LIMPOPO – In a media statement, Palabora Copper, a subsidiary of Palabora Mining Company (PMC) has confirmed there was ongoing illegal and violent protests by the community in Ba-Phalaborwa, which impacted negatively on the safety their employees, contractors and the protesters and the production of the company.
According PMC, this unfortunate development happened at a critical time in the mining industry and the economy.
“It can have significant ramifications on the future of Palabora, impacting the execution of the R9,3 billion lift II project schedule and delivery and may lead to the mine closure,” read the statement.
“The company is opposed to any use of violent means by the community to achieve whatsoever objectives. We remain resolute that we have the best interest of our communities and have always maintained an open door policy to engage with our communities. As an organisation we however cannot continue engaging in a hostile climate.”
PMC said they remained committed to creating economic opportunities for the local people, as well as creating jobs within immediate communities.
“Since January 2010, the company has spent about R160 million in various community development projects as part of our commitment to good corporate citizenship and sustainability. The company has always viewed its long-term sustainability being entwined with that of the community. This year, we will spend R10 million towards community development in Ba-Phalaborwa, despite very difficult economic conditions,” continued the statement.
“As part of our commitment to localisation in the unskilled and semi-skilled categories, we have created 325 jobs for Ba-Phalaborwa out of 600 available jobs in the January to June 2015 period.
“We are also aware that the community believes the company is involved in the discussions about the location of the steel plant proposed in South Africa. Palabora Copper is not involved in the discussion. This is an issue being discussed by the main shareholders of Palabora, which are Hebei Iron & Steel Group of China and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa. The process has also involved intensive government-to government lobbying between China and South Africa. We are not part of this engagement process. We are however, aware that there are four proposed locations which are Phalaborwa, Richards Bay, Middleburg and Soweto which will form part of the feasibility study to be conducted by the two entities.
“As an organisation we strongly condemn the intimidation of our people and the vandalism of properties and the spread of malicious information that do not indicate the best practices of Palabora as a good corporate citizen,” concluded the statement.
Phalaborwa residents up in arms
