WELKOM – The Welkom Business Forum is involved in a protracted dispute with Harmony Gold over an illegal squatter settlement in Alma Road and is also demanding urgent remediation of a catastrophic slime pipeline spill at the Willow Valley Egg Farm outside of Welkom.
The Forum’s correspondence, directed to Harmony’s chief executive and board, accuses the mining company of years of corporate inaction, broken commitments and bureaucratic delay across two separate but converging crises.
In response, Harmony has noted the concerns raised regarding the slime pipeline spill incident at the Willow Valley Egg Farm, which occurred on 17 June.
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Since the incident, Harmony says it has maintained engagement with the farm owner, including several discussions and joint site visits to assess the affected areas and monitor remediation progress.
“In line with Harmony’s environmental stewardship and remediation protocols, clean-up activities commenced following the incident, with priority. In parallel with the remediation work, Harmony has implemented additional preventative measures,” says Harmony spokesperson, Chipo Morapedi-Mrara.
Morapedi-Mrara says Harmony remains committed to completing the outstanding remediation activities safely and responsibly, while continuing to engage with the relevant party.
Concerning the informal settlement on the Farm Mealie Bult 49, Morapedi-Mrara says this land is earmarked for donation to the Matjhabeng Local Municipality as was requested by the municipality.
“Harmony has assessed human settlement suitability on the land. We are actively engaging with the Matjhabeng Local Municipality and other relevant stakeholders to identify appropriate and sustainable solutions. Since discussions are still in progress, it would be premature to speculate on specific actions, timelines, or outcomes at this stage,” says Morapedi-Mrara.
“Harmony remains committed to working with the municipality and other stakeholders to pursue a sustainable resolution.”
