Mokonyane welcomes suspension of mining operations in Kagiso
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, on behalf of the Provincial Government, welcomes the suspension of mining operations in and around Kagiso, on the West Rand, by the Minister of Minerals Resources, Suzan Shabangu, on Friday.
The department's preliminary investigation into Mintail's operations, the operating company, has found Mintail to have contravened the conditions of its mining license.
On Friday, before Minister's announcement, the Gauteng Provincial Government, supported by, inter alia, the affected residents of Kagiso, had already issued an application at the South Gauteng High Court seeking an urgent interim interdict restraining Mintails from conducting any blasting activities in and around Kagiso with immediate effect. The court application has been set down for hearing on Tuesday, 21 January 2014.
However, in the light of the Minister' intervention, the Provincial Government, after consulting relevant interested parties, has decided to reconsider its court application.
"As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we would like to assure the residents of Kagiso that while appreciating the job creation initiatives undertaken by mining companies, we will, however, not allow commercial interests to override the entrenched constitutional rights of local communities to human dignity and clean environment," said Mokonyane.
Premier Mokonyane has also appealed to the mining companies, including Mintails, to not only conduct their mining operations in accordance with international best practices, but in compliance with the mining laws and terms and conditions of their mining licences.
For more information contact Premier's spokesperson:
Thebe Mohatle
Cell: 082 373 1146
