Times of Eswatini

Oza Holdings to inspect coal at Matsanjeni, Nsalitje

- BY MELISA MSWELI

NHLANGANO – The Minerals Management Board last Thursday introduced Oza Holdings Company to the people of Matsanjeni, as it will inspect coal in the area.

It was said that the activity would take place at Matsanjeni and Nsalitje areas. Chairperso­n of the Minerals Management Board Prince Guduza, when introducin­g the company to the residents, said the purpose of the introducti­on was for the community members to be clear about what was going on

Prince Guduza said they would not mine the mineral for now, but were only surveying. He stated that they would inspect the area for nine to 12 months, starting from next month.

It was said that they were currently granted a permit to conduct an inspection. According to Prince Guduza, after they found the minerals they were looking for and had determined their quality, they would then state their interest.

“We are hoping that you will assist them and take care of them as they move around the area,” said the Prince.

It was said that they would then apply for a mining licence and the community members would be informed of any developmen­ts, in particular if they were granted the licence. This was after one community member asked if the coal mine came with job opportunit­ies.

The community members appreciate­d that they were informed about the activity, as in some instances, they would see people roaming around their village not knowing whether they were legal or criminals.

Speaking during the event, Oza Holdings Director of Mining Business Unit Bonani Ndlovu said they were hoping for a good relationsh­ip with the people. He said they hope to finish the inspection between nine to 12 months.

He confirmed that there would be business opportunit­ies once they started operating, if they found quality coal.

Oza Holdings is a company based in Midrand South Africa, with expertise in the mining and manufactur­ing sectors, with assets covering coal, cement and vanadium. Oza Holdings also has three other companies namely; Cemza Cement, Zarbon Coal and Ikwezi Resources.

They are a part of Oza’s stable of companies and each has a reputation for prioritisi­ng safety and care for the environmen­t and the communitie­s in which they operate in.

 ?? (Pic: Melisa Msweli) ?? Chairperso­n of the Minerals Management Board Prince Guduza during the event yesterday.
(Pic: Melisa Msweli) Chairperso­n of the Minerals Management Board Prince Guduza during the event yesterday.
 ?? (Pic:Melisa Msweli) ?? Some of the stakeholde­rs who will be conducting the survey and community members of Matsanjeni, during the introducti­on meeting.
(Pic:Melisa Msweli) Some of the stakeholde­rs who will be conducting the survey and community members of Matsanjeni, during the introducti­on meeting.

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