Mineral exploration to affect Roodepoort
Councillor invites public to attend meeting.
Several wards in Roodepoort might soon be affected by mineral exploration.
A mining company, Timomo Exploration and Mining (PTY) LTD has applied for prospecting rights in an area that includes Wards 70, 71, 84 and 127.
Cecil Khosa from Jomela Consulting, which is part of the mining company, told the Record that the company will be prospecting for various minerals such as copper, gold, uranium, nickel, sulpher, pyrite and silver with the main aim to eventually mine gold. According to Khosa the reason for applying for all these minerals is due to the fact that they all usually are found where gold is mined.
Various portions of Vogelstruisfontein 231 IQ and 233 IQ, Roodepoort 237 IQ, Vlakfontein 238 IQ , Doornkop 239 IQ and Witpoortjie 245 IQ will be affected.
According to the Mineral Resources and Development Act of 2002, the company has to hold a public meeting with all the stakeholders, lawful land occupants and owners and other affected parties.
This meeting will take place on 2 May at 9am at the Davidsonville Community Hall in Minnaar Street.
Councillor for Ward 71, Gert Niemand has explained that although the process is long and the company still has to apply for their mining rights if the exploration is successful, that the public and residents of these areas should inform themselves by attending the meeting.
The Record asked Niemand whether the mining will affect the community negatively or positively but he said that it was still too early to tell.
