Peoples Mining Charter – A Historic First for South Africa

Representatives of mining affected communities from seven provinces of South Africa, together with community organisations and ActionAid South Africa, have signed and adopted the first ever Peoples Mining Charter. 

The Charter will serve as a political programme around which mining affected communities will self-mobilise and engage mining companies and the state.  It calls on the public to join them in demanding that there should be nothing about mining affected communities without their consent and involvement.  In the words of the Charter, “we have consistently told all the past rulers, that there can be nothing about us, without us”.

The Charter begins by reiterating the fundamental human rights of mining communities.  It then proceeds to state the limitations of the current mining legislation with respect to mining community rights and how the signatories to the Charter intend to respond and the demands they seek.  Finally, the Charter concludes with the principles that have guided its declaration. 

The Peoples Mining Charter and press release can be accessed via: http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=13434