06 Aug 2019

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Eric Molale says his ministry has launched investigations into the nature and causes of earth tremors at BCL Mine.

  He noted that they expect investigations to be concluded by end of August 2019.

Minister Mr Molale said it was suspected that the cause of the tremors were from fall of ground at the old mine workings.

He said ongoing investigations into the cause of the earth tremors were expected to shed light into their short and long-term effects, and determine the nature and course. 

Once the tremors were understood and the effects established, he said due process of the law would be followed to determine liability and consequent remedies.

Furthermore, Mr Molale explained that number three shaft had not been flooded, and that water continued to be pumped out from the shaft as part of the broader care and maintenance activities.

He said the outgone liquidator stopped de-watering the south east extension shaft in November 2018, and that the water had now reached 1 000 metre level below ground and that de-watering of the south east extension had commenced to keep  the water level below 1 000m level and to avoid it from running into number three shaft.

Mr Molale said flooding of the south east extension was solely the decision of the liquidator, while the regulator was merely informed of the intention and advised against it. 

He said the regulator’s warning was ignored by the liquidator.

“At this point I cannot ascertain if the flooding will be conducted in order to determine and verify the spatial extent as well as the long-term effects of the flooding of the shafts,” he said. 

He said it would form part of the closure and rehabilitation studies for the shafts, which were still to be commissioned.

Selebi Phikwe North Member of Parliament, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse had asked the minister to give an update on the flooding of south east extension and number three shaft at BCL Mine.

He wanted the minister to explain why the shafts were flooded, including who authorised the flooding, and if it was in line with the provisions of the Mine, Quarries, Works and Machinery Act and whether the director of mines was consulted, and the advice of 6.1 manager under r beneficiary egulations.

Mr Keorapetse also wanted to know if the flooding was likely to contaminate local aquifers and the consequences on farming and human life. He also asked if the flooding had anything to do with the earth vibrations in the town, and if there was anyone who was held responsible, including legally for the flooding and its aftermaths. ENDS