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MBABANE – “The operations this time around are completely different, therefore, the residents have nothing to fear.”

This was stated by Mwelase Mine Eswatini PTY LTD Director, Victor Ndlovu, during an interview with this publication after he was informed of the concerns raised by some of the residents around Ngwenya.

Ndlovu said they would be touring the mine and surrounding sites this week to demonstrate just how different operations would be.

“I completely understand that there might be concerns about the impact to the environment due to operations but I can assure everyone that this time around things will be different. We will not be transporting slime as the previous mining project did, which resulted in the red dust, hence there is no need to be concerned about that dirt,” stated Ndlovu.

He further invited this publication to the tour, stating that it would make more sense once they explained on site.

Qualification

The director was further engaged regarding concerns raised on the hiring process at the mine, with some residents believing that the qualification requirements would leave them out.

“Of course when we speak of engineers and technicians operating at the mine we will require qualified staff. But, there is room for people with just a high school education, because who will these engineers work with, there are many areas which require employment and the space, although limited, does include people whose education is a high school one,” he said.

Worth noting is that upon arrival near the old mine at Malolotja Game Reserve, this publication found about eight young people who were standing in a group and when this reporter enquired further, she was informed that they had come to ask for jobs.