Chromex in possesion of a licence
He said, "We are always attacked by their security personnel whenever we visit them for inquiries. We are the mostly affected and our houses have cracks while they do nothing for us."
MECKLENBURG – Chromex Mine (Mecklenburg Mine) has assured local residents that the mine is operating legally and adheres to the regulations of the mining charter as well as that of the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR).
Nearby community members from Serafe Village previously protested at the mine, alleging that Chromex was operating illegally. The communities told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that the opencast mine was not hiring locals and they also demanded a pumping machine which was allegedly taken from the community in November 2018.
“This mine is doing nothing to the locals. We need our pumping machine and they must show us their licence. We believe it has expired,” said resident Motodi Phasha.
He said, “We are always attacked by their security personnel whenever we visit them for inquiries. We are the mostly affected and our houses have cracks while they do nothing for us.”
The newspaper spoke to the general manager, France Mcina, who refuted the claims made by Serafa residents.
“The issue of the pumping machine is sorted, we replaced the damaged machine. Chromex spent nearly R73 000 to have the machine up and running again. We also went an extra mile to ensure the residents had water during the time, as we delivered water to them with tanks during the festive season.
“We invited locals to come and check our mining licence in past meetings. We also showed them the licence last Tuesday. For verification we can take them to the DMR’s offices.”
Mcina said Chromex is adhering to the social labour plan and assisting local communities whenever they can.
“We are running a small mine with about 182 employees who are mostly local, if not all. Our management also consists of our local people. We are planning to grow the mine in the future to assist locals.”
