Modern Mining May 2025

MINING NEWS

Seriti celebrates official opening of Naudesbank Colliery Black-owned and-controlled Seriti

Resources has officially opened its new Naudesbank Colliery, a strategic new mining development that underscores the company’s commitment to economic growth, job creation and responsible mining in South Africa. The Naudesbank Colliery is strategically located in the Mpumalanga Province - a region rich in coal resources - and is poised to make a significant contribution to the country’s coal sector and the local economy. As a long-life, export orientated mining project, Naudesbank Colliery is set to generate around 300 direct jobs, with additional indirect and downstream employment opportunities in the

Seriti Resources new Naudesbank Colliery, in Mpumalanga Province.

of the Naudesbank Colliery, including infrastructure projects that will not only support mining activities but also deliver benefits to local communities. n

surrounding communities, contributing to the region’s economic development and social upliftment. Seriti invested over R500 million in the development

Ndalamo Resources acquires Wonderfontein Coal Mine

The Minerals Council South Africa hosts Fall-of-Ground Day The Minerals Council South Africa recently hosted its fourth Fall of-Ground Action Plan Day of Learning as part of its concerted efforts to eliminate fatalities in the mining industry. In 2024, the industry reported a record low 42 fatalities, a 24% reduction from 55 in the previous year, and a reduction in injuries to 1 841people, a 16% reduction from 2023. The performance is confirmation that the industry is firmly on the path to Zero Harm when every employee returns home safely and in good health. The Day of Learning, attended by more than 300 industry stakeholders, heard from mining companies implementing leading practices and technologies to make underground mining safer by striving to eliminate fatalities and injuries arising from falls of ground, which happen when rocks fall from the roofs or walls of tunnels and working areas.“ This annual gathering plays a critical role in our ongoing efforts to eliminate fall-of-ground (FOG) fatalities in our industry,” said Mzila Mthenjane, Minerals Council CEO. Falls of ground remain the highest risk of all underground mines and management of these incidents remain a critical factor in achieving Zero Harm. n

Coal miner, Ndalamo Resources, recently acquired the Wonderfontein Coal Mine in Mpumalanga from Umsimbithi Mining. This acquisition is particularly significant as Wonderfontein becomes Ndalamo’s first wholly owned operating mine, a strategic milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its independent operational footprint in the mining sector. The Wonderfontein Coal Mine has a rich history, originally owned and operated by Umsimbithi Mining in a joint venture of Lithemba Wonderfontein Coal, Phembani Group, and Glencore. The mine began operations in 2012 as an underground mine but transitioned to a fully opencast truck-and-shovel operation in 2013. It was officially commissioned and opened as an opencast coal mine and wash plant in 2014. Ndalamo has a proven track record of strategic joint ventures, including successful

Ndalamo Resources acquires Wonderfontein Coal Mine.

partnerships with Universal Coal. However, the acquisition of Wonderfontein marks a new chapter in the company’s evolution, representing a critical step towards greater operational independence. This wholly owned asset enables Ndalamo to further refine its approach to sustainable and profitable mining, free from the constraints of joint ventures. “The acquisition of Wonderfontein Colliery not only strengthens our portfolio but also marks a significant milestone in our growth and diversification strategy,” said Shammy Luvhengo, CEO of Ndalamo. n

Mzila Mthenjane, Minerals Council CEO.

4  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | MAY 2025