In the article “Landowners haul miners over the coals” (22 June) Mr Koos Pretorius is quoted as saying that the Department of Water Affairs ordered Xstrata’s Onverdacht Colliery to stop operating as it did not have the necessary permits or a water license. This statement is factually incorrect. Xstrata has a valid mining licence for its mining activities at Onverdacht Colliery. Furthermore, at no stage has any regulatory authority, including the Department of Water Affairs, ordered Xstrata to cease its mining activities.
He further stated that his group intended laying criminal charges against the operation. We do not know whether Mr Pretorius has laid criminal charges, but do not believe he has any basis to do so.
Xstrata has registered the extraction of surface water for use at the mine with the Department of Water Affairs and the licensing process in respect of the future use of water is under way. As in any of Xstrata’s applications for licences or permits, we remain committed to working with the department to address any potential concerns in full.
In addition and without any legal obligation to do so, Xstrata has undertaken an extensive consultation process with interested and affected parties concerning its activities at the colliery. Mr Pretorius has been extensively consulted as part of this process. Xstrata remains committed to conducting all of its operations in a legal and socially responsible manner.
Songezo Zibi is communications manager, Xstrata South Africa