Question NW3379 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
07 October 2022 - NW3379
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1)What are reasons for the mine slimes dam burst in Jagersfontein; (2) whether it has been found that the burst was an accident and/or a result of negligence; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether negligence was found to have contributed to the burst; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on whose part was negligence found and (b) what has been done to hold responsible persons accountable?
Reply:
(1) The Department does not have the authority to regulate the processing of residue deposits at the Jagersfontein dam and thus cannot investigate the cause of the accident. This is as a result of the De Beers court judgment over Jagersfontein mine residue deposits (De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd v Ataqua Mining (Pty) Ltd & others, case no. 3215/06, Free State Provincial Division, 13 December 2007).
(2) Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will not be in a position to provide response on the matter which should be responded to by the Departments of Labour, Forestry, Fisheries, Environmental Affairs, and Water and Sanitation since they have a regulatory jurisdiction over certain of the operations of Jagersfontein Developments (PTY) Ltd.
(3) Please refer to (1)