A phosphate mining company linked to South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe will start production at its Elandsfontein mine following the dismissal of an appeal against the mine’s water-use license by the Water Tribunal operating under the Department of Forestry and Water Affairs.
The appeal was raised by the West Coast Environmental Protection Association. The case has proceeded for years, with the association accusing Kropz of dewatering the Elandsfontein aquifer.*
Kropz’s Elandsfontein operations cut through a biodiverse and climate-change-resilient corridor, which was earmarked for inclusion in the West Coast National Park. However, as a result of the appeal, the mine’s right to use the aquifer was automatically suspended.
The latest dismissal will see Krop commence production in what aims to become South Africa’s second-largest source of phosphate rock for making phosphoric acid.
Commenting, Kropz CEO Mark Summers said: “Elandsfontein is a world-class operation, conducted in accordance with internationally accepted sustainable mining principles, with due and proper consideration for the environment. We are delighted that this matter has finally been dealt with.”
The Elandsfontein mine is located 95 kilometers northwest of Cape Town. It will produce 1 million tonnes of phosphate per year when it reaches full production.
Kropz
Kropz is an emerging African phosphate explorer and developer, with phosphate mining and exploration projects in West Africa.
The company, which lists on the London Stock Exchange, is headquartered in London and is majority-owned by Motsepe.
The tycoon holds an 82.7-percent stake in the mining company through his private equity firm African Rainbow Capital Pty Limited, amounting to 708,772,716 shares.
*An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures, or unconsolidated materials.
