Xolobeni mine
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Production | |
| Products | Titanium |
The proposed Xolobeni mine is a project by Transworld, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian corporation Mineral Commodities (MRC), and would be one of the largest titanium mines in South Africa.[1] The proposed mine is located in the picturesque Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape[1] and has reserves amounting to 348.7 million tonnes of ore grading 5% titanium.[1]
Opposition
The proposed mine has met fierce resistance from the local community, who formed the Amadiba Crisis Committee in 2007.[2][3] Local Amadiba chief, Lunga Baleni, who accepted a 4x4 vehicle paid for by the mining company, is supportive of the proposed mine, but most residents are in opposition. In April 2015, a delegation attempting to perform an environmental impact assessment on behalf of the mining company were forced to leave the area after residents protested.[3]
In December 2015, villagers returning from a mass-meeting opposing the mine, and in defence of a local headwomen, who had been intimidated, were attacked by a gang wielding knobkerries and pangas. Four men were arrested for their part in the attack, including an MRC employee.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 "Xolobeni Mineral Sands". mncom.com.au. 2012. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
- ↑ "Xolobeni will have to do battle again and again against titanium miners". SWC. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- 1 2 "Wild Coast mining conflict: Xolobeni escalates". DailyMaverick. 4 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- ↑ "Anti-miners on the Wild Coast attacked with pangas, knobkerries after mass meeting". Times Live. 1 January 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2016.