Anglo American Opens R4. 2 Billion Coal Mine in Mpumalanga

The official opening of the Anglo Coal Mining Company, Zibulo will leave a legacy for the people of this province that they would be proud of because mining has a life span of 20 years. The mining company is a major project to be completed under the flagship empowerment company, Anglo American Inyosi Coal (AAIC). Zibulo will supply both domestic and export quality coal to Eskom and to European countries. The construction of the mine began in 2008, representing a total investment of R4,2 Billion. Over 19, 575 jobs have been created for the people of Phola and surrounding areas.

Welcoming the opening of the Zibulo Mine in the Province MEC Norman Mokoena said, ''We welcome projects of this nature and they fit neatly within our Provincial Growth Development Path which is aimed at reducing unemployment, which is currently stands at 30.8% (previous 15% in 2010).

Zibulo is an important undertaking that amounts to a modest and yet critical responsibility. The people who are fortunate enough to be employed in the project, have a major task to ensure that they constantly train and retrain so that we have a cadre of employees who will have the portable skills to be able to work beyond the life of this mine,'' said Mokoena.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony in Ogies, Mineral Resources Minister, Ms Susan Shabangu congratulated Anglo American Inyosi Coal (AAIC) for their achievement. She said government was pleased to see women empowerment deals that had significant participation by women which had an impact to immediate communities that resides around mining areas. ''I would like to congratulate both Anglo American and Inyosi for the successful commissioning of Zibulo Colliery.

A fully operational mine signifies progress and growth of Anglo American Inyosi Coal, '' Minister Shabangu said. She said government recognises mining companies such as Anglo American as key partners in uplifting the communities. '' We are all aware of the inequalities that exist in our society today. Government alone cannot meet all the challenges that face our people today,'' concluded Minister Susan Shabangu.

Norman Mbazima , Chief Executive of Anglo American 's Thermal Coal Business and Chairman of (AAIC) Board said the partnership between Anglo American and Inyosi coal has delivered on its first project with excellent results. “Today marks and important milestone in the history of Anglo American Inyosi Coal. The fact that we have been able to built and commission the first mine so soon after the company's launch is testament of both parties’ commitment,” Mbazima said.

Apart from providing job opportunities to the local community in Emalahleni, and in particular the nearby Phola Township, the mine has already invested more than R50. 5 Million in community projects. Phola Township has benefited from investment in bulk supply of services including the supply of clean water from the Emalahleni Water Reclamation Plant, sewer reticulation, environmental management and waste collection project, as well as a planned upgrade to the electrical supply infrastructure.

The local community will also benefited from Anglo American Zimele initiative which will launch the Small business Hub later this year. Entrepreneurs will be able to apply for various financial support, tender process, access to infra structural facilities like meeting areas, internet, access, printing, photocopying etc.