Africa-Press – Eswatini. Maqhawe Nxumalo, the Spokesperson of the Lufafa Gold Mine has vigorously dismissed allegations made by the Eswatini Resource Centre for Alternative Ideas and Development(ERCAIDE), an environmental protection advocacy organization.
Responding on Saturday when asked to clarify the allegations suggesting that, the mining company was exposing Lufafa residents to respiratory diseases, Nxumalo said Lufafa Gold Mine adheres to local and international environmental legislations.
“These claims misrepresent the mine’s operations and unfairly seek to undermine the integrity of our environmental and community practices. Contrary to the assertions made, the Mine operates under strict environmental and safety protocols aligned with national legislation and international best practice. Reports suggesting that dust from haulage trucks is causing respiratory illness, that water sources are being contaminated or that livestock are under threat are wholly unsubstantiated”, he said.
The Spokesperson further mentioned that, all haulage truck movement takes place strictly within the mine’s designated boundaries adding that, “mine trucks are not operating on public roads as part of their haul cycle. As a result, Nxumalo dismissed as false the allegation suggesting that, the “Mine is producing dust that is a threat” to community health.
“Dust suppression is rigorously managed by a dedicated water tanker deployed across the site. As a goodwill initiative, the same tanker also services nearby community roads to suppress dust-an effort undertaken voluntarily by the mine to benefit surrounding residents. It is also important to note that dust is a seasonal environmental factor common to all dry weather conditions, not an exclusive result of mining activities,” he said.
The Lufafa Gold Mine Spokesperson further clarified that, the mining company confirmed only incident where a cow was found dead adding that, the case was reported to the Eswatini Environmental Authority(EEA) and the traditional authorities and soon thereafter, the mining company implemented all recommendations.
“Regarding livestock safety, processing areas are fully fenced and secured, preventing unauthorized human or animal access. The only case ever raised dates back a couple of years when a single cow was found dead near a then improperly fenced processing boundary.This was an isolated and exceptional incident, promptly reported to both the Eswatini Environment Authority and the local Chiefs Council. Following their joint review, the Mine implemented all recommendations provided. No similar incidents have occurred since, underscoring the effectiveness of those corrective measures. The Mine is disappointed to have learned of ERCAIDE’s position solely through media reports. As a company embedded in the local community, we would have welcomed direct engagement. Had ERCAIDE approached us, we would have readily clarified the factual inaccuracies and engaged constructively in a stakeholder dialogue. Lastly, we remain fully committed to transparency, responsible mining and the welfare of the communities in and around Lufafa”, said the Lufafa Gold Mine Spokesperson.
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