BusinessLive reports that incompetent and malicious Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) officials who overstepped their authority in applying regulations could soon be hauled to court for damages in their personal capacity.
Two judgments pertaining to mining, as well as a Constitutional Court ruling, that government officials can be held liable in their personal capacity have paved the way for such action, which could see mine inspectors and other departmental officials pursued for damages by mining companies. It is understood that Sibanye has already served notices on various DMR officials in terms of the Institution of Legal Proceedings Against Certain Organs of State Act and summonses will be served within the coming weeks. The actions are likely to be related to safety stoppages ordered at the company’s mines in 2016, and in particular the application of a number of ‘Section 54’ closures at Kroondal Platinum Mines. Sibanye spokesman James Wellsted said he could not comment. AngloGold Ashanti would also not comment as to whether they would be adopting a similar approach to Sibanye.
- Read this report by Allan Seccombe in full at BusinessLive
- Read too, Sibanye to hit DMR with R26m claim for Section 54 stoppage, at Miningmx
- And also, Judgments against DMR highlight challenges mines face, at BusinessLive
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page