The results of two reports into tensions between miners and local communities in South Africa which threaten platinum mining companies' expansion plans will be released this week.

An investigation was launched by the Human Rights Commission after antipoverty group Action Aid alleged that thousands of villagers were not properly compensated as part of an Anglo Platinum resettlement process in Limpopo.

The locals are demanding more equity and a greater role in the decision-making process relating to mines on their land, including those belonging to Anglo and Impala Platinum.

Limpopo residents have been involved in a spate of violent clashes with police and mine security officers this year and have threatened land invasions and sabotaging prospecting rigs.

While such violence has been largely condemned, the people have received backing from the South African Communist Party and the African National Congress war veterans' association in their objectives.

Observers believe the reports will claim that the mining legislation and charter - which is up for review next year - must offer greater protection of landowners' rights and guarantee them compensatory benefits.

However, Anglo has issued a strong response to Action Aid's findings, claiming that they are one-sided and only represent a small subsection of the population in the province.

One section of a statement released by the company read: "There is no evidence of any attempt to obtain the views of the more than 84 per cent of members of the community who have already relocated."

The second report revolves around a master agreement between Anglo and two section 21 companies relating to the relocation of residents from communal land next to the Potgietersrus platinum mine.

An official in Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto's office alleged that the locals were fooled into signing an agreement that would make them accountable for their moving costs and tie them to a 75-year lease.

A lawsuit subsequently followed and the 80 families affected are continuing their protests, mainly because they claim the section 21 companies were registered without their knowledge.

But Mr Moloto said: "There was a threat of legal action, but we sat down and talked about it and reached an amicable agreement."

Mr Moloto also added that he hopes to bring about a change in legislation in order to "maintain stability in the province".

Source:

Unrest threatens Limpopo platinum mines (03/11/08)

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