HENDRINA – The Hendrina community appears to be less than thrilled by the much-discussed commencement of operations at the former Gupta-owned mine, Optimum. They lament their exclusion from processes that demand their recognition and involvement as immediate and affected communities.
The mine, currently in the process of being transferred to its new owners, Liberty Coal, is poised to resume operations once the entire process is finalised. However, Liberty Coal is embroiled in a dispute with the board of Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) over the coal export entitlement, historically owned by Optimum, which is to be transferred to its asset list.
Adding to the community’s grievances, the Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) protest that they have not been consulted as a nearby community.
“MACUA is not fully aware of any intentions of Optimum mine to mine in Pullenshope,” said Zakhele Msibi, MACUA coordinator. “We do not know if they are acquiring an existing mining right or initiating a new application for a license. We are unaware of any of their social labour plan (SLP) commitments, which are crucial components of mining licenses or mining company operations.”
Msibi further noted that MACUA has attempted on numerous occasions to engage with the mine but without success. “However, we were consistently ignored,” he added, highlighting that the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) mandates mining companies to notify and conduct meaningful consultations with interested and affected parties. ” We did not see this happening,” he remarked.
He also pointed out that the mine has failed to adhere to regulation 46(a)(b) of the MPRDA. “This section requires mining companies to publicize their approved SLP on their website and in a language that is understood by the majority of the community,” Msibi emphasized.
The community now awaits Liberty Coal’s response.
