Mines get go-ahead for reduced operations
Various mines in the area have since indicated that operations will restart, albeit to a limited extent
LYDENBURG/BURGERSFORT – Mines in the area have been given the go-ahead to start with reduced capacity operations.
This was proclaimed yesterday (Thursday) in amendments made to the regulations in terms of the Disaster Management Act. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) published this designation in the Government Gazette No 43096 on March 15.
According to the amendment, mining operations must be conducted at a reduced capacity of no more than 50 per cent during the period of lockdown and thereafter at increasing capacity as determined by a direction issued by the cabinet member responsible for mineral resources and energy.
The amendment, however, includes several factors that need to be in place for the ramp-up in operations. These include a rigorous screening and testing program implemented when workers return to a site.
The mining industry must also provide quarantine facilities for employees who have tested positive for Covid-19.
The amendment further states that, “Data collected during the screening and testing program must be submitted to the relevant authority. Mining companies must arrange to transport their South African employees from their homes to their respective areas of operation.
“Workers from neighbouring South African Community Development countries must be recalled from their place of employment at the end of lockdown in their respective countries per these regulations and regulations applicable in their country. The monitoring and impact assessment of seismicity through the council for geoscience must be intensified with immediate effect.”
After the announcement, Mototolo, Marula and Two Rivers Platinum mines have indicated that reduced capacity operations will be implemented and that certain employees will be returning to the site.
