FUTURE HOUSING Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium plans to construct another 17 houses for its opencast Mapochs mine employees
JSE-listed integrated iron-ore and vanadium miner and South Africa’s second-largest steel producer, Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium, handed over 13 newly constructed permanent houses to employees last month at its opencast Mapochs mine, in Limpopo.
The company started construction in September last year and completed the houses within budget and ahead of schedule, says Evraz CEO Mike Garcia.
He tells Mining Weekly that the company plans to construct another 17 houses this year and in 2015, as part of its endeavour to provide affordable and comfortable housing for its employees.
“Currently, 32% of the mine’s employees live in mine accommodation in Roossenekal, Limpopo, which includes housing for managers, artisans and operations staff, as well as single quarters,” he adds.
As part of the mine’s regulatory obligations, Evraz submitted a social and labour plan (SLP) to the Department of Mineral Resources in 2010, which ensures its commitment to projects, that strengthen community development.
Garcia points out that a core component of the SLP focuses on providing quality and affordable housing for mine employees.
Project History
The company established a housing committee in 2012, comprising mine management and company stakeholders, including union representatives, who were mandated to investigate the type of house required for mine operators and artisans.
“The committee indicated that a two- bedroom, pitched-roof house with 45 m2 floor space would be adequate,” says Garcia, adding that the Mapochs mine board of directors approved plans to construct 13 such houses, collectively worth R3.6-million.
The houses, built to accommodate families, comprise a kitchen, lounge, two bedrooms and a bathroom. They also feature built-in cupboards, kitchen cupboards and tiled floors, as well as a four-plate burner-stove and oven.
In addition, the tiled roof of each house ensures that it remains cool in the hot summer months, with solar geysers improving energy efficiency, adds Garcia.
“The employees are satisfied with their new houses,” he says, further noting that the housing committee, who provided input with regard to the design and quality finishes of the houses, will continue to meet every two months to review project plans and prepare budgets for future accommodation projects.
The committee, with union representation, will also provide input into the design of additional houses planned for skilled employees.
“The committee is looking at a 68 m2, three-bedroom house with a single car garage. The plans have not been approved and additional land needs to be purchased by Mapochs mine for these houses. However, the committee is working closely with the Roossenekal Municipality to identify and secure land parcels,” Garcia explains.
Employee and architect Barry Cross assisted in designing the houses, while building contractors Coalition Trading CC managed the construction of the houses.
Garcia says Coalition Trading CC is a reputable construction company that can transfer the relevant construction skills to local personnel to assist with the project.
Accommodation Challenges
Garcia notes that the mining industry faces several challenges with regard to mine site accommodation, including the availability of land close to amenities, such as shops and recreational facilities; the availability of bulk water and sanitation infrastructure; sufficient bulk electricity supply to connect to the houses; and suitably qualified municipal personnel who can approve planning documents.
However, he concludes that these challenges can be mitigated through close cooperation with the municipality and giving additional technical support when required.