Coal of Africa Share News (CZA)

Shares in Coal of Africa leapt this morning after it regained an integrated water use licence for its Vele Colliery project.The licence had been suspended following an appeal by a coalition of non-governmental organisations, leaving the coal explorer unable to continue activities that required the use of water. But the firm said it could now complete construction of the mine in the Limpopo Province after the South African Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, stepped in to lift the ban.Coal Africa said the process to mobilise contractors and re-employ staff would commence immediately, with the mine expected to create around 500 jobs during the initial phase of operation. Chief executive John Wallington said the miner was well placed to produce first coking coal in the first quarter of 2012, ramping up to an initial target of one million tonnes per annum. Shares rose 11% on the news.Environmental groups opposing the licence claimed the company had "grossly underestimated the quantity of water it will use at the proposed Vele colliery" and that the mine would affect the flow of water in the nearby Limpopo river.Coal Africa called the claims "sensationalist".