Stakeholders discuss potentially viable repurposing projects for De Beers Voorspoed Mine
"We are very encouraged that by looking at Voorspoed as an asset, value can continue to be created long after the mine’s closure.”
The closed Voorspoed Mine provides the Free State with an opportunity to explore RAR (reimagining asset retirement) options. An important step in the collaboration process between interested and affected parties took place with independently-facilitated workshops in Kroonstad and Parys between 24 and 25 May. During these workshops, municipal dignitaries, business chamber members, small- to medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) and other community members shared their ideas for potentially viable repurposing projects.
The consulting firm Environmental Resource Management (ERM), in partnership with Coeuraj, facilitated the workshops.
It was clear to the facilitators of these sessions that through collaboration, new and exciting opportunities to create value may be possible at Voorspoed. Many participants were excited about the possibilities that the former mining assets could offer, like brickmaking, a solar renewable energy facility, biomass and fibre crop production or using indigenous plants to produce natural medicine. As collaborative conversations between interested and affected parties continue over the coming months, options will be refined, and De Beers hopes that viable business plans may emerge. Petrus Jordaan, Voorspoed’s mine manager, stated that “De Beers will continue to execute its mine closure plan while these, and other, options continue to be evaluated between interested parties.
* Reimagining asset retirement (RAR) is an initiative by the De Beers Group to engage interested and affected parties in a collaborative process to explore innovative ways to close mines. RAR aligns with De Beers Group’s larger Building Forever 2030 sustainability goals, centring around leading ethical practices, partnering for thriving communities, protecting the natural world, and accelerating equal opportunity. Through RAR, interested and affected parties explore how the closure of mines can generate shared value in the region by repurposing land and assets for future purposes.
