BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Eswatini’s mining sector is experiencing a promising expansion, as five mining project licenses have recently been issued to chiefdoms, opening up opportunities for the local communities.
Mavela Sigwane, Director for SMAV Holdings Ltd, recently confirmed that the SMAV Holdings division has issued five mining licenses, aiming to empower individuals under each chiefdom and capitalise on new employment and business opportunities in the mining sector.
According Sigwane, the mining sector is presenting numerous opportunities for employment and business at the chiefdom level. With five licenses already issued, Sigwane stated that a programme was currently underway to equip individuals from different chiefdoms with the necessary skills and knowledge to take advantage of these opportunities. He confirmed that three mines would be established in the Malindza Chiefdom, one in the KaLanga Chiefdom, and another in the Shongwe Chiefdom’s KaNdzangu.
He emphasised that the mining project would have a far-reaching impact on numerous communities, with the Mhlume Mine already operational, having completed the shaft and started recruitment for its under-workings. He urged Emaswati to seize the opportunity by developing the necessary skills to avoid the importation of skilled labour from other countries. Sigwane stressed the importance of Emaswati equipping themselves with the required expertise to reap the benefits of the mining sector’s growth.
Recently, a green chert mine was opened at Malolotja, which is currently operated by Michael Lee Enterprises. This project comes with a lot of job opportunities, as a city is set to be constructed, as a result of the existence of this mine.
