Environmental Rights Programme Publications
The human toll of the abrupt closure of the Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mine in 2013 is devastating, according to a new FIDH and LHR report. The two human rights organisations documented a widespread and precipitous decline in both environmental and socio-economic standards, since the Mine's collapse. FIDH and LHR condemn, in their report, the role of corporate and state actors who did not comply with their obligations, abandoning the community of 6000 residents.
“The catastrophe at Blyvooruitzicht is the result of a toxic cocktail involving private sector abdication of responsibility, inadequate implementation of the existing legislative framework and lack of anticipation of the severity of the impacts of a sudden liquidation of a major mining operation,” affirmed Michael Clements, lawyer and head of the Environmental Rights Program at LHR.
The Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mine used to be one of the world’s largest and most profitable mining concerns, purportedly yielding some one million kilograms of precious metals over its 70 years of operation. The report reveals that today 75% of the community is unemployed. Close to 60% of them reported not having enough money to buy food, and a similar percentage reported being unable to support their children. All community members face problems of regular access to water and electricity.
“We have been dumped by the government and the gold mine,” said a member of the community interviewed during the research process.
Download the full report here:
The 2013 annual report highlights some of LHR's most noteworthy cases and interventions.
Lawyers for Human Rights have done extensive work in its various programmes during 2012, including the Refugee and Migrant Rights Programme, Strategic Litigation Unit, Land and Housing Programme and Environmental Rights Programme.
Notice of appeal in terms of Section 96(1) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development ACT 28 of 2002 against the decision to grant mining right to Platreef Resources (PTY) Ltd on the farms Macalaskop 243 KR and Turfspruit 241 KR situated in the magisterial district of Mokgalakwena.