Residents claim that while the company extracts platinum from their land, little to no development has taken place to benefit the local people.

More than 200 homes have been affected by blasting activities, which residents say are often conducted without prior notice, putting their safety at risk.

“We are sick,” said one community member. “Every month when I get my social grant, I end up at the doctor because the chemicals from the mine affect our throats. There is no real help here. My house was damaged by blasting in 2022. I reported it, and they said they would fix it, but nothing has happened. I’ve been complaining for years, but they just keep promising to come and check.”

Residents also allege that the mining company intimidates them to leave their land, adding to the hardship faced by the community.

This dispute reflects wider tensions in SA where mining activities frequently clash with the needs and safety of local communities.

Attempts to obtain comment from Tharisa Mining were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

--ChannelAfrica--