Slovoville residents at risk from toxic mining dump exposure

Residents of Slovoville in Gauteng’s West Rand are potentially at risk from hazardous substances if the nearby mining tailings facility is not rehabilitated, according to the South Roodepoort Main Reef Mining Company's history. The company, which was later liquidated, transferred ownership of the facility to entrepreneur Omphemetse Wilson Masilo in 2008. Masilo operates Simmer Deep Gold Mining, a company specializing in reclaiming gold from old mining dumps.

A mining right for gold extraction from the tailings was granted to Simmer Deep Gold Mining in December 2015 for a 30-year period under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act. However, the right has not been executed because the company has not paid the required financial provision, according to a document The Citizen obtained.

Situated between Zwaneville, Slovoville, and Tshepisong, the tailings facility is located within about 1km of three communities. Following resident complaints, the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources investigated the site and found unacceptable levels of lead, zinc, and arsenic in the tailings, posing potential health risks to surrounding communities. The department subsequently issued a directive requiring Masilo to appoint an accredited specialist within 60 working days to prepare a rehabilitation plan.

The plan must outline the rehabilitation process, potential impacts, measures to address negative effects, proposed timeframes, and recommendations for remediation to prevent further pollution. The directive stipulates that the remediation measures must be implemented within 30 days of the department's approval.

Bongumusa Mbatha of Eyesizwe Mining Communities expressed concern over the condition of the tailings, which have reportedly been poorly maintained and managed since 2009. He warned of the potential health risks posed by the hazardous metals and dust produced by the tailings. Residents have reported respiratory issues such as asthma and sinus-related conditions, although these claims have not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, Masilo has disputed the residents' concerns, claiming that the dump was created by the South Roodepoort mine, and the residents are occupying the land illegally.