Overberg gold mining application refused, but the fight isn’t over
The fourth application to prospect for gold, silver and tin outside the town of Napier by shell mining company, Cienth (Pty) Ltd, has been refused by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
The prospecting right and environmental authorisation requested by Cienth to search for gold has created huge consternation in the Overberg. The application covered an area of approximately 4,000 hectares on productive agricultural lands and Critically Endangered vegetation. Through the Save the Overberg Coalition, the community of Napier and Bredasdorp and surrounds combined forces to object to the application.
According to Elsaine Rabie, committee member and part of the legal team representing the Save the Overberg Coalition, the Overberg region has been tormented by application upon application by Cienth for the past year and a half.
“The first three applications did not see the light of day. However the fourth application went all the way to the Final Basic Assessment Report.”
The DMRE’s decision to refuse the application was sighted as:
• Potential impacts not assessed by specialist studies (an essential part of most environmental assessments).
• Public participation not conducted in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment regulations.
• Most comments and objections were not included in the Final Basic Assessment Report.
• State departments and the DMRE, as the competent authority, were not afforded an opportunity to comment on the Draft Basic Assessment Report.
• Notice of intent to develop was not provided to Heritage Western Cape, which prohibited the authority to comment on the application.
“A victory for the Overberg”
Rabie says, “The refusal of the environmental authorisation is a major victory for the Overberg, especially the community of Napier. The entire district came together as a unified front to fight these applications, and the outcome was in favour of the environment.”
The mining company has been mired in controversy from the start. Cienth is a shell mining company with a single director, Rosie Mvala, who was appointed in April 2023. According to the Daily Maverick, Mvala is the director of no fewer than 88 companies. Cienth has no website, and its given address is a five-star apartment hotel in Sandton.
The prospecting application also resulted in concern due to the impacts on agriculture, the environment and the tourism sector – all of which would be impacted. Critically Endangered Western and Central Rûens Shale Renosterveld is found in the demarcated prospecting site. The concern regarding acid-mine drainage into Overberg watercourses, including groundwater and the Kars River, was highlighted. This river flows into a Ramsar-listed wetland at the De Mond Nature Reserve.
More applications are likely
According to law, Cienth’s appointed environmental assessment practitioner, Takalani Environmental Consultancy, must let all Interested & Affected Parties know of the DMRE’s decision withing 14 days (as of 8 October 2024). Cienth has the right to appeal the outcome. This will bring the decision to the attention of the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, which could further highlight the potential threat posed by the mine to the environment. Rabie says, “Considering the reasons for the decision to refuse the environmental authorisation, the DMRE’s decision cannot, and should not, be overruled.”
However, experts warn Overberg residents to not be complacent, as more applications are likely to follow. She adds, “As a community we should celebrate this victory. However, it’s essential we remain vigilant, as more applications are evident.”