Coal of Africa: Environmental amendment granted

THE DEPARTMENT of Environmental Affairs has granted Coal of Africa an amendment of the environmental authorisation at its Vele colliery. This was granted in terms of the National Environmental Management Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Coal of Africa said this amendment was the first of several required to be granted in relation to the planned modifications to Vele’s processing plant and was a further step towards achieving full regulatory compliance required to begin construction. “We will await the receipt of all regulatory approvals before the commencement of the plant modification,” said David Brown, Coal of Africa’s chief executive. The company said it had also sought a renewal of the integrated water use licence and its amendment, as the current one would expire in March 2016. “The company felt it was prudent to renew this licence prior to committing further shareholder funds to the project,” Coal of Africa added. Brown said the company would continue to engage with regulatory authorities and other stakeholders at Vele. Coal of Africa’s shares on the JSE yesterday closed up 9.68 percent at 34c. – Siphamandla Goge