By: Newcastillian news

The Newcastle Municipality is applying for a mining permit and environmental authorization to establish a "borrowing pit" along the D96 road, a move that has sparked concerns from residents about transparency and its impact on local housing projects.

Resident Concerns and Lack of Transparency

The issue came to light after a notice was posted along the D96 road, which many residents found easy to miss. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration, stating the process lacked transparency and raised concerns because the land in question was originally intended for housing projects and is located near established residential areas like Amiel Park and Lennoxton.

Official Clarification: It's a Borrowing Pit, Not a Mine

In response, municipal officials have sought to clarify the project's nature. Councillor Bertie Meiring, chairperson of the Development Planning and Human Settlement portfolio committee, emphasized that the application is for a borrowing pit, not a commercial mine. A borrowing pit is a site used to extract materials like gravel specifically for municipal infrastructure projects, such as road repairs.

Municipal Rationale: Cost Savings and Efficiency

The primary reason for the initiative is to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The municipality aims to source its own gravel for road maintenance, which would eliminate the need to purchase materials and have them transported from distant locations. This aligns with practices by other South African municipalities, which have reported cost savings of 30-50% on road maintenance through similar borrowing pits.

Legal and Environmental Framework

South African law requires a mining permit from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) for any excavation, including a borrowing pit. The process involves:

Submitting plans via the South African Mineral Resources Administration System (SAMRAD).

Complying with the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).

Adhering to the Mine Health and Safety Act.

Committing to full site rehabilitation after extraction, including backfilling and revegetation.

Assurance on Housing and Future Community Engagement

Municipal Manager Zamani Mcinecka directly addressed housing concerns, reassuring residents that any earmarked housing projects would remain unaffected and that development is still a priority. Cllr. Meiring also clarified that municipalities are not legally allowed to own commercial mines. He confirmed that feasibility studies are ongoing and that the community will be engaged through public participation meetings before any final decisions are made.