In August 2024, Ramotholo Sefako, the head of the SAAO’s telescope operations, described mineral prospecting in the Sutherland astronomy area as “a nightmare”. A map of the prospecting region clearly overlaps with the Sutherland astronomy area. The mineral resources department said that it would proceed with airborne surveys, but that seismic surveys would follow only after environmental impact testing and public consultation. The science department’s proposed amendment appears to interfere with the mineral resources department’s plans for the area. RPN reached out to the department of mineral resources for a comment.