Another coal mine on the way

LEPHALALE – Thabametsi, a third coal project for Exxaro in the Waterberg, has officially been announced with construction planned to reach its peak in 2021. The project will then employ 1 500 people.
Thabametsi translates into ‘water mountain’ and is situated about 13km from Grootegeluk coal mine. When completed an average of 970 people will be employed at the mine which will have a life-span of some 30 years.
Exxaro’s group manager for community development, Ramesh Chhangan, visited Lephalale on Monday to present to members of the Lephalale businesses forum and interested parties the mine’s proposed Social Labour Plan (SLP).
Chhangan gave the assurance that Exxaro was serious about adding value to the Lephalale community. “We want to create a model that will move away from grants and handouts to charities. These are important, but we want empower communities through ownership, skills development and partnerships.”
He explained that the Thabametsi SLP will propose three major projects in Lephalale to the Department of Minerals today (Friday). The projects proposed and accepted by the forum on Monday are:
A business hub that will promote mentorship, grant soft loans and transfer knowledge to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Lephalale.
An Agri-business plan that will investigate how agriculture in the area can be expanded and how local farmers, especially in rural areas can be helped to set up businesses.
A Saturday School system, where four schools in the area will be identified to benefit from extra classes in especially maths and science, to better education for Gr. 8-12 learners in the area. According to Chhangan this model is very successful in Mpumalanga where learners on the programme achieved top marks in last year’s final exams.
Concerns raised at the meeting, that local job seekers and businesses will be sidelined in the process of building the mine, was refuted as Chhangan gave the assurance that interested and effected parties will be kept in the loop through regular feedback.
He also said that Exxaro is committed to use local labour and service providers. A consultative and collaborative forum will be set up which will include community leaders in Lephalale.