Save the Overberg fighting to prevent mining in the area
Communities around the Overberg have raised the alarm about possible mining.
Greyton, a small town in the Western Cape Province (Overberg region) of South Africa. Picture: © dpreezg/123rf.com
Pippa Hudson speaks with Carl Reiche of the Save the Overberg campaign
Listen to the interview in the audio below.
A company called Cienth has applied for a prospecting license for gold, silver and tin in the area known as the Agulhas wine triangle.
This area lies between the towns of Caledon, Swellendam and Bredasdorp, with the village of Napier at its heart.
Residents in this area have been extremely distressed by this application, as it could have a devastating impact on local agriculture, tourism businesses, and residents.
They fear that this could affect soil quality, particularly around wine farms and lead to groundwater contamination.
Reiche says that they are concerned that the land in the Overberg could be expropriated to see if there is gold, and this will directly impact landowners.
“It would change the demographics and the landscape significantly.”
- Carl Reiche of the Save the Overberg campaign
To find out more, visit the Save the Overberg website.