S.Africa court backs villagers against mining firm

A South African court has overtuapplication of jaw crusher in industryrned mining prospecting rights granted in platinum-rich Limpopo province, the latest licence dispute to hit the industry in the world's top producer of the precious metal. In a ruling on Monday, the Constitutional Court overturned exploration rights on two farms held by Genorah Resources, a majority shareholder in Australia-listed junior platinum miner Nkwe Platinum.

The country's top court determined that Genorah had failed to consult people who owned the land where it wanted to prospect, a decision that may spur other communities to mount legal challenges against the industry. According to South African mining laws, local communities have first claim to start prospecting for minerals on land registered in their name, provided they can prove they have the required money and expertise. In the Genorah case, the community is backed by an unknown financier who is also providing technical expertise for a subsequent community-led application for platinum exploration rights...