Businesses operating around the Samancor Dikwena Chrome Mine in Brits are counting the cost of disruptions following the failure of a tailings storage facility, with local operators calling for stronger contingency measures to protect livelihoods and economic activity.
The incident occurred on Thursday, 13 August 2026, at Compartment 1B, after its northern wall collapsed, releasing almost all of the slimes stored in the compartment.
The failure disrupted electricity and water services in surrounding areas, leaving businesses scrambling to find alternative ways to keep their operations running.
Several businesses have turned to generators to maintain electricity supplies. However, the additional fuel costs are putting significant pressure on already tight operating budgets.
Some businesses have been forced to scale back production and reduce the quantities of food and other products they sell in an effort to conserve resources and extend generator operating time.
Business owners also say the power disruptions have resulted in a loss of customers, adding further pressure to businesses already dealing with higher operating costs.
While temporary measures have enabled some businesses to remain open, operators warn that prolonged reliance on generators is financially unsustainable.
They are calling for stronger emergency response and contingency plans to ensure businesses can continue operating during major infrastructure or environmental disruptions.
Business owners have also urged companies operating in the area to consider the potential economic impact of their activities on neighbouring businesses and communities.
The Department of Water and Sanitation is investigating the incident together with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Limpopo-Olifants Catchment Management Agency.
Water samples have been collected as part of the investigation, while the mine has been instructed to stop depositing tailings into its dams pending further assessment.
For businesses in the surrounding area, the incident has highlighted the vulnerability of local economic activity to disruptions affecting critical infrastructure.
Business owners say stronger contingency planning, faster emergency responses and clearer communication between mining companies, government authorities and affected businesses are essential to protect jobs, maintain supply chains and support the local economy during future disruptions.
