Nkwaleni mining still work in progress
Hope to start mining in the area by 2018.
AT a recent Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) meeting in eShowe, Jindal Africa, a $15-billion conglomerate conducting a mining feasibility study in the Nkwaleni and Mthonjaneni areas, say it will take four more years before any actual mining of iron ore can be undertaken.
The mining group presented their findings and plans of two potential mining sites they have been exploring.
Their plans for 2014 include an Environmental and Social Impact assessment, a water study, a geotechnical study and stakeholder groundwork.
They also plan to submit a mining rights application based on the outcome of these studies.
‘The ‘hoped for’ progression of the project is that we can start the actual mining in the area by 2018. That is when you will hear the first blast in the area,’ said Jindal Africa’s General Manager, Patrick Donlon.
During his presentation, Donlon explained that the open-pit mine project would generate employment in the immediate areas.
‘During the construction phase, we hope to employ 3 000 people,’ he said.
According to Donlon, the potential mining area was chosen because of its locality.
‘It is only 70km from the Richards Bay harbour and we can use the railway and road for transportation.’
