Chrome has been piling up at the Makgomo chrome plant, in Burgersfort, Limpopo, as some residents and business forums from surrounding communities have been camping out at the operation’s entrance for over a month, with the aim of blocking trucks from loading chrome.
The plant was established by Impala Platinum (Implats) and it owns 30% of the plant, while 50% is held by communities. Implats’ Marula mine holds the remaining 20% stake in the plant.
Protesting community members, however, say the deal only benefits a small number of people.
The Four Form Business Chamber representing small businesses is also demanding a stake in the plant.
A community member says they want to acquire the 30% interest held by Implats, as well as the unbundling of Concreters, the company that is selling the chrome.
Implats says the operation of the plant has, thus far, been unaffected by the protest action, with chrome being stockpiled on site.
It encourages the community members to approach it with an offer to acquire the 30% stake it holds in the plant.