Unusual surge in prospecting applications in Northern and Western Cape a major concern
Protect the West Coast (PTWC) has identified an unusual and alarming surge in prospecting right applications across the Northern Cape and Western Cape since the start of 2026, with at least 48 applications lodged in the past two months. Many fall within sensitive West Coast and Namaqualand areas, and are linked to multiple entities associated with the same sole director. PTWC is concerned about the quality of several submissions, the extent of public participation and the cumulative environmental risks if any of these applications are granted and mining rights follow.