ABOUT

OUR VISION, OUR COMMITMENTS

We are committed to building democratic community power to address the dangers of mine waste, including tailings facilities. In this work, we embrace a non-sectarian approach, uniting with all who share our common goals.

We will seek out alliances with formations of the poor and marginalised including trade unions, NGOs, Women’s organisations, Youth Organisations and the like

We believe continental and international solidarity are essential for fostering knowledge exchange, and to amplify our voices as we seek to build united action

Together with our allies, we resist the unjust power and influence of corporations, advocating for laws and policies that prioritize the rights of the poor and marginalized. We strive to ensure that regulations serve people—not profits

We are committed to undertake conscientization programs about the dangers posed by tailings dams and mine waste pose significant risks and threats to lives and livelihoods impacting on environmental and health risks, especially in the context of the climate crisis. Climate change exacerbates these risks through increased rainfall, flooding, and extreme weather events, potentially leading to more frequent and severe dam failures including tailings dams and facilities

We recognize that strong, justice-driven regulatory bodies can be vital allies in holding corporations and public officials accountable for irresponsible mining practices.

We acknowledge that mining, extractivism, and the growing demand for “critical” transition minerals—fueled by AI, data centers, and green technology—threaten clean drinking water worldwide, with the most severe consequences falling on the poorest communities.

We demand justice and an accountable participatory democracy and a future where people and the planet come first. Together we commit to work tirelessly every day, for these objectives to be realised.

The Tailings Working Group was formally launched in January 2024 and is supported by various community based organisations, a few trade unions and NGOs in particular the Bench-Marks Foundation and Earthworks.

CONVENOR

Hassen Lorgat has worked in the trade union movement including Mawu- NUMSA, SAMWU and SADTU. He has also worked in various NGOs as well as SANGOCO, civic associations as well as sporting organisations. His most recent activism has been around mining and extractivism working for many years with the Bench Marks Foundation and now is the convenor of the Civil Society Tailings Working Group.

CONTEXT

Who is really responsible for tailings and why is it that our current laws and regulations in South Africa are not preventing or mitigating the detrimental impacts of tailings dams? [SAfm]

Community activists who were gathered in Rosebank have just concluded their meeting which focused on matters pertaining to mine waste and tailings dams. Their discussions also highlighted the legal situation and the effects on mining affected communities. GUEST: Hassan Lorgat, Convenor of the South African civil society tailings working group

Rate of ‘catastrophic’ mining waste failures rising across the planet [Mail & Guardian]

A Dereliction of Duty: Jagersfontein Mine Waste Disaster, Two Years Later [Earthworks]

Government called to investigate causes of Jagersfontein dam collapse [SAfm Podcast]

The Bench Marks Foundation is calling on the SA government to investigate the causes of the dam collapse in Jagersfontein and issue its full forensic report. The disaster resulted in three fatalities, two people still missing, with the destruction of 164 homes, contaminated farmland, and the loss of livestock.

People of Jagersfontein still waiting for justice, say civil society groups, trade unions [Mail&Guardian]

The SA government has been urged to ensure that there is justice for the people of Jagersfontein, nearly two years after the deadly mine tailings dam failure in the Free State. The call was made by the Bench Marks Foundation, Earthworks, Federation for a Sustainable Environment, groundWork as well as the National Union of Mineworkers and the various participants of the South African Tailings Civil Society Working Group.