South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has greenlit the reopening of Vantage Goldfields’ Lily and Barbrook gold mines in Mpumalanga. This move, authorized under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, includes a crucial mission to recover the remains of three miners—Solomon Nyirenda, Pretty Nkambule, and Yvonne Mnisi—trapped underground since a 2016 mine accident.
A new shaft will be dug to reach the trapped container and retrieve the bodies. The reopening decision followed a session with Minister Gwede Mantashe, Vantage Goldfields representatives, labor unions, and local leaders. Minister Mantashe stressed the importance of ensuring the mines are reopened safely and swiftly.
Local stakeholders, including the Lomshiyo Traditional Council and labor unions like AMCU and Cosatu, support the reopening for potential job creation and bringing closure to the deceased miners’ families. Full mining operations are expected to resume after the business rescue process concludes by July 2024, focusing on rectifying past errors and enhancing safety.
Original Source: Devdiscourse News Desk
Date: 2024-05-15 14:27:33
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