Ezemvelo gets mining partner
'Odd couple' partnership as RBM and Ezemvelo sign MOU
MINING and conservation joined hands on Thursday when Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding after a two-year negotiation period.
As part of the MOU, the mining giant will establish an ‘RBM Corner’ at Hluhluwe and will spend around R3-million on an upgrade of the Hilltop camp, including building a conference facility.
‘The two entities are compatible,’ said an enthusiastic Dr Bandile Mkhize, EKZN CEO.
‘Mining is a necessary evil that contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, job creation and the upliftment of communities.
‘But our task is to ensure they mine responsibly and sustainably.’
At face value a ‘kiss and make up’ situation after the violent conservation objections to RBM’s proposed mining at St Lucia two decades ago, such partnerships are however no longer seen as unusual.
Signing of the MOU has a deeper significance, as the relationship built between the two parties will allow freer communication when future mining possibilities are under discussion, thus reducing conflict.
‘This is not the first partnership between environmental agencies and mines. There is no conflict here,’ said Mkhize.
‘The two land usages can co-exist and mining can support conservation, while we can assist with rehabilitation once mining is over.
‘Conservation is also about human beings, not just plants and animals; there are elements of social development.’
In response, Motoa said the MOU outlined ‘a strategic partnership to deliver a new future and have a meaningful existence as a company responsible beyond mining.
‘We need to reposition ourselves. Many people do not know the contribution we make to the economy, community and the environment.
‘Whatever we do must be good for all stakeholders.
‘The MOU does not change how we do business and we will still engage with communities, EIA’s, regulators, etc.
‘And we will accede to being responsible. We have pulled out of projects before which indicated possible harm to the environment.’
St Lucia two decades ago was a no no for mining, however new mining methods could allow mining now to take place. Dry mining has been used extensively alongside the original dredging method to increase efficiency of recovery at RBM. It also has zero impact on the water table and wet lands. it will be interesting to see if RBM look again at mining the eastern shores. This MOU could be a precursor. It would make sense as the local community would benefit from obvious revenue streams, as well as infrastructure which would eventually be left behind after rehabilitation roads power etc.
will spend around R3-million on an upgrade of the Hilltop camp, including building a conference facility
And a beautiful pothole avenue to get there. You spend more time avoiding potholes then watching game.