Landowners and residents in the Agulhas Wine Triangle (AWT) are sounding the alarm over a mining application that could jeopardize the region's critically endangered renosterveld, local tourism, and farming. Despite geologists casting doubt on the viability of gold in the hills, a company named Cienth is seeking exclusive rights to explore and potentially establish a massive open-cast mine for gold, silver, and tin ore, covering about 4,200 hectares of farmland.

Historically, Napier was host to significant mining efforts. Two Englishmen believed they discovered a gold mine on Hansiesrivier in Napier in 1880, forming The Napier Gold Searching Company in 1889. Selling shares, they sailed to England with the funds and never returned. The gold content on Hansiesrivier was minimal, assaying at 0.3 grams per ton, compared to 15 grams per ton in Witwatersrand.

Other prospectors, including Dr. Thompson and Mr. G. Herbert, sought gold on church-owned land. The Hansiesrivier mine, active for about 120 meters, is a notable example of gold prospecting. Localized gold, silver, and tin were found in the Western Cape, but none in commercial quantities. The only substantial mineral deposit is manganese, estimated at 250,000 tons with 40% manganese content, deemed insufficient for commercial mining.

But mining technology has moved on since those times, and more intensive methods are now available. But those come with increased environmental concerns.

The proposed mine, with an investment of R47 billion ($2.5 billion), has ignited concerns among locals who fear the environmental impact of open-cast mining, including noise pollution, dust plumes affecting crops, and the risk of acid-mine drainage. Detractors also worry about the potential loss of tourism interest in the Overberg region and the subsequent economic fallout for local jobs in tourism and farming.

At the heart of the issue lies the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area (NWSMA), a Ramsar Site of International Importance, covering most of the catchment of the Nuwejaars River. This area is vital for its ecological significance, with over 2,400 Ramsar Sites worldwide recognized for their value to humanity.

The NWSMA conservation model, covering 46,000 hectares on the Agulhas Plain, is a unique initiative by 25 farmers committed to conservation, sustainable farming, and combating climate change. The region boasts 1,850 endemic plant species, with approximately 315 of special concern, and is renowned for its mineral-rich soils and terroir-driven sauvignon blanc and syrah wines.

Cienth Pty Ltd, the mining prospector, has sparked controversy with its questionable directorship and lack of online presence. Rosy Mvala, the sole director, took over just before the mining application's launch, replacing David Barnett Silver, a former director of Centaur Mining, a company implicated in the Public Protector's State of Capture Report.

The company's move to explore for gold in the region, despite claims of minimal economic viability, has raised eyebrows. Renosterveld conservationists argue that the gold deposits found so far are negligible, making mining economically unviable.

In a meeting, Minrom CEO Oscar van Antwerpen hinted at the potential for a gold rush, urging restraint on newspaper articles. The prospecting process, involving phases like geological mapping and drilling, is expected to take years. However, concerns persist about the impact on sensitive areas like the endangered renosterveld.

While Cienth asserts responsible operations, locals remain skeptical, fearing irreversible damage to the pristine beauty and unique biodiversity of the Agulhas Wine Triangle. The battle between conservation and mining interests continues, raising questions about the balance between economic development and environmental preservation.

Grape growers and winemakers in South Africa's Overberg region are also alarmed, believing the mining project could threaten farmland, food security, and jobs. The prospecting application has raised concerns about the severe and immediate impact on wine tourism.

Winemaker Bruce Jack warns of potential destruction of vineyard land and a detrimental effect on over 200 hectares of vineyards if mining is approved. The Napier Farmers’ Organisation, backed by the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust, opposes the application, fearing long-term consequences for landowners and farmers. Urgent opposition is driven by worries that the prospecting right could lead to irreversible mining activities.