New mine, new possibilities
New mine welcomed and expected to bring employment
The new proposed opencast coal mine, and proposed Welgedacht coal railway siding, will bring various employment and small business opportunities to the people of Springs and Kwatsaduza.
However, the proposed coal mine has been met with opposition by Springs residents from Strubenvale, Bakerton and Welgedacht who raised concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed mine during a community meeting.
They expressed their views during a community meeting held with Ken Smith from uKhozi Enviornmentalist (Pty) Ltd, at Olimpia Park School on June 4.
The Springs Advertiser (June 12) reported that the mine may be located on portions 21 and 22 of the farm Grootvaly (Ukufisa Colliery) bordering the Blesbokspruit.
The Addie added that the proposed mine is set to open 1.9km from the proposed Welgedacht coal railway siding, which will operate for seven years, and create 15 jobs.
Coal will be transported by truck from the mine to the siding where it will be stockpiled then loaded onto train wagons and transported approximately 80km to Eskom Grootvlei Power Station.
Kwatsaduza residents, like Zakes Tshabalala, have welcomed the news of the proposed opencast coal mine, and said local employment being made available will make people happy.
While Thabo Motaung from Tsakane said considering the environmental impact brought by mines, it is only fair that local residents be considered first when hiring, especially former miners.
Another resident, Paul Monareng, said the proposed mine should be particularly beneficial to the youth, who are in need of jobs.
Katlego Langa noted that coal being available in the community might assist with load-shedding, while lowering the high crime levels through employment.
Gradish Moepi of the Greater Nigel Economic Empowerment Forum, said the mine will definitely bring employment, but added that the company should not bring their own employees, but hire locals.
Bongani Mngwevu noted that some residents from Kwatsaduza have qualifications for jobs in the mining industry, and are currently unemployed.
