PHOLA – Seriti Resources has dismissed allegations of nepotism, environmental neglect, and the exclusion of locals, following a protest held on June 12, 2025 by the Phola Youth Desk and Environmental Justice Alliance.
The demonstration, held outside the mine’s gates, accused Seriti of overlooking qualified young people from Phola, offering opportunities instead to outsiders, and failing to address health concerns caused by mining operations.
Responding to the claims, Seriti reaffirmed its commitment to ethical operations and constructive community engagement.
“Seriti Resources remains committed to operating in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices,” the company said in a statement. “We continue to engage constructively with our stakeholders and are focused on maintaining transparent communication channels.”
On the specific issue of youth exclusion, Seriti said it has held engagements with community groups, including youth organisations in Phola.
“We are committed to ongoing dialogue and collaboration to address community concerns,” the statement read.
Seriti also responded to concerns raised by the Environmental Justice Alliance, who accused the mine of putting residents’ health at risk through pollution. The company said it regularly monitors its operations to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
“We take environmental and health matters seriously. Our operations are monitored and regulated to prevent harm. We urge any concerned party to engage with us directly so we can address issues constructively.”
Protest organisers had also accused Seriti of trying to block the protest by demanding written confirmation from the mine before accepting a memorandum. Legal support group Right2Protest said this was not required by law under the Regulation of Gatherings Act.
In response, Seriti clarified that it was not involved in the Section 4 meeting held on June 10, and said the company had not imposed any such requirement.
“There is no stipulation under the Regulation of Gatherings Act that requires protest organisers to obtain written confirmation from the protest target,” Seriti noted.
While the protest proceeded peacefully, tensions between the mine and local youth remain. Seriti has called for continued engagement and said it remains open to dialogue aimed at finding sustainable solutions.
The company concluded by encouraging formal channels of communication to resolve misunderstandings and strengthen its relationship with the community.
