Mining company gives official feedback
Benonians have been given feedback by the company that is planning to conduct a mine dump reclamation project on the farm Vlakfontein near Golden Drive.
Thumela Logistix CC came under fire recently after the community accused the mining company of not being honest about their intentions regarding the project.
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Community worried about mining talks
The project’s public participation meeting, which is a requirement for successfully completing a basic assessment report for the Department of Mineral Resource’s review, was postponed three times after community members demanded that one be held.
The Greater Benoni Residents Committee (GBRC) was re-established on November 9 to serve as the community’s means of raising its concerns.
Residents are concerned about a number of issues around the proposed project, including dust suppression, noise levels, how the company’s operations will affect the roads in the area, and unauthorised blasting.
The GBRC issued a list of questions for Thumela Logistix CC to answer, to which the company replied as follows.
Dust suppression
According to the company, “dust suppression techniques and/or frequency will be altered as necessary should dust levels become excessive and exceed target values during rehabilitation”.
It is also said that air quality will be monitored and that data reported will be kept at the mine offices.
Noise levels
Thumela Logistix CC stated that ambient noise will be monitored twice a year from the mine’s boundary in at least four compass directions.
“Occupational noise will be monitored on a monthly basis,” it added.
The company’s environmental site manager will be responsible for managing a noise level database and implementing actions should acceptable noise levels be exceeded.
Public roads
The GBRC asked if public roads will be used for material haulage, and what provision the company has made for cleaning up material spillage and repairing any road damage caused by the haulage trucks.
The company replied: “Due to the light traffic from the operations, it is envisaged that the operations will have very minimal impact on the road infrastructure surrounding the operation site.”
Unauthorised blasting
Thumela Logistics CC assured the GBRC that no blasting will take place during operations.
Ward 27 Clr Jacques Meiring said he is not completely satisfied with the feedback given.
“I don’t think the feedback given is adequate, and we are going to arrange a meeting to discuss the way forward.”
Meiring added that constant pressure must be placed on the company to ensure it complies with legislation and the demands of the community.
Benonians can request the full document containing the company’s feedback by sending an email to info.gbrcommittee@gmail.com
Also read:
Committee reinstated as mine dump watchdogs
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