The mining of sugilite in the Northern Cape’s John Taolo Gaetsewe District has sparked a significant dispute between two manganese mining companies, local communities and the small-scale mining company, PP Gemstone Mining and Exporting (Pty) Ltd. This conflict prompted the intervention of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
The manganese companies involved are Assmang Manganese (Black Rock Operation) and South32. The issue came to the fore during a meeting on Wednesday, where the Portfolio Committee engaged with all relevant parties.
Local communities in John Taolo Gaetsewe District were represented by the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), which argued that the sugilite extracted by Assmang and South32 should benefit the local communities. SANCO also raised concerns over the lack of consultation and transparency regarding social labour plans.
In response, SANCO and PP Gemstone submitted a joint appeal to the committee, requesting high-level intervention to resolve the dispute over who should benefit from the sugilite mined as part of manganese operations by Assmang and South32.
Furthermore, PP Gemstone expressed frustration over a recent court ruling that invalidated its two-year mining permit for sugilite at Assmang’s site.
Following discussions with all parties, the committee proposed a way forward, urging the stakeholders to agree on specific actions and timelines.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, commented: “While our agreement today may not immediately resolve the conflict, we believe progress is possible if everyone remains committed to their responsibilities.”
South32 committed to providing the committee with a project plan outlining how they would collaborate with local communities to ensure the sugilite extracted during manganese mining would benefit them.
Assmang's executives agreed to consult with the company’s board to seek guidance on how they could cooperate with PP Gemstone to reach a mutually agreeable solution.
The regional office of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources in the Northern Cape was tasked with providing a written explanation to the committee regarding the frequent occurrence of double-granted mining permits and rights over the same land.
Mr Mahlaule reiterated the committee’s dedication to facilitating a peaceful resolution for all parties involved.
Justice Molafo
9 October 2025
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