The Federation for a Sustainable Environment has commented on the EIA for the proposed establishment of a platinum mine by the applicant Richtrau No 123 (Pty) Ltd.
Among the comment the following:
“One of the most critical issues to consider in this application is the post mining land use. Mineral exploitation will rob communities of actual or potential livelihood opportunities. Low level agricultural jobs may be lost by community members who are unable to get one of the new jobs created by the mine as these require higher level of skill. Livelihoods lost are thus seldom directly replaced through mine employment. This problem becomes particularly critical where there can be no or limited post-mining land use.
We alleged, strongly and firmly, that the proposed project will severely curtail future sustainable land uses, such as agriculture, tourism and eco-tourism opportunities.”
Download the comment here.