Ivanplats will now resume its programme to complete the relocation of graves in the vicinity of its Platreef mine development project.
This followed after Judge John Murphy from the North Gauteng High Court issued a ruling on 2 February in favour of Ivanplats (an Ivanhoe Mines subsidiary), clearing the way for the company to proceed with the relocation of informal graves within the vicinity of its Platreef mine development project.
According to a statement issued by the Ivanplats Spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, Murphy set aside the interim interdict that was granted by the North Gauteng High Court on 28 November that followed an ex-parte hearing – which was conducted without Ivanplats’ knowledge or participation.
Murphy said he will give written reasons for his decision in due course, including a ruling on the costs of the court action.
Aubrey Langa’s, a well-known opponent of the project, previous actions and threats directed against the development of the Platreef mine as well as his criminal records were noted in earlier public statements.
“He is the person responsible who lodged an appeal against the grave relocation process last year.
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“Representing Ivanplats’ challenge of the interim interdict, Advocate Alfred Cockrell SC (Senior Counsel) said Ivanplats had conducted extensive consultation with the community and relatives of the deceased interred in the relevant graves and also had obtained all necessary permits and authorisations for the relocation process,” Michaels said.
A total of 54 graves were relocated outside the perimeter of the active mine development site before the interim interdict was issued, 30 awaited relocation and 10 locations had been investigated and found not to contain human remains.
“The Ivanplats support programme includes assistance in providing new burial plots in a formal cemetery, tombstones and related services”.
He further said the Ivanplats Managing Director, Dr Patricia Makhesha, said in an affidavit that the Platreef mine is co-owned by the local, historically-disadvantaged community and international ancestors.
She allegedly said the court action was an ill-conceived attempt by a few individuals to stop the construction of a mine that would provide much-needed direct and indirect jobs, access to education and skills training for young people in Mokopane.
