The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Northern Cape urges the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to expedite intervention sought against the continuous illegal mining and trade in sugilite (precious stones).

COSATU is worried about the spate of other crimes associated with this illegal activity that are further exacerbated by syndicates who are hell-determined to illegally mine, trade and export these minerals instead of legalising the process to create more jobs in the province.

We have on many occasions engaged ASSMANG mines together with our Alliance partner, the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO) and have even written letters to the DMRE requesting intervention in this matter.

It is our considered view that the DMRE holds the key to the solution on this matter. We cannot allow few individuals to illegally benefit from our minerals while millions of our people are trapped in poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

The Federation will be engaging the President of the Republic as its last resort to eventually find common ground in an endeavour to rescue the situation.

COSATU will never allow South Africa to become a banana republic despite many pieces of legislation that have been promulgated to govern mining, trade, and export of minerals.

Issued by COSATU Northern Cape

Provincial Secretary Orapeleng Moraladi

Mobile: 078 452 6891