Application for gold prospecting in Skeerpoort

An application for gold ore prospecting on eight farms in Skeerpoort has been lodged with the North West Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).

Over 300ha in Skeerpoort is affected.

The proposed prospecting area covers over 300ha and is located approximately 8km south-west of Hartbeespoort Dam on mostly agricultural properties and affects Portions 33, 35, 111, 112, 135,
Portion of Portion 91, Portions 110 and 245 of the Farm Scheerpoort 477 JQ.
The application was lodged by Monugystix ,and Thevha Sustainable Services has been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the process required to apply for Environmental Authorisation from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
The area where police have repeatedly clamped down on illegal miners falls under the area for which the application was lodged.
The proposed prospecting site falls in both the Unesco Heritage Sites transition zone for the Cradle of Humankind and Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve.
The community is now invited to register as interested and affected parties before 31 July 2024.
Forms are available at the NG Church in Skeerpoort and completed forms must be returned by 30 July.
The proposed prospecting activities will include:
– Drilling of boreholes and core samples within non-sensitive areas
– Storage area for core logging, this will include setting up camp and offices
– Construction of temporary access roads where applicable
– Progressive rehabilitation
Environmental authorisation is currently being applied for. A draft basic assessment report will be submitted for comments and all interested and affected parties will be afforded an opportunity to comment on the report.
Skeerpoort residents have created a WhatsApp group for all interested and affected parties. If you want to join, WhatsApp 072 697 7178.