Coal mine dam collapse threatens Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park with toxic slurry Posted by David Henning on 14 January 2022 After it was reported that the proposed coal expansion threatens Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, the recent high rainfall in the area caused a mine dam to collapse, leaking toxic coal slurry into rivers that flow through rural communities and the historic park. Zululand’s once plentiful big game is now restricted to parks such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. Picture: Scott Ramsay/ Getaway Gallery. Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park is Africa’s oldest proclaimed nature reserve, which is also home to endangered species of both white and black rhinos, and the African wild dog. This historic park is now under threat with nearby coal mining operations and a recent dam spill that resulted in a toxic slurry flowing into the surrounding water system on 24 December 2021. The mine is owned by the Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC) where at least 1 500 000 litres of polluted mine waste burst from a slurry dam and spread into the surrounding land and rivers, including the Mfolozi river which flows through the park. According to a study by the Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research at the University of Cape Town, coal slurry is of particular environmental concern as it contains high concentrations of toxic metals, often having a detrimental effect on the environment exceeding the lifespan of the coal mine. ZAC claimed that they have fixed the dam since the spill. Picture: ZAC Even though the dam collapsed on 24 December, Daily Maverick reports that residents of affected communities were not warned about the potential hazards until two weeks later. Furthermore, conservation managers at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park were led to believe that the spill was still under control. According to ZAC, the mine held meetings with surrounding communities on 5 and 6 January and commented that they immediately halted all pumping to the slurry pons after the spill, and have fixed the dam since. The Mfolozi river running through the park was black after the spill. Picture: saveourwilderness.org So far, there have been no confirmed reports of human, livestock, fish or wild animal deaths downstream, but aerial shots showed extensive pollution as the Umfolozi River was visibly black inside the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. ALSO READ Coal mine expansion threatens households and Hluhluwe – iMfolozi Park Related Posts South Africa’s history at the World Travel Awards 27 May 2022 By now, you’ve probably caught wind that the World Travel Awards voting has opened and... read more Samsa suspends oil bunkering after spill in Algoa Bay 27 May 2022 The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) has launched an investigation into an oil spill... read more SA no longer accepts Covid-19 vaccination certificate without QR code 27 May 2022 According to the Department of Health, South Africa no longer accepts the 'white card' received... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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