FEATURE
Gwede MIA again while ecologically important Rietvlei and surrounding communities at risk
Angus Begg
Reprinted From : The Daily Maverick
With the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy apparently missing in action , the ambitions of Corobrik to mine aboveground coal at its Rietvlei operation threaten environmental havoc , and highlight for the umpteenth time , polluted skies and a smelly can of worms far downstream .
In a move that has raised eyebrows and environmental concerns , leading brick manufacturer Corobrik is waiting for permission from Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe to mine the untapped surface coal deposits at its open-cast clay brick production facility next to the serene Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Gauteng on Centurion ’ s eastern edge .
The application has sparked concern over the very likely adverse effects on local water and air quality , compounding existing environmental challenges faced by the reserve – home to a rare peatland as well as rhino , buffalo , cheetah and birdlife – and the surrounding population .
Figure 1 . Zebra crossing at Rietvlei Nature Reserve , on the border between Centurion and Ekurhuleni municipality , a ‘ green lung ’ and a massively popular wildlife destination among Gauteng residents . As the Corobrik saga unfolds , uncertainties loom over the environmental integrity of the Rietvlei Nature Reserve and its surroundings . ( Photo : Angu )
Seven years of dust
“ There will be considerable dust during construction and operational phases due to the nature of the activity ,” said “ X ”, a Centurion-based environmental consultant well acquainted with the Rietvlei area , who wishes to remain anonymous for professional reasons .
These phases , according to Corobrik ’ s application , are expected to last up to seven years .
“ The likelihood of heightened air pollution , especially given the open-cast
Figure 2 . An African stonechat pictured on the Rietvlei wetland . At ‘ about 8km long and at some places 600m wide ’, Rietvlei is one of the largest peatlands in a protected area in South Africa . Peatland is acknowledged globally as one of the most efficient carbon sinks on earth . Only one percent of all peatlands occur in Africa and South America combined . ( Photo : Angus Begg )
Grassroots Vol 24 No 1 March 2024 14