Question NW2523 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
27 November 2020 - NW2523
Mthenjane, Mr DF to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Given that the recent murder of an environmental activist (Fikile Ntshangase) is indicative of deep tensions between communities and mining companies who want to take over their land, what programmes has his department initiated to ensure that mining companies respect communities and their rights to land which may be of interest to mining companies?
Reply:
Before a mining right is granted, a thorough consultation with interested and affected parties including other government department is conducted. In a situation where there are communities, and are to be relocated, a consultation process/Public participation should be undertaken by the mine or by an applicant for a mining right.
An all-inclusive method(s) should be utilised to ensure that community groups can take part in the consultation process in a fair and transparent manner.