Seriti and CALLM outline plans at public consultation for new mine
Seriti Mine representatives met with local businesspeople to provide an overview of the project and detail the opportunities available.
Public-private partnership focus at consultation
CAROLINA – The Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality (CALLM) and the Seriti Mine hosted a public consultation on August 6 to foster public-private partnerships.
The primary objective was to engage the local community and provide insights into the anticipated economic impact and development initiatives the mine will introduce.
This consultation is part of a broader effort following the recent investment summit organised by the CALLM.
The summit aimed to engage various stakeholders and explore strategies to boost the local economy.
In his opening remarks, the executive mayor, Mbuso Magubane, underscored the importance of attracting investors to the region.
“Seriti is one of the investors we are bringing in to assist with community development and the economic growth of our municipality,” he stated.
Seriti Mine’s commitment to local development
Seriti Mine, a broad-based, 91% black-owned and -controlled South African energy company, is set to commence coal-mining operations at Naudesbank in Carolina.
During the consultation, Seriti Mine representatives met with local businesspeople to provide an overview of the project and detail the opportunities available as the mine begins operations.
The company committed to guiding the community through the application processes for these opportunities and organising boot camps to offer additional training on the system.
The local community actively participated in the session, posing questions and giving feedback on the presentations.
Both the CALLM and Seriti Mine reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing engagement and collaboration, with plans for further sessions to keep the community updated and involved in the project’s progress.
Environmental concerns and compliance efforts
Questions were sent to Linda Khuluse, the group communication, media and branding manager, on how they would ensure compliance with environmental regulations and effectively mitigate any potential negative impacts on the local ecosystem.
She said: “Seriti Resources is in the process of applying for a mining right and the associated Integrated Water Use License [Iwul] for its greenfield project. As part of the application process, it is important to consult with all relevant stakeholders to introduce the project, share objectives and environmental and social impacts associated with this project. It was on this basis that public consultation sessions have been set up accordingly.”
Furthermore, she indicated that the project is expected to commence with site establishment activities within three months of the granting of a mining right and Iwul.
Highvelder approached Khuluse and asked for specific answers to pressing issues that might arise, and she said they would only be able to provide more details after the above-mentioned was concluded.
