[ Home ]
[ Speeches & statements ]
DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY TO OFFICIALLY LAUNCH A COMMUNITY DRIVEN DIAMOND EXPLORATION AND MINING PROJECT
On Saturday, 10 November 2001, the Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Susan Shabangu, will officially launch the Welverdiend Diamond Exploration Project, in Lichtenburg, North West Province. The launch will coincide with the National Imbizo Focus Week, which is taking place from 5 - 11 November 2001. The aim of the project is to assist the Welverdiend community to develop its own mining operation. The women within the Welverdiend community will play a major role in the implementation of this project.
This community driven diamond exploration and mining project has been developed in the Lichtenburg, North West Province. The first diamond exploration plant, which has been purchased at a cost of R3,1 million, will be tested on this project. Once the extent of the deposit has been determined, a mining plan will be implemented resulting in about 125 direct and indirect jobs for the Welverdiend community in the North West Province. Identification of the strategic sites within the farm and sourcing water from the boreholes has been done so that when the plant is installed processing can commence.
The National Small Scale Mining Development Framework was formed to assist small-scale and junior miners with all the challenges that are pertinent to the mining industry. The Welverdiend diamond project is one of the few projects that have been developed up to a level of implementation.
In line with government's programme, this project will encourage and facilitate the sustainable development of small-scale mining, in order to ensure the optimal exploitation of small mineral deposits and to enable this sector to make a positive contribution to the national, provincial and local economy.
Enquiries: Mr. Kanyo Gqulu at 012-317 9513, 083 293 3377
E-mail: yonelas@mepta.pwv.gov.za
Issued by Ministry of Minerals and Energy
9 November 2001