Mines to ease into operation

Coal mining is exempt from the 50% operation cap. 123rf.com

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said key among the sectors that will gradually return to operation is the mining sector.

“In the amendment we are identifying a risk particularly in deep mines. If they are left alone for a long time, the stability of the ground is tampered with, and secondly, gases accumulate or there will be prevalence of seismicity and rock falls. That’s why we are saying we must allow a situation of phasing in the recall of workers to work in those mines and deal with the ramping-up of productivity in those mines,” he said.

This Mantashe said, will minimise the risk of accidents and disasters in mines, as production will be incremental and is estimated to continue well into the month of May.

The minister added that collieries that supply power utility Eskom, are operational. “Mining operations, excluding collieries that supply Eskom, shall be conducted at a reduced capacity of 50% during the period of the lockdown, and thereafter at increasing capacity as determined by the cabinet member responsible for mineral resources and energy. We must maintain a risk-based approach,” said Mantashe.

Adherence to strict conditions

The phased-in approach will take place under strict conditions. These include screening and testing returning miners. The industry is also expected to set up quarantine sites for miners and supply transport for returning miners.

On screening and testing, Mantashe said mines must integrate their system to the national system. If Covid-19 cases are found, these must be reported to the Health Department and form part of the national tally.