By GIFT NDOLWANE
JOHANNESBURG – COAL of Africa Limited (CoAL) has received an Environmental Authorisation and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations from the South African Department of Mineral Resources for stream diversion and associated infrastructural activities.
CoAL awaits the approval of an Integrated Water Use Licence (IWUL) from the Department of Water and Sanitation, which is the final regulatory approval required for the stream diversion in respect of the Vele Plant Modification Project in Limpopo.
David Brown, Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the decision by the ministry, and looked forward to the receipt of the IWUL.
“Upon receipt thereof, the final decision to proceed with the PMP will be placed before the board, which will include an assessment of forecast global coal prices,” he said.
Brown added a new benchmark for co-existence between mining, agriculture and heritage land uses was being set at Vele, with the on-going implementation of the historic biodiversity offset agreement between the Department of Environmental Affairs, the South African National Parks and CoAL.
“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, particularly our beneficiary communities.”
CoAL is an emerging coal exploration, development and mining company operating in South Africa.
– CAJ News