Elandsfontein Phosphate Mine Facing New Environmental Lawsuit in South Africa

The Elandsfontein phosphate mine, owned by African Rainbow Capital, faces a lawsuit from the WWF following the Environment Minister’s decision on an environmental exemption. The mine’s operation has long posed environmental risks, especially to the Langebaan Lagoon. Kropz, the mine’s operator, has also encountered numerous setbacks since its acquisition in 2010. Recent updates show a re-evaluation of ore reserves and plans for improvement in shipping by coal and iron ore exporters in South Africa.

The Elandsfontein phosphate mine, a $160 million project owned by billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Capital Investments, is currently facing legal challenges from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The WWF has filed a lawsuit against South Africa’s Environment Minister, Dion George, concerning his rejection of appeals related to an environmental offset exemption for the mine, as reported by Bloomberg.

Nestled near South Africa’s second-largest phosphate deposit, the Elandsfontein mine has been embroiled in environmental controversies for over a decade, particularly regarding its potential threat to the Langebaan Lagoon and associated aquifer, located 61 miles north of Cape Town. Kropz, a company predominantly owned by African Rainbow, which oversees the Elandsfontein mine, has also been implicated in this legal matter.

The company had earlier proposed to acquire and donate more than 20,000 acres of land to the West Coast National Park as part of its environmental offset strategy; however, this proposal was nullified by the provincial ministry in 2021. The WWF’s legal filing, submitted to South Africa’s High Court on March 13, asserts that “the environment, and therefore the public at large, has suffered prejudice from the unconscionable delays in the implementation of the offset requirements.”

Kropz acknowledged the developments and is currently reviewing its position. Since acquiring the mine in 2010, Kropz has encountered multiple challenges, including technical difficulties and environmental resistance, which have postponed the mine’s operations. Additionally, in June 2024, Kropz provided an updated mineral resource estimate, partially reversing a previous significant reduction in declared ore reserves, although overall estimates reflected a decline in quality over time. Furthermore, plans have been unveiled by South African coal and iron ore exporters to engage in multibillion-rand contracts with Transnet aimed at enhancing rail lines and increasing shipment capacities.

In summary, the Elandsfontein phosphate mine continues to face significant environmental challenges and legal scrutiny, particularly from the WWF. The ongoing disputes highlight the tensions between mining operations and environmental preservation in South Africa. As the situation evolves, Kropz remains committed to reassessing its strategies in light of these challenges.

Original Source: www.mining-technology.com