Protesters gather for march against Anglo coal station

06 August 2013 - 13:28 By Sapa
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Coal. File photo.
Coal. File photo.
Image: The Times

Earthlife Africa activists gathered in Parktown, Johannesburg, on Tuesday to march against a plan by Anglo American to build a coal-fired power station in Limpopo.

They carried placards that read: "Anglo you have a Choice - Go Renewable Now!", and "No to Energy Injustice!"

Earthlife project co-ordinator Tristen Taylor said the mining giant's plan would cause irreparable damage in the country.

"Anglo American is following an old dirty model of digging coal that was practised from the 1920s. This will end up being very expensive and causing serious damage to South Africa," Taylor said.

The protesters arrived in minibuses and prepared to march to the company's offices in the CBD. Taylor said the company was planning to build a coal mine, from which it would also generate electricity, and use it to power the mine.

The coal-generated electricity would also be sold to Eskom to help boost the national power grid, said Taylor.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now