A proposed iron ore mine, slap bang in the middle of the Eshowe and Melmoth fruit growing regions, appears to be a mystery to both KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) cabinet and its Department of Environmental Affairs.
This follows a recent parliamentary reply (view here) to questions by the DA, which reveals that the provincial government is seemingly oblivious to the advanced plans to establish the mine despite widespread alarm from the Eshowe/Melmoth farming community.
While the operation, to be developed by Jindal (Jindal Melmoth Iron Ore Mine), has raised serious concerns amongst local residents, of equal concern is that it is set to be developed on Ngonyama Trust land. This has already led to tensions over who may benefit from the mining.
At the onset, locals have spoken of the potential loss of amenity, disruption of farming and agriculture, potential for water pollution, and massive water use needs. Early information also points to the already water-stricken region being subjected to proposed mining using 13 million cubic metres of water monthly.
That such a large proposed development, with so many impacts, does not feature on the provincial cabinet radar is of significant concern to the DA. While we will always support job creation, it cannot come at the potential expense of communities and agriculture.
That KZN’s ANC-run government is not aware of mining projects that could possibly displace hundreds of families, is typical of the nonchalant style of governance our citizens have been subject to.
The DA will continue to liaise with concerned community members and assess each phase of the mine license application and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes. Like so many other mines, the stripping of natural resources for direct export and almost no further manufacturing processes inherently damages our local communities.
We will also continue to interrogate the matter through both KZN’s Economic Development and Environmental Affairs portfolio committees.
Sadly, KZN’s ANC cabinet has missed the bus on protecting the vulnerable rural and farming sectors. The DA will ensure mining is firmly on the agenda – with the people of our province being prioritised over open cast mines and ore destined for export.