JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) - South Africa's Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has voiced concern over the awarding of an "unconditional" new order mining right to emerging coal mining company Coal of Africa Limited (CoAL) for the Vele project near Mapungubwe, in Limpopo province.

The Department of Environmental Affairs has requested the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) for a copy of the new order mining right before deciding on the way forward in this regard.

Sonjica said that she has decided to engage with the Minister of Mineral Resources Susan Shabangu, to look at the mining activities around not just Mapungubwe, but all environmentally sensitive areas.

In a statement to the press, Sonjica said that she was concerned that with Mapungubwe being one of the seven proclaimed World Heritage Sites in South Africa, this latest development could adversely affect its position.

"Following a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and environmental management programme process, adhering to all the national requirements and international best practise, CoAL was granted an unconditional new order mining right. Impacts and mitigation measures were all studied and presented as part of the process. Extensive engagement with stakeholders was undertaken," said the company in response to the statements from Sonjca.

The Mapungubwe National Park is situated some 7 km to the west of the area earmarked for mining. As the oldest known large settlement in Southern Africa, and the precursor to Greater Zimbabwe, this site is of not only regional, but also international importance. The area is designated as a national park, as well as a trans-frontier conservation area, a world heritage site and a biosphere reserve.

"It is not known what the effect of blasting will be on the surrounding archaeological sites and graves. Tourism development in the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape will be negatively affected by the 24 hour a day, seven days a week lighting, blasting and noise, and may destroy the sense of place permanently, and with it, the sustainable job opportunities from tourism and tourism growth," said the department.

It was also noted that Mapungubwe stands as symbol for the highest honour in the country that is conferred by the State President for achievements in the international arena, which have served South Africa's interests.

The Order of Mapungubwe has four classes and has been granted to the former Presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk as well as 23 other recipients for the outstanding achievements, explained the department.

The DMR awarded CoAL the mining right for the project on February 2.

The Aim-, ASX- and JSE-listed coal miner owns 80% of Vele and said that it could spend up to R3,2-billion in capital expenditure on the project.