Communities in coal-producing areas still believe their future hinges on the carbon-heavy fuel, despite the losses they blame on mining
A labourer works inside a coal yard on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India, April 6, 2017. Picture: REUTERS/Amit Dave
It has been a long wait for the farmers, stretched by the mine's closure in 2015 after a court ruled India's mining blocks were allocated illegally and had to be re-examined. He once hoped to set up a turmeric processing factory and export the spice, but is still waiting for KPCL to buy his farm. A 2020 study looking at 22 coal-rich districts, by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology , showed about half their population was impoverished, with poor health, education and living standards.
The mine has now reopened but local people said their losses outweighed the benefits from its activities so far. “I earn 5,000 rupees monthly for an eight-hour shift. I used to work as a farm labourer, but there are no farmlands any more in this village,” said Balpane, whose husband is a tailor in a nearby town.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Stuart Baxter grilled over Chiefs’ two NgcobosThe absence of Njabulo Ngcobo and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo could cause dissatisfaction among fans
Read more »
FirstRand ends coal project fundingThe owner of FNB and WesBank says direct project financing for new coal mines will end in 2026.
Read more »
FirstRand to cut funding for new coal power stationsBank announces it wants to be net zero by 2050 and will reduce exposure to fossil fuels
Read more »
Rich nations head to SA to urge exit from coalUS, UK, France and Germany to ask SA to hasten its green transition ahead of the UN’s COP26 talks at the end of October
Read more »
LUCKY NTIMANE: Winter of discontent marks a fork in the road for SAThe government is not acting with enough urgency to make job creation a priority
Read more »
Business Maverick: Rich Nations Head to South Africa Seeking Coal Exit DealFour of the world’s richest nations will send a delegation to South Africa as soon as next week to seek a deal to begin closing the country’s coal-fired plants, according to people familiar with the matter.
Read more »