THE West Coast Environmental Protection Association (WCEPA), a community organisation that is hoping to stop the development of the Elandsfontein phosphate project, said a court ruling found it could appeal the project’s water use licence.
Elandsfontein is owned by Kropz, a private company that has African Rainbow Capital as a significant shareholder. The project is situated adjacent to the Langebaan Lagoon in South Africa’s Western Cape, a region considered ecologically sensitive. Kropz said its mine will not harm the water aquifer that feeds the lagoon and associated conservation area – but the WCEPA has sought to block the mine’s development.
Said WCEPA legal representative, Walter Anderson of Cullinan & Associates: “After a long and unnecessary process, WCEPA’s legal standing and valid appeal are beyond dispute. The way is now clear for WCEPA to have the Kropz’ water use licence and mining right set aside”. The matter was heard in the Western Cape High Court. The WCEPA’s appeal will be lodged in the Water Tribunal.
