The board secretary Banko Mogome told a full council meeting in Kanye yesterday that the mine, which was closed in 1997 after only five years in operation was closed for a number of reasons.
One of the reasons was that the historical sites at Dimawe were being damaged as no environmental and archeological impact assessment study was done before the land was allocated to the mining company. Land rights in the form of arable and grazing lands of the local people were also cancelled without proper consultation with the concerned people.
Mogome said that in appraising the present application, the land board would ensure that proper procedure is followed and consultation with the relevant stakeholders is undertaken, noting that the idea to resume the operation is being circulated to organisations such as the district council, department of mines, Ditshwanelo, department of Museum and Art Gallery, the residents of Manyana, Bangwaketse Tribal Administration and the former licence holders, Manyana Granite (Pty) LTD.
He noted that the applicants have been advised to undertake environmental impact assessment studies and submit reports to the relevant authorities.
He said that only after receiving proper advice would the board consider whether or not to grant the applicants surface rights in the area.
None of the councillors opposed the proposal although some wondered if there would be enough market for the product but Mogome said the applicants assured the board that they have done a market survey and were convinced it was viable to start the project. He also assured people whose properties fall within the affected area that they would be compensated accordingly.
He noted that even those who do not have certificates for their properties because they were allocated land before the existence of the land board would be compensated. “But it is not for us to worry about the market, our main concern is that all stake holders are consulted and proper procedures are followed,” Mogome said.
