Coal of Africa ordered to halt Vele excavations

Coal of Africa has announced that it has stopped construction work at Vele Colliery, located next to the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site. Several environmental groups had appealed to the Department of Mining against the granting of mining rights around Mapungubwe, citing possible pollution to the site. The company halted its activities after receiving a cease order from government, which said that the company was in contravention with environmental laws. Coal of Africa insist that all their activities are compliant with the department's environmental regulations, and would continue to work together in good faith with the department. Read more: Reuters Africa and Sowetan Live.