Malolotja Nature Reserve, a cornerstone of Eswatini’s ecological heritage, faces a significant threat. For over a year, Michael Lee Enterprises, a mining company, has been operating within the reserve’s boundaries, despite lacking environmental authorization.
King Mswati III reportedly granted the company a 25-year mining license in February 2024, following a visit to the site. This move has raised concerns as Malolotja is a protected area known for its exceptional biodiversity and geological significance.
The company claims it’s merely “prospecting” for green chert, a valuable cryptocrystalline quartz. However, critics point out the extensive blasting and large-scale rock extraction activities, exceeding the scope of prospecting. Additionally, the company has already exported thousands of tons of green chert.
Environmentalists and local residents are alarmed. The reserve is part of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and harbors a rich tapestry of plant and animal life, including rare species. Mining activities threaten irreversible damage to this fragile ecosystem.
Further controversy surrounds the legality of the operation. The 2011 Mines and Minerals Act appears to supersede the 1972 Swaziland National Trust Commission Act, which previously prohibited mining in protected areas. However, questions remain regarding proper consultations before granting the license.
The Eswatini Environmental Authority, responsible for environmental clearances, has not yet issued an authorization. They expressed concerns about the project’s impact and requested a full environmental and social impact assessment, which is yet to be received.
Despite these concerns, mining operations continue unabated. The company promises job creation and development projects, but skepticism lingers. The potential benefits pale in comparison to the ecological devastation that could ensue.
