COALITION
About Us
In 2019, COAL-ition emerged as a collective effort uniting residents from a large number of surrounding
communities. Their shared concern stemmed from Glubay Coal's proposal for a coal mine in the Springfield and Vlakfontein areas of Vereeniging and Midvaal. Frustrated by previous consultants' failure to furnish adequate information, the group catalyzed a process reset.
Amidst acknowledging the significance of mining, we, as vigilant citizens, underscore the already alarming state of pollution in the Vaal Triangle. By certain measures, it ranks among South Africa's most polluted regions, and on a broader scale, among the highest globally in air pollutants. The inhabitants of the Vaal grapple daily with health challenges like asthma and respiratory ailments, directly linked to this environmental burden. Introducing a new coal mine would only compound these pressing health concerns.
Vereeniging and its environs boast a storied mining legacy, intertwined with a profound heritage of preserving artifacts abundant in the region. However, the proposed coal mine poses a threat to this rich historical tapestry. While assurances may be made regarding the protection of these artifacts, the inherent risks of mining activities, including blasting, cast doubt on the efficacy of such safeguards.
PREHISTORIC ART
In order to supply sufficient fuel to the Klip Power Station, McKay Estates entered into a contract with Amalgamated Collieries and Springfield Colliery was established at Kookfontein some distance away from an engraving site. The possibility of sinkholes precluded an residential development on the farm and the engraving site remained undisturbed. A small settlement and a post office were subsequently established on Waldrift. The closest railway station was Redan and the settlement adopted the name of Redan. The adjoining rock engraving site at Kookfontein also became knows as the Redan rock engraving site. In a second survey in 1952, a second survey of engraving sites in the Vereeniging area expanded to include Springfield, Leekuil and Leeukraal No. 187.
A little history
Springfield Colliery
In order to supply sufficient fuel to the Klip Power Station, McKay Estates entered into a contract with Amalgamated Collieries and Springfield Colliery was established at Kookfontein some distance away from an engraving site. Mining activities ceased at Springfield Colliery in 1953, making Kookfontein available for agricultural purposes. The disused Springfield Colliery is currently flooded and is used as an agricultural water source.
