More than 800 residents in Magog village, KwaZulu-Natal, may need to move as SA Lithium expands its Highbury mine. The company seeks to enlarge its pit and waste areas, affecting homes near Port Shepstone.
SA Lithium plans to increase its mining pit fivefold and its waste rock area fourfold at the Highbury site. This would require relocating 142 to 153 households, or about 800 people, according to an environmental impact assessment by Joan Consultants.
The expansion comes after the mine began operations roughly two and a half years ago. Residents have reported repeated exposure to blasting noise, dust, and truck traffic. A resettlement plan outlines possible cash payments starting in February 2026 and moves to new plots in August 2026.
All Rise Attorneys, representing local groups, has challenged the application. It argues the process does not follow required legal steps for resettlement. SA Lithium director Ian Harebottle stated that all relocations are handled through consultation and that the company complies with regulations.
Community members have raised concerns about home damage, respiratory issues, and ancestral graves. The National Council of Provinces noted similar complaints in a December 2025 report.