Mines feed the nation

Mining investment company Menar invited Journalists to their Canyon Coal Mine at Khanye Colliery in Bronkhorstspruit Gauteng Province. It was a two-days project aiming at equipping Journalists with greatest competence needed to report mining news.

The rising Journalists incompetence to report and write mining related news resulted to Menar setting up two-days Mining Journalism initiative to fill the gap. 

Although coal mining is often demonised by some in South Africa, they are many positive news that are hidden from the public. during my visit as a Journalist to Canyon coal Mine Khanye Colliery, a lot has been revealed through interviews with Mine employees and Senior Managers. The Canyon Coal Mine at Khanye Colliery doesn’t theorise the issue of hiring locals as they are proven to employ 80% of its employees from Tshwane Metro Bronkhorstspruit where the Mine is located.

Speaking to the visited Journalists, Mine General Manager at Khanye Colliery Mr Guy Thompson said, “the key success for every mine in South Africa is a well-managed integrated stakeholder relation, this helps to minimise community dissatisfaction about the mine which results to unprecedented community strikes”

The Canyon Coal Mine uses sub-Contractors and emerging Miners which brings the previous disadvantaged majority to Mining Sector.

During the establishment of Khanye Colliery in Bronkhorstspruit year ago, nearby farmers viewed it as a threat to their livestock businesses which strained the relationship between the two businesses, however through mutual agreements and environmental compliance by Khanye Colliery, the relationship is restored.

The South African Mining Industry can still return to its glorious season of economic giant through Mining Friendly Policies and inclusive Mining approach. A lot can be learned from Canyon Coal Mine.

By Phathakahle Sibiya