The Elandsfontein phosphate mine in South Africa is facing a lawsuit from the WWF regarding environmental concerns. The lawsuit challenges the Environment Minister’s rejection of appeals against an offset exemption for the mine. Kropz, the mine operator, has faced multiple setbacks since its acquisition, impacting its development and environmental commitments.
The Elandsfontein phosphate mine, a significant $160 million project in South Africa, is facing a new environmental lawsuit from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Owned by billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Capital Investments, the mine has come under scrutiny due to environmental concerns, particularly regarding its potential impact on the Langebaan Lagoon, located 61 miles north of Cape Town.
The WWF has initiated legal proceedings against South Africa’s Environment Minister, Dion George, for rejecting appeals against an exemption for the mine’s environmental offset. This exemption is part of a long-term controversy surrounding the mine, which contains South Africa’s second-largest phosphate deposit.
Kropz, the operator of the Elandsfontein mine and 90% owned by African Rainbow, was also named in the lawsuit. Previously, Kropz proposed to purchase over 20,000 acres of land for donation to the West Coast National Park, intended as an offset for environmental impacts, but this proposal was dismissed by the provincial ministry in 2021.
In a legal filing on March 13, the WWF contended that “the environment, and therefore the public at large, has suffered prejudice from the unconscionable delays in the implementation of the offset requirements.” Meanwhile, Kropz has acknowledged this legal challenge and is reviewing its options.
Since its acquisition in 2010, the mine has encountered numerous obstacles, including technical difficulties and environmental opposition that have hindered its development. In June 2024, Kropz provided an update on the mineral resource estimate at Elandsfontein, noting improvements in ore reserves but also a decline in overall resource grade, indicating a more precise assessment of the phosphate deposit’s current quality.
In parallel development, South African coal and iron ore exporters have announced plans to enter into multibillion-rand agreements with Transnet to enhance rail infrastructure and increase shipment volumes.
The Elandsfontein phosphate mine remains embroiled in a complex web of environmental litigation and challenges. The World Wildlife Fund’s push for accountability emphasizes the ongoing debate surrounding the mine’s operational impacts on local ecosystems. With Kropz facing both legal and technical hurdles, the future of the mine and its projects remains uncertain, further highlighting the delicate balance between industrial development and environmental conservation.
Original Source: www.mining-technology.com
