Modern Mining April 2019

COAL

Sasol opens Impumelelo Sasol has officially opened the R5,6 billion Impumelelo coal mine, bringing to a formal conclusion a R14 billion mine replacement programme that was launched a decade ago and which has included the construction of the Thubelisha and Shondoni mines. The inauguration of Impumelelo was attended by a number of VIP guests, including Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe.

M eaning ‘success’ in isiZulu, Impumelelo has the capac- ity to produce 10,5 million tons of coal per annum, all of which is dedicated to the Sasol Secunda Syfuels Operations. The mine currently employs 1 760 people, most of them from nearby communities in Mpumalanga. Speaking at the opening, Sasol Joint Presi­ dent and CEO Bongani Nqwababa said that mining contributed 13 % to Sasol’s earnings and was integral to the group’s long-term sus- tainability. “We employ over 7 500 people directly in our mining operations, making us an important contributor to the mining sec- tor in South Africa and anchor employer in Secunda.” He added that Impumelelo and its two sister mines would provide security of coal supply to the Synfuels operation till at least 2050 and had enabled Sasol to sustain around 4 000 jobs. He noted that Impumelelo featured a

number of technologi- cal advancements to improve safety in min- ing operations. “We have Proximity Detection Systems on our produc- tion electrical trackless machines, which warn and eventually stop the machine from operat- ing when a person is too close. Another tech- nology measure is an electronic trigger LED flickering light system to enhance the under- ground tell-tales,” he said. “This system visu- ally draws a miner’s attention when there is movement in the roof. We have also invested in a variety of noise reduction technologies.” Nqwababa also emphasised Sasol’s commitment to assisting SMMEs. “In developing Impumelelo, we spent nearly R150 million with Black-owned, local businesses for civil infrastructure, above-surface buildings, storage struc- tures, and surface and underground workshops. Our project team worked closely with some of these service pro- viders, equipping them with the relevant know-how for large-scale capital project management and execution.” Referring to Sasol’s approach to envi- ronmental management, he said that it was a little-known but crucial fact that Sasol Mining was one of the first com- panies in the world to treat and recycle mine water, which it had pioneered through the use of electro-dialysis reverse osmosis. “Sasol’s ability to treat and re- use wastewater is unparalleled,” he said. In his keynote address at the opening, Minister Mantashe commended Sasol for its investment in Impumelelo and noted

Sasol Joint President and Chief Executive Officer Bongani Nqwababa (left) and Minister Gwede Mantashe unveiled the plaque marking the opening of the mine.

26  MODERN MINING  April 2019