MCM wins Limpopo approval for EA Makhado amendment

MC Mining’s (MCM’s) plans to build the $80m Makhado coking and thermal coal mine in South Africa’s Limpopo province received another boost after local authorities approved amendments to its environmental authorisation (EA) which permits the company to transfer coal by road instead of rail as originally scoped in the project.

The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) approved the adjustment to the EA which, however, may be appealed and therefore temporarily suspended as per permitting regulations. But David Brown, CEO of MCM, said the development was a major positive for the project.

“The decision by LEDET reinforces the government’s support for Makhado and the project’s potential to contribute to socio-economic development in the area,” Brown said in a statement. “We await the record of decision from the DMR and have commenced the process to obtain surface rights access in terms of South African mining legislation.”

“The requirement for the EA amendment arose on completion of the revised Makhado Project plan, whereby saleable coal will be transported to the Musina rail siding by road rather than rail,” the company said in its statement.