‘Mines’ grievance mechanisms intimidate stakeholders and are ineffective’, 19 Aug 2014: Coal mines’...Coal mine...grievance mechanisms intimidate those who lodge a complaint and...[are] therefore fairly ineffective in dealing with stakeholder’s grievances, according to a report released by the Bench Marks Foundation on coal mining in South Africa... “The grievance mechanisms implemented...are mostly employer/employee orientated and largely exclude...communities,” says John Capel, executive director for Bench Marks. “It’s mostly related to workplace and space issues rather than wider community grievances. “There is also an implied threat...that if an issue or grievance raised is not considered ‘genuine’ by the corporation, punitive steps may be taken against the person raising the grievance. This is nothing short of intimidatory!” “In addition, the mechanisms are a one-size-fits-all tool which does not take into account regional, national, provincial and local variations as well as culture, economics and environmental issues”...[refers to Anglo American, BHP Billiton]