining company, but the application was brought by an independent enterprise, Affordable Outcomes, based in Christiana.
Community members indicated that they would feel more comfortable with a local developer.
The enterprise anticipates that the project will create 27 job opportunities. Several participants weighed this up against potential losses in livestock and game farming.
Another cause for concern is that the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will not see to it that all undertakings regarding rehabilitation are carried out.
The Freedom Front Plus is fully committed to ensuring that no shortcuts are taken with this controversial project.
