POLOKWANE – Bokoni Platinum mine workers returned to work after three days of violent community protests which halted the operations at Atok in Sekhukhune, Limpopo.
The protesters were demanding to meet with the mine management, government and members of Community Trust entrusted to guard community interests at the mine.
The protest started on Monday, with protesters blocking the R37 road between Polokwane and Burgersfort.
“We are back to full production, we are producing,” said Atlatsa Resources spokesperson Prudence Lebina said on Thursday.
“We are hoping to engage with the Fetakgomo mayoral committee to resolve the issue. We also hope that we will regain loss suffered during the three days,” she told News24.
The violent protest was triggered by residents demanding to see how their 2.1% equitable share was being utilised.
They claimed they were not benefiting from mining activities on their own land and called on government to intervene.
“We encourage the community to use legitimate structures when they want to raise concerns. If there is production there is revenue generation which supports business viability and sustainability for all stakeholder,” Lebina said.
Other business, especially taxi operators, complained that their business suffered and would take time to recover from the protest impact.