KwaZulu-Natal farmers and landowners are once again celebrating a fracking ruling victory, this time in the Midlands region of the province, following a court order interdicting the Minister of Mineral Resources from issuing mining exploration rights to Rhino Oil & Gas Exploration (Pty) Ltd.

The interdict, which was issued by the Pretoria High Court on 19 May 2017, follows the recent ruling against the South African Agency for Promotion of Petroleum and Exploitation (PASA), The Minister of Mineral Resources and Rhino Oil and Gas Exploration South Africa (Pty) Ltd on an application for exploration rights on more than 800 000ha’s  in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

“Whilst this is an interim interdict which will only be made final once the merits of the application are argued, it remains another victory for our famers,” said Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu.

The threat of mineral and gas exploration first became a reality for KZN farmer in late 2015, when Rhino Oil and Gas submitted their Notice of Application for exploration in the Midlands area of KZN. In 2016 a second application was submitted for exploration in Northern KZN. Both applications covered a total area of more than 1 600 000ha and in excess of 15 000 farms.

“We know that there is still a long road ahead in dealing with the matter but we are elated with both rulings. The impact and outcomes of gas and mineral exploration will have much larger and longer-lasting consequences – not only for the agricultural sector but all those living in our province, “ said La Marque.

“Agriculture is here to stay and seeks to provide safe food for our people and sustainable employment,” she said.

Should you wish to contribute to the legal initiatives being undertaken which will benefit not only agriculture but all please contact Kwanalu on email: ethel@kwanalu.co.za or 033-3429393.

For further information, visit www.kwanalu.co.za.
Issued on behalf of Kwanulu by: UrbanHouse Media, Nikki Chapple