He added that tests being conducted by ArcelorMittal were going well. While he was not happy about the appeal, which meant there was an automatic suspension of water-related activities, the company had nonetheless expected it. Wallington said the appeal would, however, not affect the bottom line, and neither would it hamper timelines on the project. However, CoAL’s ramping up of the Vele operation, near the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site, has been delayed by an appeal lodged by a coalition of environmental, nongovernmental organizations against the Department of Environment and Water Affairs’ decision to grant the company a water use license.

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