Communities left in the dark over MRC allegations

22 November 2014 - 22:11 By Ann Crotty
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The contract with GMA Garnet Group of Australia involves shipping tens of thousands of tons of garnets each month to China through Saldanha.

The announcement of the garnet contract precipitated a breakdown in relations between Andrew Lashbrooke, who resigned as CEO of MRC's local operator, MSR, in September, and MRC's executive chairman, Mark Caruso, and court action.

Lashbrooke would not respond to questions other than to say he is prevented from saying anything negative about MRC for 12 months after resigning.

MRC said it had no comment.

Also involved in legal action with Tormin is Tronox, which owns land on which Tormin operates. Local sources talk of tension between Tormin and Tronox because Tormin has extended its operations beyond the contracted area without authority.

Tormin has applied to the Department of Mineral Resources for approval to expand its mining , but has not formally approached Tronox about an expansion.

Although not involved in any legal action, the various government departments have failed to respond to queries on the claims against MRC. This, combined with MRC's refusal to respond, means communities are left in the dark and have to hope that government and regulators are doing their job.

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