LIMPOPO – “We have gained an interim order by the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa last Monday that orders Ivanplats to stop with the grave relocation programme that commenced on 14 November at the Platreef Mine,” Community Leader, Aubrey Langa told Bosveld.
According to Langa, Ivanplats had two days to challenge the interim order which they failed to.
Langa explained: “Ivanplats are not allowed to operate within that area as it is excluded from the broader authorised mining area, by the letter of grant issued on 30 May 2014. The reason why they are prohibited from operating within this area is because it is an ancestral grave site. Their aim by relocating the graves is to include this sacred area into their broader mining right area.”
Langa said they are aware of the permit issued by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) granting Ivanplats the right to relocate the graves. “However, we are of the view that the issuing of the permit was unlawful since we launched an appeal against the mining right and environmental management report in July 2014. This appeal precludes any acceptance by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). Thereafter Ivanplats should not be launching any application pending the finalisation of the appeal. Rendering SAHRA’s permit unlawful. Before the appeal was finalised Ivanplats started with the removal of graves rendering the appeal useless,”Langa concluded.
Vice President: Communication and Public Affairs at Ivanhoe’s, Jeremy Michaels gave the following statement regarding the interim order: Ivanplats an Ivanhoe Mines subsidiary, has been advised of an interim order that was issued by the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa.
Ongoing construction of the Platreef mine will not be affected by the interim order. Ivanplats was not advised of the interdict application in advance of the 28 November “ex parte” court hearing and therefore did not have an opportunity to present evidence before the court reached its interim decision. The interim order, which remains subject to finalization, directs Ivanplats to suspend the Graves Relocation Programme at the company’s Platreef mine development site. The court action was initiated by a number of individuals and organizations.
Ivanplats will present supporting evidence and seek to have the interim order set aside when the court conducts an open hearing on 26 January. Ivanplats, naturally, will comply with the terms of the court’s interim order.
Following careful planning of the graves relocation programme in line with global best practise, Ivanplats received all official authorisations required to embark on the relocation of graves in the vicinity of the Platreef mine development site. From the outset, Ivanplats has responsibly managed the graves relocation process with the appropriate dignity, respect and sensitivity. The company is committed to resolving any disputes in the same spirit, but also will defend its rights and those of directly affected families who support and have consented to the planned relocations of graves.
It is also important to note that Ivanplats at all times complies with the relevant laws of South Africa. We also respect the rights of individuals to challenge the company’s processes but question the motives of some individuals who continuously seek to disrupt the construction of a new mine which brings with it immense benefits for our local host communities.”
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
