19 Apr 2018

The proposed Morupule South Coal Mine project, currently under Environmental Impact Assessment stage, is expected to affect Masuakoloi and Segakwana ploughing fields near Palapye.

Shumba Energy country manager, Mr Comfort Molosiwa said in an interview after a kgotla meeting addressed by Shumba Energy that the company proposed to open a new coal mine around Palapye. He said the proposed coal mine would be located in a 600 hectare land which would cover the ploughing fields of Masuakoloi and Segakwana.

The land will accommodate the mine, offices, coal grading plant, crusher and the dumping site. Morupule South Coal Mine will be located where there is about 2.5 billion tonnes of coal and the mining company is targeting to extract only 1.5 to 2.5 million tonnes a year, stated Mr Molosiwa.

He said since the mining license period was up to 25 years, the company intended to extend the operation period because of the abundance of coal, adding that the company opted for the open cast mining method because the coal was shallow. 

The project is expected to employ at least 250 employees and Ecosurv has been engaged to undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study.

Ecosurv senior environmentalist, Mr Lesley Olesitse said the EIA was at the second stage of assessment known as the scooping phase.

“This is the phase where property owners at Masuakoloi and Segakwana are consulted and briefed about the planned coal mine at their ploughing fields,” stated Mr Olesitse.

He said the phase would last a month, and once completed, the company would compile a report and submit it to the relevant authorities pointing out that the Environmental Assessment Impact Act of 2011 called for consultation with affected communities, and with the latter given the allowance to voice their opinions and concerns. 

Mr Olesitse stated that Palapye residents had mixed feeling about the project. He said some appreciating the employment opportunities that would be created while farmers were concerned with the possible repossession of their ploughing fields.

He said the commencement of the project would depend on the outcome of the EIA, adding that during the process the company would consult with stakeholders. ENDS