Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu
JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – ASX-listed Mintails on Monday confirmed that it had suspended its hard rock and openpit operations at its Krugersdorp mine while the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) investigated alleged noncompliance with the company’s mining right.
Despite being accused of infringing sections of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), Mintails said in a statement that it believed it had complied with all relevant regulations.
The DMR on Friday issued Section 54 and 55 MHSA notices and a Section 93 MPRDA notice for the company’s Princess pit in Kagiso following the outcome of a preliminary investigation.
“Management has, therefore, suspended operations at its openpit operations pending assessment of the contents of the notice and addressing the issues contained therein,” Mintails assured.
This move was welcomed by Mogale City local municipality executive mayor Koketso Seerane, who said he was “pleased with the swift action” taken by Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu after “flaws” were found in Mintails’ business practices.
According to Mogale City, the outcomes of the preliminary investigation would be submitted to the DMR-appointed independent technical team undertaking the full assessment.
“We will wait for the technical team to finalise their work so that we can bring this matter to finality,” said Seerane.
Mintails said it would continue to process available stockpiled material and tailings.