An attempt to prevent a platinum mining operation on the Platreef in South Africa has failed.

Two elders from the local community in Moko-pane lodged an application to stop development of a new mine at Ga-Tshaba, in Limpopo.

However, a court in Pretoria gave the go-ahead for the Anglo Platinum project, which will be operated by Potgietersrust Platinums.

Judge Moses Mavundla at the Pretoria High Court dismissed the application by Madumetsa Machoga and Matsobane Makgamatho in a bid to protect local arable lands and prevent the mine from restricting access to land for grazing.

The platinum giant predicts that the mine will bring in investment of around six billion rand into the area, creating hundreds of jobs and improving the local infrastructure.

The company argued in court that the attempt to block the mine had been launched years after prospecting had been carried out and the land in question had not been cultivated since 2001.

The mine is expected to produce 230,000 platinum ounces a year and Anglo Platinum has stated its commitment to local procurement and reserving a number of jobs for the Ga-Tshaba community. The company now plans to hold a meeting with the community to address concerns about the one billion rand mining project.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd