https://www.miningweekly.com

Court stops mining at historical site in Northern Cape

19th April 2016

By: News24Wire

  

Font size: - +

KIMBERLEY – The Northern Cape High Court has granted a final order stopping mining at Canteen Kopje, a historical and archaeological key point outside Barkly West.

The McGregor Museum in Kimberley sought an interdict last month after it was discovered that mining was going ahead at Canteen Kopje, which it said was a "vitally important excavation site for archaeologists".

An interim interdict granted on March 19 against the mining company, Jackie M Wesi Mining (Pty) Ltd, gave temporary protection. This had now been made final, the museum said in a statement.

Canteen Kopje is the country’s oldest dated archaeological site. Together with the heritage of communities still living in the area, it boasts a Stone Age history stretching back some 2.3 million years.

The mining that was allowed to go ahead had left a gaping hole in the middle of the site. Artefacts were strewn across the damaged surface.

"This interdict upholds the provisions of the National Heritage Resources Act and the procedures it requires. We came perilously close to discrediting of authorities and laws, which would have set a dangerous precedent for South African heritage as a whole," said Professor David Morris, Head of Archaeology at the McGregor Museum.

A second legal process was underway, where the museum and the Wits and Sol Plaatje universities wanted a review of the Department of Mineral Resources' decision to grant a mining permit over a heritage site.
To watch Creamer Media's latest video reports, click here
 

Edited by News24Wire

Article Enquiry

Email Article

Save Article

Feedback

To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here

Showroom

ZF Aftermarket
ZF Aftermarket

ZF Aftermarket is the after-sales division of the world-renowned German ZF group, a global leader in mobility technology.

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Vikela Aluvin (Pty) Ltd
Vikela Aluvin (Pty) Ltd

Complete range of security sealing solutions including security seals bags and labels.

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.054 0.478s - 111pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now