Preparations to resume operations at Tendele mine

THE Somkhele-based Tendele Coal Mine has begun in earnest to prepare for the resumption of its operations which, at this stage, is ‘impossible’ to state the exact start date.

The mine’s Nathi Kunene indicated that operations would resume ‘when all outstanding matters have been resolved’, and that ongoing preparations include the relocation of households; sending out invitations to local entrepreneurs for certain jobs; the relocation of graves, and the recruitment of the workforce.

On Monday, in the eMalahleni area, the relocation of graves was done, with a member of one of the affected families saying the process was a success.

Gcina Mantengu said the mine bore all the related costs, and that the family was there to observe the process and has no complaints.

Kunene said it was important to note that these preparations ‘are being implemented in anticipation for when it will be suitable to resume with mining’.

“Even when mining eventually resumes, the start-up will be gradual, and the mine will initially not be able to operate at full capacity,” said Kunene.

He added that the mine ensures it engages with Inkosi Ntokozo Mkhwanazi, Izinduna and union members so agreements are reached on the ‘proper and suitable ways of executing some tasks in order to have calmness in the land’.

In August last year, the Pietermaritzburg High Court dismissed an application for leave to appeal a 13 July 2023 ruling refusing an interim interdict sought by the Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organisation (MCEJO) and others against Tendele Coal Mine.