JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Mining company Assmang on Monday refuted allegations that it engages in the illegal mining of sugilite at the Black Rock mine in the Northern Cape.

Sugilite is described as a pink to purple cyclosilicate mineral that can be found in manganese ore deposits.

The South African Revenue Service Customs Department at OR Tambo International Airport is reported to have intercepted an illicit shipment of sugilite destined for Hong Kong and China.

In this regard, an affidavit from an Asian national claimed that his company had frequently exported sugilite from Black Rock and a separate affidavit from a security company said that Black Rock management kept the sugilite that its security official came across on workers.

In addition, a gemstone mining company is claiming to be the rightful owner of the confiscated material as holder of exclusive rights to mine the province's sugilite.

"Assmang can confidently state that there is no evidence linking the company to illegal mining nor exports of sugilite or to any unlawful activities at Black Rock," the company stated in a media release on April 14, in which it also emphasised its commitment to adhering to all relevant regulations and cooperating fully with all authorities involved in investigating these matters.

“Assmang takes any allegation of illegal activity seriously and will continue to ensure compliance with all legal and ethical standards in its operations,” the company added in highlighting its respect for due process in pursuing its rights within the framework of the South African legal system.

DEPARTMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES

As reported by Mining Weekly last month, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has denied allegations that it is ignoring illegal sugilite mining and failing to respond to legal correspondence.

In June 2020, PP Gemstones and its related entities are reported to have applied for three mining permits to mine gemstones, excluding diamonds, which the DMRE’s Northern Cape regional manager is said to have accepted.

Assmang, which is owned by Assore and African Rainbow Minerals, became aware of these applications in May 2021 and objected, arguing that the land in question is part of its legally permitted mining area and that gemstones are included within the definition of manganese ore, making the approval of separate mining permits for gemstones legally invalid.

However, the DMRE director-general ruled that Assmang's mining right only covered manganese and not gemstones, dismissing Assmang's appeals, decisions which are now under Ministerial review.