‘A significant milestone’

WHILE an agreement between various stakeholders in the mining sector has resulted in the issuing of permits to artisanal miners, allowing them to operate legally, a spokesperson for the Kimberley Ekapa Mining Joint Venture (KEM-JV), Peter Hohne, believes that this is only the start of a journey towards a more inclusive sector.

Hohne explained that the co-operative process, which now allows nearly a thousand artisanal miners to operate legally, had involved facilitated discussions to establish an “artisanal mining sector” and framework, making 600 hectares available under certain conditions.

“Mining permits were handed over to two primary co-operatives, Batho Pele Mining and Goedemoed Mining, by the deputy minister, which provides significantly more perspective on our approach and sentiments around the agreement reached,” he explained.

“The signing of this agreement was a significant milestone in the establishment of an artisanal mining sector in South Africa, something that the DMR (Department of Mineral Resources) has been keen to establish for a long time. We believe there is space within the mining industry.”

While Hohne emphasised that the agreement was very specific to this environment, and could not necessarily be viewed as a blueprint for artisanal mining, it remained a significant development in the industry.

“Although KEM-JV is not directly involved in the artisanal mining taking place, we are pleased to hear that Batho Pele Mining Primary Co-operative, in particular, have been enjoying significant success in their operations.

“However, it needs to be emphasised that we cannot take a short-term view of this initiative, but that the long-term sustainability of these companies set up for artisanal mining needs to be forefront in the minds of those who are driving the development of the artisanal mining sector.” THE PROCESS of legitimising artisanal miners’ operations is transforming both their way of doing business and their lives, with the chairperson of the Kimberley Artisanal Mineworkers (KAMW) , Lucky Seekoei, confident of a prosperous future.

However, he said that this prosperity was unlikely to be built exclusively on diamonds, with plans of creating new businesses in other sectors being discussed.

“Now, for the first time, we are able to take our stones to the right market and this has definitely given us a far better idea of what a carat is worth,” said Seekoei.

“In the past, we often had situations where miners were not given what they should have been, but through this process we are getting paid much more fairly.”

Seekoei added that the artisanal miners were now able to make more of a contribution to the local economy, with diamonds valued at more than R1.6 million recovered and put on auction over the two weeks leading up to a visit by Nedbank to the mining settlement along Samaria Road earlier this month.

“Nedbank was there a few weeks ago to open accounts and discuss finances. We also have a much needed site office as there is a great deal of business.”

For many, business is booming at the moment but Seekoei pointed out that the current situation was unlikely to last indefinitely.

With the demand, availability and value of diamonds constantly changing, along with unstable economic conditions, Seekoei said that there was a need to diversify.

“Things are looking good at the moment but there are going to be long periods where people struggle to find anything.

“We want to make sure that there are always opportunities available for the people to enhance their lives so we are looking at various options, in other sectors, and want to introduce new businesses.

“One of our first goals is to establish a brick factory, which will create jobs, while we are also investigating options in agriculture.”