Schonland Colliery is not a recent problem.
Back in October 2016 Mr Basie Motlhabane rock engineering manager from SebapalaNkge Mining and Geotechnical Consulting assessed the risk of spontaneous combustion on the mining site.
Motlhabane took a few steps back in history and said the number two seam pillars were left behind by conventional mining methods in the early 20th century.
All was well until mining activities exposed and mined these pillars by means of an opencast truck and shovel method.
“Spontaneous combustion at this mine is not a strange phenomenon; however it is usually insignificant and minor. Core mining activities have hardly been hindered or disturbed by spontaneous occurrence before in this mine. In this instance the level of intensity of spontaneous combustion was rather alarming, smoke could be seen from the N4 high wall, thus raising awareness and attracting attention,” Motlhabane said.
He said several factors have colluded leading up to this occurrence in 2016 when the alarm bells started ringing.
Factors like long time standing face exposure, moistures and through air flow collaborated to exaggerate spontaneous combustion to worrying levels.
During his investigation Motlhabane found the high wall face has been buffered with top soil and largely subdued the fire and decreased the amount of venting smoke.
He advised the mine management to suffocate the air flow through sinkholes by collapsing areas between the pillars.
It has been nearly three years since Motlhabane’s report and recommendations.
Mining activities next to Schonland Colliery goes on as coal is dug from deep from underneath the surface of mother earth.
Somewhere in her belly fires are raging putting in danger local ‘entrepreneurs’ that scavenges for coal on discard dumps and mines where no mining activities are currently taking place.
Some locals like Lucky Sibanyoni take a shortcut through Schonland Colliery daily.
“Taking a walk to my friends in Vosman is quicker this way. I walk past sinkholes and between the smoke on Schonland Colliery everyday, but I mind my step,” he said.
Taking in consideration the magnitude of this problem and the tragic outcome it could have one would think that the Department of Mineral Resources would come on board with solutions and advice.
However, it has been more than a month since a media enquiry was send to the Department of Mineral Resources.
They have acknowledged receipt of the query on Tuesday, May 28 and promised to soon give necessary feedback.
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