GROOT MARICO IS UNDER THREAT
Groot Marico faces unprecedented destruction from open cast Nickel mining.
It is proposed that prospecting and mining take place in and around Groot Marico. An application was made by African Nickel to start prospecting on almost all the farms in Groot Marico - and every farm on the Marico river.
PROSPECTING - INCLUDING LARGE SCALE DRILLING - HAS ALREADY COMMENCED IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF THE EYE, THE SOURCE OF THE MARICO RIVER.
Open cast mining is highly mechanized, requires skilled labour and involves constant blasting, which creates noise and dust. The removal of masses of ore, which must be transported in huge trucks to the nearest plants, can leave craters up to 2 kilometres long, half a kilometre wide and 200 meters deep. It is possible that there will be several such sites in the area.
Massive amounts of water are used for mining, and our river, the life blood of our community, will potentially be polluted beyond repair. Underground water systems could also be adversely affected. It is doubtful there is sufficient water in the area for mining and agriculture. Thousands of people could potentially lose their livelihoods.
If you agree that our clean water and air and beautiful Bushveld and unique cultural heritage are worth preserving and that job creation in our area should be promoted in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, then please help us.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Sign our petition against prospecting and mining and if you feel as strongly as we do about it, then please email an objection to African Nickel on Richard@africannickel.co.za and to the Department of Mineral Resources on aaron.kharivhe@dmr.gov.za or gasetsewe.poen@dmr.gov.za (use 'Swartruggens and Koster application' as reference - because African Nickel's application in Groot Marico was made under the neighbouring town's names! )
Thank you
Concerned inhabitants of Groot Marico
