Tharisa Minerals’ Blasting Practices Endangering Mmaditlhokwa Community**
Aubrey Winfried Thobejane
Aubrey Winfried Thobejane
North West province
Bojanala district
Rustenburg municipality
07 August 2024
Tharisa Minerals’ Blasting Practices Endangering Mmaditlhokwa Community**
The serene community of Mmaditlhokwa is under siege—not by an external invader, but by the very processes meant to extract the wealth beneath their feet. It is the blasting activities by Tharisa Minerals that are causing not just inconvenience, but posing significant danger to the lives and properties of the residents. These activities have reached alarming levels, and it seems that the regulatory authorities, particularly the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), are conspicuously absent in fulfilling their role to ensure the safety and enforcement of mining laws.
**The Problem at Hand**
Blasting is a necessary evil in mining operations, involving the controlled use of explosives to break apart rock to access ore deposits. However, when done negligently, it poses severe risks. In the case of Tharisa Minerals, the blasting is anything but controlled. Reports and firsthand accounts from residents of Mmaditlhokwa describe a landscape where giant rocks are propelled through the air, landing with terrifying impact within community yards. These flying rocks are more than a nuisance; they are missiles capable of causing substantial damage to property and posing lethal risks to human lives.
The repetition of these incidents has caused widespread fear and anxiety among the residents. Children playing outside, people tending to their gardens, or simply standing in their own homes are all at risk every time a blast is set off. The tranquility and safety that once characterized Mmaditlhokwa are now memories drowned out by the noise and danger posed by these uncontrolled blasts.
**DMRE’s Dereliction of Duty**
One would expect that in such scenarios, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) would step in and enforce the stringent regulations that govern blasting activities. These regulations are put in place specifically to prevent such dangerous occurrences. They mandate stringent safety protocols, including the careful monitoring of blast parameters and ensuring that sufficient buffer zones are maintained. When these regulations are violated, the DMRE has the power to impose fines, order suspension of activities, and even revoke operating licenses if necessary.
However, the community of Mmaditlhokwa has witnessed a complete abdication of responsibility by the DMRE. Despite numerous complaints and verifiable evidence of the danger posed by Tharisa Minerals’ blasting operations, there is a glaring lack of action from the regulatory body. Their inaction is perceived not just as negligence, but as an active decision to turn a blind eye to the unfolding danger. It is as though the cries of Mmaditlhokwa residents have fallen on deaf ears, leaving the community to fend for itself.
**Implications for the Community**
The implications of this dereliction are profound. Property damage is a visible symptom, but the psychological scars of living under constant threat are deep. The residents of Mmaditlhokwa have been forced to endure an environment where not only their sense of security but also their health and well-being are consistently compromised. Additionally, the economic impact is substantial. Properties lose their value amidst such hazardous conditions. Prospective buyers or tenants are dissuaded by the risks, leading to stagnant or declining property markets.
Moreover, there could be health implications from dust and noise pollution associated with these blasting activities. The environmental fallout is another angle that hasn’t been adequately addressed. These blasts could lead to ecological desecration, affecting the local flora and fauna, and further degrading the quality of life in Mmaditlhokwa.
