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The Mabola Protected Environment, near Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga, forms part of one of South Africa’s water factories, contributing significantly to the country’s overall water supply.
MABOLA COALITION

Battle continues over coal mining in the Mabola Protected Environment

A coalition of environmental justice organisations says the proposed coal mine will have an adverse effect on the functioning of downstream ecosystems

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read
Factory: The area in Mpumalanga where the proposed coal mine is situated has highly sensitive wetlands and pans that are important for producing the country’s water. Photo: Kerstin Geier
COAL MINE

Fight over coal mine in Mabola back in court

Environmental groups have been trying to halt a planned coal mine in a sensitive area since 2015

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read
Powerlines from Matimba powerstation pass over Marapong village. Residents are affected by the poor air quality and many do not have electricity even though they live in the shadow of the power station. (James Puttick)
ANC

How government is pushing for a coal mine in water scarce area

Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s decision decried on environmental grounds

  • Mandisa Makgakga
5 min read
Thungela private security stands guard at the source of the acid mine drainage spill at the mine. Photograph: James Puttick.
ACID MINE DRAINAGE

Criminal probe into Thungela Resources for ‘catastrophic’ acid mine water spill

It will be a test case in South Africa for river pollution, rehabilitation and holding polluters accountable

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read
A 58km stretch of the lower Wilge River system is “dead” after an old coal mine in Mpumalanga decanted millions of litres of acidic water into the river system last week. (Wikipedia)
ACID MINE DRAINAGE

Coal mine acidic water spillage into Wilge River system kills ‘all life, everything’

The acid mine drainage happened at Khwezela Colliery’s south shaft, which had been sealed, but the volume of water exceeded the maximum capacity for treatment at the dosing site

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read