Anglo American Inyosi Coal (AAIC), a member of Thungela Resources Limited (Thungela) is applying for an environmental authorisation (EA) and water use licence (WUL) for proposed irrigation project and ventilation shafts at Elders Colliery.
- Irrigation system: The proposed irrigation system will be implemented in phases and includes central pivots which will irrigate an area of 406 ha. It will utilise underground water to irrigate seasonal and perennial crops.
- Ventilation shafts: Upcast ventilation shafts are proposed for ventilation at Elders Colliery. Associated infrastructure for the shafts includes an 11 kV overhead line, electrical substation, and transformer bay.
Before AAIC may commence with constructing the irrigation scheme, ventilation shafts and associated auxiliary infrastructure, the following environmental authorisations and licences need to be applied for:
- A Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (S&EIA) process in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (2014). The required documentation will be submitted to the Mpumalanga Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
- A Water Use Licence Application (WULA) to be undertaken in terms of the National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) for submission and approval from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
