Nkwe for growth!
● Maloma heeds King’s call to lift mining sector, ensures sustainable future for emaSwati ● Company embodies King’s vision on the future of mining by re-aligning its business model to grow economy, improve people’s lives.
The coal mining industry remains a critical part of the Kingdom of Eswatini’s economic growth and the nation’s pursuit of an inclusive export-driven economy and sustainable livelihoods for all, owing in large part to its substantial market size and value.
While the industry continues to face challenges, it continues to provide quality sustainable jobs, support the economy, and meet the energy requirements of the country.
This is crucial as the Kingdom of Eswatini forges ahead with its goal to leverage on the great potential of the country’s extractive and investment sectors to grow the economy and ensure a better life for all emaSwati.
Maloma Colliery Limited, one of the continent’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers, continues to achieve great strides in lifting Eswatini’s mining and investment sectors beyond scale.
Jabulile Shabangu, the Managing Director of Maloma Colliery thanked His Majesty King Mswati III for leading the charge in ensuring that Eswatini incentivises capital investment in the mining sector to utilise the country’s mineral resources for the benefit of the nation.
The King has called for improvements in the mining sector to ensure that emaSwati derive maximum benefit from the country’s natural resources
Shabangu notes that His Majesty emphasises that investors should work with emaSwati for the sustainable creation of wealth and promotion of real development for all emaSwati, friends and supporters of the country, through responsible exploitation, value addition, management and use of the Kingdom’s mineral resources.
She says His Majesty’s Vision is to enhance socio-economic, financial and other benefits to all emaSwati arising from the mineral resources. Shabangu explains that since taking over the operations of the mine Inyatsi Group has steadfastly supported the King’s vision and actions to build an economy that is underpinned by inclusive growth, competitiveness and innovation.
“We fully support His Majesty’s vision and are dedicated to increasing the creation of mining jobs and opportunities for local communities, and emaSwati in general. We work hard to promote sustainability across our operations: making a positive impact on social economic and environmental outcomes,” Shabangu says.
“We are steadfast in our belief that the Eswatini economy has a lot to offer, and that opportunities for growth are in abundance if we all harness our areas of comparative advantage and promote an environment conducive to investment.”
Shabangu added that they were also encouraged by the fact that His Majesty’s Government is also leading the way in ensuring that the King’s vision is pursued and achieved, as confirmed by activities of the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela.
In a recent meeting with the Minerals and Mines Management Board (MMB), Prince Lonkhokhela emphasised His Majesty’s vision of leveraging the mining industry as a key driver of job creation and national prosperity. He emphasizes the Cabinet’s unwavering commitment to utilising the mining sector as a catalyst for economic progress.
Shabangu also highlighted the aspirations voiced by emaSwati during the recent Sibaya, the People’s Parliament, where constructive public engagements were made towards stimulating economic progress for the Kingdom.
The nation expressed that the mining sector has the potential for job creation and development.
Shabangu pledged Maloma’s full support to the Government’s objectives. He expressed dedication to working closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, the MMB, and all stakeholders to implement strategies that unlock the mining sector’s potential while adhering to responsible and sustainable practices.
She said by adhering to the expertise of the Ministry, the MMB and aligning with the King’s vision, Maloma will continue to support efforts to attract more investment, create jobs, and diversify the economy beyond traditional sectors like agriculture and tourism.
A thriving mining sector can generate significant revenue, foster infrastructure development, and empower local communities through employment opportunities. This path, as Maloma insists, requires careful consideration of environmental and social safeguards.
The company prides itself in being more than just a mining business and strongly believes that empowering local communities in which it operates and making a positive impact on the entire country is central to its purpose.
Along with their commitments to safe operations and environmental stewardship, Maloma Colliery Limited also places a high priority on caring for the people in the communities it serves.
Maloma is deeply rooted in the three host communities in which it operates being the Chiefdoms of the Mamba, Dlamini and Mngomezulu.
The entire Swati nation also benefits from the operations of the mine. The population of the three chiefdoms is estimated to be about 100, 000 people.
The company invests 3 per cent of its net profit into the three host communities through our forward-looking corporate social investment (CSI) programme. The strategy is a product of extensive and comprehensive engagement with the traditional structures and community members in the tree host chiefdoms.
