Farmers, rural communities and conservationists in South Africa's Limpopo province are fighting plans for a string of Chinese-owned coal mines and factories along the Limpopo River, Daily Maverick reports.
Kinetic Development Group has already dug a coal pit in bushveld near Tshipise, part of a provincial policy to open a new coalfield and metals manufacturing hub in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, which includes the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site and part of Kruger National Park.
The coalition, which includes the group Living Limpopo, has gone to court, filed objections and petitioned ministers. Its spokesperson, Lauren Liebenberg, argues that the provincial economic development and environment department cannot fairly both promote the special economic zone and judge its environmental impact. She said approaches to the national environment minister had been turned away because the province is the responsible authority. Opponents warn of pollution, land loss and threats to water supplies.
Source: Daily Maverick
