MC Mining pushes ahead with Makhado project despite 'illegal mining' allegations and water concerns

MC Mining faces backlash from environmental groups and the DA over its Makhado Project, accused of "illegal mining" due to an allegedly invalid environmental authorization and concerns over water supply and pollution.

MC Mining’s announcement last week that activities for a coal-handling and -preparation plant (CHPP) at their Makhado Project, just north of the Soutpansberg, will begin by December 2025 has sparked fierce criticism from environmental groups and the Democratic Alliance (DA) alike.

The announcement accompanied the release of MC Mining’s quarterly activities report for the period ended 30 September 2025. The report highlights the “milestones” achieved at the Makhado Project, a steelmaking...