Chaos at Mooinooi Mine: Sibanye Stillwater and Androsol

Mining Engage in Heated Dispute Androsol Mining, a junior chrome explorer, faced a shocking turn of events on June 16, 2026, when its chrome prospect in Mooinooi, North West Province, was flooded by its neighbour, Sibanye Stillwater. The swift and unexpected disaster has left many questions unanswered about the motivations and accountability of the parties involved.

### Key Facts

  • Date of Incident: June 16, 2026
  • Location: Mooinooi, North West Province
  • Companies Involved: Androsol Mining and Sibanye Stillwater
  • Type of Mining: Chrome prospect
  • Estimated Losses: Androsol reports losses of over R67 million (approximately $4.3 million USD) in chrome ore and equipment damage
  • Pumping Operation: Sibanye Stillwater allegedly pumped water into the pit, leading to the flooding
  • Security Presence: Armed security personnel from Sibanye Stillwater allegedly visited the Androsol Mining site on June 16, 2026

Sibanye Stillwater acknowledges installing a pipe and discharging water into the area occupied by Androsol Mining's operation. However, the company denies allegations of negligence or sabotage against its counterpart. According to Sibanye, it acted to prevent a potentially serious safety and environmental incident involving a stormwater dam on its property. The company claims to have received approval from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for the action.

Ezra Nkosi, the principal of Androsol Mining, disputes this explanation and alleges that the discharge caused significant damage to their mining operation. Androsol Mining claims that operations on site included heavy mining equipment, and the company employed 32 workers through a contractor. The company also asserts that it had previously been affected by illegal mining activities and subsequently undertook exploration drilling and site rehabilitation work.

### Sibanye Stillwater's Defence

Jana Marais, Sibanye Stillwater spokesperson, argued that Androsol Mining's operations encroached on a statutory 100-metre setback, making the activity unlawful. The Sibanye Stillwater statement also emphasized that the company has no record of prior engagement from Androsol Mining and that attempts to contact representatives on site were unsuccessful.

### Consequences and Implications

Androsol Mining has estimated its losses to be over R67 million, including 20,000 tonnes of chrome ore and several pieces of equipment damaged or submerged. The incident also raises questions about the relationship between the two mining companies, their safety protocols, and the regulatory oversight of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

The Department of Water and Sanitation has been approached for comment but has yet to provide a response.

This story is still developing, and further information will be added as it becomes available.