Liberty Coal secures a second life
The mine’s head of water, infrastructure and energy announced the project during the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s summit.
A historic coal mine in Middelburg is preparing for a major green transformation.
Liberty Coal announced plans to turn the Optimum Colliery site into a sustainable hub focused on clean energy and environmental restoration.
Speaking at a Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industryconference on July 22, Victoria Ndyamba, head of water, infrastructure and energy, explained that the company is looking ahead to make decisions that shape a greener future.
The site, which spans about 38 000 hectares, previously supplied coal to the Hendrina Power Station.
After buying the site and investing over R3b to recapitalise operations, Liberty Coal is now working on a long-term plan called the ‘Green Park’.
While the mine has more than 20 years of active mining left and supports over 2 000 jobs, the company is preparing early for a clean-energy transition.
Ndyamba said the Green Park project will focus on four main areas: solar energy, clean water for communities, sustainable agriculture and green hydrogen.
The first part of the project will focus on solar power and hemp farming and is set to begin next year. All four main areas are expected to be fully operational by 2030.
