Question NW1177 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
05 May 2023 - NW1177
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What (a) steps has his department taken to resolve the plight of the people in the Emalahleni village near Mtubatuba, in KwaZulu-Natal, who may have to elocate and/or risk dying from respiratory diseases that are a result of the mining activities from Tendele Coal Mine and (b) are the reasons that the poor persons of the specified village have to resort to the High Court and nongovernmental organisations to seek protection from the specified mine whereas his department should play the role of oversight and intervene where there is noncompliance?
Reply:
a) The Department is not aware of any specific cases related to respiratory diseases and resulting deaths attributed to the mine relating to the community or its employees. The Department will continue to investigate all complaints received within the prescripts of the prevailing legislation.
b) The Department has been actively involved in facilitating discussions between all stakeholders in due consideration of the Departments regulatory role. The choice to seek alternative relief away from the existing engagements and structures created to facilitate these engagements is the choice of specific individuals and NGO’s.
The Mine continues to engage those who are directly affected in respect of relocations and has signed agreements with a majority of the identified officials. They have advised that they continue to engage those with whom they have not yet reached an agreement. The Mine has also indicated that they will abide by the decisions, directives or requests of the Court accordingly.