The planned gas exploration project in the Mpumalanga Highveld could threaten food security and endanger the health of both people and animals if not managed responsibly. This concern was raised by farmers, community members, and environmental experts who spoke to The Citizen regarding the initiative by Rhino Oil and Gas Exploration South Africa. “From the agricultural side, we have great concern regarding the whole process of mining and the impact on the sustainability of food production,” said Van Zyl. “Every time when you have this type of thing, the outcome of that is we lose agricultural land. And that’s not the only thing that we experience. He said the community had been struggling with water pollution and droughts and the project threatens to exacerbate those challenges. He also said the gas exploration activities require significant water resources, which could further strain the already limited water supply. The Resource Centre wrote to Rhino Oil requesting for a response, Rhino Oil did not respond.