Mantashe shrugs off ‘secret’ mining reports

Minister denies being sympathetic to mineral sand mine in Xolobeni

Mineral resources minister Gwede Mantashe has distanced himself from reports by the Australian company Mineral Commodities that the government is sympathetic to its mineral sand mine plans in Xolobeni, Mbizana.
Despite the mineral resources department’s proposal of a 24-month moratorium on mining in the area, the Amadiba Crisis Committee (ACC), which is opposed to the mine, says it has “reliable information” that Mantashe has already promised to renew the company’s licence.
The ACC said Mineral Commodities had told investors that “the new SA government leadership is pro development of project”.
The company, which is listed on the Australian stock exchange as MRC, made this claim in a presentation to investors on August 24.
The department of mineral resources said: “The department cannot infer why the company would indicate as such in its investor reports.”
The department confirmed Mantashe had met MRC in Australia. “Mantashe met with the company as well as other Australian companies active in SA, as part of efforts to engage with the investment community to promote investment in SA’s mining sector, in line with the department’s mandate.”
On Sunday Mantashe was in Xolobeni to listen to views from pro- and anti-mining groups.
The meeting turned ugly when police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse about 500 people who had attended the meeting.
Lawyer Richard Spoor was arrested and charged with inciting public violence. He will be back at the Mbizana magistrate’s court on October 25. The ACC said Mantashe had not spoken to any of its leaders or to any community member opposed to mining.
The department said all parties were given a chance to present their views.
In a statement, Amnesty International condemned the “excessive use of force” by police in Xolobeni. Executive director Shenilla Mohamed said Amnesty had “witness testimonies, video footage and photos” indicating that the SAPS had used force to disperse protestors. – GroundUp..

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