DMRE BLOCKS D96 MINE IN LANDMARK WIN FOR NEWCASTLE COMMUNITY

D96 Mining Project Blocked as DMRE Denies Environmental Authorisation for Newcastle Coal Mine

The proposed D96 mining project, linked to the Minetek Resources Newcastle coal project, has suffered a major setback after the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) refused to grant environmental authorisation, preventing the project from proceeding in its current form.

The DMRE — South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy — is responsible for regulating mining and energy developments, including assessing environmental impacts and determining whether proposed projects comply with national environmental legislation. Without environmental authorisation from the department, mining activities may not legally commence.

The department’s decision confirms that environmental approval for the Minetek Resources Newcastle coal project has been formally refused, following the assessment of the project’s environmental application. While detailed reasons for the refusal have not been publicly outlined in full, such decisions typically relate to concerns around environmental impacts, compliance with legislative requirements, or the adequacy of proposed mitigation measures.

The refusal represents a significant obstacle for the D96 mining project, which has faced scrutiny amid broader concerns about coal mining’s environmental and social impacts in the Newcastle region. Issues commonly raised in similar applications include risks to water resources, air quality, biodiversity, and the long-term sustainability of surrounding communities.

Community NPO Save , Serve and Protect Newcastle (SSPN) welcomed the decision, describing it as a landmark victory for Newcastle residents.

“A great deal of work from many people has finally resulted in the decision the people of Newcastle hoped for. The DMRE has denied the application for mining on the D96 road due to NEMA. This is a huge win for Newcastle as we now have a legal precedent to use when the town is again threatened with mining within 1km of suburbs.
We at SSPN say thank you to all that helped and supported us. Thank you to Zak and Daniel from Southeys for the legal assistance in this battle. Everyone says no one can win against the Government… we just proved that it can be done!”
— Mandy Austin, Director of SSPN

The Newcastle and District Residents Forum (NDRF) echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of community unity and sustained civic engagement.

“Victory to the people. It simply means the D96 mining project has been declined, although the applicants may appeal the decision. Given the grounds of objection, it’s unlikely that the appeal will succeed.
A great deal of time, money and effort went into objecting to the proposed mining project. If the council had applied its mind and declined this application in the first place, much of that could have been avoided.
One can hardly imagine the environmental impact on neighbouring areas such as the CBD, Amiel Park, Paradise, Suryaville, Fernwood and surrounding communities.
NDRF was registered as an Interested and Affected Party, lodging numerous objections outlining the consequences for our town. We place on record our appreciation for the assistance rendered by, among others, Mandy Austin, Kush Singh, Dr Wilson and many others we met during this process.
This is a valuable lesson: when the community unites, we can overcome even the huge coal magnets with their billions of rands. Once again, thank you to all for your contributions and input.”
— Matthew Shunmugam, Chairperson of the Newcastle and District Residents Forum (NDRF) and former Councillor

Despite the refusal, Minetek Resources has confirmed its intention to appeal the DMRE’s decision. The company maintains that the project has the potential to deliver economic benefits, including employment opportunities, and believes that the environmental concerns raised can be adequately addressed through the appeal process.

The appeal submission will be made available for public review on 21 January 2026, allowing interested and affected parties — including local residents, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders — to examine the grounds of the appeal and engage with the process where permitted.

Once the appeal documentation is released, the matter will move into the formal appeals phase, during which the original decision will be reconsidered by the relevant authority within government. The outcome of this process will determine whether the refusal of environmental authorisation is upheld or overturned.

For now, the DMRE’s decision means that the D96 mining project remains blocked, underscoring the growing regulatory and public scrutiny facing new coal developments in South Africa as environmental protection and sustainable land use continue to take precedence in decision-making.

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