Petmin is set to resume operations at the Tendele-run anthracite mine in eMalahleni under the Mpukunyoni Traditional Council near Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, targeting to produce run-of-mine ore amounting to 100 000 tons per month before ramping up to 200 000 tons when operations at the Ophondweni project commence later.
Resumption of operations in eMalahleni has been facing resistance from some community members who argue that they were not properly consulted and resettled.
However, last week, Inkosi Mkhwanazi conducted traditional and cultural rituals in eMalahleni, with Petmin saying this officially paved the way for Tendele to commence full-scale mining operations.
Tendele will provide much-needed anthracite for the South African ferrochrome industry and generate foreign revenue through global exports. Tendele will commence with full-scale mining operations at eMalahleni, producing 100 000 tons of run-of-mine per month, before commencing operations in Ophondweni thereafter, with production ramping up to 200 000 tons per month once both areas are in full operation, the company said.
Petmin added that the eMalahleni and Ophondweni operations will secure production over the next four to five years, with plans under way to develop a third area, Mahujini, which will provide a further six years life of mine for Tendele, while maintaining the 200 000 tons per month production level.
