Somkhele mine ‘fully operational’
Tendele Mining Ltd expects the mine's operations to commence as normal in the next few days
RUMOURS that the Somkhele mine near Mtubatuba is temporarily closed owing to insufficient coal were refuted by mine management last week.
‘The mine is 100% operational,’ said Tendele Chief Operating Officer, Jarmi Steyn.
‘However, employees in some processing plants have been sent on leave owing to insufficient coal to ensure continuous operation of all three plants.’
She said the recent heavy rains also had a negative impact.
‘In the longer term, the mine will be affected if new mining areas are not obtained.
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‘The mine has existing mining rights, but is in the process of negotiating with households to ensure a fair relocation process.
‘If we had access to the new mining areas, our stockpile policy would have ensured no delays and stoppages as we would have had sufficient stock to feed the plants,’ said Steyn.
She said once the areas have been cleared from a safety and risk perspective, operations will commence as normal.
‘From a long-term perspective, management is continuously engaging with community leaders through the Mpukunyoni Community Mining Forum (MCMF) and we are positive that we will be able to gain access to new mining areas.’
Steyn said no mine can exist without a supply of raw materials and that an extended period without sufficient supply may eventually lead to downscaling and job losses.
Also dependent on securing new mining areas are the 200 training opportunities to which the mine has committed for this year.
‘We have allocated budgets to uplift a full-service school in the Machibini area which is in dire need of assistance.
‘The challenges with regards to new mining areas are associated with internal issues among the community, as well as unrealistic demands.’
Steyn said that the mine will continue to run efficiently this year, but should no new mining areas be secured downscaling will begin towards the end of the year.
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