Mine denies communities’ health accusations

TRONOX KZN Sands has refuted claims by two Hillendale Mine host communities that the mine’s mineral sands operations are responsible for cases of tuberculosis (TB), asthma and sinus problems among community members.

Even though mining activities had stopped in December, leaving only rehabilitation work at Hillendale, residents from Mandlankala and Gobandlovu are still complaining about lung diseases they believe were caused by dust and chemicals from the site.

Tronox said the mine has always complied with the country’s environmental and health monitoring requirements as per legislation.

‘Data and various investigations indicated Tronox has not been in breach of health impacts towards employees or the communities,’ said Tronox in a statement.

One Gobandlovu community member said she holds the mine responsible for having lost her husband and daughter to TB.

‘This accusation has been received previously,’ said Tronox. ‘It was investigated by medical professionals and the outcome, as expected, indicated that the mine does not cause TB.

‘Tronox would like to remind the public that TB is a bacterial infection.’

Another local said they were told to have medical check-ups done in 2011.

‘The doctor did a medical examination and X-rays and when he finished, we were told to get our results from Tronox.

‘Time passed without us getting those results back, and it’s been almost three years now and we are still told to wait.’

Tronox said it has no recollection of such tests.‘Tests were not performed in 2011.’

Responding to the communities’ complaints that mining management has not been providing feedback to their grievances, Tronox said it meets regularly with the communities’ tribal leaders and special committees as elected by the communities.