Industry intelligence
Exxaro’s R3.3-billion Belfast Implementation
Project (BIP) is powering ahead with its
ambition to harness the last A-grade, high-
yield coal deposit in Mpumalanga, about 10km
south-west of the town of Belfast. A key part
of this ambitious mining venture from South
Africa’s leading black-empowered resources
company was the need to relocate some
community homes and grave sites as part of
the project’s Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)
and Grave Relocation Plan (GRP). In January,
the process hit the 95% completion mark, an
impressive four months ahead of schedule.
In addition to over 170 graves, 30
households (comprising a total of 190 people)
were successfully and safely relocated from
mine areas to the Exxaro-constructed village
of Phumlani, named by the RAP-affected
community. More than just a resettlement, the
project has had a strong upliftment focus and
has provided the local population with essential
services that many community members have
never enjoyed before, such as indoor plumbing
and a potable water supply, electricity, and hot
water (generated by solar geysers). Phumlani’s
brick dwellings feature modern kitchens and
bathrooms, replacing outdoor ablutions and
traditional cast-iron stoves.
Exxaro has spent a total of R71-million on
the RAP to date, which equates to a R2.2-
million investment in each of the affected
households. The mining organisation has
also donated close to 300 hectares of land
to the community, who will have security of
tenure under a communal property association
administered by the Department of Rural
Development and Land Reform.
BIP is on track to start producing thermal
coal in 2020 and has been 20 years in
development. The closely linked RAP and
GRP took almost five years to complete,
with Exxaro project team members spending
close to 100 Sundays in consultation with
the community via meetings, workshops, and
general engagements.
Exxaro’s Belfast RAP is groundbreaking
for being a complete implementation
according to the International Finance
Exxaro’s resettlement plan 95% complete
Community members are being relocated in Belfast.
More than just a resettlement, the project has
had a strong upliftment focus and has provided
the local population with essential services.
Corporation’s Performance Standard 5.
Everything accomplished has been well
within budget and timeframe.
Exxaro’s R71-million Phumlani investment
excludes a livelihood restoration plan and
associated initiatives that will be implemented
over the short-to-medium term to create an
economically sustainable community.
Overall, BIP will create close on 6 000
direct and indirect jobs during construction
of Belfast Mine and its estimated 17-year
life. Almost 20 000 people will benefit
by extension. The project is expected to
contribute R39-billion to local GDP
over the life of the mine, with Nkangala
District Municipality’s GDP estimated to
gain as much as R2.1-billion per annum.
Unemployment in the district is predicted
to drop 2% as a result of the technologically
pioneering facility.
ICMM creates a standard for tailings
The International Council on Mining
& Metals (ICMM) announced its
governing Council of 27 member CEOs
will establish an independent panel
of experts to develop an international
standard for tailings facilities for its
member companies. The standard will be
informed by a review of current global
best practices in the mining industry, and
beyond.
The standard is expected to create a step
change for the industry in the safety and
security of these facilities. The details of the
standard will be defined through the review
process but are expected to include:
• A global and transparent consequence-
based tailings facility classification
system with appropriate requirements
for each level of classification;
• A system for credible, independent
reviews of tailings facilities; and
• Requirements for emergency planning
and preparedness.
Visit the #MTEexpo site for the 2019 Expo Calendar
www.MTEexpo.co.za
[6] MINING MIRROR MAY 2019
www.miningmirror.co.za