The inauguration of Sasol’s R5.5-billion Shondoni colliery last week was attended by Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, Mpumalanga Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Eric Kholwane and Goven Mbeki municipality executive mayor Thandiwe Ngxonono.
The Shondoni mine is part of a R14-billion mine replacement programme to replace 60% of Sasol’s ageing coal mines in the Secunda area.
The Shondoni mine, on which construction started five-and-a-half years ago, has completely transitioned from the old Middlebult mine into the new mine.
As previously reported by Mining Weekly, the extractable reserves at Shondoni are estimated at about 190-million tons, which translates into an operating life of 20 years.
The mine is expected to produce 9.2-million tons of coal a year. A 21-km-long conveyor belt will transport the coal from the mine to Sasol Coal Supply.
In his welcoming speech, Sasol senior VP Lucky Kgatle thanked the Sasol mining team involved in the project, as well as all the contractors, who ensured that the mine was delivered on time and within budget, resulting in a “greener, safer and more efficient mining operation”
.Sasol joint CEO and president Bongani Nqwababa described Shondoni as the most modern mining operation of its kind in South Africa.
He noted that the mine replacement programme had led to the establishment of three new mines, including Shondoni, thereby securing coal supply to the Secuda Complex until at least 2050, while supporting and sustaining 4 000 jobs.