Question NW1015 to the Minister of Mineral Resources
27 May 2016 - NW1015
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1)Whether the abandoned quarry situated in the heart of Heidedal in Bloemfontein in the Free State, which was once mined by a certain company (name furnished), received a closure certificate; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the specified quarry is in the process of rehabilitation; if not, why not; if so, (a) what has been done to date in the rehabilitation process, (b) when will it be completed and (c) what amount has been set aside for the rehabilitation process of the specified quarry; (3) whether any safety precautions have been put in place at the specified quarry; if not, why not; if so, what safety precautions have been put in place; (4) whether any concerns with regard to safety of the quarry were reported to his department since 5 April 2015; if so, what (a) was the content of such concerns that were communicated, (b) was his response in each case and (c) is being done to make the quarry safe? NW1147E
Reply:
1. Yes. The Company lodged an application for a closure certificate in terms of section 12 of the Minerals Act and the closure certificate was issued on the 06th of December 2006.
(2)(a) As a closure certificate was issued, there are no rehabilitation activities taking place on the quarry area.
(b) The complaint lodged to the Department lead to the investigation which confirms that there is a need to work further on the area to address issues of concern and a meeting will be held during the second week of May 2016 to ensure that urgent steps are taken to address the rehabilitation of this abandoned quarry.
(c) The amount is not known at this stage and will only be known after the abovementioned meeting and concomitant site inspections.
3. Yes, warnings signs were put around the quarry and the safety trench were dig.
4. (a) Yes. A complaint was received from the Volksblaad. The complaint was about rehabilitation, safety of the people living in Heidedal and surrounding areas from the dangers associated with an unfenced and abandoned mining site, drowning of community members and various serious crimes been committed over the area.
(b) The site inspection was conducted as a response to the complaint. The complainant was advised that further investigations will be conducted and the outcome will be communicated.
(c) The investigation is being conducted which include consultation with the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Mangaung Municipality or the town council and the land owner. The outcome of the investigation will determine cause of action to be taken.
Approved/not approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2016