SANParks rejects Kropz's phosphate mining application within West Coast National Park

The SANParks said while it received an application by Kropz, a mining company owned by African Rainbow Capital, to mine a phosphate deposit within the West Coast National Park, such an activity is prohibited under section 48(1)(a) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. 

"SANParks is responsible for managing the national parks in South Africa. We can confirm that Kropz Elandsfontein (Pty) Limited has approached us to explore the possibility of de-proclamation of a portion of land that is part of the West Coast National Park," said JP Louw, SANParks spokesperson. 

"However, SANParks cannot allow any mining activities within a declared national park, as this is prohibited under section 48(1)(a) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 57 of 2003. We have communicated this official position to Kropz and other relevant stakeholders,” Louw said. 

Kropz said their proposal would continue to protect livelihoods and the environment, while providing employment. 

Their application is also being opposed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), with a set aside application before the Western Cape High Court.

“It has come to WWF South Africa’s attention that Kropz, a mining company owned by African Rainbow Capital (ARC), is seeking permission to mine a phosphate deposit within the borders of the West Coast National Park,” WWF said.

“WWF strongly opposes any attempts to open up mining in South Africa’s national parks. WWF will do anything in its power to preserve the long-term security of irreplaceable biodiversity assets within our national parks system, which at best represents a relatively small proportion of our total land surface area.

“This is a rather audacious application seeking an unprecedented decision to allow mining inside a formally declared national park.

“This move comes as legal action is already playing out over the company’s failure to implement earlier offset conditions imposed on it in 2015 to mitigate damage done through its opencast mine operation," said WWF. 

In their response to a media statement issued by WWF this week, Kropz exclusively told the Cape Argus that the mine will support over 500 direct jobs and they were committed to responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable use of resources while protecting livelihoods.

Kropz contended they were granted mining rights in 2015 and are currently in discussions with SANParks and regulatory authorities regarding the exclusion of a portion of land from the West Coast National Park, with a proposed land swap to compensate.

Kropz said they are inviting all parties to engage in discussion about the future of the mine and the region's sustainable development. 

“To compensate for the potential de-proclamation of the relevant area, Kropz has formally  offered SANParks the inclusion of biodiversity-rich land bordering the WCNP (West Coast National Park), land which is  of equal or greater conservation value than the current portion under consideration,” Kropz said. 

“This proposed land swap would not only consolidate the WCNP footprint but also support  SANParks’ long-term biodiversity goals with the addition of infrastructure and land access."

They explained that phosphate deposits in this region are well-documented, dating back to prospecting activities by Samancor Ltd between 1982 and 1986 and that the phosphate-rich nature of the land in question was a matter of public record, with official drilling data held by the Council of Geoscience. 

Louis Loubser, CEO of Kropz said they were committed to responsible environmental  stewardship and deeply committed to the sustainable use of South Africa’s natural  resources and that open days were hosted to discuss impact.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in their response said they they were not the competent authority to comment on the matter.