Some mining communities believe current legislation excludes them from being consulted on mining activities

JOHANNESBURG - Some mining communities believe the country’s current legislation excludes them from being properly consulted on mining activities in their areas.

The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) is holding a protest in five provinces across the country on Wednesday.

They are marching to the head offices of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to make submissions opposing the draft Mineral Resources Development Bill.

For years, communities living near mining areas have complained about not benefiting from the minerals beneath their grounds.

This has sometimes led to some of them resorting to illegal mining.

The draft Mineral Resources Development Bill aims to strengthen community consultation obligations by mining companies.

MACUA's head of legal, Phyllia Ngoatjie, said the bill, in its current form, doesn’t address community participation.

"It actually excludes communities on multiple platforms and doesn’t speak to the manner in which communities can be included."

Wednesday is the last day for the public to submit comments on the draft Mineral Resources Development Bill.