MAHIKENG — Parliament has demanded urgent progress in an eight-year mining dispute affecting hundreds of households near Marikana, as government officials reveal that relocating residents living close to the mine could cost more than R76 million.

The dispute involves Sogima Mining and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and centres on mining operations in Mooinooi, Ward 27.

Parliament’s Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources is conducting follow-up oversight in the North West after first visiting the area in March 2026.

At the heart of the dispute is the suspension of Sogima’s blasting activities.

Approximately 234 households are located within 500 metres of the mine, and residents have previously raised concerns about alleged damage to property, dust pollution and safety risks associated with blasting.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources withdrew blasting permissions following complaints.

However, MPs questioned why the matter has remained unresolved since government first intervened in 2018.

Relocation could cost more than R76 million

The North West Department of Human Settlements told Parliament that approximately R49.2 million has already been invested in infrastructure and services in the affected community.

This includes spending linked to electrification, water and sanitation, land acquisition and community facilities.

Officials said relocating affected households could cost more than R76 million, excluding the cost of acquiring land and installing bulk infrastructure.

The department recommended that mining companies should carry the full financial responsibility for any future relocation.

MPs challenged both the costing model and the proposal to place the full burden on mining companies.

Mine says jobs are being affected

Sogima told Parliament that it legally acquired its mining rights and had compensated residents where damage was identified following blasting incidents.

The company says the continued suspension of blasting has prevented it from operating at its intended capacity and has constrained employment creation and economic participation.

Parliament says the dispute now carries both an economic and social cost.

Committee chairperson Mpho Modise said the focus should shift away from repeatedly revisiting past disagreements and towards finding a workable solution.

Sogima and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources are expected to discuss revised blasting techniques and technologies intended to reduce vibration, noise and dust.

The unresolved question

The dispute places government, the mining company and affected residents in a difficult position.

Mining activity could support employment and investment, but residents living close to blasting operations have raised legitimate safety and environmental concerns.

After eight years, Parliament now wants concrete proposals rather than further meetings.

MDNtv will seek clarity on how many jobs are directly affected, whether residents support the proposed relocation and who will ultimately pay a relocation bill that could exceed R76 million.

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