Xolobeni mining – shady ’support’ from locals

I have written about the proposed mining of the Xolobeni area. See blogposts here, here and here. The local mining company says that it will bring employment to the area. Those opposed say it will bring destruction. I feel that an area of such biodiversity and uniqueness should be preserved as a heritage site. This will allow for sustained livelihoods and the preservation of the natural environment.

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Do the Math +-x

Email + Photographs = BLOGGING!

Yes, you’ve guessed it! Maybe you haven’t.. But we have activated a new device to ensure that anyone with an email address can blog on the Sprig Gardening Blog. It is easy and rewarding.. See details here and please send in some posts:

http://www.sprig.co.za/join-sprig/

Roadside Aloe

I have posted these elsewhere and Niall also posted some pics but I thought I should share these beautiful Aloes we came across on the side of the road in the Eastern Cape. Happy Monday!

Beautiful Aloe 1

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Local freedoms

Written on behalf of SWC by Val Payn

SWC Chair

Box 44, Harding

Contact cell 083 4416961

swcoastval@gmail.com

XOLOBENI MINING IS A TEST CASE OF HOW MUCH COMMITMENT GOVERNMENT HAS TO LOCAL DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES.

Should local destinies be decided locally? That is the heart of the issue around the Wild Coast Xolobeni mining debate.

The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) has announced that it will hold a legal hearing in Durban to hear oral submissions as to why amaPondo communities are opposed to titanium dune mining along the Wild Coast. DMR say the submissions will be taken into account in the Minister’s decision whether to give the go ahead for the mining application. This sets a precedent for DMR, who do not usually consider oral appeals.

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Important Update – XOLOBENI

A few month ago I blogged about the proposed mining of Xolobeni in the Eastern Cape. Here is the most recent development, hopefully the Board will make the right decision:

28 January 2010

The LRC to make oral submissions on behalf of the Amadiba Crisis Committee at Xolobeni

For immediate release

On 8, 9 and 10 February 2010, the Minerals and Mining Development Board will receive oral submissions on behalf of interested parties involved in the appeal against the Minister’s decision to grant a mining right to Transworld Energy Minerals (TEM) at Xolobeni in the Eastern Cape.  The Board will then make recommendations to the Minister of Minerals and Energy.

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