Speaking at the official opening of Sasol's Impumelelo Colliery near Secunda, Mpumalanga, Mineral Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe said that this is the fifth mine to be opened in the past 12 months, which is an indication of South Africa’s attractiveness as an investment destination of choice, and the conducive policy and regulatory environment for the sector to do business.
“We have an economy to grow, and therefore as the government, we will continue to prioritise the creation of a stable environment for this economic growth to happen. We welcome this investment by Sasol. In an economy where unemployment is so high, these new mines are making a positive impact on job creation,” Mantashe said.
The mine, which employs about 1,700 workers, follows the completion of Phase 2 of Sasol’s R5.53bn investment in the project.
He also encouraged mining companies to prioritise coexistence with communities and development around mining towns, for the long-term sustainability of industry.
