It’s interesting, but also concerning

The West Wits mining project has many residents hot under the collar. I must admit, it has me worried as well.

If you have been following the story in print in the Roodepoort Record or on our website, you will know what I’m talking about.

Just to give you some background as to what is transpiring, West Wits Mining is a Australian-based company with its headquarters in Melbourne.

According to a consulting agency appointed by the mining company, a directive was given to the company to help curb illegal mining in the Durban Deep, Sol Plaatjes, Matholesville and Fleurhof area by introducing legal mining. They are planning to mine gold, uranium and silver on the reef – for the next 30 years.

This will obviously entail transporting ore on heavy duty vehicles – despite the existing road infrastructure not suitable for it, mining on a 24/ 7 basis, blasting, uranium dust and many more problems. The Transnet and Sasol pipeline, although it falls outside the legislated blasting range, can be compromised. Just one mishap and the whole area will blow up.

My biggest concern, and I am sure many would agree, is not only the decrease in property values, but the uranium dust polluting the air. According to experts in their field, long-term exposure to uranium and uranium dust can be linked to various disabilities such as cerebral palsy, increase in cancer-related illnesses and infertility. As far as I know this has unfortunately not been communicated to the communities that will be affected.

The residents in the direct vicinity of the mine – the areas I have mentioned – are the most at risk. The company promised jobs to the four communities; however, depending on whether the mining will be opencast or underground, only about 50 to 500 people will be employed, considering that nobody will employ unskilled labour to operate the heavy plant and machinery.

I also don’t believe that it will curb illegal mining. There are already so many zama-zama killings and if the mining company takes away the zama-zamas’ livelihood – the gold dust they sell to feed their families – I am afraid it will only get worse.

It certainly is interesting to learn more about the planned operations and although at times I feel totally overwhelmed by all the legal jargon, I will do my utmost best to keep you updated as the story develops.

Until next week, take care of one another, and stay warm.