The picturesque region of Cederberg is a sight to behold. A rugged landscape teeming with abundant fauna and flora makes this part of the Western Cape a nature lover’s dream.
However, major environmental concerns have been raised following Orren Capital’s decision to mine iron and manganese ore near the Twee River in the Cederberg region.
This has been brought to a halt after the Western Cape government gazetted the declaration of the Twee River Nature Reserve as a protected area, as per IOL.
According to Freshwater Research Centre ecologist Bruce Paxton, who works on the hydrology and ecology of the rivers in the Cederberg, the application to have the Twee River catchment declared a nature reserve was initiated by landowners but was only recently gazetted.
This move will ensure that the valley has the necessary protection from those who wish to exploit the area.
“The farm earmarked for prospecting includes very sensitive river habitat that is home to a fish species, the Twee River Redfin, which is critically endangered.
“The area also forms part of the Koue Bokkeveld mountain catchment area and is listed as a national strategic water source area,” stated CapeNature landscape conservation intelligence manager Marius Wheeler.
Meanwhile, as the world becomes more eco-conscious, mining giant Anglo American has attempted to aid the environment by unveiling the world’s largest hydrogen-powered truck, reports News24.
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Picture: Cederberg Conservancy