Civil society and Dutch energy companies discussing coal mining

According to Matthews Hlabane Witbank is aptly called 'Hell on Earth'. The coal mines started operating in 1894 and, although many of them have been closed for decades, environmental problems have been worsening ever since. Acidic water is contaminating ponds and underground streams leading into the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve and the Olifants River, affecting animals and communities downstream. Old mine shafts collapse, sulphuric gases rise from the ground and residue coal keeps burning underground. Matthews Hlabane pointed out that mining companies do not clean up the mess they make, but instead engage in window dressing by writing false environmental reports.

Four panellists joined Mathews Hlabane in the discussion. Roger Moody from the British NGO Mines and Communities said that if all the consequences of the use of coal for electricity along the supply chain would be factored in, coal would likely be ruled out from an economic perspective. He added that the World Bank, for instance, was advised to stop all its funding for coal mining in an influential report it commissioned, the Extractive Industries Review (2004). Marco Witschge member of the Dutch political party D66 and initiator of the Sustainability Platform of political parties responded. He said Dutch energy transition should be set at a much higher pace: by 2050 the Dutch energy mix should consist of 100% renewable energy. According to Marco Witschge governments should be clear and consistent in their plans for an energy transition. The issuing of permits for five new coal plants by the Dutch government sends out the wrong message.

On the issue of transparency and clarity Marga Edens, manager corporate social responsibility at the Dutch energy company Essent, joined in. She pointed out that only 6% of Essent's fuel mix comes from hard coal. Essent reports on the origin of coal and is critical towards its suppliers. Marga Edens calls for a solution across the supply chain: mining companies, governments and communities need to solve problems together. Janine de Vries of the Publish What You Pay coalition added that transparency by an individual company is not enough, the whole value chain should be made transparent.

The debate closed with Mathews Hlabane stating he would like to see a moratorium on coal imports from South Africa until the past damage has been restored. Both ENDS is very pleased with the outcomes of the evening. "It was a very interesting day, allowing representatives of affected civil society and NGOs to discuss with Dutch energy companies. The great absentees were Dutch government representatives, who could have given us more background into Dutch policies and future plans", according to Anouk Frank, policy officer at Both ENDS.

For more information on the Political Café or on coal mining in developing countries please contact Tim Senden.