Concern over proposed coal mine near Vaal River
I recently learned, through a neighbour, about a planned open-cast coal mine at Panfontein, near the Vaal River and disturbingly close to Three Rivers. Despite living in the area since 2009, this was the first I'd heard of it. I've since been told the project has been in the works since 2019.
Yet, residents, farmers, and suburban communities, those most affected, have had little to no consultation.
This mine lies just down the road from Rand Water's Zuikerbosch treatment plant, a critical facility that reportedly provides 70% of Johannesburg's water and nearly 100% to the Vaal Triangle. The environmental risks are enormous: coal dust pollution carried by prevailing winds into Vereeniging, a city already
facing high rates of illness from existing pollution sources like Lethabo Power Station.
The impacts won't stop at air quality.
Heavy trucks will worsen already crumbling roads.
The proximity to the Vaal River raises major concerns about water contamination, possibly threatening both the river system and the treatment plant's effectiveness.
I've requested all relevant documentation, including the Approved Environmental Impact Assessment, but have yet to receive it.
I understand that the window for appealing the mine's approval may be as little as four days from now, depending on when the official clock started.
This feels alarmingly rushed.
The public deserves transparency, consultation, and time to respond. This affects all of us.
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Concern over proposed coal mine near Vaal River
Heath White writes: I recently learned, through a neighbour, about a planned open-cast coal mine at Panfontein, near the Vaal River and disturbingly close to Three Rivers. Despite living in the area since 2009, this was the first I'd heard of it. I've since been told the project has been in the works since 2019. Yet, residents, farmers, and suburban communities, those most affected, have had little to no consultation. This mine lies just down the road from Rand Water's Zuikerbosch treatment plant, a critical facility that reportedly provides 70% of Johannesburg's water and nearly 100% to the Vaal Triangle. The environmental risks are enormous: coal dust pollution carried by prevailing winds into Vereeniging, a city already facing high rates of illness from existing pollution sources like Lethabo Power Station. The impacts won't stop at air quality. Heavy trucks will worsen already crumbling roads. The proximity to the Vaal River raises major concerns about water contamination, possibly threatening both the river system and the treatment plant's effectiveness. I've requested all relevant documentation, including the Approved Environmental Impact Assessment, but have yet to receive it. I understand that the window for appealing the mine's approval may be as little as four days from now, depending on when the official clock started. This feels alarmingly rushed. The public deserves transparency, consultation, and time to respond. This affects all of us.
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