South Africa Blocks Kropz's Mining Plans in National Park

South African National Parks (SANParks) has rejected a proposal by Kropz Plc, majority-owned by billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Capital, to mine phosphate within the West Coast National Park, citing legal prohibitions on mining in protected areas. The application, which sought either permission for extraction or de-proclamation of park land, was met with staunch opposition from conservation groups, including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), who are already involved in legal disputes with Kropz over environmental compliance at the nearby Elandsfontein mine. Environmentalists argue that mining would threaten the region’s unique wetlands, biodiversity, and critical habitats for over 250 bird species, as well as put at risk ancient human footprints and world-renowned wildflower fields. SANParks emphasized its duty to protect the integrity of national parks under the law, reaffirming that no mining is permitted within their boundaries. Kropz maintains that its operations could protect livelihoods while supporting employment, but opponents view the application as an audacious and unprecedented attempt to open national parks to mining. The dispute reflects longstanding tensions between economic development interests and conservation priorities in South Africa.