The Pietermaritzburg High Court has granted an interim interdict to halt new mining activity as part of the controversial expansion of the Somkhele coal mine in KwaZulu-Natal. The application was brought by the Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organisation (MCEJO) and is pending a full interdict application on June 9. Tendele Mining, the operator of the mine, maintains that it has valid mining rights and the necessary permits to continue operations. Community leaders and mining unions (AMCU and NUM) express disappointment with the interdict and emphasize the need for job opportunities.
