Community Update: Opposition to Proposed Prospecting & Mining – Meeting Report

Report compiled by Denzil Bazley on behalf of the Bazley Residents Association (B.R.A.)
Meeting hosted by Van Zyl Attorneys – Thursday, 27 November

The B.R.A. recently attended a Zoom meeting with Van Zyl Attorneys to discuss the proposed prospecting — and potential future mining — planned for the area surrounding Bazley. The meeting was chaired by Karien van Zyl, an attorney with extensive experience in environmental and mining opposition cases, having handled more than 80 similar matters.

This update summarises the key points discussed and outlines the next steps available to residents and stakeholders who wish to oppose these plans.

Key Organisations and Terms Explained

During the meeting, Karien outlined the various acts, notices, and bodies involved in the prospecting and mining approval process:

• DMRE – Department of Mineral Resources & Energy
• BAR – Basic Assessment Report
• EMPR – Environmental Management Programme
• EAP – Environmental Assessment Practitioner
• IAP – Interested and Affected Person
• ECO – Environmental Control Officer

Understanding these terms is essential as they appear throughout the documentation and opposition process.

Environmental and Community Sensitivities Identified

Significant concerns were raised regarding the environmental and social impacts of prospecting and potential open-cast mining in this sensitive region. These include:

• Groundwater and aquifer vulnerabilities
• Impacts on the Ifafa River, which would be directly affected by mining operations
• Wetlands and their ecological importance
• Local flora and fauna, including rare and protected plant species
• Noise and disruption from 24/7 truck movement and heavy machinery
• Blasting, which carries noise and vibration impacts for kilometres — including Bazley
• Cultural and historical sites such as cemeteries
• Downstream impacts, affecting landowners, farmers, MacNicols Caravan Park, and tribal trust land
• Increased risk of illegal mining (zama zamas) should valuable deposits be discovered

Testing of the Ifafa River has recently shown pristine water quality, highlighting just how vulnerable this ecosystem is to contamination.

Understanding the Prospecting Process

Karien explained the process that unfolds once the DMRE grants permission to prospect:

• Core samples are taken on affected properties.
• Landowners cannot refuse entry once permission has been issued.
• No compensation is provided for access or potential environmental damage.
• There is no guarantee that aquifers and groundwater will not be harmed.

Once mineral evidence is submitted, the DMRE evaluates whether the process should proceed to further stages.

While there is some scepticism about the actual presence of valuable minerals, complacency is dangerous — “this is all about minerals and money,” Karien reminded participants.

A major concern is that, in many cases, mining companies fail to rehabilitate land, often through bankruptcy or legal loopholes.

The Substances Involved: Why Lithium Mining Is High-Risk

If lithium extraction goes ahead, the process relies on a dangerous mix of acids and chemicals, leaving long-term contamination risks for soil and waterways.

A notable piece of advice given: Do not allow prospectors or officials onto your property unless legally required.

Current Status: The 90-Day Objection Period

We are currently in the 90-day window during which objections may be lodged.
Important notes:

• The period between 15 December and 15 January is considered a pause, but mining applicants often use this time to push through notices with minimal public attention.
• At the end of the 90 days which is on 11 March, the EAP submits a report to the DMRE to decide whether the application proceeds.

What the Community Can Do

1. Mandating an Attorney

To formally oppose the application, an attorney must be mandated.
A comprehensive legal report is required, at an estimated cost of R40 000, which would need to be raised by the objecting community.

2. Petition Option

A petition opposing the prospecting application is being explored. More details will follow once a draft is finalised.

3. Appeal Process

Should the initial objection be unsuccessful, there is a formal appeal process that can be initiated.

In Closing

The B.R.A. will continue to monitor developments closely and work with environmental and legal experts to ensure that Bazley’s natural heritage, community wellbeing, and ecological integrity are fully protected.

Further communication will follow as the petition and objection processes unfold.

If you have questions or would like to be included as an Interested and Affected Person (IAP), please reach out to Denzil Bazley.