The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) has granted a water use licence to Coal of Africa’s Vele Colliery for its coal mining operations in the Limpopo province. The water use licence was issued on 29 March 2011 in terms of Chapter 4 of the National Water Act 1998.
It is valid for a period of five years from the date of issuance and it will be reviewed after the first year and thereafter every two years.
In issuing the water use licence the department has considered carefully all aspects relating to the use of water for the purpose of mining activities and the related impact on water resources. DWA is therefore satisfied currently, that the mining company has met the relevant requirements however in terms of the licence, Vele Colliery is further required to, within three months from the date of issuance of the licence submit to the Department of Water Affairs the following information before mining operations can commence:
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A mining plan showing areas where mining will take place so as to protect the Limpopo River and all the remaining tributaries of the Limpopo that have not yet been impacted negatively by activities undertaken prior to authorisation.
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A plan showing all alterations of water courses, impeding and diversions of flow of all tributaries away from affected areas (to minimise pollution impacts).
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A plan of action showing measures to be undertaken to rehabilitate the three already negatively impacted tributaries.
In addition, the mine is further required to establish a monitoring forum which includes water specialists, interested and affected parties, civil society and local government. This forum must meet regularly and is expected to continue to be in force as long as it is necessary. The outcome of the meetings of the forum will form part of the quarterly reporting to the Department as per licence stipulation.
Source: Department of Water Affairs
