There are two issues at stake here. The first is the manner in which mining licences are being awarded without proper environmental-impact studies and without consultation with farmers on whose land prospecting is to take place.
In many cases, farmers first become aware that their land is being prospected for minerals when the prospectors arrive brandishing a licence issued by the department of minerals and energy.
The second issue is a broader strategic question.
South Africa has limited arable land and the assault by mining on this resource could turn our agricultural heartland from breadbasket to basket case.
One of the few serious studies into this has been conducted by Professor Terence McCarthy of the Wits School of Geosciences.
His look at the future of Mpumalanga's highveld region is cause for alarm.
He believes that the impact of coal mining will reduce the region to a wasteland because of the leaking of acids, heavy salts and metals from mining into the water system.
"Extensive areas of the region will become devoid of vegetation due to acidification of the soil," says McCarthy.
The question that arises is whether or not it is policy to prioritise mining over agriculture.
If mining is given preference, it would truly be a tragedy.
The path to a sustainable future lies in protecting our ground water and the management of our food resources.
We will pay a heavy price if the current situation of allowing mines to ruin arable land is allowed to continue.
Let's hope that there is the political will to reverse this trend.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.