Xolobeni mine
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Production | |
| Products | Titanium |
The proposed Xolobeni mine is a project by Transworld, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian corporation Mineral Commodities (MRC), and would be one of the largest titanium mines in South Africa.[1] The proposed mine is located in the picturesque Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape[1] and has reserves amounting to 348.7 million tonnes of ore grading 5% titanium.[1]
Opposition
The proposed mine has met fierce resistance from the local community, who formed the Amadiba Crisis Committee in 2007.[2][3] Local Amadiba chief, Lunga Baleni, who accepted a 4x4 vehicle paid for by the mining company, is supportive of the proposed mine, but most residents are in opposition. In April 2015, a delegation attempting to perform an environmental impact assessment on behalf of the mining company were forced to leave the area after residents protested.[3]
In December 2015, villagers returning from a mass-meeting opposing the mine, and in defence of a local headwoman, who had been intimidated, were attacked by a gang wielding knobkerries and pangas. Four men were arrested for their part in the attack, including an MRC employee.[4]
In February 2016, Chief Baleni announced that drilling would commence, and that force would be used if the community attempted to stop the drilling. Over 200 residents waited on the announced day to stop the drillers, who failed to arrive.[5]
In March 2016, the chairman of the Amadiba Crisis Committee, Sikhosiphi Bazooka Rhadebe, was assassinated. Rhadebe had warned of police involvement in the violence against mine opponents, and shortly before his death had discovered a hit list of mine opponents, on which his name was first. Rhadebe was murdered by men claiming to be police officers, and in a vehicle with a rotating blue light, and his young son and wife were also seriously injured during the assassination. [6]
References
- 1 2 3 "Xolobeni Mineral Sands". mncom.com.au. 2012. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
- ↑ "Xolobeni will have to do battle again and again against titanium miners". SWC. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- 1 2 "Wild Coast mining conflict: Xolobeni escalates". DailyMaverick. 4 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- ↑ "Anti-miners on the Wild Coast attacked with pangas, knobkerries after mass meeting". Times Live. 1 January 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
- ↑ "Coastal mining saga a powderkeg". South Coast Herald. 25 February 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
- ↑ "Opponent of Xolobeni titanium mine assassinated". GroundUp. 23 March 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2016.