Plans for the Fuleni coal mine on the border of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) have been put on hold after Ibutho Coal faced public outcry over the possibility of mining activities less than 100m from a national park.

Ibutho Coal says it received a number of comments on the draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Management Programme, which were published for comment earlier this year.

“After due consideration of the comments, Ibutho Coal together with its EIA specialist team are in the process of identifying options to address the noted concerns,” it said in a statement.

The mining company is now going back to the drawing board and has promised to undertake further consultation with the affected communities as well as conducting additional studies before taking any further action. It will also revisit the mine planning to reduce the zone of influence associated with the mine.

“As a result of the additional work planned for the project, no immediate engagement sessions will be scheduled, apart from ongoing community consultation,” Ibutho Consultant, Lizinda Dickson, said. She added that the public would be notified timeously of any future engagement sessions.

“I see this as a victory,” says Kirsten Youens, Environmental Law Specialist. She says the pressure the various environmental organisations have exercised to stop the mining have been a success. “It has resulted in the obvious need to re-look at the project and, if nothing else, it means a substantial delay in the project proceeding.”

However, although the mining plans have been put on hold for now, they have not been buried yet. Youens says: “It seems that the project has been put on hold until such time as Ibutho Coal wishes it to be put on hold for (better economic climate for coal perhaps) and until the consultants are able to properly address all the concerns of the interested and affected parties.”

Spokesperson for the iMfolozi Communities and Wilderness Alliance (ICWA) Sheila Berry says ICWA considers Ibutho Coal’s announcement to delay the Fuleni EIA process in order to undertake “additional work” is both a clear admission and confirmation that the public participation process (PPP) conducted by Naledi Consulting and the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared by Jacana Environmentals are grossly inadequate.

“It is too late for Ibutho to consider pursuing their seriously flawed EIA. Their decision to now consult with the affected Fuleni communities and other interested and affected parties is simply too late,” she says, adding that after two years Ibutho Coal has not held one public meeting to explain the project to the broader public.

Berry cautions everyone not to assume that this battle has been won. “Ibutho Coal has invested many millions in this proposal and is unlikely to walk away from it without a fight. We expect the onslaught to resume in the new year and so call on all our supporters to keep up the pressure to prevent the Fuleni coal mine project from seeing the light of day.”