Miranda Coal (Pty) Ltd, the wholly-owned subsidiary of multi-mineral JSE listed, exploration company Miranda Mineral Holdings (MMH), has begun breaking ground at its Sesikhona anthracite colliery in KwaZulu-Natal, signalling the group's long-awaited move into active mining.
This major development in the company's history follows three years of exploration and identification of viable coal resources in the KwaZulu Natal coalfields, which have been traditional mining areas for more than 100 years.
"The selected mining partners for Sesikhona are Stefanutti Stocks Mining Services (SSMS), who were appointed after an intensive review of potential mining partners was undertaken by Miranda's board," confirms CEO of MMH Ron Nel. "They were chosen because of their solid reputation within the mining sector and willingness to work within the parameters of Miranda's comprehensive environmental, social and labour plans. This undertaking was important to Miranda, given its commitment to the local community, who is also Miranda's equity partner in Sesikhona.
SSMS began moving on site with heavy earthmoving equipment on schedule during May in the process of further developing the infrastructure required for the mine. Work is progressing on removing topsoil, terracing the area, constructing haulage roads and storm water trenches. Recruitment and training of the labour required to commence with the first tranche of operations, using local people from the settlement area adjoining the mine, is also moving forward satisfactorily.
Development of the first box cut is about to commence and once a second pit has been established the mine is expected to deliver about 70 000 t of ROM (run of mine) coal a month for the projected 52- month life of phase one of the project.
"Full mining of the Sesikhona resource will be underway shortly," Nel says, adding that this could take place within the next few weeks.
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