South Africa lithium mining threatens 73,000 hectares of farmland

South Africa's push to mine lithium for the green energy transition is clashing with farming communities on the southeast coast. Prospecting licences granted since 2023 claim about 73,000 hectares, an area larger than Pretoria, mostly farmland across 117 farms. The Sugar Cane Growers Association says the mining threatens 30,000 jobs in sugar and tourism, and could be catastrophic for small-scale farmers.

Villagers report blasting damage and health problems. Albert Mthembu, 62, said fissures in his home and lung issues were caused by mining. SA Lithium Director Ian Harbottle said 150 farmers have been relocated willingly, but farmers complain new land is remote. The company plans to expand, while activists and farmers are mounting objections.