The report was officially handed over to Free State premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae on Friday (28/11) by DWS deputy ministers David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo. It details how the mine owners were fully aware of the growing risks posed by the unstable tailings dam but failed to act despite a series of red flags.

Addressing the media, Mahlobo revealed the mine constructed two new structures in 2019 on top of an older dam wall originally built by De Beers during its operations at the mine. “To strengthen our case, we commissioned professionals who are registered engineers, both from Wits and the University of Pretoria,” Mahlobo said. 

“They conducted detailed analyses that meet all the required standards.”

The engineers’ findings paint a disturbing picture of reckless operations, he added. The mine began raising the tailings dam without completing the final engineering designs. 

Construction was carried out without the presence or oversight of registered supervisors. The new structure was built on a compromised base, weakening the foundation further. 

Weak structural integrity

The mine deposited fine waste material into the dam while simultaneously expanding operations and constructing access roads. These new roads ignored standard engineering norms and flood-line requirements, adding pressure to the foundation.

“Ultimately, the structural integrity was not strong. When inclement weather and flooding occurred, the dam simply could not withstand the pressure, and then it started to break,” said Mahlobo.

Following the disaster, the government issued strict operating conditions, including an instruction that the unsafe dam wall should no longer be used to dispose of waste.

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The mine was authorised to operate only under the condition that the sludge be diverted to an alternative, safer pit, which is a big hole.

However, he noted Jagersfontein Developments had ignored several directives. “It failed to comply because of issues related to bringing in the necessary engineers. This places the area at risk of another possible disaster.”

The department is preparing to take the matter to court to enforce compliance and protect the community.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs/mvh