By Johnathan Paoli
The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) has sharply criticised the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Department for failing to address allegations of illegal mining and the unlawful exportation of gemstones involving Assmang’s Black Rock Mine.
While the department has framed the dispute as a civil matter between Assmang and PP Gemstones, Macua insists that the issue goes beyond mere licensing conflicts and delves into potential criminal conduct.
“South Africa’s mineral wealth must be managed lawfully, transparently and in a manner that benefits all its people, not to enrich a few at the expense of legal compliance, fiscal responsibility and community rights,” Macua spokesperson Magnificent Mndebele said on Monday.
Mndebele raised pressing concerns regarding Assmang’s alleged involvement in unauthorised gemstone mining and its failure to obtain proper permits.
He highlighted a critical incident in which a foreign national was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport allegedly attempting
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