Langebaan phosphate mining application raises environmental alarm
Protect the West Coast (PTWC) has raised the alarm about an application by Mariama Mining to mine phosphates on a farm near Langebaan, 16 km east of Vredenburg and 20 km northeast of Langebaan lagoon. The company intends to mine for phosphates and associated minerals up to three metres deep over 52 hectares (ha), removing up to 36,000 tons of earth annually. Endangered Strandveld vegetation and habitat for near threatened species will be lost around a Critical Biodiverse and Ecological Support Area. Questionable relocation plans also threaten remaining endangered species. PTWC urges you to sign up as an Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) to comment on and object to this application at www.ripl.co.za by 16 April.