A United Nations internal watchdog unit has advised its biggest development aid agency to scrap an agreement backing the development of a R165-billion heavy industry zone in Limpopo. Citing the risk of significant reputational harm to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the agency’s New York-based Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU) has recommended the immediate cancellation of an agreement signed two years ago to support the controversial Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ).

Plans for Melmoth iron ore opencast mine blocked by government

Indian steel and mining giant Jindal and its BEE partner want to build a R15-billion iron ore mine and processing facility on 20 000ha of land about 70km inland from the port.

All Rise lawyer Janice Tooley explains why the DMRE rejected the Indian steel and power company’s attempt to acquire a new mining licence in the province.

In a victory for people, the environment and sustainable development, Jindal’s Environmental Authorisation for a massive 202 km2 mining site to develop an open cast iron ore mine and processing plant near Melmoth was refused by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on Friday on environmental grounds. All Rise submitted comments in the EnvironmentalRead More

The company will appeal the decision within three weeks.