‘Crucial steps’ to end widespread protests near mining communities

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'Crucial steps' to end widespread protests near mining communities
FILE: Protests in communities that surround mining operation have affected production. PICTURE BY Wikipedia

All stakeholders are coming together to ensure peace and stability while mining continues.


An agreement between the coal mining sector and the communities around where mining takes place in Mpumalanga has been described as “crucial steps” in restoring peace and investor confidence.

The mineral council hopes to have this agreement delivered within August 2019 and is signed by all stakeholders in coal mining communities across the province to end violent confrontation which affects production. 

This was after a task team led by the department of mineral resources intervened to try have an end to protests near coal mines communities.

Government said the protests by unhappy members of communities were so bad when 2019 begins that a lot of money was lost by mining houses. 

For example, a forum called ‘eMalahleni Joint Structure’ comprising of community representatives, has been hard-hit by internal squabbles, resulting in the communities resorting to protests and affect mining operations.

“We are on a thin edge,” said mineral council’s Niks Lesufi.

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“Mining companies have been faced with the inability or unwillingness by the police to protect people and assets associated with companies,” said Lesufi, adding so far they were seeing progress in restoring peace.

“The situation is still volatile.” he said. 

(edited by MLM) 

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