DWS allows Jagersfontein mine to remain operational despite scathing report

The Department of Water and Sanitation has allowed the deadly Jagersfontein mine to remain operational despite a scathing report against it.

The department released its report into the devastating 2022 dam wall collapse on Friday, which showed that the operation’s management may have been aware of the impending danger.

The report also revealed that the mine was constructed without designs from a registered engineer.

It’s been just over three years since the collapse of the Jagersfontein development, which left two people dead and another missing and presumed dead.

The report has been sent to Cabinet for consideration, and to help with the development of regulations for tailings dams that are not covered under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act.

Despite the tragedy caused by the operation, Water and Sanitation official Wally Ramokopa said the department has decided not to shut down the mine.

“One of the reasons given by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo to say they could not allow the town to die a slow death due to inactivities in any economic operations.”

He said they are taking precautions to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

“Are now using the historic pit which is in their facility – it is the pit that was actually developed by De Beers when they were still mining for diamonds.”

Meanwhile, representatives from the Jagersfontein mine are facing criminal prosecution for the ordeal, with the matter transferred to the Free State High Court for prosecution.