Richards Bay Mineral suspends operations after protesters blockade roads

Mining operations at Richards Bay Mineral mine in northern KwaZulu-Natal have been suspended after community members blockaded roads leading to the mine’s entrance.

Community members in the Sokhulu and Kwa-Mbonambi areas are demanding permanent jobs and equal business opportunities from the mine.

RBM‚ a subsidiary of international resources group Rio Tinto‚ extracts titanium-iron ore‚ rutile and zircon from the dunes surrounding these communities.

 “Over the last few weeks RBM has faced a series of disruptions as a result of community protests and road blockages by the community. After numerous engagements with community structures‚ the situation remains volatile. All operations are suspended until further notice‚” RBM said in a statement.

 Mandla Mncadi‚ deputy general of the Sokhulu Youth Committee‚ said the community was protesting because RBM was not treating all its host communities equally. Other host communities such as those of KwaDube and Mkhwanazi are not involved in the protests.

 “Among other demands‚ residents in Sokhulu want RBM to offer people permanent jobs and equal business opportunities‚” said Mncadi.

Other demands include proper training and bursaries that will prepare under-qualified people to work in the mine.

 RBM said it will continue to engage with the community but not amid acts of violence.

 “The safety of all our employees and contractors is a high priority‚” RBM said.