Update: B.R.A. Continues Engagement in Prospecting Application KZN12085PR
The Bazley Residents Association (B.R.A.) continues to actively engage in the public participation process relating to prospecting application KZN12085PR submitted by Eyabantu Oil and Gas.
The application, which affects the areas of Ifafa, Bazley and Pennington, has raised growing concern amongst coastal communities regarding the potential long-term environmental implications of prospecting and possible future mining activities along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
Following the initial public participation process which commenced in November 2025, the B.R.A. formally registered as an Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) and submitted detailed comments on the Draft Basic Assessment Report (dBAR), including requests for clarification and matters requiring further consideration.
The Association has remained actively involved throughout the process, consistently following up with the Environmental Assessment Practitioner regarding the status of submissions and responses to concerns raised by the community.
The B.R.A. also contributed R1 500 towards the legal costs associated with broader community efforts opposing the proposed expansion.
The B.R.A. would like to extend its thanks to resident Gavin MacDonald, who played an instrumental role in assisting the Association with its Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) application and ongoing engagement in the process.
Prospecting is not without consequence. Applications are often broadly framed and may ultimately open the door to future mining activities that could impact water sources, biodiversity, agriculture, tourism and sensitive coastal ecosystems. Environmental impacts do not stop at property boundaries — what affects one part of the coastline ultimately affects surrounding communities as well.
The B.R.A. remains committed to ensuring that the concerns of Bazley homeowners are properly represented and that all environmental processes are conducted in a transparent and lawful manner.
Residents can read more about the broader concerns raised by affected coastal communities in this article published by the Mail & Guardian:
Other useful links:
Oxpeckers
Red flags along KZN’s South Coast
Daily Maverick
Part 1 – New mine triggers ‘white gold’ prospecting stampede on the KZN South Coast
Part 2 – ‘Progress’ lands on the doorstep of rural communities as residents blast lithium mine
Part 3 – Lithium mine objectors run into R345,000 appeal fee ‘roadblock’