‘‘We have a CSI committee that is headed by representatives of the Chiefs which is Maloma Colliery Limited’s way of keeping the community well informed, fully involved, and ultimately having ownership and responsibility in all the development programmes.’’
The pillars of the CSI programme are as follows:
• Education
• Healthcare
• Water and Sanitation
• Infrastructure
• Agriculture and agro-processing
• Enterprise and Supplier
“We also partner with stakeholders in all our operations, including Government, non-governmental governmental organisations (NGOs) and community organisations, to identify opportunities to deliver high impact and sustainable community development programmes that will continue beyond the life of the mine,” Shabangu said.
“Worth emphasising is that the investments we make in the host communities show that we take our social responsibility seriously. We aim to positively impact these communities by empowering citizens, fostering business opportunities, and fuelling economic growth that benefits all stakeholders. We want to ensure that the communities are trained to be self-sustainable and motivated to continue growing, despite the activities of the mine.”
Proudly 100% Swati, rooted in Eswatini
Maloma mines and beneficiates anthracite coal, which is primarily used in the steel and metallurgical industries. The mine started operating in 1989, when it received a Prospecting License.
The mining lease was issues by the Ngwenyama on the 24th of June 1992. Installation of the necessary coal mining equipment commenced in about October 1992 and actual mining commenced in about July 1993.
It is a subsidiary of Inyatsi Group Holdings. Maloma Colliery Limited which was previously owned by foreign companies was today 100 per cent owned by emaSwati and all its proceeds are invested in the local economy.
In 2020, MineX, one of the companies owned by Inyatsi bought out the South African-based company, Chancellor House’s 50 per cent stake, thereby freeing the mine from foreign owners as the other 50 per cent is split between Government and Tibiyo TakaNgwane in trust for emaSwati.
The mine has 800 permanent employees and also provides a lifeline to a further 200 people through sub-contracting and indirect employment. It utilises the most modern mining equipment and state-of-the-art engineering processes. The company is committed to ensuring Maloma and surrounding areas are kept as beautiful and pristine as they found it – or even better. Along with Its commitments to safe operations and environmental stewardship, Maloma also places a high priority on caring for the people in the communities it serves.
Maloma continues to offer significant support to the three communities, in areas such as education, health, skills development, and social services. Maloma Colliery Limited is committed to excellence in mining and in practicing everyday safety – at work, at home, and at play. Maloma’s anchor mission of ‘Excellence driven by values’ is realised by responsibly investing in operations and resources that improve lives and cater for the environment.
“As a prominent mining and exploration company, we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards and follow only ethical and sustainable mining practices that align with the excellence and innovation we strive for,” Shabangu says.
A case for coal mining in a changing world It should be noted that demand for affordable energy sources such as thermal coal escalated amid the energy security crisis in the wake of geopolitical conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine turmoil.
This was occasioned by supply restrictions in major coal-producing regions around the world, which inevitably led to demand induced prices of coal increasing to levels that had not been experienced before.
Energy security and independence, which entail the supply of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy that powers inclusive economic, investment and social growth around the world, have highlighted the importance of coal in the energy transition.
“As countries increasingly seek energy security, reliability and affordability, be it in Europe or elsewhere in the world, the importance of coal has taken centre stage,” says Shabangu.
“Coal is set to remain a critical input for affordable and reliable power generation, not only in Africa and emerging economies but also in highly industrialised and developed nations, which have recently increased their reliance on coal to meet their energy needs.”
Shabangu says in the Kingdom of Eswatini coal mining remains a major industry, contributing to job creation, the nation’s energy supply and economic growth. Maloma Colliery, she says, is a crucial player in the country’s efforts to reach its goal for inclusive economic growth and sustainable livelihoods. “As Maloma Colliery, we continue to keep our fingers on the pulse regarding the latest trends around coal and how these activities impact our business strategy in the short to medium-term. As the industry continues to adapt to changing circumstances, it is crucial for us as Maloma Colliery to stay ahead of the game by adapting to the latest trends and developments in the markets. Our strategy is forward looking and flexible and allows us to identify and seize opportunities for sustainable growth and profitability.”
Maloma prioritises the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people and the local communities in which we operate. We have a focus on maintaining an organisational culture that strives to meet our goal of no injuries to ensure that all of our people can return home safely each day. Our health and safety performance reflects this Commitment with our results remaining lower than industry averages