17 Jan 2024

 The Mupane Gold Mine is in the midst of an investigation into why the blasting at the mine has affected properties beyond the agreed-upon 500-metre radius. The Mine General Manager, Mr Koketso Jackson, acknowledged in a meeting with the leadership of Matsiloje on January 16, that this is a serious problem and the mine is getting to the bottom of the matter. 

Mr Jackson said the mine has pledged to work with the affected residents to find a solution, adding that most of the workers employed at the mine are from Matsiloje, coupled with its Social Corporate Responsibility (SCR) the mine had done for the village in the past. 

He explained that after the completion of the investigations, the mine would decide on the issue of compensation, adding that some cracks in some buildings occurred before the mine started its operations near the village. 

“Mupane Gold Mine is taking a measured approach to the issue of compensation, waiting until the investigation is complete before determining the appropriate course of action,” he said.

Mr Jackson said this made sense, as it would be difficult to determine the extent of the damage and the appropriate compensation without knowing the full details of the incidents. 

He explained that it must be frustrating for the residents to have to wait for the investigation to conclude before they can receive any help.

Mr Jackson also explained that since starting its operations, Mupane Gold Mine experienced two blasts that had flying stones, which did not injure or affected any properties. 

He said their investigation into the cracked homestead has revealed that out of the 22 households within the 500-metre radius, only 15 have been affected while those outside the 500-metre radius stands at 44. 

He said the relocation of the blasting site by nine metres would alleviate the problem of flying rocks and other damages. However, he acknowledged the impact that the two blasting incidents had on the residents of Matsiloje, adding that fear and uncertainty they experienced could not be easily forgotten.

While the residents of Matsiloje appreciated the Mupane Gold Mine’s commitment to investigate the blasting incidents, they were growing increasingly frustrated with the long wait for help. 

One of the residents, Mr Simon Lephalo, explained that many of them have had their homes damaged and are struggling to make repairs. However, he told the meeting that most of the residents are eager for the mine to finish its investigation so that they could receive the compensation they needed to get their lives back on track. 

Kgosi Eric Moipolai of Matsiloje said the Mupane Gold Mine has turned out to be a double-edged sword for the residents of Matsiloje. 

He said while they had hoped that it would bring economic benefits and employment opportunities, the reality had been quite different. He said the blasting has damaged their homes and the dust it produced was a health hazard. Kgosi Moipolai hinted that it was a real catch 22 situation, where the mine was both a source of hope and a cause of suffering. 

The meeting was called by MP for Tati East, who is also the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe, who felt that the leadership of the village and the management of Mupane Gold Mine should meet and map the way forward regarding the damaged cause by the blasting of the mine. Ends