MNS residents complaining about a mine

Some residents of MNS are complaining about a mine in their area and they are alleging that it is operating illegally.

Many concerns were received from the residents about the mine in the area of MNS informal settlement near Klarinet. The mine Vandu Colliery (AP Mining), according to the spokesperson of the residents, Mr Mandla Bothman, is situated five km from the residential area. He stated that his other concern is the radius of the mine and residential area. The residents wants to know what does the policy say about mining near residential areas. There is also the concern of jobs not given to residents of the area.

The dusty road at MNS informal settlement leading to the Vandu Colliery (AP Mining).

They alleged that no community members are benefitting from the mine and some have been affected by blasting from the mine. Community members also complained about the amount of dust by the trucks going to and coming from the mine.

Mr Bothman stated that he has engaged with the director of the mine Mr Phillip de Lange. In one of the meetings he said, held on May 9, this year at the mine boardroom discussions were held with a new elected committee from the area.

Mining activity at the Vandu Colliery (AP Mining) near MNS informal settlement.

“It was agreed during the meeting that the company will recruit community members as new operators. It was also agreed that AP Mining will assist in building a clinic for the community in the area and that AP Mining will be responsible for dust control on the road to Zaaihoek. Any appointments need to be finalised by all parties involved as well as the ward councillor. Six members of the committee attended the meeting,” stated Mr Bothman

According to Mr Bothman other meetings were held to recruit community members but they were allegedly not recruited as agreed in the meetings.

A questionnaire was sent to both Mr De Lange and the Department of Mineral Resources.
In his response Mr De Lange stated that no complaint was received from MNS because he has a great working relationship with them. He further stated that Mining Policy stipulates no blasting closer than 500 meters from residential area and special permission for mining up to 100 meters.

“AP Mining and Vandu Colliery appointed 45 people from the local community and you are more than welcome to come and visit the workers at the mine to confirm where they stay. Dust was one of their concerns and we have a dust suppression truck running 24 hours a day,” explained Mr De Lange.

Mine dumps at the Vandu Colliery (AP Mining) near MNS informal settlement. Some residents are complaining about the mining activity and other issues in the area.

Mr De Lange also said that Mr Bothman was just looking for political gain and that can be confirmed with all the relevant candidates in the area.

“There were no newly elected committee, it was representatives that was in it for their own gain under the influence of Mr Bothman, any elected committee must be representative off all the residence and operators as appointed per discussion and everything discussed is in progress,” added Mr De Lange.

The Department of Mineral Resources acknowledged receiving the questionnaire and promised that it will be tended by one of the seniors on their availability. No response was received before print.

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