Portnet's Saldanha ore plans hit 'enviro' flak

THE DUST is flying in Saldanha Bay and Portnet is finding itself in the middle of a controversy as a result. Its plan to double the capacity of 2.5km of the iron ore conveyor belt in the harbour has met with strong opposition. Mounting concern about the environmental impact of ore dust has been expressed by the Saldanha Bay Development Corporation (SBDC), which claims that Portnet's plans will exacerbate the current pollution problems being experienced. A red hue hangs over the town when the conveyor is in operation, with dust swirling as far as 16km from the terminal. Any further additions to the conveyor system will seriously hamper economic development in the region, says SBDC spokesperson Paddy Prior. Toxins in the dust have already been seen to have affected marine life. Mussels, formerly a useful source of income from exports to Europe, can no longer be marketed. In addition a suggested project to have fruit shipped through the harbour has been rejected by the fruit industry. There are also claims that dust particles cannot leave human bodies once inhaled, which can result in chest and respiratory illnesses.