Mine blasting carried out by Glencore Coal just a few kilometres from the township of Ogies in Emalahleni, places hundreds at risk with residents facing serious health risks, such as coal dust inhalation, toxic fumes, and air overpressure and constantly having to repair cracks in their properties.
Affected residents have described this blasting experience as unbearable and unpleasant. The noise and vibration on their houses have caused them anguish and anxiety.
The DA has also learnt that kids in the area are not safe. The explosives used by the mine to carry out its blasting activities sometimes produce pieces of fly rock spreading across the neighbourhood.
During an oversight, the DA came across broken windows, ceilings cracks and wall cracks on properties occupied by residents.
The DA has seen a recent blasting notification sent to residents by the Colliery company: “Blast notification at GGV Ramp6 4# Coal and NP2 Sandstone between 11h00-16h00. Please notify all under supervision, Khuthala and Zibulo belts are not affected.”
Despite this, residents feel that the mine is inconsiderate. They feel that the mine is infringing on their environmental rights and causing them psychological damage.
Section 24 (a) of the constitution indicates that everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their well-being and to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations.
Mines have the responsibility of ensuring that communities located next to mining sites are not exposed to hazards that will impact on their safety and health.
Therefore, it is concerning that no risk assessment has been conducted by the mine on the nearby damaged properties and no formal engagement has taken place with the property owners.
With this in mind, we will request our Human Settlements spokesperson Trudie Grove-Morgan to urgently approach MEC Speedy Mashilo and seek his intervention.